Title
[Contract Amendment] Extend and Increase Contract for Grazing-Based Vegetation Control in City Parks
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FileID
File ID: 2026-01802
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Location
Location: Districts 1, 2, 3, and 8
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Recommendation
Recommendation: Pass a Motion: 1) authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute Contract Amendment No. 6 to City Agreement No. PRC002739 with Robert Thompson dba Legacy Ranching for grazing-based vegetation control services to extend the contract through December 31, 2028, and increase the total not-to-exceed amount to $641,675 over a five-year term; and 2) resetting the City Manager’s or designee’s authority to execute contract amendments.
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Contact
Contact: Shawn C. Aylesworth, Park Maintenance Manager, (916) 808-4070, scaylesworth@cityofsacramento.org, Department of Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment
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Presenter
Presenter: None
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Attachments
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-Contract Amendment No. 6
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Additional Description/Analysis
IssueDetail
Issue Detail: The Department of Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment (YPCE) provides vegetation control for City parks and open spaces. As an alternative to mowing, grazing is a supplemental service that helps our open spaces become barriers to wildfire instead of hazards. Grazing requires the use of an outside contractor as the City does not own or maintain livestock capable of performing the required vegetation management within City parks and open spaces. The livestock used by the grazing contractor have the additional benefit of not only reducing fire risk, but also reducing soil erosion, improving air and water quality, and lessening impacts to fish and wildlife habitats.
On April 2, 2024 (File ID:2024-00665), Council approved the original contract (PRC002739) with Robert Thompson dba Legacy Ranching for vegetation control services. Contract Amendments 1 through 5 increased the contract amount to $565,700 because additional parks were added to the grazing program, expanding the areas that required vegetation management. Grazing has also proven especially effective in hard-to-reach areas where traditional mowing equipment cannot safely or efficiently operate. Due to the success of grazing services, YPCE requests approval for Contract Amendment No. 6, which will increase the contract by $75,975, for a new not-to-exceed amount of $641,675 and extend the term through December 31, 2028. This will ensure continued vegetation control in City parks and open spaces.
Because the City does not own livestock or have staff trained to manage grazing operations, this service cannot be performed in-house. Grazing requires specialized animals, equipment, and day-to-day care, along with experience managing herd movement and monitoring vegetation conditions. Contracting with a qualified grazing operator ensures the work is performed safely, effectively, and in compliance with environmental standards. Using a contractor also avoids significant ongoing costs that would be required to acquire, house, feed, transport, and maintain livestock.
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PolicyConsiderations
Policy Considerations: The recommendations in this report are in accordance with the provisions of the City Code Chapter 3.56 related to the purchase of services and supplies. The proposed contract amendment exceeds the City Manager’s approval authority and requires Council approval per City Code 3.04.020.
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EconomicImpacts
Economic Impacts: None.
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EnvironmentalConsiderations
Environmental Considerations: The recommended action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under CEQA Guidelines section 15301 (Existing Facilities) because it relates to a contract for maintenance of existing public structures involving no expansion of existing or former use.
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Sustainability
Sustainability: The landscape maintenance services received under this contract will
support the goals of the City of Sacramento's Sustainability Master Plan by contributing to the quality of life by promoting "greening" within the city.
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Commission/Committee Action
Commission/Committee Action: None.
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RationaleforRecommendation
Rationale for Recommendation: In accordance with City Code 3.56, YPCE issued Invitation for Bid No. B24191311003 in January 2024 for grazing-based vegetation control in City parks and open spaces. Five bids were received, and Legacy Ranching was selected as the lowest responsible bidder.
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FinancialConsiderations
Financial Considerations: The original contract began April 15, 2024, with a not-to-exceed amount of $531,375. Subsequent amendments increased the amount to $565,700. The proposed Contract Amendment No. 6 will increase the total contract by $75,975, for a new not-to-exceed amount of $641,675 over five years and extend the contract through December 31, 2028.
There is sufficient funding in YPCE’s current annual operating budget for this amendment. Any future extensions of this contract will be subject to funding availability in the adopted budget of the applicable fiscal year.
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LocalBusinessEnterprise
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): LBE requirements are waived.
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