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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Michael Kaufman, Assistant Fire Chief
DATE: March 24, 2026
SUBJECT:
The Fire Department is requesting approval to enter a contract with Beary Landscape Management for lawn maintenance of 9 fire stations. Approval is requested before the beginning of the 2026 lawn mowing season. This is a one-year contract, with options for (2) one-year extensions.
PURPOSE:
A mowing and landscaping contract ensures that all Aurora Fire Department stations are consistently maintained in a safe, professional, and operationally ready condition. Well-maintained properties also enhance visibility, security, and accessibility for personnel and the public.
Additionally, contracting these services provides a cost-effective and efficient alternative to in-house maintenance by ensuring predictable expenses, reducing staff workload, and delivering consistent service quality across all ten stations. Overall, the contract supports operational readiness, public safety, and the City’s commitment to maintaining clean and professional municipal facilities.).
BACKGROUND:
The Fire Department maintains over 40,000 square yards of green space and right-of-way. Before the existence of a landscaping contract, firefighters traditionally performed landscaping duties. This unfortunately led to multiple workers' compensation claims, broken FD equipment, and the high costs of purchasing and maintaining yard equipment. Having a landscaping contract limits liability and allows fire crews to spend their time on training and advancing their level of service.
DISCUSSION:
A formal bid was completed through the OpenGov platform, and there were four bids submitted. The lowest, most responsible bidder was Beary Landscaping Maintenance of Lockport, IL. The bid was put out for one year with the option of (2) one-year extensions.
The Fire Department has been contracted with Beary since 2023 and has been very happy with their work, communication, and billing practices. They have been doing the mowing and landscaping work at 8 city fire stations for the past 3 years. This vendor has no outstanding debt with the city.
The funds for this contract are available in account# 101-3033-422.36-15.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Outsourcing lawn and landscaping services allows the fire department to maintain a safe, professional, and well-kept appearance without diverting personnel from emergency response and core operations. By partnering with Beary, the department benefits from consistent property maintenance, reduced equipment and labor costs, and improved compliance with safety and municipal standards. This approach enhances operational efficiency while ensuring department resources remain focused on protecting the community.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I recommend that we enter into a landscaping contract with Beary Landscaping Maintenance of Lockport, IL.
cc: Public Health, Safety, and Transportation Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the Purchasing Director to execute a contract with Beary Landscaping Maintenance, of Lockport, IL for mowing and landscaping maintenance of 9 Aurora fire stations for one year and the option of two (2) one-year extensions.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, The City of Aurora seeks to maintain all Fire Department properties in a safe, clean, and professional condition for the benefit of its personnel and the public; and
WHEREAS, regular mowing and landscaping services are necessary to ensure compliance with local standards, enhance property appearance, and support safe access to Fire Department facilities; and
WHEREAS, the use of a qualified external vendor allows Fire Department personnel to remain focused on emergency response and core public safety operations; and
WHEREAS, four bid proposals were received in response to the invitation to bid; and
WHEREAS, Beary Landscaping is the lowest responsible bidder for the 2026 lawn and landscaping maintenance contract; and
WHEREAS, Beary Landscaping & Maintenance has demonstrated the ability to provide reliable and cost-effective mowing and landscaping services for the City of Aurora Fire Department since 2023; and
WHEREAS, the funding for this contract is available in account # 101-3033-422.36-15.)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: Allow the purchasing director to execute a contract for mowing and maintenance landscaping with Beary Landscaping & Maintenance of Lockport, IL. This is a one- year contract with options for two (2) additional one-year terms.