By Ella Chabot-Remington
SEBASTIAN — The Sebastian City Council approved entering a Golf Course Maintenance Agreement with International Golf Maintenance, Inc. for the Sebastian Municipal Golf Course by a vote of 4 to 0, with Vice Mayor Jim Hill abstaining from the vote due to a conflict.
The exact nature of the Vice Mayor’s conflict was not known as the required form for an abstention was not available at the meeting.
International Golf Maintenance’s bid of $493,700 was $34,732 less than the only competing bid from Once Source Landscape of $528,432. The two companies were required to turn in sealed bids by June 30. “We are in a time now when things are cheap,” said City Manager Al Minner. “We’re locking in a good price. We’re saving $200,000 over the current rate. City Staff is happy with this.”
IGM maintains other courses in Indian River and Brevard Counties. Sandridge is one such Indian River County golf course, according to Mayor Richard Gillmor.
In September, the present contract with One Source Golf Services Inc will expire. One Source began maintaining the Sebastian Golf Course in the 1990s when the course switched from in-house to outside grounds maintenance. One Source has had three 5-year contracts on the Sebastian Golf Course.
The cost this year for One Source’s turf services is $537,762 or $9,330 more than their recent bid and $44,062 more than IGM’s bid.
The Council’s decision came down to finances. The Council was disappointed that the bid by One Source was not more competitive, they expressed at the meeting.
The contract is for a term of five years, with an option to extend another five years with the same terms and conditions. There is a clause for inflation not to exceed 5 percent of the current annual contract price.
IGM indicated in preliminary meetings with city staff that it may continue to use some of the existing personnel, including the present superintendent, and will provide essential equipment not owned by the golf course in order to have a smooth transition.