Title
Resolution Awarding a 1-Year Contract to The Davey Tree Expert Company for Park Tree Care (NTE $450,000.00, Bid No. ITB-4558)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to approve a 1-year contract with Davey Tree Expert Company for up to $450,000.00 worth of park tree care services. Work under this contract includes tree pruning, tree removal, stump grinding, and emergency tree work in the City of Ann Arbor Parks and Natural Areas. The focus of the work the City will order under this contract will be pruning approximately 600 trees.
Routine pruning is an important component of a sustainable community forest management program. Trees pruned on a routine basis develop proper form and structure, leading to a variety of benefits, including:
o Lower cost per tree trimmed compared to reactive pruning
o Early identification and correction of problems, diminishing tree mortality
o Reduction in storm related tree damage
o Lower future maintenance costs
o Reduction in tree-related service requests and improved customer service
o Development of a healthy and sustainable urban and community forest
The City received two bids for this work, but The Davey Tree Expert Company was the sole responsive bidder. Staff recommends moving forward with their bid based in part on past experience with Davey.
Areas of highest need will be identified, with an emphasis on neighborhood parks. The contract also includes funding for the removal of diseased or otherwise dangerous trees. Parks planned for pruning include Allmendinger, Burns, Huron Highlands, Maryfield/Wildwood, Meadowbrook, Scheffler, and Windemere.
Sustainability Framework
The work to be completed under this contract moves the City towards fully implementing Recommendation #1 of the Urban and Community Forest Management Plan, to implement a proactive routine maintenance program. In addition, it will help further goals in the City’s Sustainability Framework, including Sustainable Systems, Clean Air and Water, and Healthy Ecosystem.
Budget/Fiscal Impacts
Funding is available for this contract in the approved FY19 Parks and Recreation Park Operation Millage Maintenance Budget and will be included in the budget plan for FY20 and FY21.
The Park Advisory Commission unanimously recommended approval of this contract at their February 26, 2019 meeting.
Staff
Prepared by: Scott Spooner, Deputy Manager, Parks and Recreation
Reviewed by: Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Ann Arbor’s park and community forest is a defining and valued characteristic of the city that residents call “Tree Town,” making it a desirable place to live, work and play;
Whereas, Routine tree pruning is an important component of a sustainable forest management program;
Whereas, Competitive bids for park tree care were received on January 23, 2019;
Whereas, The Davey Tree Expert Company submitted the sole responsible bid and possesses the qualifications needed for this contract;
Whereas, The Davey Tree Expert Company complies with the City Non-Discrimination and Living Wage Ordinances;
Whereas, The Park Advisory Commission unanimously recommended approval of this contract at their February 26, 2019 meeting; and
Whereas, The contract amount of up to $450,000.00 is available in the approved FY19 Park Operations Millage Maintenance budget;
RESOLVED, That a one-year contract be awarded to The Davey Tree Expert Company for up to $450,000.00 in park tree pruning, removal, stump grinding, and emergency tree work services in City parks;
RESOLVED, That the Administrator may, in his discretion, extend the contract for up to two additional 1-year periods under the same terms and conditions, contingent upon available funding;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute said contract after approval as to form by the City Attorney and approval as to substance by the City Administrator; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take the necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.