Exhibit 1 - Agenda Information SheetCity of Denton
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AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
DEPARTMENT: Procurement
ACM: Cassey Ogden
DATE: June 27, 2023
SUBJECT
Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, a Texas home-rule municipal corporation,
authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with NaturChem, Inc. dba Opterra Solutions, Inc., to
spray twenty-six electric Substation sites for weed control for Denton Municipal Electric; providing for the
expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an effective date (IFB 8256 – awarded to NaturChem, Inc. dba
Opterra Solutions, Inc., in the five (5) year not to exceed amount of $185,000).
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
This action supports Key Focus Area: Enhance Infrastructure and Mobility
INFORMATION/BACKGROUND
The City of Denton, Texas in responsible for maintaining the infrastructure of DME’s electric grid that
serves the citizens of Denton. The electric grid has seventeen (17) DME-owned substations, three (3)
TMPA-owned interchanges, and (6) additional sites that DME is responsible for maintaining. One part of
the maintenance DME performs every year is vegetation control at Substations sites. Restricting the
vegetation from growing inside the station’s yards is beneficial for several reasons. Vegetation growing
inside the facilities increases the presence of pests such as rodents, birds, and rabbits, which in turn attract
snakes. Snakes are attracted to electric equipment which can cause damage to equipment. Vegetation can
also damage the ground grid that is buried 12 to 18 inches beneath the rock. The ground grid protects the
equipment and personnel in the yard. The reliability of the electric grid could be affected if vegetation is
not well controlled. Considering the high cost of this equipment, proactive maintenance increases the
reliability of the electric grid which is better for the citizens of Denton.
Project Description Estimated 5-Year Expenditure
Vegetation Control Year 1 $ 30,884
Vegetation Control Year 2 $ 30,884
Vegetation Control Year 3 $ 30,884
Vegetation Control Year 4 $ 30,884
Vegetation Control Year 5 $ 30,884
Contingency $30,580
Total $185,000
City Hall
215 E. McKinney Street
Denton, Texas
www.cityofdenton.com
Invitation for Bids were sent to 150 prospective suppliers, including 17 Denton firms, of this item. In
addition, specifications were placed on the Procurement website for prospective suppliers to download and
advertised in the local newspaper. Six (6) bids were received and evaluated. NaturChem Inc. provided the
lowest, responsive bidder and determined to be the best value for the City.
NIGP Code Used for Solicitation: 988 - roadside, grounds, recreational
and park area services
Notifications sent for Solicitation sent in IonWave: 150
Number of Suppliers that viewed Solicitation in IonWave: 16
HUB-Historically Underutilized Business Invitations sent out: 16
SBE-Small Business Enterprise Invitations sent out: 67
Responses from Solicitation: 6
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On June 26, 2023, this item will be presented to the Public Utilities Board (PUB) for consideration.
RECOMMENDATION
Award a contract with NaturChem Inc, for Vegetation Control for Denton Municipal Electric, in the 5-year
not-to-exceed amount of $185,000.
SUSTAINABILITY MEASURES
Relationship to Sustainability Framework
Proper vegetation control will help maintain the integrity of DME’s electric grid.
Goal 1: Keep the yards clear of vegetation to maintain the reliability of the electric grid for the citizens
of Denton.
PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS
NaturChem Inc.
Lexington, SC
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
This is a five (5) year contract.
FISCAL INFORMATION
These services will be funded from Substation’s Maintenance accounts 600400.6528.5920 and
600400.6528.5700. Requisition #160302 has been entered into the Purchasing software system in the
amount of $30,884. The budgeted amount for this item is $60,000 per year.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1: Agenda Information Sheet
Exhibit 2: Bid Tabulation
Exhibit 3: Ordinance and Contract
Respectfully submitted:
Lori Hewell, 940-349-7100
Purchasing Manager
For information concerning this acquisition, contact: Sam Bridges, 940-349-7600.
Legal point of contact: Marcella Lunn at 940-349-8333.