Council splits landscape work, awards four contracts to improve service

The Upland City Council on April 13 approved four separate landscape maintenance contracts that break the city's landscape inventory into parks, facilities, north and south service areas, a change staff said will improve responsiveness and quality control.

Public works staff reported 39 proposals after splitting the previous single contract into four areas; by contrast, the last citywide bid drew only two proposals. Staff said dividing the work reduces operational risk if a single contractor fails to perform and will allow the city to assign dedicated staff to audit and inspect performance in each area.

Recommended awards presented by deputy director Jessica Gordon included: a parks contract to Landscape West Management (three-year total approximately $2,100,000 plus contingency); a city facilities agreement with Elite Maintenance and Tree Services (about $197,000 plus contingency); a North Side agreement with Colts Landscaping (about $814,998 plus contingency); and a South Side agreement with Mariposa Landscaping (about $1,100,000 plus contingency). Staff told council the roughly $500,000 increase over current-year costs primarily reflects inflation and lost bulk pricing, and said the difference will be absorbed using existing funding sources with no new general fund contribution.

Council members asked about transition timing, enforcement and the adequacy of current contractor oversight during the 10-week rollout; staff said BrightView remains under contract and the city has been deducting invoices for deficiencies. Staff also said contracts include termination-for-convenience clauses and an expanded auditing process to enforce performance and levy penalties if needed.

Council approved the package of four awards by motion. Staff said transition meetings with incoming contractors will follow and the city will post maps and updated program information for residents.