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Elkton awards grass‑cutting contract to Bay Country after legal review; one commissioner opposed
Summary
After a brief closed session to consult counsel, the Town of Elkton awarded Project 2026‑001 (grass‑cutting and maintenance) to Bay Country Landscape. Commissioner Jean Broomell opposed the final motion citing pricing concerns; the town attorney read RFP language on herbicide pricing during reconvening.
The Mayor and Commissioners of the Town of Elkton voted on March 11 to award the Grass Cutting and Maintenance Service Contract (Project 2026‑001) to Bay Country Landscape after a short closed session to consult with counsel.
Director of Public Works J. Daniel Handley presented two bids: Scott’s Landscaping at $343,395 for a 26‑week schedule and Bay Country Landscape at $256,071 for a 26‑week schedule. Both firms supplied pricing for potential contract extensions for FY2027 and FY2028. Commissioner Jean A. Broomell questioned discrepancies between the vendors’ stormwater management pond maintenance quotes and whether both bidders had bid on the same maintenance options.
Wastewater/Stormwater Manager Sidney Ojofeitimi clarified the two maintenance approaches discussed in the RFP: herbicide treatment, which can reduce manual labor and lower long‑term maintenance needs, and manual mowing, which can be more labor‑intensive and costly.
Mayor Alt initially moved to award the contract to Bay Country Landscape and the motion was seconded; after opposition from other commissioners the board recessed to a closed meeting at 1:30 p.m. to consult with counsel "to obtain legal advice on a legal matter." The board reconvened at 1:40 p.m. and Town Attorney David A. Beste read the RFP language for Project 2026‑001: "The Contractor shall provide specific pricing for herbicidal application upon bidding if the practice is proposed in lieu of mowing." Attorney Beste also confirmed both bidders had the same RFP criteria and information when preparing their submissions.
After that review, Commissioner Robert M. Massimiano moved and Commissioner Charles H. Givens, Sr. seconded a motion to approve the contract award to Bay Country Landscape. The minutes record that Commissioner Jean A. Broomell opposed the motion; the record states the contract was awarded to Bay Country Landscape.
Why it matters: The contract covers routine landscaping and stormwater pond maintenance across town property, including care around historic Elk Landing. The apparent price gap between bidders prompted commissioners to double‑check RFP compliance and procurement fairness through a legal consultation.
Public comment: Pat Opal praised Scott’s Landscaping for its upkeep of Historic Elk Landing and asked whether the new contractor would maintain the same level of service; Bay Country Landscape confirmed they would continue that service.
Next steps: The contract award is recorded in the minutes; the minutes do not include a full roll‑call tally beyond noting the opposition by Commissioner Broomell. Any contract documents and the vendor agreement will be subject to the town’s administrative process and record retention.
