Title
A RESOLUTION APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION TO PILOT AN ORGANIC BASED TURF MAINTENANCE PROGRAM FOR THE CITY'S DOWNTOWN GREENS
Executive Summary: At City Council's request the Public Works Department has investigated the use of organic based treatment programs for the treatment of the turf on the downtown greens. Staff solicited product, program, and cost information from a number of companies and seeks direction from City Council as to which program level and cost they wish to implement.
Body
Legislative History
None.
Purpose & Explanation
The Public Properties Division minimally treats the turf on the downtown greens as part of an overall landscape maintenance contract. For the downtown greens the current program consists of three (3) applications per year at an annual cost of $2,277. Staff solicited and received program pricing from six (6) companies that offer organic based turf treatment programs. A price tabulation sheet has been attached for review.
It should be noted that a number of the companies staff solicited have only partial organic programs consisting of organic fertilizers with chemical herbicides. We have identified these companies as not 100% organic.
The lowest and best bid for a 100% organic turf treatment pilot program was submitted by Greener Grass Co. at an annual cost of $8,732. This represents a $6,455 increase to our current program.
Staff wishes to pilot this program in the 2015 year on the following greens:
§ Clock tower
§ Gazebo
§ Merino
§ Boy Scout
§ South East (corner of 303 & 91)
Timing Considerations
Contract needs to be executed by April 15, 2015.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted
X Supplemental Appropriation Required
Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff recommends City Council pass a resolution approving an appropriation in the amount of $6,455.00 to pilot an organic turf treatment program for the downtown greens as identified above using Greener Grass LLC - Organic Lawn Care Service P.O. Box 8739 Canton, Ohio 44711.
Submitted by,
Jane Howington, City Manager
Frank J. Comeriato, Jr.