The City maintains over 315 acres of right-of-way (ROW) that is maintained as part of our beautification contracts. A significant amount of the plant material is nearing the end of its useful life and needs to be reviewed for replacement or updating. The harsh environment of the ROW, including heat, freeze events, disease, and traffic accidents, makes for a difficult place for plants to thrive. Staff is recommending multiple projects over the next few years that will reestablish the plant material in the ROW. The FY19 plan was shared in more detail in an FYI that went to City Council in September that detailed changes in plant species and the layout consistent with the streetscape policy.
This project on US90A, includes beds at intersections, with trees and turf in between. Concentrating on plant material that is resilient, low maintenance, and requires minimal watering. A resilient plant palette needs to be taken into consideration when reviewing the many factors that affect the ROW environment for the project success. Minimizing the large monoculture plantings would be a proactive approach to mitigate any disease issues that could come about. The selection of native or naturalized plant material would provide a hardy palette that would thrive in the hot environment, while also conserving water usage.
An Invitation to Bid was advertised on August 29 and September 5, 2018, and bids were opened on September 13, 2018. Westco Grounds Maintenance, Inc., was the sole bidder. The City has worked with Westco in the past, and they are currently under contract with Public Works for R.O.W. Landscape Beautification Services on US59.
The approved funding, through SL4B, for this project is $200,000 in CIP project TR1904. Funding resolution No. 2018-09-16 was approved by the SL4B Corporation on September 19, 2018.
Staff recommends City Council approve a contract in the amount of $191,259.47 with Westco Grounds Maintenance, Inc., for the capital improvements of the medians on US90A from State Highway 6 to University Blvd, with the remaining $8,740.53 from Funding Resolution No. 2018-09-16, to be used as contingency funds.