West Melbourne awards $89,971 clearing contract for 4–5 acres at future park site

The West Melbourne City Council on March 3 approved a contract with AllPro Land Clearing to clear, rough grade and seed about 4–5 acres of a city-owned 24-acre parcel south of the community park, accepting the low bid of $89,971.

Tom Bradford told the council the city received three proposals and recommended AllPro as the low bidder, saying the company had worked for the city on storm cleanup and was a familiar contractor. "The lowest bid ... is 89,971 and that is from AllPro Land Clearing," Bradford said, and asked the council to authorize the city manager to enter an agreement to clear, rough grade and seed the acreage.

Council discussion focused on tree preservation and phasing. Bradford and planning staff said a tree survey will flag specimens the city wants to save and that the clearing contract is an early-phase activity rather than final grading or construction of trails. Council Member Boltz asked whether the work included future trail construction; staff said they planned to bring concept plans and renderings in later phases so the first work is primarily clearing and stabilization.

Council members also noted a potential cost-saving from using fill produced by concurrent city projects: staff said using available fill on-site could reduce truck-haul costs. Council Member Boltz moved to authorize the contract; Mr. Frampus seconded. The motion passed unanimously, recorded as "Motion carries 70" (7–0).

Staff said the work will stabilize the site and prepare it for future planning steps, including master-plan options, tree surveys and concept designs; additional phases and any park facilities will return to council for approval.