Fenton committee approves park and public-works items: fence contract, lake treatment, leaf schedule and restroom cleaning

The City of Fenton’s committee took several actions affecting parks, public works and city operations: it awarded a fence-replacement contract, approved chemical treatment for invasive vegetation in Westside Lake, finalized a revised leaf-pickup schedule for the fall, and authorized a short-term restroom-cleaning contract.

Fence contract: Staff presented bids for fence replacement at the Fabick Nature Preserve and recommended Easter Fence, which submitted the low bid of $49,800. The committee approved award of the contract and directed staff to proceed with the montage-plus steel fence that will replace existing chain link fencing.

Westside Lake vegetation: After reviewing a Solitude mechanical-removal quote (listed in the packet at roughly $52,009.65) and consulting guidance from the Missouri Department of Conservation, staff and the committee decided mechanical removal posed cost and liner-damage risks. The committee approved staged chemical treatment timed to water temperatures and warned there could be localized fish mortality as vegetation decomposes and oxygen levels change.

Leaf pickup and sanitation: Facing limited staffing, staff proposed breaking the city into three zones for leaf pickup, scheduled across November and into December to ensure the service continues in a reduced form rather than being suspended. The committee approved the amended program and asked staff to publish maps, signage and newsletter notices explaining the schedule.

Restroom cleaning and yard-waste: The committee approved a short-term contract with Jan Pro for daily restroom cleaning through November 1 to maintain park facilities during the staffing shortfall. Members also approved a temporary reduction in yard-waste service with an outreach/education component to inform residents about mulching and limits.

Other items: The committee discussed snowplow contracting options and asked staff to collect additional pricing, including whether contractors would use rubber blades to reduce street damage. A parks budget rollover of $20,000 to the 2026 CIP for Fabick Nature Preserve was approved, and the committee approved constructing a rebounder board in City Park using wood-mimic material rather than concrete.

What’s next: Staff will execute the Easter Fence contract, implement the staged chemical treatment plan for Westside Lake, publish leaf-pickup maps and communication materials, and process the Jan Pro restroom-cleaning contract. Staff will report back on snowplow procurement options and any fish impacts observed during treatment.