Trash, landscaping vendors selected in Dewey

Dewey Beach commissioners unanimously approved beach trash collection and town landscaping contracts at an April 21 meeting.

The town received six proposals for beach trash collection, Town Manager Bill Zolper said. All were asked to come in for an interview, but only five did so, he said.

Interviews were conducted by the town solicitor, town clerk, assistant town manager and Zolper. Each potential contractor was evaluated with the same questions.

Zolper said he recommended commissioners contract with Nelson Warren of ReBeach Surf Raking for beach trash collection. Nelson already operates the beach rake and is familiar with how trash pickup is handled, Zolper said. 

Nelson is local, has backup equipment and employees, and will collect trash in the same manner as the previous vendor, Zolper said. 

Per the contract, beach trash and recycling removal will take place from Chesapeake Street south to Collins Avenue, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Trash and recycling cans will be located on the ocean side of each dune crossing.

Services may begin as early as 6 a.m. and must conclude by 9 p.m., four to five days per week depending on necessity, and should take no more than three hours per day. The yearly contract was approved at just under $25,000.

Cutting Edge Lawn Care Services was the only company to bid on the landscaping contract, said Zolper, who recommended commissioners approve the vendor.

The contract calls for grass mowing, line trimming around obstacles and air sweeping of curbs and sidewalks from May 1 to Sept. 30 at the Lifesaving Station, all of King Charles Avenue, Bayard Avenue from Coastal Highway to Bellevue Street, and Coastal Highway from Fifer’s Market to the Dewey Beach welcome sign.

Weeding of rock beds, center islands and around structures on an as-needed basis is also required at town hall flower beds and the front of town hall, and on Coastal Highway center island median beds from Clayton Street to Collins Avenue.

The yearly contract was approved for just over $20,000.