Representatives from Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield and the City of Hinesville met at Club Stewart June 25 to sign an inter-governmental service agreement for lawn maintenance inside post.
Fort Stewart Garrison Commander Col. Bryan Logan, said the agreement will allow the City of Hinesville to provide grass cutting services to approximately 5,000 acres in the living areas of Fort Stewart as well as lawn maintenance for the 54 cemeteries currently located inside base.
Logan said the agreement forms a bond between the city and Fort Stewart providing a service that the Army usually had to contract out. Logan added the agreement offers a 30 percent savings to their previous expenditure for the same maintenance and keeps the money locally in Hinesville.
“It is a tremendous asset and helps in taking care of the property here on Fort Stewart,” Logan said.
The contract goes into effect Aug. 1, 2020.
According to a press release issued by the City after the ceremony, the project began approximately 18 months ago when city officials began to look at more opportunities for future partnerships with the US Army after a workshop on at Hunter Army Airfield with FSHAAF staff members.
Hinesville Mayor Allen Brown and Col. Logan ceremoniously signed a cardboard representation of the agreement which read:
“Let it be known that Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield and the City of Hinesville enter into an inter-governmental service agreement wherein the City of Hinesville provides ground maintenance services for the Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield community, effective Aug. 1, 2020. This agreement is a testament to the partnership of the communities represented and further serves as a collaboration that is of benefit to all stakeholders and members.”
Logan said the workers will be vetted and provided with identification cards so they will be able to enter Fort Stewart as needed to do their jobs.
Brown said they were happy to be celebrating the signing of the agreement which was a collaboration with city partners to include ESG Operations.
“We are always looking for ways to show our support for Fort Stewart and to serve those who serve our country,” Brown said, “This project is almost two years in the making and helps us plan for and accommodate growth on both sides of the fence. It goes without saying that I’m grateful to our city staff for helping making this happen and for our excellent relationship with ESG Operations and appreciate all the services they provide.”
ESG is the City’s services partner under a Public Works and Utilities Operations and Maintenance contract.
In addition to the operations, maintenance and management of the City’s water and wastewater treatment facilities, ESG also provides public works services including streets and drainage, stormwater, parks and grounds, fleet maintenance, sanitation, meter reading, and construction maintenance.
“The Hinesville – Fort Stewart Grounds Maintenance contract is the direct result of meetings, research, presentations and dedication from both sides of the fence. We are proud of the results and looking forward to beginning this partnership and carrying it out over the next ten years – along with exploring the possibilities of additional ventures in the future,” said Kenneth Howard, Hinesville City Manager.
Logan said the agreement is for 10 years.
During their regular City Council meeting June 18, the Mayor and Council approved the purchase of nine 72-ich zero turn mowers to Claxton Saw for $99,450.00. Previously the city awarded the purchase of 12 Grasshopper lawnmowers to Quik Kut at the April 2nd council meeting. But after reviewing the warranty, oil system, service requirements, suspension systems, spindle housings, and after having a discussion with the current contractor the city advertised for bid on the zero turn mowers. Claxton Saw had the lowest price saving the City $19,602.