Board approves extra mowing, perimeter cuts at Libertyville campus; design work underway

The Financial and Administrative Committee approved a contract modification Sept. 4 to add annual field mowing and monthly perimeter cutting at the county’s Libertyville campus, increasing the county’s landscaping contract by $23,250 per year.

Facilities Director Carl Corrard presented the amendment to the annual landscaping and grounds maintenance contract with Yellowstone Landscape of Wakanda (agenda item 8.24). Corrard said the modification adds regular field mowing and monthly perimeter cutting to control invasive species and improve campus appearance. Member Volitsik moved the motion and Vice Chair Parikh seconded; the committee approved the item by voice vote.

Committee members said they welcomed the change. Member Clark urged faster action on the campus because of repeated complaints about overgrown fields and weeds; Corrard noted design work for a broader landscaping plan is under way and named Robin Grooms as leading the design effort. Corrard said the design work will start on the old Winchester House lot and the county will consider phase‑2 expansion to include other county properties, but the phase‑2 expansion is not budgeted or approved.

Member Maine, who identified herself as having long experience in gardening, suggested the county balance mowing and weed control against landscape best practices and the potential impacts of chemical controls. Staff said facilities would support the design and return to committee with details.

The motion passed on consent (item 8.24). No additional appropriation was requested at the meeting; the modification is an amendment within the existing landscaping contract.