Issue - meetings

To consider directly awarding the Grounds Maintenance Contract to the existing incumbent for 4 years.

RESOLVED directly awarding the Grounds Maintenance Contract to the existing incumbent for four years be approved.

Member question and response attached.

Non-Executive Members commented that the use of chemicals should be removed from any new contracts and the use of alternative methods for the removal of weeds should be explored. Issues were raised regarding regular grass cutting in a particular area of the district.

The Portfolio Holder for Sport, Recreation and Culture commented that the Council had been working with the current contractor for 10 years and over this time had looked to reduce costs. There was a requirement to look at the wider prospective to the regularity of the grass cutting across the district as others have a preference to have areas cut less frequently to encourage wildflowers. The process of grounds maintenance and the use of chemicals could be an area for Overview and Scrutiny Committee to review. The Council had a targeted application approach to weed control. 

RESOLVED directly awarding the Grounds Maintenance Contract to the existing incumbent for four years be approved.