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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Adopt Specification for Weed Control Services
1)Resolution adopting Specification No. 3983 for Weed Control Services and directing the City Clerk to advertise for bids.
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Consent Calendar
Approved for April 16, 2024 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Public Works Department maintains public right of ways to be free of weeds along city streets, sidewalks, and city owned tree wells. This work has been contracted since 2007. The previous 3-year contract expired on March 15, 2024. City Council authorization is needed for soliciting bids for a new three 3-year contract term, with two additional one- year extension options. Staff anticipates this new service contract will begin July 1, 2024.
The bid specifies that Glyphosate, the primary active chemical in Round Up is not permissible. The specifications request a primary and alternate bid, with the primary bid to detail utilizing non-glyphosate pre-emergent and post-emergent chemical treatments.
The alternate bid will consist of organic post-emergent chemical treatments and manual abatement.
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RECOMMENDATION
Approve a Resolution to adopt Specification No. 3983 for Weed Control Services within the City of Glendale; and direct the City Clerk to advertise for bids.
ANALYSIS
The Forestry Section for the Public Works Department oversees the city’s weed control program. Prior to 2007, this program was conducted solely through in-house resources by a full time Pesticide Applicator. In 2007, an analysis of the program determined it would be more cost effective to contract for these services.
The previous 3-year contract has expired. Public Works proposes to solicit bids for a 3- year contract term, with the potential for two additional 1-year extensions.
Beginning in 2020, contractors performing weed abatement within the city were forbidden from using the chemical glyphosate under this contract. The most recent weed abatement contract required the usage of safe alternative chemicals and manual weed abatement.
Bidders were invited to submit a bid and an alternate bid, where the primary bid consisted of effective and safe non-glyphosate pre- and post-emergent chemicals. The alternative bid consisted solely of post-emergent organic chemicals, plus the labor to manually abate weeds. No pre-emergent chemical treatments are organic; meaning, an organic approach would require the allowance of weeds to grow before application of post-emergent organic compounds. These weeds would then need to be manually abated after they die. The previously accepted bid was the primary bid, which used non-organic chemicals. The accepted bid was 1/3 the cost of organic treatments. The current Specification No. 3983 asks for the same primary and alternative bids as in the previous selection process. Bids will detail the specific chemicals they propose to utilize for this work.
The specifications cover pre-and post-emergent weed control in designated city streets and sidewalks, in paved medians, in city alleys, within tree wells adjacent to city property, and within 10 feet of the roads in undeveloped hillside areas and open parkways.
Additionally, they include weed control services twice a month, within the North San Fernando Road Corridor Landscape Maintenance District.
The successful bidder shall comply with the California Department of Pesticide Regulations (CDPR) and the Agricultural Commissioner Weights and Measures Department for County of Los Angeles (ACWM) requirements for pesticide application.
Additionally, staff will request a 10% contingency for the contract term to cover special requests not included in the contract, such as locations not covered by the contract where there are requests for services.
The City’s most recent contractor for this service completed their workplan for the quarter, which includes complete pre- and post-emergent treatment across the whole City. Until a new contract is awarded, Public Works staff will perform manual abatement of weeds on an as-needed basis and in response to requests from the public. 3{{section.number}}e
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STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. Staff estimates that the new services contract will be approximately $250,000 annually which is nearly double the previous contract of $122,400. The amount of $122,400 has been included in the FY 2024-25 Public Works Department budget request. If the low bid is significantly higher than the budgeted amount as is expected, staff will recommend additional appropriations.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
This project is exempt from CEQA review as a Class 1 “existing facilities” pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15301 since the project consists of maintaining existing infrastructure facilities located throughout the city.
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Alternative 1: Elect to not adopt Specification No. 3983. No treatments to weeds within city rights-of-way will occur, except for manual abatement by city staff in response to requests. This will adversely impact the appearance of city streets and possibly impair accessibility in some areas.
Alternative 2: Consider any other alternative not proposed by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Daniel Hernandez, Interim Director of Public Works
Prepared by:
Loren Klick, Urban Forester
Dan Hardgrove, Assistant Director of Public Works
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
None.