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Board reviews lawn-care bids after district-staff tie to vendor disclosed
Summary
Administrators presented three lawn-maintenance estimates for district properties and disclosed that a district employee’s spouse works for one bidder; trustees asked for fertilizer specifics, service-history documentation and clarified disclosure procedures.
Administrators presented three written estimates to maintain district grounds for the coming season and disclosed a potential conflict of interest tied to one bidder.
The board was shown estimates from Big Lakes Lawn Care, Expert Lawn and Snow and Great Oaks Landscape for 26 cuts and fertilization. The presenter said Big Lakes’ package totaled $22,330, Expert Lawn Care’s $36,448 and Great Oaks’ $24,680. The presenter also said high-school groundskeeping would remain in-house for scheduling flexibility related to athletics.
The presenter disclosed that the husband of a district administrative building employee works for Big Lakes Lawn Care and said the disclosure was made in compliance with board policy. Trustees pressed for more detail on past performance, with one trustee saying, “They have not given us good service. We’ve paid for edging that has not been done.” The board asked staff to supply photographs and documented complaints tied to specific dates and locations so staff can pursue remedy with the selected contractor.
Trustees also asked for the specific fertilizer products and application patterns for each site and whether any products require temporary exclusion zones for students. The presenter said she would provide the requested fertilizer lists and application-area details by email.
Board members discussed a possible alternate approach of buying a spreader and licensing district staff to apply fertilizer, but staff said licensing requirements and existing labor capacity could limit that option. The presenter said she would investigate certification costs and report back.
The board did not take a bid or contract vote during the meeting; the administration said it presented the estimates for discussion and compliance with disclosure policy.
