Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning & Development Services

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Brian Jimenez, Code Enforcement Manager
CC:	Scott McCullough, Director Planning & Development Services
Date:	March 23, 2011
RE:	Contract Mowing – Planning and Development Services – B1115

The Code Enforcement Division of the Planning and Development Services Department is responsible for the enforcement of the city’s weed code.  Each year the division budgets $25,000 to abate properties that fail to correct the violation after notification.  The previous contract expired this year therefore sealed bids were received from eight mowing contractors. 

The following bids were submitted:

Vernon’s Lawn	$35.00 per hour
Picture Perfect Lawns	$35.00 per hour
Richard Nichols	$40.00 per hour
Lar-Bar Mowing	$40.00 per hour
Lawn Tamers	$45.00 per hour
Commerce Mowing	$48.00 per hour
Larry Wayland	$49.00 per hour
Shawn’s Lawn & Landscape	$55.00 per hour

Recommended Action:

Staff recommends awarding the bid to Vernon’s Lawn and Picture Perfect Lawns.  The mowing of blighted properties is somewhat unique as the mowing needs to occur on a short notice once staff has re-inspected and verified the violation remains.   Having two contractors available to perform the work is beneficial to the city to ensure those properties in violation are being addressed in a timely manner.  It is staff’s intention to rotate the work and evaluate the service level as the mowing season progresses.

This bid is renewable for four additional one year periods providing all parties agree and funds are available.