Recommend approval of Contract Modification Number 1 to Samjay Services, Inc. (6555 Abercorn St. Suite 122 Savannah, GA)^(F) in an amount up to $85,000.

The Greenscapes Department utilizes Samjay Services, Inc. to maintain grounds on approximately 70 miles of medians and street rights of ways under the grounds maintenance for public rights of way annual contract that also includes maintenance of over 158 miles of standalone rights of way and 100 miles of canals/ditches. Grounds maintenance shall include mowing, edging, line trimming, leaf/debris removal, liter/trash removal prior to mowing and the application of pesticides and herbicides to control weed and wild growth.

The costs to provide these services increased throughout 2021 as it became difficult to identify and retain a quality workforce due to the current Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, an increase in litter collection along the roadways, an upsurge of over 170% since the inception of the contract, has resulted in additional labor hours needed just to maintain a modicum of cleanliness. Without a contract modification the Greenscapes Department would not be able to adequately maintain these rights of ways with current staffing and resources.

The original contract was approved by Council on February 27, 2020 in the amount of $285,888. Contract Modification No. 1 would raise the amount to $370,888.

Recommend approval of Contract Modification No. 1 in the amount up to $85,000.

(F) Indicates local, non-DBE owned business possessing a City Business Tax Certificate for less than one year prior to the release of the bidding opportunity.

Approval