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HomeMy WebLinkAboutC31190 Greens Fertilizer Products for Desert Willows Golf Resort Fiscal Year End 2012REQUEST: SUBMITTED BY CONTRACTOR DATE: Recommendation CITY OF PALM DESERT STAFF REPORT AUTHORIZATION TO NEGOTIATE WIT SUPPORT, LLC (PHOENIX, AZ) FOR PRODUCTS FOR DESERT WILLOW GOLF YEAR ENDING (FYE) 2012 (Contract No. Heather Buck, Project Coordinator Southwest Turf Support, LLC PO Box 72866 Phoenix, AZ 85050 September 29, 2011 By Minute Motion: H SOUTHWEST TURF GREENS FERTILIZER RESORT FOR FISCAL C31190) 1. Authorize staff and the Desert Willow Golf Resort to negotiate with Southwest Turf Support, LLC for greens fertilizer products for FYE 2012 in an amount not to exceed the approved budget; (Contract No. C31190) 2. Determine the golf course greens fertilizer must be sole sourced; and 3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract. Funds are available in Desert Willow Fund 520. Executive Summary In an effort to increase competition in the bidding process and take advantage of economies of scale, staff is procuring bid proposals for most fertilizer products for Desert Willow in conjunction with the annual Public Works fertilizer bid process for the FYE 2012. However, the greens at Desert Willow require a specialized fertilizer and therefore, staff is requesting authorization to negotiate with the sole provider, Southwest Turf Support, LLC for this product line. Background Southwest Turf Support, LLC is the sole and exclusive distributor for Floratine Products Group in Riverside County. Floratine manufactured products are covered by two patents, USPTO patent nos. 5,250,500 and 5,188,655. All Floratine products are manufactured under proprietary procedures. Floratine products have a long track record of being used on golf course putting greens. Golf course putting greens receive a scheduled program of products based on physical soil analysis throughout the year, keeping putting green health at its optimum. The products are applied as a mixed solution through foliar spray (liquid fertilizer) applications. Staff Report Authorization to Negotiate for Greens Fertilizer Products for Desert Willow Golf Resort September 29, 2011 Page 2 of 3 The mixed solution used consists of several products based on the specific needs of the turf during any particular growing season. The specific need is determined through soil and tissue testing. The flexibility of this structure is vital in providing superior putting quality as well as controlling pathogens, insect populations, and weed invasion. This process of testing the soil allows for different custom -blended mixes throughout the year calibrated to the current condition of the course, weather, or golf activity. There are several distinguishing characteristics that are unique to Floratine products that cannot be provided by other manufacturers: The Floratine Products Group addresses the total health needs of the turf. Other companies do not have the constituents for total health and address only turf growth rate and aesthetics: a. The key bio-stimulant constituents of the products are of a phytochemical content, affecting the plant hormone levels and are designed for foliar (through the leaves) absorption. b. Nutrient products contain organic acids that increase and enhance nutrient utilization. This provides a more efficient uptake of nutrients by the plants. c. Manganese based products have a higher percentage of manganese and contain antioxidants, which aid in reducing negative chain reactions within the plant. This aids the plants in combating stress and recuperating quickly. d. Stabilized oxygen is also used in several products to increase soil oxygen levels to promote plant defense and recovery systems. This allows the plants to recuperate better from stress such as cold weather, wear, compaction, and heat. 2. These products are designed for use with non -potable irrigation water: a. Organic chelates are used within calcium carbonate liquids, which is vital in managing the high sodium levels present in non -potable irrigation water sources. b. Calcium based products contain glucoheptonate acid to aid in solubilizing soil nutrients. This is vital in managing the high sodium and bicarbonate levels associated with using non -potable irrigation water sources. 3. The products are also designed specifically for use on golf courses: a. Silicon translocation is necessary to provide wear tolerance against low mowing heights of cut, vertical mowing and extensive foot traffic. This component aids in the recuperative potential of the greens. 4. Additionally, they provide several features that contribute to efficiency of turf maintenance: a. Amino acid components are complete combinations that do not require nitrogen applications for efficacy or growth response, thereby eliminating the need for a separate application of an additional product. '.ASrv-ril2k3\yroups\rdaAHeather Bu(,kVDesert fthc) Annual RFPs\FertilizerAStfDWSoleSource FertlzerFYE2012.doc Staff Report Authorization to Negotiate for Greens Fertilizer Products for Desert Willow Golf Resort September 29, 2011 Page 3 of 3 b. Humic acid components are of a higher total humic percentage and do not contain fulvic acid. This ensures the soil particles don't become resistant to water retention and create dry spots in the turf. Floratine products are used on several other Coachella Valley golf courses with similar conditions, including, but not limited to: 1. SilverRock Resort, La Quinta 2. The Springs Country Club, Rancho Mirage 3. The Citrus Club at La Quinta Resort, La Quinta Floratine products are flexible in addressing specific forms of plant stress brought on by the extreme desert environment, non -potable water use and physical impact of the game of golf. Other companies do not have the variety of specific products and ingredients to address these individual forms of plant stress. Staff has reviewed the sole source request with the City of Palm Desert Landscape Manager and City Attorney and recommends that the City Council authorize staff and the Desert Willow Golf Resort to negotiate with Southwest Turf Support, LLC for greens fertilizer products for the Desert Willow Golf Resort for FYE 2012. Fiscal Analysis The actual quantities of the greens fertilizer products purchased for FYE 2012 will be on an as needed basis dependent on many factors directly related to the turf and soil conditions. The Desert Willow Golf Resort golf course superintendent is responsible for the determination of the application and use of the fertilizers. No appropriation is required; funding is available in the current budget. Submitted By: Hea her Buck, Project Coordinator kfartin Alvarez, Redevelopment Manager Department Head: McCarthy, ACM forB�e4velopment I /� Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance CITY COUNCIL ACTION APPROVED ✓ - DENIED RECEIVED OTIIEll MEETING DATE AYES: NOES: Nclll(. — ABSENT: 14on P ABSTAIN: ,'7)4P __-- G:Vda\Heather Buck\Desert Willow\Annual RFPs\Fertilizer\StfDWSoleSourceFertilzerFygmROII' IED BY: --- Original on File with City Clcrk's fiice