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Council approves split contracts for grounds, cemeteries and city complexes after bid protest
Summary
After restructuring a longtime consolidated mowing contract into three awards, the council approved low bids totaling $327,100 for grounds, cemeteries and city complexes; incumbent Charles Hughes filed a bid protest over licensing, which staff addressed by citing statutory exemptions and options for mulch work.
Public Services Director Steve Miller told the council the city restructured a longstanding consolidated mowing contract after the incumbent indicated he could not honor prior pricing. The city received multiple bids for three separate contracts; the recommended low bids combined to $327,100, saving about $37,000 compared with a single‑contract bid. Director Miller recommended awarding City Complexes to Precision Lawn Care and Landscaping ($44,700), Cemeteries to Scott Marett ($197,000), and Grounds and Right‑of‑Way to Precision Lawn Care ($85,400).
Incumbent Charles Hughes Construction filed a bid protest. Hughes alleged the low bidders lacked required pesticide or landscaping contractor licenses. Director Miller explained the bid specifications did not require a pesticide license and that statutory licensing requirements generally apply to hardscaping and certain installations but exempt routine lawn mowing, edging, debris removal, and turf management. Councilmember Les Lipford moved to approve all three awards; City Attorney James Cauley advised approving the awards as presented and addressing any licensure questions later if the licensing board raised concerns. The motion carried unanimously.
Why it matters: the awards determine who will maintain public grounds and cemeteries and involve contract compliance questions raised by the incumbent. The Council authorized procurement to proceed while leaving room to address licensing issues later if necessary.
