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Council adopts budget amendment to continue downtown mowing contract despite calls for bids
Summary
Newton council approved a budget amendment to continue contracting downtown appearance work with Perfect Edge Fencing & Landscape Design LLC after staff said the FY2025 budget omitted the contract; one council member sought to table the measure to solicit additional bids before renewal.
Newton — The Newton City Council on July 9 adopted a budget ordinance amendment allowing staff to use fund balance to continue contracting with Perfect Edge Fencing & Landscape Design LLC for downtown mowing, weed-eating and appearance maintenance.
Finance Director Kim Robinson told the council the city created a Downtown Community Appearance Maintenance position on Aug. 2, 2022, which was filled for four months in 2022–23. In FY2024 staff transferred funds for the position to a contract with Perfect Edge (contract established Sept. 2023). Robinson said the contract continued through the past fiscal year but was omitted from the FY2025 budget during preparation and staff now request authority to appropriate fund balance to continue the service.
Council Member Jon McClure said he believed the contractor was "not doing a very good job" and urged tabling the item to solicit additional bids. Council Member Ed Sain and Parks and Recreation Director Sandra Waters defended the contractor’s work and customer service; McClure suggested adding trash pickup to the contract scope. Mayor Pro Tem John Stiver moved the ordinance amendment and Council Member Roy Johnson seconded; the measure passed unanimously.
The ordinance amendment and related procurement documents are referenced as on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
