TO: ADAM PIRRIE, CITY MANAGER
FROM: JEREMY SWAN, COMMUNITY SERVICES MANAGER
DATE: JULY 28, 2026
Reviewed by:
City Manager: AP
SUBJECT:
Title
AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MCE CORPORATION FOR WEED ABATEMENT AND BRUSH CLEARANCE SERVICES (FUNDING SOURCES: WILDERNESS PARK PARKING LOT FUND AND CEMETERY FUND)
Body
SUMMARY
On an annual basis, the City performs weed abatement on identified City-owned parcels to protect against blight and the threat of fire. The City works with the Los Angeles County Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights & Measures to maintain safe and defensible space, and to be compliant with County codes concerning weed and brush clearance on City-owned parcels.
To accomplish its annual weed abatement efforts, the City contracts for these services with an outside vendor. In March 2026, staff solicited proposals for annual weed abatement and brush clearance services. Two bids were received at the close of the proposal period, from MCE Corporation and Sustainable Mitigation, for $118,218.54 and $279,000 respectively. After careful review of the proposals received, staff recommends entering into an agreement with MCE Corporation in the amount of $118,218.54 per year.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the City Council award a contract to MCE Corporation for weed abatement and brush clearance services and authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement not to exceed $118,218.54 annually, for an initial contract term of three years with two optional one-year extensions, for a total contract amount of $591,092.70.
Body
ALTERNATIVE TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there is the following alternative:
• Request additional information from staff.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
MCE Corporation proposed a cost of $118,218.54 annually for weed abatement and brush clearance services. Weed abatement and brush clearance is fully funded through the Wilderness Park Parking Lot Fund and the Cemetery Fund. During the first year of the agreement, the City is partnering with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) for clearance of the parcels in the wilderness area. The SGVCOG has awarded the City a grant in the amount of $114,918 and will be responsible for reimbursing the contractor for all services. After the completion of the first year, the City will be responsible for all payments.
The staff costs to complete this report are estimated to be $1,300. These costs are in staff time allocated to the project and are included in the operating budget of the Community Services Department.
ANALYSIS
The City is required to perform annual weed abatement and brush clearance on City-owned parcels. The purpose of the Weed Abatement and Brush Clearance Program is to prevent fire hazards created by vegetative growth and the accumulation of combustible debris on City property. The City works with the Los Angeles County Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights & Measures to identify areas that require abatement and should be included in the program throughout the year. The County orders abatement work on identified City-owned properties to ensure that proper fire safety standards are maintained, then inspects those properties for compliance using standards established by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
In March 2026, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued to solicit proposals for the annual Weed Abatement and Brush Clearance Program. The City solicited proposals to seek the most competitive price for this contract and to ensure that the company performing the work has the corporate capacity, staff, and experience to meet the contract requirements. At the close of the bid period two bids were received, from MCE Corporation and Sustainable Mitigation for $118,218.54 and $279,000, respectively.
Based on the cost of services and past work history in the City, staff recommends awarding a contract to MCE Corporation for annual weed abatement and brush clearance services. MCE Corporation is the City’s current contractor for weed abatement and brush clearance services. Staff of MCE Corporation is known to have excellent customer service. During past years of service, they have caused very little disruption to residents in the area, and City staff received no complaints related to their work. MCE Corporation is also the City’s current landscape contractor for the City’s rights-of-way.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Staff has evaluated the agenda item in relationship to the City’s strategic and visioning documents and finds that it relates to the following: City Council Priorities, Sustainability Plan, General Plan, and the 2026-28 Budget.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Submitted by: Prepared by:
Jeremy Swan Cari Dillman
Community Services Director Community Services Manager