Appendix F_ Specifications (RFP PW 27_02).docx

CITY OF NORCROSS A CERTIFIED PLATINUM

GREEN COMMUNITY

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATION

September 2026 Revision

Prepared by:

City of Norcross Department of Public Works, Utilities and Parks

City of Norcross, Georgia Landscape Maintenance Specification

Page | 10 REV: August 2022

Norcross Landscape Maintenance Specification Table of Contents

PAGE

Appendix I. Project Site Locations II. Species Pruning Guidelines

Norcross Landscape Maintenance Specification Section 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

B.

C.

Landscape Maintenance Contract Work of the contract consists of the maintenance and repair of City of Norcross (hereinafter referred to as “the City”) owned landscaping on City property as assigned by the contract. The work, as covered by the contract, specifically includes all work represented by the Norcross Landscape Maintenance Specification (hereinafter referred to as “Specification”) and subsequent work as authorized by directly related signed work orders.

Any work required within the assigned area of work and not specifically described in the Specification needs written approval by the City Director of Public Works or designee (hereinafter referred to as “Representative”) prior to commencement of work.

This Specification is made part of the contract for landscape maintenance services.

D.

E.

F.

G.

H.

Compliance with the requirements set forth in the Specification is mandatory for the Landscape Maintenance Contractor (hereinafter known as “Contractor”). If any part of the Specification is declared invalid for any reason, such invalidation shall apply only to the specific part declared invalid; it shall not nullify any of the requirements of any other part. In the event of question over applicability of any requirement, the requirement shall be assumed to apply, unless the Representative provides a written clarification stating that it does not.

Cancellation: The landscape maintenance contract is subject to cancellation by either party, due to the failure of either party to meet the requirements of the Specification or contract, followed by further failure by either party to rectify the situation(s) quickly and reasonably, after having had an issue brought to their attention.

In the event that the performance of the Contractor should fail to satisfy the expectations and standards set forth in the Specification as interpreted by the Representative, the City reserves the right to obtain others to perform such duties and deduct all costs from the Contractor’s payments. The landscape maintenance contract is subject to 30 day written notice of cancellation by the City and not less than 60 days by the Contractor.

All modifications to the Specification must be in writing.

I.

J.

The Contractor agrees that he/she shall assume sole and complete responsibility for his/her work, including safety of all persons and property; and that the Contractor shall defend, indemnify, and hold the City and tenants harmless from all liability, real or alleged, in connection with the Contractor's performance of work on this project, excepting for liability arising from the sole negligence of the City or tenants.

In the interest of striving for more sustainably maintained green spaces, the city would like to see steps the Contractor could make to reinforce Norcross’ sustainability objectives and the potential price for those optional services.

1.2.

A.

B.

C.

Project Goals It is the intention of the city to receive the highest quality of service compatible with standard practice and to provide an attractive, colorful, and resource-efficient landscape for the benefit of the residents of the city.

It is the intention of the City to contract with one general landscape contractor who will provide landscape maintenance services for the City’s properties used or seen daily by the general public. These properties include parks, facilities, and general land areas.

The Specification practices shall be employed to reduce maintenance costs, reduce maintenance labor, minimize waste, protect air and water quality, conserve energy and water, and protect natural ecosystems.

1.3.

A.

General Scope of Work The Contractor shall provide at his/her own risk all supervision, labor, materials, equipment, tools, transportation, hauling, dumping, supplies, insurance, and services to maintain in a superior condition all landscape areas, playgrounds, irrigation, and drainage systems, and other related work outlined in the Specification and as agreed in writing. All work shall be performed in a skillful manner, using quality equipment and materials, and the Specification methods.

B. The Contractor shall provide regular, weekly (unless otherwise noted) maintenance and inspection services as outlined in the Specification for the project sites.

C. The Contractor shall look for and note problems or potential problems that need to be addressed.

D. The Contractor shall make minor replacements and repairs to the landscape facilities as part of the required weekly maintenance work. Major items needing replacement or repair shall be reported to the Representative in accordance with the Specification. A minor item would be something that takes less than 15 minutes to repair by a skilled worker, using minimal replacement parts. Some specific guidelines for determining if an item is minor or major are given in the sections pertaining to each item. The Contractor shall be available to perform additional work related to landscape maintenance as may be authorized in writing by the Representative. Such work shall be non-minor items relating to landscape care, which are not a part of the normal maintenance work as outlined in the Specification.

E. Any facilities or property damaged or destroyed as a result of the Contractor's operations at the site shall be repaired or replaced at the Contractor's expense.

F. The Contractor must perform the work as specified herein to the satisfaction of the Representative. The Representative shall make inspections from time to time to determine the Contractor's conformity with the Specification and the adequacy of the work being performed. The City has the authority to suspend the work wholly or in part, for such period as the City deems necessary due to unsuitable weather or other conditions. The Contractor shall be available for consultation with the Representative as needed.

1.4. Site Description

A. Work to be performed is located within the city limits of Norcross, as defined in Appendix I, Project Site Locations. These areas are owned or supervised by the City, with the Director of Public Works, Utilities, and Parks and the Landscape and Beautification Manager as Representatives. The Contractor MUST verify area sizes and conditions on his/her own.

B. Sites are to be walked by the Contractor and Representative to identify any deficiencies in site conditions that need to be addressed before the start of the maintenance contract, unless otherwise approved by the Representative. Conditions to be noted include, but are not limited to, existing broken irrigation, shrubs or trees not to specified maintenance levels, turf conditions not to specified maintenance levels, pest damage, safety issues or concerns, other issues.

1.5. Limits of Work

Specified work does not include:

· Any areas outside and not adjacent to those specifically enumerated in the locations above unless otherwise agreed in writing.

· The inside of any buildings or facilities.

· Any private property not belonging to the City, unless specifically directed by the Representative to include as part of additional work.

· Replacement or repair of any traffic control signs or other similar devices, except where specifically damaged by the Contractor or his/her employees.

· Any buildings or structures within the locations being maintained except where specifically damaged by the Contractor or his/her employees.

· Repair of utilities, furnishings, hardscapes, curbs, roads, or sidewalks, except where specifically damaged by the Contractor or his/her employees.

1.6. Quality Assurance

A. Reference standards – conform to recommendations, specifications and standards of the following:

1. Standardized Plant Names, 1942 Edition, American Joint Committee on Horticultural Nomenclature.

2. American Standard for Nursery Stock, 1980 Edition, American Association of Nurserymen.

B. The selection of all materials and the execution of all operations required under the Specification and drawings shall be subject to the approval of the Representative. The Representative and the Contractor shall make site inspections quarterly (or as otherwise agreed to by Representative and Contractor) to determine any work which, in the opinion of the Representative, does not meet the requirements of the Specification. All rejected work shall be corrected promptly by the Contractor. Quarterly Site Inspection Reports shall be submitted by Contractor to the Representative within 5 business days of inspection; reports shall include corrective actions taken or scheduled.

C. The City shall be assured of a complete maintenance program for all trees, plants, lawn, and mulch areas such that the quality of all plantings and lawns shall not deteriorate but shall obtain vitality and healthy new growth for the duration of the contract.

D. The City shall be assured of a complete maintenance program for the site landscape irrigation system such that the performance of the system shall not deteriorate below the designed limits of operation and/or the manufacturer's performance specifications.

E. The Contractor is hereby made aware that the City anticipates that the landscape maintenance at the sites shall be of the very highest quality possible. All work to be performed, such as pruning, mowing, fertilizing, watering, weeding, irrigation maintenance, edging, spraying, policing, plant installation, over-seeding, aerating, and mulching shall be strictly managed, executed, and performed by experienced personnel.

1.7. Contractor Requirements

A. Qualifications - All work shall be performed by experienced personnel supervised by the Contractor. The Contractor must provide management and technical supervision as required to implement the work. The Contractor shall be responsible for the skills, methods and actions of his/her employees and subcontractors and for all work done.

B. The Contractor must have a valid Business license.

C. The Contractor must have at least one employee assigned to the project who is a ‘Georgia Certified Landscape Professional’.

D. The Contractor must have assigned to the project at least one employee or subcontractor possessing a Georgia Department of Agriculture Pesticide Division’s Commercial Applicator License and a Pesticide Contractor License for the control of weeds, plant diseases and other pests.

E. The Contractor is recommended to have at least one employee assigned to the project possessing a GSWCC Level 1B – Advanced Fundamentals Certification for Erosion Control.

F. It is preferred that the Contractor have assigned to the project at least one employee who possesses a GSWCC – Level II Certification.

G. Contractor must have assigned to the project at least one employee or subcontractor who is a Certified Irrigation Contractor (Irrigation Association).

H. It is preferred that the Contractor have at least one employee assigned to the project who is a Certified Arborist or Certified Tree Worker (International Society of Arboriculture).

I. Contractor must have assigned to the project at least one employee or subcontractor who has experience or training in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques.

J. It is preferred that the Contractor have assigned to the project at least one employee who has experience or training in Best Management Practices for Landscape Water Conservation, sponsored and managed by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Office.

1.8. Insurance

The Contractor shall provide the Representative an active policy with current Certificates of Insurance as specified in the RFP.

Insurance policies meeting these requirements shall remain in effect for the duration of the work. No payments to the Contractor will be authorized unless current Certificates of Insurance have been filed with the Representative.

1.9. Compliance with Laws, Ordinances and Policies

A. All services rendered shall be provided in accordance with all ordinances, resolutions, statutes, rules, laws, and regulations of the City, and any Federal, State, or local government having jurisdiction in effect at the time service is provided.

B. The Contractor shall adhere to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s Rules Governing Outdoor Water Usage.

C. The Contractor shall adhere to the City’s Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance.

D. The Contractor shall adhere to State and local storm water pollution prevention requirements for the site and any storm water management and erosion control policies.

E. Any requirement of the Specification which conflicts with or is in violation of any government rule, ordinance, regulation, etc. shall be void. The Contractor shall notify the Representative immediately of any such requirement found in the Specification.

F. The Contractor shall, throughout the course of this work, comply with all rules, ordinances, regulations, etc. set forth by agencies having jurisdiction, which apply to the work site, the Contractor, and/or his/her employees.

1.10. General Work Requirements

A. Protection of existing property

1. The Contractor shall protect all existing plant materials, site improvements, structures, facilities, utilities, and natural areas from damage, both above and below ground. Any damages shall be reported immediately to the Representative. Any damages caused by the Contractor shall be corrected and/or paid for by the Contractor at no cost to the City.

2. The Contractor shall protect property from accidental chemical, fuel, oil or other contaminate spills.

3. The Contractor shall not wash or blow soil, chemicals, litter, mulch, soil amendments or other materials into storm drains, water features, or streets.

4. The Contractor shall replace at his/her own expense, any lawn area or other plant material requiring replacement due to negligence on his/her part. The Contractor is required to replace damaged areas considered strictly as normal maintenance conditions in accordance with accepted practice. The Contractor is not typically required to replace plants or entire lawns due to conditions totally beyond his/her control.

B. Contractor’s personnel and supervision

1. All Contractors’ employees assigned to the work site must be able to demonstrate they are United States citizens or have a legal right to work in the United States.

2. The Contractor shall assign, at a minimum, a qualified, trained ‘crew leader’ to oversee work performed at the work site and to act as work or task manager of the employees. This crew leader must inspect the work and provide direction to the Contractor’s workers and/or subcontractors. This crew leader shall speak, write, read, and understand English and be capable of communicating any deficiency that needs correcting.

3. The Contractor's staff is to be personable, courteous, and presentable at all times. In areas where a decision is required, the Contractor’s staff shall seek guidance from the Representative.

C. Subcontracting

1. A portion of the work covered by the Specification may be subcontracted with prior approval of the Representative. The Contractor shall supervise subcontractors and guarantee work quality.

2. All anticipated subcontractors and their qualifications must be submitted at the time of contract approval. All subcontractors assigned to the site must demonstrate they are United States citizens or have a legal right to work in the United States.

3. All subcontractors are subject to follow and maintain the terms of the Specification.

D. Work performance

1. The Contractor is responsible for:

· Thoroughly investigating and considering the scope of services to be performed.

· Carefully considering how the services should be performed.

· Fully understanding the facilities, difficulties, and restrictions attending to the performance of the services required.

2. It is the Contractor's responsibility to carefully inspect the work sites prior to submitting the bid to become familiar with the particular concerns attributed to each individual site. No adjustments in payment or other contract provisions will be made due to failure to inspect sites and otherwise become informed of the particular characteristics of the work sites.

3. Should the Contractor discover any latent or unforeseeable conditions, which will materially affect the performance of services, the Contractor shall immediately inform the Representative of such fact and shall not proceed, except at the Contractor’s risk, until written instructions are received from the Representative.

4. Plants, irrigation systems, etc., damaged by traffic accidents or vandalism, shall be reported immediately to the Representative.

5. Within 10 days after the Notice to Proceed is issued, the Contractor shall make a thorough examination of the current conditions at the site (see Section 2.2).

6. The Contractor shall make a list of all landscape items at the site that he/she believes are broken, missing, not healthy, or otherwise not in compliance with the Specification. A copy of this list, along with an additional itemized quote for correcting each item, shall be given to the Representative.

7. Upon confirmation of each item, the Representative shall either give the Contractor written authorization to make the correction, or a written release from responsibility for the item.

8. By the act of submitting a bid on this work, the Contractor shall be considered to have examined both the landscape and the Specification, and to have thoroughly familiarized himself/herself with the scope of the required work.

9. By the act of submitting a bid on this work the Contractor shall be considered to have thoroughly read and examined the Specification and forms provided herein, including the requirements for regular inspections and quarterly job walks. Further it shall mean that the Contractor understands that inspections and job walks will include evaluations and requirements to make revisions to the level and/or quality of services being provided in order to meet the terms of this contract. The Contractor’s failure to make reasonable and timely corrections when requested shall constitute a breach of contract.

E. Loss prevention: The City may take any reasonable action necessary to control damage or protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public in the event of problems involving the landscape. Such action on the part of the City shall not relieve the Contractor of any responsibilities related to the problem

1.11. Safety

A. The Contractor shall always exercise necessary precautions to provide for the protection of the public and employees.

B. Any unsafe conditions must be reported immediately to the Representative or designee. The Contractor must not block any roadway at any time without prior authorization by the Representative.

C. Traffic lane closure - landscape maintenance services conducted in the roadway or center medians must be performed in a safe manner. The Contractor is required to perform traffic diverting lane closures prior to beginning any trimming operations in the center median. Litter pickup does not require a lane closure. All lane closure activities must comply with GDOT standard guidelines, and follow notification requirements of the city, Police, and Fire Departments.

D. The Contractor is responsible for keeping equipment in safe working order and to monitor the safe use of the equipment on site.

E. Do not use blowers around moving vehicles to avoid blowing debris into windows, etc.

F. Proper training in the safe and proper operation of vehicles, mowers and equipment used is solely the responsibility of the Contractor.

G. The Contractor's attention is directed to the fact that there are active utilities located within the limits of work. Before commencing any work required under the Specification, Contractor shall find the location of all utilities, subsurface drainage, and underground construction and take proper precautions not to disturb or damage any subsurface improvements. The Contractor is responsible for all repairs to damaged utilities resulting from the work covered by the Specification without claims against the city for additional cost.

H. Chemical applications The Specification emphasizes Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to control pests and diseases in the landscape. IPM uses cultural, mechanical, physical, and biological control methods before using pesticides. Chemical controls are applied only when preventative and non-chemical methods are not keeping pests below acceptable levels. When pesticides are required, the least toxic and the least persistent pesticide that will provide adequate pest control shall be used.

1. Contractor shall apply all chemicals in a safe manner and according to label instructions and Federal, State, and local requirements.

2. Appropriate signage shall be posted after treatment in accordance with Georgia’s requirements for outdoor pesticide applications in public areas.

3. A Commercial Applicator License and a Pesticide Contractor’s license are required by the Contractor/subcontractor for chemical applications.

4. The Contractor/subcontractor shall mix and apply chemicals to protect against accidental spills and drift to non-target areas, and to ensure safety of the applicator. Any spilled chemicals, as well as contaminated soil, water, and/or landscape materials must be removed from the site and disposed of in accordance with Federal, State and local requirements.

5. The Contractor/subcontractor shall maintain applicator’s licenses and records of applications as required by the State.

6. A Chemical Work Report shall be completed for each chemical application. The Contractor is responsible for submitting the reports to the Representative if requested.

7. No part of this work shall be performed or installed in any location or manner which may endanger the health, safety, or welfare of the public now or in the future.

1.12. Contact Person – Communications

A. The Contractor shall assign a qualified, trained supervisor to oversee work performed at the work site and to act as the Contractor’s liaison with the Representative. This supervisor must inspect the site and provide direction to the Contractor’s workers and/or subcontractors. This supervisor shall speak, write, read, and understand English and be capable of writing schedules and reports noting any deficiency that needs correcting and major projects.

B. The supervisor shall be a person in the employ of the Contractor who is familiar with, and regularly updated on, all the Contractor's activities at the site. The supervisor shall personally perform regular reviews of the Contractor's work at the site.

C. The Contractor shall provide the Representative a personal mobile phone number whereby the supervisor can be reached at any time between 8am and 6pm during the typical work week, except when he/she may be in a meeting or otherwise indisposed.

D. The Contractor shall provide the Representative with a phone number to contact the Contractor and/or supervisor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

E. Regular communication between the Contractor and the Representative is encouraged. The Contractor is encouraged to ask questions, rather than make assumptions. As the landscape matures, some of the maintenance procedures may be eliminated and others may have to be added. For example, as the shrubs mature, they will require less fertilization.

F. The Contractor shall instruct staff to accept work instructions only from Contractor’s supervisor. The Contractor’s staff is never to accept work instructions from residents, business owners or staff of the City other than the Representative. The Contractor shall be held liable for any unauthorized work.

1.13. Check Lists and Inspections

A. The WEEKLY LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST is made a part of this specification as if repeated in full here. It is an example for Contractor to use to ensure maintenance standards are met. Reports shall be available to the Representative if requested.

B. The QUARTERLY LANDSCAPE INSPECTION CARD is made a part of this specification as if repeated in full here. It is an example of a Quarterly Site Inspection Report required as specified in Section 1, 1.6.B.

C. The Contractor’s supervisor shall conduct quarterly progress briefings with the Representative. These meetings are to be held in conjunction with the quarterly job walks. The supervisor shall be prepared to discuss issues and concerns and respond to questions. The supervisor shall provide documentation of irrigation inspections, IPM monitoring, soil and pest management treatments and other chemical applications if requested.

E. The Contractor and/or the Contractor’s supervisor shall meet quarterly with the Representative to conduct a job walk and site inspection to evaluate the work. A punch list shall be generated for items requiring attention. The Contractor shall be responsible for completing and reporting on correction of items on the punch list.

F. At any time during work or inspection conditions are found, including but not limited to, pests, disease, and damages that are beyond the scope of the Contractor’s responsibility, they shall immediately be brought to the attention of the Representative.

G. The Representative may at any time make unannounced and unscheduled inspections to ensure that complete and continuous maintenance is fulfilled and verify reported work. In addition, the city may obtain the services of a specialist (arborist, urban forester, landscape architect, etc.) to inspect plantings and make recommendations for improvements in the maintenance program.

1.14. Hours, Schedules, and Meetings

A. Hours and schedules

1. The Contractor shall conduct all operations in accordance with the requirements of the City’s Noise ordinance (Sec 26-20-Prohibited Conduct), unless otherwise approved by the Representative. The Contractor may not work on any Federal, State, or local holidays unless approved by the Representative.

2. The Contractor must perform all necessary work detailed in the Specification without unnecessarily interfering with normal operations.

3. Any non-emergency work that may be deemed hazardous or disruptive (i.e., chemical spraying, tree pruning, etc.) shall be scheduled at least one (1) week in advance with the Representative. For emergency work, the Contractor must obtain verbal approval from the Representative prior to commencing work and confirm in writing after completion of emergency work.

4. The City reserves the right to change schedules for special events or conflicts with adjacent property owners/tenants with one (1) week advance notice.

5. Within 10 days after the Notice to Proceed is issued, the Contractor and Representative shall review and agree to: (see Section 2.2):

· Deficient or pre-existing conditions and proposal to repair these conditions, including costs.

· Watering schedule including days, times, and length of cycle (i.e., watering frequency), and locations of clocks.

· A schedule for performing the landscape services outlined in the Specification, including the days the Contractor will work at each complex and any monthly or annual operations required by the Specification.

B. Meetings

1. The Representative shall schedule and administer a kick-off meeting prior to start of the maintenance contract work. The Representative shall schedule and administer quarterly progress briefings and job walks (inspections). Representatives of the Contractor, subcontractors, and suppliers attending the meetings shall be qualified and authorized to act on behalf of the entity each represents.

2. Usual attendees:

· City Representative

· Contractor and/or supervisor

· Contractor’s subcontractors as appropriate

· Others as appropriate

3. Kick-off meeting

a. Meeting shall include visits to each site where the Contractor is authorized to work.

b. Typical agenda:

· Discussion of what is to be done and by whom

· Work schedule of activities

· Procedures for inspection and approval of work

· Procedure for approval of extra work and emergency work

c. The Contractor shall submit to the Representative for review and acceptance the annual projected schedule(s) of activities for all sites in the Specification:

· Intended mow days

· Debris/trash inspection(s) and removal

· Irrigation inspections

· Fertilization schedules

· All other seasonal and related work schedules

d. The Representative shall provide a schedule of annual special events to the Contractor for use in scheduling work activities.

1.15. Billing

A. Invoices for regular monthly payments as stated in the contract shall be submitted at the first of each month. Payment for work done without written approval by the Representative is at the City’s discretion.

B. No unacceptable or deficient work shall be billed to the City, nor paid for by the City.

1. Any work deemed unacceptable will be documented and will be corrected by the Contractor at the Contractor’s expense before being signed off by the Representative as acceptable for payment by the city.

2. The Contractor shall be given additional time at the Representative’s discretion to correct deficient work.

1.16. Additional Work and Emergency Work

A. Additional work – New and unforeseen work shall be classified as additional work when determined by the Representative that such work is not covered by the Specification. Upon notification that additional work will be required, the Contractor shall submit an itemized, written cost proposal for such work to the Representative. The City shall retain the right to reject such cost proposal and perform the additional work with City staff or other contractors. Should the proposal be acceptable to the City, the Contractor shall be advised in writing, and upon receipt of such written notification, shall begin the work within five (5) working days or as agreed to between the Contractor and the Representative.

1. The Contractor shall do such additional work in accordance with the agreement for the additional work and within the provisions of the Specification and shall furnish all labor, materials and equipment. Payment for additional work performed shall be as agreed to by Contractor and the City and as bid.

2. All requests for work that will require additional payment must be in writing. The Contractor may not start work until the request for additional work has been approved in writing by the Representative. Failure to obtain advance approval before starting the work may result in non-payment or delays in processing payment.

3. No additional payments will be made for herbicide or fertilizer applications. The cost of all regular weed control and typical annual fertilization work shall be included in the contract price for landscape maintenance.

B. Emergency work

1. The Contractor shall provide office, and mobile phone numbers of the employee responsible for emergencies; said employee shall be fluent in English.

2. City shall provide the Contractor with emergency numbers for the Representative and emergency personnel; said employees shall be fluent in English.

3. The Contractor shall respond to the following categories as noted:

· Emergency – respond within four (4) hours

· Urgent – respond same calendar day

· Regular – respond within two (2) calendar days If the Contractor fails to respond within the appropriate time frame, City may charge Contractor for time and materials to perform the repair performed by others, including City staff.

4. Emergency repairs may be made without authorization when immediate repairs are necessary to protect the health, safety, or welfare of the public, or immediate repairs are needed to prevent additional property damage. In these situations, make immediate repairs as needed to protect the public or stabilize the situation and immediately notify the Representative. Additional payment for the work will be negotiated with the Contractor by the Representative.

1.17. Uniforms, Appearances, Advertisements and Solicitations A. Uniforms and appearances for employees working within city limits.

1. The Contractor’s staff are to wear clothing properly identifying them as contractors with the Contractor’s name or logo clearly visible at all times when working at all locations. Shirts and pants are to be maintained in a neat and presentable condition.

2. The Contractor’s employees are to wear clothing, eye protection, ear protection and proper shoes or boots that meet Federal, State, local, or OSHA regulations pertaining to the type of work being performed.

3. The Contractor’s employees are to be dressed in a manner that would not be found offensive to the general public that Contractor’s employees are working around. Torn, cut-off shirts or pants are never acceptable. At no time shall any employees work without their shirts on or any other typically prudent clothing.

4. At no time shall any uniform give the impression to the general public that the Contractor’s employee is a City of Norcross employee.

B. Advertisements At no time shall signage be placed in parks or landscaping promoting the Contractor’s company.

C. Solicitations

1. At no time shall the Contractor’s employees solicit work from the general public or commercial companies during regularly scheduled work for the City, unless a separate staff person or crew other than the ones assigned to the City work is used.

2. At no time shall the Contractor’s employees do work for others during regularly scheduled work for the City, unless a separate crew other than the ones assigned to the City work is used.

1.18. Supplies and Equipment

A. Supplies and equipment

1. The Contractor shall implement strategies in work operations to reduce fossil fuel consumption and emissions, such as:

· Use hand-powered equipment when possible

· Select smallest, most fuel-efficient equipment to accomplish the task

· Consider alternate fuel vehicles that operate on natural gas, electric batteries, solar power, biodiesel, or some combination of these things

· Maintain equipment properly and keep it well tuned

· Emphasize employee carpooling to project sites

2. Limit the use of large equipment around parked vehicles to avoid scratching vehicle paint.

3. Blowers shall not be used where prohibited by law.

4. Equipment refueling and repair The Contractor shall refuel and repair equipment in a safe manner to protect against accidental spills. Limit refueling to specific areas on a site. Measures shall be taken to prevent, control, and clean-up spills. Clean-ups should be immediate, automatic, and routine and performed by a trained staff member or a licensed cleaning company. Contact the local emergency response team agencies to report all spills. Damage done by leaking of mower fluid shall be repaired at the Contractor’s expense.

5. Put away all tools and equipment at the end of each day. Leave no tools or equipment on site.

B. Trucks, trailers, and other equipment

1. All equipment used in the City of Norcross on a City approved project shall have the company name on the equipment.

2. All Contractor vehicles shall have a readable sign with the Contractor’s name or logo and telephone number. Trucks shall be maintained in a clean, safe, and presentable condition.

3. Any equipment that has the company name and the City of Norcross on it shall have the company name in larger lettering above the City of Norcross.

4. At no time should a piece of equipment be marked as to give the impression to the general public that it belongs to the City of Norcross.

5. Any equipment used in the City of Norcross must meet any qualifying Federal, State or Local laws, codes or ordinances, such as tagged, registration, GDOT registration, working lights, permissible advertising, etc.

6. The Contractor may not store equipment in, or have access to, any City storage facilities unless authorized by the Representative.

1.19. Clean Up – Site Cleanliness

A. General - Clean-up is important for public safety, area-wide appearance, and plant health. It includes the removal of leaves, clippings, and any other debris. Cleanup should be done routinely as the final part of every task and as the season dictates. Excessive materials and waste should be removed each time the Contractor is on site or at a minimum of once per week. When planting has been completed, the Contractor must clean the area of all debris, spoil piles, and containers. Where grass has been damaged or scarred during planting or maintenance operations, it shall be restored to its original condition.

B. All litter shall be removed from sidewalks, gutters, and all planted areas each week. All trash, litter, leaves, etc. shall be collected, hauled away, and disposed of legally. Do not sweep or blow trash, leaves, clippings, or landscape debris into planting beds, water features, storm drains, onto adjacent property, or into the road. Collect and/or bag all debris swept or blown from landscape areas and remove from the site and place at an approved compost facility.

C. Maintain at least one clear paved pedestrian access route to each building at all times during such work.

D. In addition to removing all litter from sidewalks, gutters, and planted areas, the Contractor shall remove and dispose of any large miscellaneous debris or trash in the parking lot. For the purpose of the Specification, "large" shall mean items the size of a small beverage cup or larger. The intent of this requirement is that the Contractor's workers should take sufficient pride in the appearance of the site that they would pick up any significant litter they come across at the site. Sweeping of the parking lots is not included in the landscape maintenance. All litter shall be removed from planting areas and sidewalks, regardless of the size of the litter.

E. If a job is not completed before the end of the workday, enough time shall be allowed to make the job site neat and safe. Do not plan work that cannot be completed before the weekend. Clean up shall include all components within each site including parking lots, ground cover, turf, bushes, walkways, and driveways.

F. Any settling, washouts or damage that are created by the Contractor’s employees due to vehicles or equipment must be filled, graded, replanted, and repaired to original condition. Any damage done by others shall be reported to the Representative and repaired after an agreed amount and scope of work is issued on an approved work order.

G. Tarps – The Contractor shall employ the use of large tarps or ground cloths as much as possible to limit disturbance to other areas of the landscape and reduce labor efforts. For example, when repairing an irrigation head adjacent to a sidewalk, the Contractor shall place a tarp on the sidewalk and excavate the soil as needed, piling the soil on the tarp, thus enabling the soil to be easily and quickly deposited back into the pit when the work is complete. In the fall tarps shall be used in lieu of bags to collect mass amounts of large leaf litter and transport it to the nearest deposit area or vehicle.

1.20. Warranty

The Contractor shall guarantee and completely replace at no additional cost to City 100% of the plants which fail to maintain a healthy, vigorous condition (excluding theft or vandalism) as a result of poor or improper maintenance procedures. Size of the replacement plant material shall be equal to or be as close as possible (using typically grown nursery stock not requiring a special order) to that of the plant which is being replaced and/or the size of existing adjacent like specimens.

Section 2: LANDSCAPE STANDARDS AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

2.1. Overview – Norcross Landscape Maintenance Principles and Objectives A. The Contractor shall maintain the specified landscape in an integrated approach, consistent with the principles set forth in the Norcross Landscape Maintenance Specification. The seven Maintenance Specification principles are:

1. Contextual landscape – The Project landscape is part of a larger natural ecosystem of the Georgia Piedmont areas and Chattahoochee River basin. The materials and methods used to maintain the Project should support the health, diversity and sustainability of these ecosystems.

2. Reduce waste – Reduce plant debris by fertilizing, irrigating and pruning judiciously. Additionally, employ grasscycling, mulching and composting of plant debris.

3. Nurture the Soil – Create a healthy soil that supports a healthy landscape by protecting the soil from compaction and erosion, replenishing organic matter and mulching, using slow-release and organic fertilizers, grasscycling and minimizing use of chemicals that harm beneficial soil organisms.

4. Conserve water – Use Georgia’s water supply efficiently by reducing irrigation requirements, irrigating according to plant needs, maximizing irrigation system performance, increasing the water holding capacity of the soils, and replacing plants with higher water demands with native drought tolerant varieties.

5. Conserve resources – Look for opportunities to conserve fuel and energy by choosing and maintaining materials and equipment for fuel conservation.

6. Protect water and air quality – Reduce runoff, reduce contaminants in runoff through an integrated pest management (IPM) program, and increase the soil’s ability to remove pollutants from runoff through steps such as mulching bare soil.

7. Protect and maintain natural habitats – The Project may provide food, water, shelter for plants, animals and beneficial insects that contribute to the ecological diversity of the region. Methods to protect them include minimizing application of chemicals by implementing an integrated pest management (IPM) program, and conserving flowers, berries, fruits, seed heads, low branch cover, and natural vegetation in open space areas.

B. Applicable standards and Best Management Practices (BMPs) The Contractor shall adhere to applicable professional standards as defined by a professional organization including:

· American National Standard for Tree Care Operations – ANSI A300, Parts 1 and 2

· International Society of Arboriculture BMP for Tree and Shrub Fertilization and BMP for Tree Pruning

· Irrigation Association BMPs

· Gwinnett County Water Quality BMP’s (Chapter 8)

· Norcross Landscape Maintenance Specification C. Grounds maintenance standards The Representative shall apply one of the following three designation types to each of the areas to be maintained under the contract.

1. PRIORITY 1 AREA: These areas include highly visible focal points, gateways into the city, heavily used areas and places frequented by citizens on a daily basis. They include parks, City Hall, the Community Center, downtown streetscapes, front entrances to public buildings and gateway areas. The Contractor shall maintain these areas at the highest level of expectations. Mulch is to be kept off walks; mulch added or refreshed as needed; grass neatly trimmed and free of weeds, edges well maintained and clearly demarked, weeds removed from beds weekly, annuals and perennials to be ‘dead headed’, debris removed from landscape areas, etc.

2. PRIORITY 2 AREA: The Contractor shall maintain these areas at a slightly lesser level than Priority 1 Area. The removal of weeds, edging of beds, etc may be done bi-weekly or monthly rather than weekly. Mulch requires top dressing annually vs. bi-annually. Turf must still be cut as needed but may not require as much fertilization, pre-emergent, etc. Annuals and perennials may be present but will not require dead heading, etc.

3. PRIORITY 3 AREA: The Contractor shall maintain these areas at a slightly lesser level than Priority 2 Area. The removal of weeds, edging of beds, etc may be done bi-weekly or monthly rather than weekly. Mulch requires top dressing annually vs. bi-annually. Turf must still be cut as needed but may not require as much fertilization, pre-emergent, etc. Annuals and perennials will likely not be present. Includes road medians, etc.

4. ALL AREAS: In all areas regardless of Type, the Contractor shall maintain plants off and from under fence lines, curbing strips and property lines. In addition, Contractor must keep storm drains, irrigation valve boxes, sewer clean outs, electrical boxes, cable boxes, telephone boxes, etc., clear for easy identification and accessible to service at all times in both the turf and ground cover areas.

2.2. Site Analysis

A. The Contractor shall characterize the site conditions as a precursor for developing the water management program.

B. The Contractor shall identify plants species present in the Project landscape.

· Determine key plant species

· Determine plant water use classification for each plant species present as a precursor for developing the water management program

· Identify plants in the Project landscape that are protected from removal or damage by the tree or buffer ordinance, and adhere to all protection requirements C. Soil tests

1. The Contractor shall collect and submit soil samples to an accredited and approved testing laboratory when planning a renovation and/or when experiencing ongoing problems. At a minimum one soil sample shall be collected from turf and one from shrub/ground cover areas that are representative of site conditions. Sample collection procedures shall adhere to recommendations of the soil testing laboratory. Submit soil lab report and any proposed soil amendments and cost adjustments to the Representative for written approval. Analyses to be performed include:

pH, electrical conductivity, nitrate, ammonium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, saturation percent, sodium, chloride, sodium adsorption ratio, boron, % sand-silt-clay, lime, % organic

2. The Contractor shall determine infiltration rate and drainage characteristics within the Project. This information shall be considered when scheduling irrigation.

D. Topography and potential for runoff The Contractor shall assess topography within the Project and evaluate potential for runoff. This information shall be considered when scheduling irrigation and determining need for mulching, additional ground covering plants or erosion control measures.

2.3. Soil and Nutrition Management

A. Goals A healthy, biologically diverse soil is required to sustain a healthy landscape. A basic concept of Norcross Landscape Maintenance is to cultivate a functional, living soil foodweb which shall then sustain healthy and attractive plants while avoiding excessive growth that might attract pests and/or need to be removed through pruning, edging or mowing. Landscape maintenance activities shall be implemented to nurture beneficial biological activity, provide organic material, and protect soil from damage. Riparian water quality and soil and aquatic habitat shall be protected by controlling soil erosion.

B. Protect soil from compaction by:

· Cultivating soil when it is moderately moist; wet and dry soils shall not be cultivated

· Scheduling maintenance operations that require driving equipment over the soil (e.g., mowing turf) when the soil is dry

· Confining heavy equipment to paved areas

· When temporary access is needed over non-paved areas, distribute the load over the soil with 6” thick coarse organic mulch or reusable planks C. Protect the soil from erosion by:

· Maintaining vegetative cover over the soil to the extent possible

· Placing compost berms, blanket, socks, or tubes along slopes to slow water

· Maintaining minimum of 2-3” mulch cover over bare soil

· Using coarse mulch on slopes to avoid washing of mulch into storm drains D. Soil and plant tissue analysis

1. The Contractor is recommended to submit soil samples for testing as described in Section 2.2.C. The types and quantities of fertilizer and/or soil amendments to be applied shall be determined from the results of the soil analysis and shall be based on an ‘organic’ approach to soil management.

2. Where plant micronutrient deficiencies are suspected, plant tissue analyses are recommended to determine need for fertilizer application.

E. Maintain organic mulch cover (see Section 3.9)

· The Contractor shall maintain a minimum of 2-3” of coarse organic mulch at all times over soil surface that is not covered by vegetation.

· Sheet mulching shall be employed where possible.

F. Retain natural leaf litter and clippings

1. To conserve nutrients on-site and protect the soil surface, the Contractor shall retain natural leaf drop under trees or in shrub beds. Select only tree and shrub beds that will not allow leaf litter or mulch to wash out into storm drains.