Utilities committee recommends award of K26 native-vegetation contract to NES Ecological Services

The Utilities Committee recommended awarding the K26 Native Vegetation contract to NES Ecological Services, a division of Robert E. Lee and Associates, in an amount not to exceed $193,052.01. The item (2071) was introduced at the committee’s Feb. 10 meeting and moved and seconded for approval.

Deputy Director Neuberger told the committee that the vendor was selected through a 2022 request for proposals and that this would be the fifth and final year contemplated under the multi-year agreement. "They've been doing a fantastic job for us; they know our stormwater facilities very well and they work well with our staff and their prices are very good," Neuberger said, recommending the award and noting staff intend to issue a new RFP later this year.

Committee members moved to approve the award and voted in favor when the chair called for the ayes. The chair recorded the recommendation as approved (audio/text also records "40", indicating a unanimous committee recommendation).

The award covers native vegetation work associated with the K26 contract line item and is limited to the maximum amount stated in the agenda packet. The committee did not record individual roll-call votes in the transcript; the motion was moved and seconded and the chair called the motion approved. No formal dissent or abstention was recorded during the item.

Next steps: staff will proceed with the contract recommendation per the committee action and will prepare a new RFP process later in the year to solicit future service providers.