Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Finance and Management Director to modify and renew a contract on behalf of the Facilities Management Division with WinnScapes of Columbus LLC, Inc. for mowing and landscape maintenance services.
The Facilities Management Division solicited and received formal bids for mowing and landscaping services on April 16, 2024. WinnScapes of Columbus LLC was deemed the lowest, responsive, and responsible bidder and was therefore awarded the contract for mowing and landscaping services for locations under the purview of the Facilities Management Division. The initial contract was authorized by Ordinance No. 1246-2024 June 3, 2024, $403,305.64. Ordinance No. 0595-2025 authorized the first (1st) modification and renewal of this contract, 425,412.70.
This contract was bid with four (4) annual contract modification and renewal options. The Finance and Management Department would like to exercise the second (2nd) of the four (4) annual contract renewals.
1. Amount of additional funds: The total amount of additional funds needed for modification and renewal is $495,553.33.
2. Reason additional funds were not foreseen: The needs for additional funds was expected at the time of the initial contract. This is a planned modification and renewal as per original Ordinance 1246-2024.
3. Reason other procurement processes were not used: The City currently works with WinnScapes for these services. Regular procurement processes were utilized.
4. How was the cost determined: The cost is consistent with the original contract proposed in Ordinance 1246-2024.
Emergency action is requested so that lawn maintenance can commence without interruption.
WinnScapes of Columbus LLC, Certificate # CC-054734, exp. 03/03/2028
Fiscal Impact: This ordinance authorizes an expenditure of $495,553.93 from the General Fund to renew a contract with WinnScapes of Columbus LLC, Inc. for mowing and landscape maintenance services. The Facilities Management Division expended $425,412.70 in 2025 for these services.
Title
To authorize the Finance and Management Director to renew a contract with WinnScapes of Columbus LLC, Inc., on behalf of the Facilities Management Division, for mowing and landscape maintenance services; to authorize the expenditure of $495,553.93 from the General Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($495,553.93)
Body
WHEREAS, the Facilities Management Division solicited formal bids for mowing and landscape maintenance services and WinnScapes of Columbus LLC, Inc. was deemed the lowest, most responsive bidder; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 1246-2024 authorized the initial contract with WinnScapes of Columbus LLC; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 0595-2025 authorized the first annual renewal of this contract; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize a renewal contract and the expenditure of $495,553.93 from the General Fund; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Finance and Management, Facilities Management Division, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to renew a contract with WinnScapes of Columbus LLC, Inc. for mowing and landscape maintenance services for the Facilities Management Division so that lawn maintenance can commence without interruption, for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, and safety; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Finance and Management Director is hereby authorized to renew a contract, on behalf of the Facilities Management Division, with WinnScapes of Columbus LLC, Inc. for mowing and landscape maintenance services.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $495,553.93, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in the General Fund 1000, in Object Class 03 Contractual Services per the accounting codes in the attachment in this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the monies in the foregoing sections shall be paid upon order of the Director of Finance and Management, and that no order shall be drawn or money paid except by voucher, the form of which shall be approved by the City Auditor.
SECTION 4. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 5. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves or vetoes the same.