Commission approves $420,000 amendment to landscape maintenance contract for commuter rail stations

The Programs & Projects Committee approved Amendment No. 1 to the Tropical Plaza Nursery landscape maintenance agreement, authorizing a one‑time $420,000 increase to cover supplemental expenses at nine commuter rail stations and other RCTC‑owned properties.

Ernesto Salinas, facilities administrator, said the original contract (awarded in December 2021) provided funding for routine monthly services and some supplemental work but did not include a separate contingency for unforecasted supplemental expenses. "We are requesting this one time $420,000 budget amendment to cover projected routine and projected supplemental expenses until the end of our current contract in December 2026," Salinas said.

Salinas attributed the shortfall to increased cleanup from unexpected weather events, rising materials and irrigation supply costs (which he estimated have increased about 15%–25%), vandalism and repairs following collisions with infrastructure. He told commissioners the impact to the commission’s budget is minimal and funded locally through Measure A with some reimbursement allowed through an FTA grant. With the amendment, the not‑to‑exceed total for the landscaping contract will be $4,179,000.

There was no public comment. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about contingency and vandalism; Salinas said there is some vandalism but it is not rampant. The committee approved the amendment by roll‑call vote.