Title
Resolution to Approve a General Services Contract with Margolis Companies, Inc. for the Purchase, Delivery and Planting of Trees Along City Street Rights-of-Way ($476,432.00; RFP 25-37)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and approval is a resolution to approve a general services contract with Margolis Companies, Inc. in the amount of $476,432.00 for the planting of trees along City street rights-of-way (RFP 25-37).
RFP 25-37 was issued for Street Tree Planting, which included the purchase, delivery, and planting of 1,000 trees along City street rights-of-way, supplemental watering and a one-year guarantee. The trees to be planted as part of this project will be planted in areas identified in the FY2026 Street Tree Planting Plans. The Street Tree Planting Plans, which were included as part of RFP 25-37, are attached. Street trees decrease the quantity of stormwater runoff and improve the quality of the run-off that reaches local lakes and streams.
Two proposals were received by the City’s Procurement Unit and publicly opened on August 21, 2025. A selection committee comprised of Public Services staff reviewed the proposals and determined which bidder was the Best Value based on the criteria in ORD-21-41:
• Qualifications, Experience, & Accountability (20%)
• Workplace Safety (20%)
• Workforce Development (20%)
• Social Equity & Sustainability (20%)
• Schedule of Pricing/Cost (20%)
After reviewing and scoring proposals, staff ranked the responding firms in the following order:
1. Margolis Companies, Inc.
2. Guardian Tree Experts, LLC
Margolis Companies, Inc. received the highest score among the proposals reviewed by the selection committee. Therefore, staff recommends awarding the contract for this project to Margolis Companies, Inc. Margolis Companies, Inc. complies with the City’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage ordinances.
Sustainability Framework
The work completed through this contract will help to achieve tree canopy targets identified in the Urban and Community Forest Management Plan, adopted by City Council in June 2014 (R-14-0696). 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 Impact: This project is included in the City’s Capital Improvements Plan (UT-ST-24-19). Funding for this project is included in the approved FY26 capital budget of the Stormwater Sewer System Fund.
Staff
Prepared by: Robert West, Public Works Assistant Manager
Reviewed by: Paul Matthews, Public Works Manager
Jordan Roberts, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Ann Arbor’s urban 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, The City’s Urban and Community Forest Management Plan has identified tree planting as an important component in maintaining a sustainable urban forest;
Whereas, Street trees help mitigate problems associated with stormwater runoff;
Whereas, Bids were received by the Procurement Unit on August 21, 2025 and Margolis Companies, Inc. of Ypsilanti, Michigan received the highest score among the proposals reviewed by the selection committee;
Whereas, The contract provides for an extension of two (2) one-year terms, subject to the same terms, conditions and pricing of the original contract, if agreeable by the City and Contractor;
Whereas, Margolis Companies, Inc. complies with the City’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage Ordinances; and
Whereas, Funding for this project is included in the approved FY26 capital budget of the Stormwater Sewer System Fund;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve a General Services Agreement with Margolis Companies, Inc. in the amount of $476,432.00 for the purchase, delivery and planting of trees along City street rights-of-way (RFP 25-37);
RESOLVED, That a contract contingency in the amount of $47,643.00 (10%) be established and the City Administrator be authorized to approve change orders to the contract with Margolis Companies, Inc. not to exceed that amount, in order to satisfactorily complete this project;
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to extend the agreement for two (2) one-year terms with an additional not-to-exceed $476,432.00 for each renewal period, provided both parties agree to the extension subject to the same terms, conditions and pricing of the original contract and availability of funding;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute said agreement after approval as to form by the City Attorney and approval as to substance by the City Administrator;
RESOLVED, That funding for the contract and contingency amount be available for the life of the project until expended without regard to fiscal year; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take the necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.