City approves new downtown snow removal contractor

For the first time in recent memory, a new contractor will remove snow from downtown Mt. Pleasant.

City commissioners unanimously approved a bid from Green Scene Landscaping to remove snow from downtown sidewalks, the 12 downtown parking spaces and parking lots after former contractor Norm Curtiss informed city officials in November that he could no longer do the job.

City Manager Nancy Ridley told commissioners that Curtiss, owner of Downtown Discount, provided the service for at least 15 years.

City officials sent out bids last month, expecting prices would be higher because of Curtiss’ likely lower price and the late timeline, Ridley said.

Green Scene submitted the only bid, and the city’s principal shopping district board recommended commissioners accept the bid, which calls for a cost of $600 per snow removal event, $700 per salting and an overall $40,000 cap for the season.

Salting and snow removal will take place at the request of Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller based on consulting with the city street supervisor, Ridley said in a memo to commissioners.

In the event of a worstcase scenario of exceeding the $ 40,000, there are adequate funds to cover snow removal in the principal shopping district fund balance to cover any potential increased costs, Ridley noted.

Ridley also told commissioners that the bid process will begin earlier next year and will likely result in a lower cost for the city.