Valley View directs engineer to advertise two‑year bid option for senior grass‑cutting program

The Village of Valley View council on Dec. 2 directed the village engineer to prepare plans and advertise for bids for the 2026 annual senior grass‑cutting program, with a two‑year bid option that requires bidders to submit pricing for both 2026 and 2027.

The engineer (speaking for Julie) proposed the two‑year advertisement to provide price certainty and the option for the village to approve one or two years. Staff explained the anticipated schedule: prepare documents in December, advertise in January, and present bids for council consideration on the February agenda.

During discussion staff said the bid form would include separate columns for 2026 and 2027 pricing; the village would have the right to lock in 2026 pricing only if it chose. Staff also provided approximate participation counts for planning purposes: about 20 properties in zone A, about 10 in zone B and about 30 in zone C (these counts were described as approximate).

Councilmember Wilson moved, Pollson seconded, and the council voted unanimously to direct the engineer to prepare plans and advertise the two‑year bid option. Mary (who provided user-feedback on the program) said this year's program had performed well and she could not recall complaints, supporting the continuation of the program with the proposed procurement structure.

Staff noted that bidders can bid by zone, that prior years saw limited bidder participation (two returning bidders this year, and one new company), and that advertising for two years could attract or deter bidders depending on capacity. The village said it will reserve the discretion to approve a single year or both years when award decisions are made.

Next steps: engineering will prepare the plans and specifications, advertise the solicitation in January, and present bid results and award recommendations for council action on the February agenda.