Term_Contract_for_Rolling_Hills_Grounds_Maintenance_(Addendum_#2_Revision).pdf

INVITATION FOR BID

IFB-604672-23/LAS

TERM CONTRACT FOR ROLLING HILLS

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

1301 East Second St.

Sanford, FL 32771

RELEASE DATE: November 3, 2023

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: December 1, 2023

RESPONSE DEADLINE: December 6, 2023, 2:00 pm

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/seminolefl https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/%7bproject.government.code%7d

Seminole County

IFB #IFB-604672-23/LAS

Term Contract for Rolling Hills Grounds Maintenance

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Introduction II. Scope of Services

III. Instructions to Bidders IV. Additional Terms & Conditions - Maintenance Svcs V. Instructions for the Preparation of Bids VI. Pricing Proposal

Attachments:

B - Draft Agreement

C - Rolling Hills Aerial Map - Maintenance Areas

Title: Term Contract for Rolling Hills Grounds Maintenance

1. Introduction

The Bidder is expected to completely analyze the information contained in this Invitation for Bid

(IFB) as guidance for the preparation of their written submittal. The Bidder’s written bid should be specific, detailed, and complete to demonstrate the Bidder’s understanding of the requested work clearly and fully and/or delivery requirements.

1.1. Summary

Seeking Contractor for routine grounds maintenance for Rolling Hills Park, Located at 1749 Art

Hagan Place, Longwood, FL, 32750.

The contractor will provide all necessary management, supervision, personnel, materials, transportation, general and specialized tools and equipment required to accomplish all services for Seminole County Parks and Recreation as specified in the scope of services provided in this solicitation.

The contractor shall implement all necessary work control procedures to ensure timely accomplishment of work requirements, as well as to permit tracking of work in progress. The

Contractor is responsible for adequately planning and scheduling work to assure material and labor availability to complete work requirements within the response times and quality standards established herein. The contractor will follow the current Florida Friendly Best Management

Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industry.

Please refer to the 'Scope of Services' section for the detailed requirements and description of work to be performed under this agreement.

1.2. Contact Information

Louis Straffi Sr. Procurement Analyst 1301 E 2nd Street Sanford, FL 32771 Email: lstraffi@seminolecountyfl.gov Phone: (407) 665-7114

Department:

Resource Management - Purchasing & Contracts

1.3. Timeline

Release Project Date November 3, 2023

Question Submission Deadline December 1, 2023, 5:00pm

Proposal Submission Deadline December 6, 2023, 2:00pm mailto:lstraffi@seminolecountyfl.gov tel:(407)665-7114

2. Scope of Services

2.1. Scope of Services

LOCATION: Rolling Hills Park, located at 1749, Art Hagan Place, Longwood, Florida

32750

1.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK - The Contractor will provide all necessary management, supervision, personnel, materials, transportation, general and specialized tools and equipment required to accomplish all services for Seminole County Board of

County Commissioners, as specified in the Scope of Services. The Contractor shall implement all necessary work control procedures to ensure timely accomplishment of work requirements, as well as to permit tracking of work in progress. The Contractor is responsible for adequately planning and scheduling work to assure material and labor availability to complete work requirements within the response times and quality standards established herein. The contractor will follow the current Florida Friendly Best

Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industry.

1.2 PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

1.2.1 County Representative - All work in this contract will be under the supervision of a designated County Greenways Program Manager from the Greenways and

Natural Lands Division 121 Bush Loop, Sanford Florida 32773 (407) 665-2001.

1.2.2 Contractor Representative – The Contractor will staff a full time representative

(Operation Manager) who will coordinate with the County’s Contract Coordinator. The work schedule shall contain the route to be followed and the location of work on each day. The Contractor shall notify the County’s Contract Coordinator prior to any schedule variance. The notification shall occur before 8:00 a.m. on the day of the schedule variance. This should be coordinated with the County’s Contract

Coordinator, who will perform inspections and verify that the work has been completed as scheduled and handle problems that may arise.

1.2.3 Other Personnel Requirements – The Contractor will furnish supervisory, administrative, and direct labor personnel to accomplish all work required. The

Contractor employees performing the services required by the contract shall have specialized training, prior work experience or demonstrated technical skills required to fulfill the specific contract requirements. Contractor must hold a current pest control license pursuant to F.S. Chapter 482.071 and all pest control applications shall be done under the supervision of the licensed applicator. A current photocopy of the applicator’s license shall be submitted to the County Representative or his designated representative. Applicator’s licenses must be kept current at all times. Contractor shall provide a copy of all appropriate state and local licenses with the bid.

Each person who applies fertilizers and /or pesticides for the Contractor shall be certified with the Florida Green Industries Best Management practices (BMPs).

Contractor shall provide a copy of all BMP certificates to the County Contract

Coordinator.

The Contractor must submit daily reports to the County’s Contract Coordinator, via email in spreadsheet format, containing the location of work in progress and the percentage of work completed to date. Failure to submit daily reports of completed work shall result in nonpayment for scheduled services. For the purpose of this contract, all cyclical scheduled work must be completed by that respective Saturday.

Contractor will have a dedicated program manager to supervise the performance of the company’s work force to the scope of work and to coordinate with the County.

Contractor shall have a staffed certified licensed irrigation crew.

Contractor shall have a staffed ISA certified arborist crew.

Contractor shall be foreman staffed with a Maintenance of Traffic certifications.

All above licensed staff must have been employed over a year with company.

Licenses may be waived at the discretion of the Project Manager.

1.2.4 Prohibition against hiring off-duty County employees – The Contractor shall not hire off-duty nor utilize under contract any person whose employment under the contract will, or appear to, result in a conflict of interest or violation of the standards of conduct. In instances of doubt, the Contractor shall refer the matter to the County’s

Contract Coordinator.

1.2.5 Employee Physical Capabilities – There will be no discrimination against employees on the basis of handicaps or other disabling conditions; however, employees shall only be assigned to duties which they can perform without endangering the health, safety and welfare of themselves or others. The Contractor shall have a duty to reasonably accommodate any handicap.

1.2.6 Standards of Conduct for Contractor Personnel – All Contractor personnel or representatives shall obey all regulations in effect during the contract period. The

Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining satisfactory standards of employee competency and conduct and for taking disciplinary action against his/her employees as necessary. The County Contract Administrator will require the Contractor to remove from the job site any Contractor employee found under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other incapacitating agent during the tour of duty. The Contractor shall also remove any employee whose conduct or appearance reflects disgrace or dishonor upon the County. The County reserves the right to require removal from the job site of any employee who endangers persons or property, whose continued employment is inconsistent with the interests of the government security, or whose presence deters the accomplishment of work. Furthermore, the County reserves the right to refuse to permit any Contractor employee to perform services under the contract who is not in compliance with requirements of contract. In such cases, the County’s Contract

Coordinator will advise the Contractor of the reason for requesting an employee’s removal or withdrawing his/her authorization to be in the facility. The removal from the job site of a Contractor employee shall not relieve the Contractor of the requirement to provide sufficient personnel to perform the work specified in the contract.

1.2.7 Employee Identification – All Contractor employees shall wear a Contractor furnished identification uniform with logo which shall be visible on the outside of their clothing.

1.2.8 Contractor & Personnel Availability – The Contractor shall provide a local telephone number, which is not a toll call from Seminole County, where he/she or the designated representative may be reached during normal duty hours. The Project

Manager and Alternate shall carry a telephone and the number shall be provided to the County Contract Administrator or designated representative, prior to contract performance and immediately upon any change, throughout the term of this contract.

The contractor shall provide a sufficient number of supervised staff to complete the maintenance duties and fully operate each facility at the Seminole County five (5) days per week, nights, and needs as outlined below. The contractor shall also provide sufficient personnel when required for additional services to include special events, permits and so that the services are completed in a reasonable amount of time.

1.2.9 Control of Personnel – The County will not exercise any supervision or control over Contractor personnel performing services under the contract. Contractor personnel shall not be placed under the supervision, direction, or evaluation of County personnel, or become an integrated part of the County organization in connection with performance under the contract, nor shall Contractor personnel be used in administration or supervision of County activities.

1.2.10 Personnel Selection – The Contractor shall be responsible for selecting personnel who are well qualified to perform the required services, for supervising techniques used in their work, and for keeping them inform of all improvements, changes, and methods of operation.

1.3 QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAM - The Contractor shall establish and maintain a quality control program that identifies and results in correction of potential and actual problem areas throughout the entire scope of the contract. The Contractor’s quality control program shall contain processes for corrective action without dependence upon County direction and include a customer complaint feedback system for correction of validated complaints and to inform the customer of corrections. At a minimum, the customer complaint shall contain procedures for the customer to file complaints with the Contractor, forms to be utilized by the customers, procedures for investigation of the complaint and feedback to the customer and the County on the results and actions taken on the complaint.

1.4 REWORK - Services that are not performed to County’s satisfaction or to the required specifications shall be performed or re-performed (reworked). Rework is solely at the option of the County. Rework shall be accomplished within two (2) calendar days of notification by the County at no additional cost to the County. Contractor shall notify the

County’s Contract Coordinator or designated representative when rework requirements have been completed. Any areas deemed incomplete and not appropriate for rework as determined by the County Contract Coordinator will be deducted from billings.

1.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE - The County’s Contract Coordinator or designee will monitor the Contractor’s performance under this contract by conducting a minimum of two (2) inspections per month, at all areas under contract with the Contractor Representative present. Inspection dates and times will be scheduled by the County’s Contract

Coordinator and the Contractor will be notified of the inspection location not less than sixty

(60) minutes prior to the inspection time. Any areas determined to be incomplete during inspection and near or at the end of the current service cycle will be an automatic full deduction from billings with no opportunity for rework.

1.6 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION MEETINGS - The Contractor’s operation Manager may be required to meet at least bi-weekly with the County Management Team during the first month of the contract. Meetings will be as often as necessary thereafter as determined by the County Management Team.

1.7 PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS AND STANDARDS - Performance analysis assigns a performance requirement to the tasks, which involves determining how a service can be measured and what performance standards and quality levels apply. The performance standard establishes the performance level required by the County. Correspondingly, the acceptable quality level establishes a maximum allowable error rate or variation from the standard.

Monthly payments to the Contractor will be reduced for incomplete performance using the following methods:

A. Contractor performance will be compared to contract standards and acceptable quality levels as stated in the contract.

B. The Contractor will be notified of any deficiency identified during the term of the contract.

Contractor shall take appropriate corrective action upon notification. In the event of such notification, the Contractor shall explain in writing within five (5) days of receipt, why performance was unsatisfactory, how performance will be brought into compliance with contract specifications and standards and how the problem will be prevented.

C. Contractor will have two (2) days including weekends to rectify any deficiencies identified by the County’s Contract Coordinator. Failure to rectify within two (2) days shall result in non-payment for the area in question.

D. Tracking Sheet submittal to the County on a daily basis of each workday’s location work is required.

1.8 SAFETY - The Contractor shall comply with the most current edition of the FDOT

Accident Prevention Procedures Manual pertaining to employee safety when working adjacent to roadways. The Contractor will be responsible for obtaining a copy of this manual by contacting FDOT Maps and Publications Department in Tallahassee. The

Contractor shall also abide by all applicable OSHA standards.

1.9 - SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT - Smoking is prohibited in County buildings except for designated smoking areas. Smoking is not permitted in offices or common areas such as hallways, stairwells, restrooms, elevators, entryways, lobbies, conference rooms, classrooms. Permissible areas will be so designated.

1.10 NO WORK WILL BE PERFORMED ON LEGAL COUNTY HOLIDAYS OR

SUNDAYS, UNLESS AUTHORIZED BY COUNTY CONTRACT

ADMINISTRATOR. Days designated by Seminole County as legal holidays. These days are:

A. New Year's Day

B. Martin Luther King's Birthday

C. Memorial Day

D. Independence Day

E. Labor Day

F. Veteran's Day

G. Thanksgiving Day

H. Day after Thanksgiving Day

I. Christmas Day

When such holidays fall on Saturday, the preceding Friday shall be considered a holiday.

When such holidays fall on a Sunday, the succeeding Monday will be considered a holiday.

1.11 SECURITY - The Contractor shall be responsible for the security of his/her property and the property of the Contractor’s employees.

1.12 OFFICE AND STORAGE AREA - The Contractor shall furnish his/her own office and storage area off post.

1.13 VEHICLE REGISTRATION - All vehicles operated in support of the contract, including Contractor and Contractor employees’ privately owned vehicles or subcontractor vehicles, shall be properly registered, insured, licensed and safety inspected in accordance with applicable Federal, state and local government requirements.

1.14 CIRCUMSTANCES TO BE REPORTED - The Contractor and the Contractor’s employees shall report any circumstances of needed repairs of the facility or unusual soiling of an area which may affect the performance of the work, unhealthy or hazardous conditions, and any delays or interference with the work caused by County employees.

Such items shall be reported to the County’s Contract Coordinator immediately upon discovery by the Contractor. Emergency repairs must be notified immediately to EOC at

407-665-5100.

1.15 REPORTING CRIME OR SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES - The Contractor shall report any crime to the EOC at 407-665-5100 and law enforcement personnel immediately upon learning of the crime. The Contractor shall also report all suspicious activities or conditions conducive to crime immediately.

1.16 DAMAGES DUE TO FIRE, THEFT, ACCIDENT OR OTHER DISASTER - The

County will not be responsible for damage due to fire, theft, accident, or disaster to the

Contractor’s supplies, materials, equipment, or Contractor’s personal belongings brought into the County buildings or onto the government grounds.

1.17 EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES - The Contractor shall furnish all equipment and supplies necessary to perform the required services.

1.18 HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS - When a substance is determined to be hazardous, the

Contractor shall perform in accordance with regulations such as OSHA.

1.19 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS - The Contractor shall submit, at the request of the County’s Contract Coordinator, any or all Material Safety Data Sheets for hazardous materials proposed for use in the performance of the contract. In addition, the Contractor shall maintain copies available for review by the Contractor employees.

1.20 PREMISES - Contractor shall assume full responsibility for any damage to any

County, other contractors, or homeowner’s property caused or alleged to have been caused by or incident to the execution of this Work.

1.21 MAINTENANCE OF TRAFFIC - During work to roadways, the Maintenance of Traffic shall conform to the Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) most current editions of "Roadway and Traffic Design Standards" for Design, Construction, Maintained Systems and the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways." These documents can be ordered from the State of Florida Department of Transportation, Map and Publications Department, 605 Suwannee Street, Tallahassee, Florida, 32399-0450, Phone: (904) 488-9220. A proposed traffic control plan shall be submitted to County

Representative for approval prior to starting work. Lane closures will be limited to non-peak traffic volume hours and only as approved by the County Traffic Engineering

Division.

1.22 HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS - The contractor shall be responsible for implementing any necessary course of action to secure maintained facilities in the event of any severe weather situations. The contractor shall follow all guidelines found in the

County’s Hurricane Preparedness Information Guide.

1.23 LANDSCAPE SERVICES - Some landscape services will be suspended during in the beginning of the contract until services are needed. Do to the refurbishing of the park.

Section 2.0 - Scope of Services

2.1 LANDSCAPED BED MAINTENANCE

2.1.1 Intent - Landscaped Bed Maintenance constitutes professionally maintaining all landscape areas within designated county properties. Plant maintenance shall include, but not be limited to shearing, pruning, mulching, weeding, fertilizing, chemical applications of insecticides / fungus, straightening, and all other care required for property health and vigorous growth of the plants. Prior to removal of deceased/dying plant material, the Contractor shall obtain County authorization.

2.1.2 Method of Operations - All beds areas shall have all grass, weeds, litter, terminally diseased or damaged plants and undesirable growth removed to maintain the landscape in a healthy attractive condition. Removal of dead shrubs and groundcover shall be included under routine Landscape Bed Maintenance. The Contractor shall notify and obtain approval by the County’s Contract Coordinator prior to removing dead material.

The Contractor shall prune all plants from the edges of sidewalks, roads, driveways, fences ,and structures to ensure the safety of citizens and the protection of the property. Prune all plants to encourage a healthy natural growth pattern and to develop the eventual and future branching structure for each specific variety. All incidental pruning to keep pedestrian clearance at no less than 6” inches back from edge of pavement from encroaching shrubs shall be done according to International Society of Arboriculture (I.S.A.) Standards. Pruning shall provide a neat and well-manicured appearance. Pruning for site distance at intersections shall occur on all shrubs according to local Engineering and I.S.A. standards.

2.1.3 Quantity and Frequency of Maintenance – The Contractor shall complete 30 bed maintenance cycles per calendar year. The breakdown per month of service is as follows:

Month:

Quantity of

Cycles

January 2

February 2

March 2

April 2

May 3

June 3

July 3

August 3

September 3

October 3

November 2

December 2

2.1.4 Pruning - Pruning shall be provided to encourage a healthy natural growth pattern for each specific plant variety. Flowering shrubs shall not be pruned until after the bloom cycle. If a plant species blooms year-round, then pruning shall be performed in the spring after the first flush of blooms.

Grouped plantings shall be allowed to form masses appropriate to the species. Or shrubs can be kept to individual plantings. Power-shearing and hard-cut pruning is not permitted without the pre-approval of the County Representative or their designated representative.

Pruning shall include but not be limited to removal of vegetation, which is dead, damaged or diseased. Removal of dead or faded flowers shall be performed on an as needed basis.

The contractor is required to remove all pruned materials and debris from the site after each service.

Plant growth regulators can be applied only if approved by the County Representative or his designated representative.

Contractor will be required to follow current recommended sterilization practices on pruning tools where needed to isolate the spread of disease.

Beds damaged by accidents or public functions shall be trimmed, removal of broken plant material, graded back to a maintained condition.

Shrubs that die back from freeze will be pruned back at the end of winter.

Pruning for site distance at intersections will occur on all shrubs according to local

Engineering and I.S.A. standards. Hedges shall be maintained set a specific height as to locations. All shrubs within a clear sight zone shall be kept at a 24” minimum height or less if directed by County for safety reasons from the roadway.

Large shrub grasses shall be pruned back to 4”to 6” level at the end of winter.

2.1.5. Quality - Shrubs, groundcovers, and materials damaged by the Contractor or neglected diseased plants left untreated shall be replaced or reworked by the

Contractor at his/her expense. Replacement plants shall conform to the species/variety, grade, standard, and size to match existing plants. Replacement material, which is smaller or otherwise different from the original plants, must have prior County approval.

All replacement material must have prior County approval. Contractor shall not be responsible for acts of God such as freeze damage or heavy storms that create unusual cleanup, pruning or replacements in excess of the normal scope of these services.

After mowing occurs grass clippings shall be removed from the planter bed and tree rings.

2.1.6 Pest Control/Weeding - All areas within landscape beds must be mulched and maintained weed free.

Ornamental beds, hedge areas, and tree basins will be kept weed free by such mechanical means as hoeing or hand pulling, and/or by herbicide applications. Where chemical weed control is thought to be necessary, contractors are encouraged to use the least toxic, target-specific materials and methods.

Contractor shall practice Integrated Pest Management (I.P.M.) to control insects, disease and weeds on and around perennials, ground covers, shrubs, vines and trees.

This will include constant monitoring and spot treatment as necessary using least toxic methods available per industry best management practices. Weeds and grass in beds or mulched areas will be removed each ordered cycle by hand or selectively by chemical, if chemicals will not result in damage to plants or leave an unsightly appearance. Machine edge all beds and power blow any clippings from impervious areas. IPM is the coordinated use of pest and environmental information and available pest control methods to prevent unacceptable levels of damage by the most economical means with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. This will include constant monitoring and spot treatment as necessary using least toxic methods available per industry best management practices. All bags and debris are to be removed that day of service, no exceptions.

2.1.7 Application of Insecticides and Fungicides - Planting beds attacked by, or showing signs of disease or pests shall be properly remedied immediately and cared for by the

Contractor. The Contractor shall notify the County's Representative prior to the application of insecticides and fungicides. The Contractor shall also treat any shrubs, or trees deemed to be infested by the County Representative per consultant recommendations.

The Contractor shall abide by the manufacturer's specifications for all chemicals or chemical compounds used and provide an M.S.D.S. for each chemical prior to application. The Contractor shall abide by all rules, laws, ordinances and statutes of the Federal, State and County, as well as any other governmental agencies having jurisdiction pertaining to the handling, storage and application of pesticides or fungicides. The cost of all work and materials for the application of insecticides and fungicides shall be included in the unit price bid for Landscape Bed

Maintenance.

Disease and other pests shall be identified and reported to the County with recommendation of remedial treatment within hours of the site visit. If directed by the

County’s Contract Coordinator, work shall be completed within two (2) days from time of notification. Upon County approval, the Contractor shall be responsible for carrying out the remediation plan including, but not limited to, application of insecticides and fungicides. The written results of work completed along with the reporting sheet and

M.S.D.S. sheets for any proposed chemical shall be sent to the County’s Contract

Coordinator within twenty-four (24) hours of the completion of each cycle

2.1.8 Fertilization - The Contractor shall utilize the formulas and amounts for fertilization indicated below. Prior to application, the Contractor is required to supply the County’s

Contract Coordinator with the fertilizer label and a sample of the fertilizer to be spread.

Areas to be fertilized will coincide with areas specified in Pre-App meeting.

Shrubs, and ground covers shall be fertilized with granular slow-release fertilizer at the rate of the label. The fertilizer shall contain both nitrogen and potassium, in slow-release form. A soil test should be used to determine if magnesium (Mg), and minor elements such as iron and manganese are needed. If the soil test indicates that these elements are needed, fertilizer should contain 3% - 5% magnesium (Mg) and 1% - 2% of iron and manganese.

Fertilizer type depends on soil conditions. Nutritional deficiencies may develop due to soil conditions, such as alkaline pH or compacted soils, or damaged and diseased root systems. Deficiencies of specific nutrients shall be treated with applications of the needed nutrient in accordance with UF/IFAS recommendations until deficiencies are corrected.

Fertilizer shall be broadcast around plants uniformly but will never directly contact stems and trunks. Fertilizers shall be spread evenly.

The cost of monitoring and correcting these problems may be built into the contract maintenance.

Fertilization scheduling shall not exceed the recommendations from the UF/IFAS

Extension Service and should comply with the Green Industries Best Management

Practices, and state and local ordinances. Local fertilizer regulations prohibit the use of nitrogen fertilizers during the summer months.

Two applications of fertilizer to all county property landscape beds shall be applied in the spring/ fall. The cost of all work and materials for fertilizing shall be in the separate unit price Proposal for fertilizing landscape beds.

2.1.9 Herbicide – Herbicide application constitutes pre-emergent and post-emergent treatment of undesirable grass, weeds, vegetation and plant material growing in, along and around landscape areas with an approved herbicide to maintain these areas in an attractive and manicured condition. Herbicide use shall be limited to specific sites or undesirable growth in the landscape areas identified by the Contractor and authorized by the County’s Contract Coordinator.

The Contractor shall keep all planted areas free of weeds. Weeds in the landscape

(turf and ornamentals) shall be controlled by mechanical removal and /or with pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides.

Herbicides shall not be applied when there is a danger of winds that could cause spray drift and damage to the surrounding landscape areas.

The non-selective post-emergent herbicides used shall be Glyphosate or County approved equivalent applied in conformance with the manufacturer's instructions. The application of pre-emergent herbicide should be considered and incorporated into the schedule. Selective herbicides shall be approved by the County’s Contract

Coordinator. The cost of all work and materials for herbicide shall be in the unit price bid for Landscape Bed Maintenance.

Note: Herbicides shall not be used as a substitute for planter bed edging.

A. Quantity and Frequency of Herbicide Treatment - The total number and timing of the cycles will depend upon the type of herbicide used and growth conditions during the season.

B. Limitation of Operations - Herbicide treatment will be on an as-needed basis during the cycles for Landscape Bed Maintenance. The Contractor shall abide by all rules, laws, ordinances and statutes of the State and County having jurisdiction pertaining to the handling, storage and application of herbicides.

Plants, grass and trees damaged by the improper use of herbicides will be replaced by the Contractor at this/her expense. Replacements will be of the same size and type and originally planted quality of those damaged.

C. Quality - If at any time the herbicide treatment is not in accordance with the specifications, the services will be performed again at no additional cost to the

County. Overspray of herbicide resulting in plant or turf mortality will result in replacement at no additional expense to County.

2.10 Mulching - Mulching constitutes providing and placing Mini-Pine Bark Nuggets mulch and Pine Straw mulch in designated areas.

A. Quantity and Frequency of Mulching - Mini-Pine Bark Nugget and Pine Straw mulch (as determined by site through County’s Contract Coordinator) shall be installed as directed in all designated Landscaped Beds in a settled manner to a depth of three (3) inches. All bed line edges will be trenched to help contain the applied mulch. One application of mulch to all landscape beds shall be applied in the spring. All tree rings shall be installed with mulch at 3” depth. All fence lines shall be mulched. The cost of all work and materials for mulch for a single

3”inch level application for all the beds and trees rings shall be in the unit price for mulch for the entire property.

B. Method of Operations - Mulch shall be supplied by the Contractor, delivered to the site and applied in the areas specified. Mulch shall be placed by hand to a settled but not tightly compacted consistency.

C. Quality - Mulch shall be free of insects, disease, debris, trash, seeds, etc., and placed in such a manner as to provide a neatly groomed settled appearance in accordance with industry standards.

D. Maintenance - Mulch shall be maintained kept spread out evenly in all bed and tree rings no mounding shall occur to the landscape material at all times.

2.2 TURF MAINTENANCE

2.2.1 Intent - Landscaped Turf Maintenance constitutes professionally maintaining all grass landscape areas within designated county properties. Sod maintenance shall include, but not be limited to Mowing, edging, mulching, weeding, fertilizing, chemical applications of insecticides / fungus, straightening, and all other care required for property health and vigorous growth.

Turf damaged by accidents shall be corrected by removal of debris, graded back and repair sod to a maintained condition. Maintain weed free turf.

2.2.2 Edging - All properties shall be edged with power edger to control encroachment of grass on sidewalks (of any surface), curbing, tree rings, roadways, valve boxes, landscape beds, and parking lots. Edging shall occur with each mowing service.

Edging shall not be considered complete until all undesirable material has been removed from over the above-mentioned areas. Failure to do so will result in non-payment for entire area. Handheld or walk behind edgers will be the only method approved for edging.

2.2.3 Herbicide - Is to be used for spot spraying of expansion joints of curb gutters, sidewalks, and Curb Inlets. Herbicide along walls and fence lines will be permitted.

Glyphosate will be the only herbicide allowed to be used, any other type of herbicide will require approval by the County’s Contract Coordinator. The Rate of Herbicide that is applied is to comply with the manufacturer’s label. Herbicide shall not be used as a replacement for weed eating, edging or in areas susceptible to erosion.

2.2.4 Weed Trimming - All areas that are inaccessible to mowing machinery such as slopes, ditches, berms, lake-ponds, fencing, steep shoulders, etc. shall be weed trimmed. Weeds along and in the pavement edge of curb lines of hardscaped medians/walkways containing landscape materials shall be addressed each service cycle to discourage the rapid reoccurring growth within the expansion joints areas. All amenities such as kiosks power poles, benches, trees etc. shall be weed trimmed unless approved by County Contract Coordinator. Herbicide controls may be used for fence lines.

2.2.5 Mowing - All turf areas shall be cut to a uniform height of no less than 3.5” (three and one half inches) Vendor shall make every effort not to cause "scalping” while mowing any area. Any turf or hardscape area that has been damaged by equipment shall be fixed or replaced at no cost to the County.

Mower blades will be always sharp to provide a quality cut.

It is not necessary to remove grass clippings if no readily visible clumps remain on the grass surface 24 hours after mowing. Otherwise, contractor will distribute large clumps of clippings by mechanical blowing or by collecting and removing them. In the case of fungal disease outbreaks, contractor will collect clippings until the disease is controlled.

2.2.6 Litter Removal - All litter and debris are to be removed during each mowing cycle. Litter and debris removal includes the pickup, removal and disposal of any item not permitted such as but not limited to; cigarette butts, wood, landscape debris, signs, tires, cans, bags of trash, used staking and guy wires, newspapers, magazines, food containers, boxes, sheets of paper, etc., which will result in an objectionable appearance. The cost of all work and materials for litter removal shall be included in the unit price bid for mowing. The following shall be “power blown” at the conclusion of each mowing cycle: sidewalks, surfaces, parking lots, concrete medians and building entrance ways.

2.2.7 Cuttings and Trimmings - It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to remove or disperse any vegetative clippings from hard surfaces following mowing.

Under no circumstance are drainage structures to be used as disposal sites.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/LyraEDISServlet?command=getScreenImage&oid=7234576 http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/LyraEDISServlet?command=getScreenImage&oid=7234576

Clippings will be swept, blown, or vacuumed from sidewalks, patios, curbs, and roadways immediately after mowing or edging. They will not be blown into storm drains, tree rings or planter beds. Any damage to vehicles, including damage from vegetative debris and grass clippings, is the responsibility of the contractor.

Mowing must be directed away from water bodies and impervious surfaces. Turfgrass clippings are a source of slow-release nitrogen. Leaving the clippings, rather than removing and bagging them, reduces both fertilization needs and the amount of plant material that must be disposed. Note: no plant material is allowed in Florida landfills.

No readily visible clumps shall remain on the grass surface after mowing. Large clumps of clippings will be raked into the turf or immediately collected and removed by the contractor.

2.2.8 Application of Insecticides and Fungicides - Turf attacked by, or showing signs of disease or pests shall be properly remedied immediately and cared for by the

Contractor. The Contractor shall notify the County’s Contract Coordinator prior to the application of insecticides and fungicides. The Contractor shall also treat any turf deemed to be infested by the County Representative per consultant recommendations.

The Contractor shall abide by the manufacturer's specifications for all chemicals or chemical compounds used and provide an M.S.D.S. for each chemical prior to application. The Contractor shall abide by all rules, laws, ordinances, and statutes of the Federal, State and County, as well as any other governmental agencies having jurisdiction pertaining to the handling, storage and application of pesticides or fungicides. The cost of all work and materials for the application of insecticides and fungicides shall be included in the unit price bid for Landscape Turf

Maintenance.

Disease and other pests shall be identified and reported to the County with recommendation of remedial treatment within hours of the site visit. If directed by the

County’s Contract Coordinator, work shall be completed within two (2) days from time of notification. Upon County approval, the Contractor shall be responsible for carrying out the remediation plan including, but not limited to, application of insecticides and fungicides.

2.2.9 Fertilization - The Contractor shall utilize the formulas and amounts for fertilization indicated below. Prior to application, the Contractor is required to supply the County’s Contract Coordinator with the fertilizer label and a sample of the fertilizer to be spread. Areas to be fertilized will coincide with areas specified in Pre-App meeting.

Turf shall not be fertilized when heavy rain is expected. A "Ring of Responsibility" will be left around or along water bodies. The Ring of Responsibility shall extend at least

10 feet from the edge of the water.

Fertilizers must contain slow-release nitrogen and will be applied at the rate of no more than one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. This is calculated by dividing the percentage of nitrogen into 100. (Example: If the ratio 15-0-15 is used, then 6.6 pounds of the fertilizer will be spread over 1,000 square feet of lawn area).

Fertilization should comply with the Green Industries Best Management Practices, and state and local ordinances. Local fertilizer regulations prohibit the use of nitrogen fertilizers during the summer months.

A. Formula - The formula to be used on all the turf shall be 15-0-15 with micronutrients, or any other comparable fertilizer approved by the County’s

Contract Coordinator.

B. Rate - This fertilizer shall be applied in turf areas at the rate of 6.6 pounds per

1000 square feet.

C. Application - Two applications of fertilizer to all county properties in the turf areas shall be fertilized both turf shall be applied in the spring/ fall. The cost of all work and materials for fertilizing shall be in the separate unit price Proposal for fertilizing landscape turf.

2.2.10 Quantity and Frequency of Maintenance, Sod – The Contractor shall complete 33 mowing cycles per calendar year for areas of sod. The County reserves the right at any time to adjust mowing frequency. The breakdown per month of service is as follows:

Month:

Quantity of

Cycles

January 1

February 1

March 2

April 3

May 4

June 4

July 4

August 4

September 4

October 3

November 2

December 1

2.3 LITTER/ DEBRIS MAINTENANCE SERVICE

2.3.1 Intent - The contractor shall have a separated crew for this service. Emptying of all Trash Receptacles. All litter and debris are to be removed during each maintenance service cycle in or on landscape beds, tree rings, turf areas, curbs concreted medians.

Litter and debris removal includes the pickup, removal and disposal of any item such as cigarette butts, wood, landscape debris, signs, tires, cans, bags of trash, used staking and guy wires, newspapers, magazines, food containers, boxes, sheets of paper, etc., which will result in an objectionable appearance. Contractor is to supply their own trash bags.

2.3.2 Quantify of Maintenance – Litter/Debris removal service shall be delivered at a maximum of 104 cycles per year. All pavement/ concrete structures areas shall be blown during each Monday & Friday. If landscape maintenance occurs on a Friday, Litter/Debris Maintenance Service shall not be additionally charged.

2.3.3 Pavement/Walkway/ Curb Debris Removal - All debris is to be swept, scraped, power blown cleaned removed during each maintenance service cycle. Litter and debris removal includes the pickup, removal, and disposal of any not permitted item such as leaves, sticks, branches, cigarette butts, wood, landscape debris, etc., which will result in an objectionable appearance.

2.3.4. GRILL CLEANING-The barbecue grills at the parks shall be cleaned out on

Mondays and Fridays.

2.3.5 Pavilion/ Tennis Courts, Basketball Courts/ Hockey Rink/ County

Structures All debris is to be swept scraped, power blown cleaned removed during each maintenance service cycle. Litter and debris removal includes the pickup, removal, and disposal of any not permitted item such as leaves, sticks, branches, cigarette butts, wood, landscape debris, etc., which will result in an objectionable appearance.

2.4 TREE and PALM MAINTENANCE

2.4.1 Intent - The Contractor shall prune all plants from the edges of buildings, roads, driveways, fences and sidewalks to ensure the safety of citizens and the protection of the property. Prune all plants to encourage a healthy natural growth pattern and to develop the eventual and future branching structure for each specific variety. All incidental tree pruning to keep the facility trees and shrubs for clearance shall be done according to International Society of Arboriculture (I.S.A.) Standards. Pruning shall provide a neat and well-manicured appearance. Pruning for site distance at intersections will occur on all trees according to the I.S.A. standards. All trimming cost shall be built with the turf maintenance unit cost. All incidental tree pruning to keep pedestrian clearance at no less than 12’ (twelve feet) above pavement and no less than 12” inches back from edge of pavement from encroaching shrubs shall be done according to International Society of Arboriculture (I.S.A.) Standards. Pruning for site distance at intersections will occur on all trees according to local Engineering and

I.S.A. standards.

All park palms shall be pruned once a year or needed to remove dead fronds and weak stalks. Removal of lose/old boots to make the palm a clean and neat appearance.

Frond trimming shall only between 9 and 3 under the direction of the County’s representative. The ANSI 300 ad ANSI Z-133 Standards and Seminole County tree ordinances. They shall be trimmed in early spring and must be done by April 30th.

All Crape myrtles shall be pruned to remove all the overgrowth and seed pods during the dormant winter period. They shall be pruned out to be a neat clean appearance.

Suckers shall be removed year-round. They must be trimmed by March 1st.

Contractor shall keep trees free of Ball Moss.

2.4.2 Pruning Shall Include the Following Items:

A. Dead, dying or unsightly part of the tree.

B. Removal of sucker growth from the base of trees in which an exposed trunk character is desired.

C. Branches that grow toward the center of the tree.

D. Crossed branches that may rub together.

E. “V” crotches if it does not ruin the appearance of the tree.

F. Multiple leaders if the tree normally has a single stem.

G. Nuisance growth that interferes with the view, traffic, signage, walks or lighting.

Nuisance growth includes the removal of all dangerous thorns, spikes or appendages which show potential conflict with people.

H. Shape the top of small trees as needed.

I. All branches, dead wood and cuttings shall be removed from the job site at the time of pruning and disposed of in an acceptable manner. All lawn and shrub areas damaged by pruning equipment shall be restored at the contractor’s expense.

J. Pruning of trees and palms shall only take place under the direction of the County’s representative

K. Removal of tree infected with mistletoe early on shall be removed.

L. Contractor will be required to follow current recommended sterilization practices on pruning tools where needed to isolate the spread of disease.

M. Any major tree surgery or tree removal, which becomes necessary through no fault of the Contractor, shall be at the County’s expense.

N. Right of way tree and shrub shall be pruned back from or up to eliminate unsafe conditions for pedestrian use

2.4.3 Fertilization - The Contractor shall utilize the formulas and amounts for fertilization indicated below. Prior to application, the Contractor is required to supply the County’s Contract Coordinator with the fertilizer label and a sample of the fertilizer to be spread. Areas to be fertilized will coincide with areas specified in Pre-App meeting.

Contractor shall not be fertilized when heavy rain is expected. A "Ring of

Responsibility" will be left around or along water bodies. The Ring of Responsibility shall extend at least 10 feet from the edge of the water.

Palms shall be fertilized with a granular, slow-release fertilizer. An acceptable formulation is 8-2-12-4 (N, P, K, Mg plus micro-elements). Mature palms require five pounds of fertilizer per application. For palms under ten feet tall, two pounds per application will be adequate.

Trees shall be fertilized with a slow-release fertilizer at the rate recommended by label.

The fertilizer shall contain both nitrogen and potassium, in slow-release form. A soil test should be used to determine if magnesium (Mg), and minor elements such as iron and manganese are needed. If the soil test indicates that these elements are needed, fertilizer should contain 3% - 5% magnesium (Mg) and 1% - 2% of iron and manganese.

Fertilizer type depends on soil conditions. Nutritional deficiencies may develop due to soil conditions, such as alkaline pH or compacted soils, or damaged and diseased root systems. Deficiencies of specific nutrients shall be treated with applications of the needed nutrient in accordance with UF/IFAS recommendations until deficiencies are corrected.

Fertilization scheduling shall not exceed the recommendations from the UF/IFAS

Extension Service and should comply with the Green Industries Best Management

Practices, and state and local ordinances. Local fertilizer regulations prohibit the use of nitrogen fertilizers during the summer months.

2.4.4 Pest and Disease Management - All County Trees and Palms within the scope of this contract shall be managed by the contractor. The contractor shall control or eradicate infestations by damaging, chewing or sucking insects, leaf miners, fire ants and other pests and diseases by spraying the affected plants with chemical sprays and combinations of sprays suitable for that particular pest when the infestation or infection becomes evident and as often thereafter as necessary. The contractor shall be fully licensed to spray pesticides and shall use sound cultural practices that aid in preventing the presence or proliferation of insects and diseases.

2.5 IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE

2.5.1 Intent - The contractor shall be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Common area irrigation system, and for setting and adjusting the time clocks to ensure proper watering of all plant material and turf in the landscape. The contractor shall be responsible for the labor and supervision needed to make minor irrigation repairs to the lateral lines, risers and sprinkler heads of the irrigation system up to three (3”) inches in diameter as required to keep the system operating. This cost shall be in the unit cost for turf maintenance. All Major repairs to main lines, valves, pumps and intake piping shall be reimbursed by the County/Division. Reimbursable repair work shall require authorization by the County’s Contract Coordinator prior to commencement.

2.5.2 Method of Operations - Prior to the commencement of the maintenance program, the contractor shall have forty-five (45) days from the start of contract to inspect the irrigation system and report existing damage or incorrect operation and coverage to the County/Division. The contractor shall be responsible for the integrity of the system after this initial inspection report and subsequent repairs.

Time clocks shall be checked once a week or as may be required. The contractor shall, check twice per month and fully operate all irrigation zones and replace, repair or clean all irrigation heads, lines, valves, valve boxes and controllers as needed.