The City of Sikeston is now soliciting bids for the mowing of approximately 160 properties.

The Land Clearance Redevelopment Authority Board approved the bid proposal during their meeting Tuesday. A portion of the lots belong to the LCRA with the remainder of the lots being nuisance lots within the city. The sealed bids will be received at the Office of the City Clerk, 105 E. Center Street, Sikeston, MO, 63801, until 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, 2023.

Once the bids are unsealed, they will go before the City Council in late March with the contract being effective April 1 through March 31, 2024.

There are a few changes from previous mowing contracts, including this year instead of paying on a “per lot” basis there will be a monthly fee.

Sikeston Code Enforcement Officer Amy Gosnell notified the board of other changes which are:

• Following mowing and trimming, the contractor will be responsible for removing, with a blower or other means, all grass clippings from sidewalks, trails, parking areas, streets, and gutter lines.
• The contractor will pick up trash and litter before each mowing as a part of his work.
• The contractor will pick up any large bulky junk items and take them to the curb, and then contact Sikeston Community Development Director Barry Blevins to have them removed.
• Any vehicles, trailers, or any other large item on lots should also be reported to Blevins for removal.

The number of properties has decreased from 180 to 160 this year, however, some new lots may be added to the list as property maintenance issues arise. Some lots may also be removed from the list as they are sold, or an owner begins upkeep. The list will be provided to the selected contractor each month.

The contractor will mow and trim, following a schedule of two times each month, or 14-day intervals, from April through September. Lots will be inspected for completion every 14 days.

To obtain a bid packet, follow the link: Mowing-Community Development (sikeston.org)

In other action during Tuesday’s LCRA meeting:

• Approved a bid from Jason Moore to purchase 314 Daniel.
• Approved a bid from Teretha Bratcher and Maurice Robinson to purchase 517 Kendall and 517 Kendall rear.
• Approved a bid from Lee Griggs to purchase 523 Coleman and 525 Coleman.
• Approved a bid from Walter L. Bowden to purchase 101 Alabama.
• 404 Jaycee and 215 Adams were added back to the property list. (Feb. 21, 2023)