Report Prepared by: Jamie Cruz, Management Analyst - Public Works
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of Services Agreement with Vestis Services, LLC, in the Annual Amount of $97,750 for Uniform Rental and Cleaning Services of Work Apparel and Miscellaneous Items for a Two (2) Year Term Beginning July 1, 2025 Through June 30, 2027, with an Option to Extend the Agreement for Three (3) Additional One (1) Year Term(s) Through June 30, 2030
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Services Agreement with Vestis Services, LLC, in the annual amount of $97,750 for uniform rental and cleaning services of work apparel and miscellaneous items for the Public Works, Airport, and Parks and Recreation Departments.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the services agreement with Vestis Services, LLC, in the annual amount of $97,750 for uniform rental and cleaning services of work apparel and miscellaneous items for a period of two-years, with an option to renew for a maximum of (3) three additional one-year periods; and,
B. Approving future amendments to adjust the number of uniforms and miscellaneous items provided based on staffing levels, or changes in uniform safety and visibility needs; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager or the Deputy City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommend by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200 et seq.
Services with an estimated value greater than $38,000.00 are made by written contract in accordance with Merced Municipal Code, Title 3 - Revenue and Finance, Chapter 3.04.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the proposed 2025-26 budget.
DISCUSSION
The Public Works Department recently invited proposals to provide uniform rental and cleaning services of work apparel, including cotton shirts, hi-visibility shirts, industrial pants, denim jeans, coveralls, and laboratory coats, as well as other miscellaneous items including floor mats, towels, floor mops, seat/ground covers, and air fresheners. Services include weekly laundering of eleven (11) sets of uniforms per typical employee, as well as weekly service of towels and bi-weekly service of mats.
Public Works, Airport, and Parks and Recreation Department job classifications requiring uniforms include employees across all divisions, excluding office personnel. These classifications range from Refuse Equipment Operators and Street Sweepers, to Mechanics, Park Workers, Maintenance Workers, and Traffic Signal Technicians. It is essential to department operations to maintain proper uniform inventory levels, professional appearance, appropriate sizing, and stay in line with applicable safety standards (such as hi-visibility shirts for employees working near the roadway).
Two vendors responded to the request for proposals (RFP), including:
• Vestis Services, LLC (Merced)
• UniFirst Corporation (Fresno)
Vestis Services, LLC (Vestis), formerly operating under the names Ameripride and Aramark Uniform Services, has provided uniform services to the Public Works Department since 1999. In addition to being a local vendor, Vestis continues to offer the overall lowest pricing for uniform services compared to its competitors.
The annual contract amount of $97,750 is based on current inventory levels and uniform selections. This amount may fluctuate as staffing levels change, including one-time preparation charges for employee turnover, or as the need to transition to different uniform styles arises. As such, staff is requesting Council approve future contract amendments to allow for these types of adjustments.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Funding will be included in the Fiscal Year 2025/26 proposed budget for the WWTP (6000), Water (6001), Refuse (6002), Fleet (7005), Facilities (7007), Streets (3001), General Fund Parks (1000), CFD Parks (4504), Airport (6003), and Parks and Recreation (1018) account lines, subject to Council’s approval of the Fiscal Year 2025/26 budget.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Cost Comparison
2. Services Agreement