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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 ...
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