SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve an increase to the palm pruning contract with Brigan Enterprises, of Safety Harbor, FL; Superior Landscaping and Lawn Service, of Miami, FL; and Wright Tree Service, of Des Moines, IA, for palm tree pruning services on a unit-price basis, increasing the initial cumulative amount by $250,000.00 for a revised not-to-exceed amount of $300,000.00 for the initial term, and approve two, one-year renewal options in the annual cumulative not-to-exceed amount of $300,000.00, pursuant to Request for Proposal (RFP) 11-26, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
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SUMMARY:
The City of Clearwater maintains approximately 2,000 palm trees of various species located throughout high-visibility areas, including Clearwater Beach, Memorial Causeway, Downtown, athletic complexes, and other major corridors. These locations serve as key tourist destinations, sports venues, and community gathering spaces. To support a resilient and well-maintained urban forest that enhances the City’s economy, environment, and community character, routine maintenance of these palm trees is required. Most palms require annual pruning, while certain species and locations require bi-annual service to maintain public safety, tree health, and aesthetics.
On December 4, 2025, the Procurement Division issued Request for Proposal (RFP) #11-26, Palm Pruning and Maintenance Services. Nine vendors submitted proposals, and after evaluation, three firms were selected. The solicitation included pruning and maintenance services for multiple palm species across three designated service areas. Due to the specialized nature of the work, the volume and diversity of palm species, and the seasonal timing required for proper pruning, it was determined to be in the City’s best interest to award multiple service areas to multiple qualified vendors to ensure adequate coverage, scheduling flexibility, and performance capacity.
On February 2, 2026, a temporary contract in the amount of $50,000.00 was issued to allow continue uninterrupted services during peak event season, including Phillies Spring Training at BayCare Ballpark and ESPN NCAA Softball tournaments at the Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex. Although the temporary contract included all three vendors, only Wright Tree Service performs work within Service Area C, which covers these two sites.
The RFP evaluation process identified the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for each of the three service areas. Based on the unit prices submitted and the estimated service needs within each area, staff anticipates that the cumulative amount to be expended during the first year of this contract will not to exceed $300,000.00. This amount includes funding for all three contractors within their respective service areas and incorporates the $50,000.00 previously issued under the temporary contract.
The Procurement Division, Public Works Department and Parks & Recreation Department recommend awarding the service areas as follows:
Service Area A - Clearwater Beach
• Brigan Enterprises LLC d/b/a Monster Tree Service of Pinellas County
Service Area B - Memorial Causeway and Downtown Clearwater
• Superior Landscaping & Lawn Service LLC
Service Area C - Athletic Sports Fields and Clearwater City Limits East of Highland Avenue
• Wright Tree Service
Approval of this contract, including the increase for the initial term and renewal terms in a cumulative annual not-to-exceed amount of $300,000.00, will provide sufficient funding to maintain these high-profile locations in accordance with established service levels and community expectations.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
0101312-530300 $300,000.00
Funds for the first year of this contract are available in Public Works Urban Forestry Division cost code 0101312-530300, Contractual Services, funded by revenues from the General Fund. Funding for future years will be requested in the annual budget process.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
1.3 Adopt responsive levels of service for public facilities and amenities, and identify resources required to sustain that level of service. 2.3 Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events. 4.3 Protect the conservation of urban forests and public green spaces to promote biodiversity and reduce our carbon footprint.
