Title
Resolution to Award a Contract to The Davey Tree Expert Company for Routine Street Tree Pruning ($674,020.00; ITB-4636)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to approve a general services contract with The Davey Tree Expert Company (Davey) for routine street tree pruning in the amount of $674,020.00.
ITB-4636, Street Tree Routine Pruning, was issued on BidNet for the pruning of trees along City street rights-of-way. Four bids were received as follows and opened on July 9, 2020. Davey was the lowest responsible bidder.
1. Davey - average cost per tree $128.46
2. CHOP - average cost per tree $165.83
3. Urban Tree- bid withdrawn
4. Michigan Grounds Crew- non-responsive
The tree pruning activities under the contract focus on pruning street trees to manage tree health, develop/improve structure, mitigate risk, provide clearance, and improve aesthetics. The work completed through this contract continue the routine street tree pruning cycle as described in the Urban and Community Forest Management Plan (UCFMP) adopted by City Council in June 2014 (R-14-0696).
Routine tree pruning is an important component of a sustainable urban and community forest management program. Trees pruned on a routine basis develop proper form and structure leading to a variety of benefits, including:
• Lower cost per tree trimmed compared to reactive pruning done in response to storm damage, sight clearance, or immediate hazards
• Early identification and correction of insect/disease problems leading to less tree mortality
• Reduction in storm related tree damage
• Lower future maintenance costs
• Reduction in tree-related service requests and improved customer service
• Development of a healthy and sustainable urban and community forest
In addition, a healthy urban forest is an integral part of our Stormwater System. Trees in the urban environment decrease the quantity of stormwater run-off and improve the quality of run-off that eventually reaches local lakes, streams, and reservoirs. Ann Arbor’s public trees intercept 65 million gallons of stormwater.
Sustainability Framework: The Work completed under this contract continues to help 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 Ecosystems.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: Funding is available in the approved FY21 Stormwater Fund Operations and Maintenance Budget.
The resolution includes a 5% contingency in the amount of $33,701.00 to cover potential change orders to be approved by the City Administrator.
Staff
Prepared by: Tiffany Giacobazzi, Urban Forestry & Natural Resources Planning Coordinator, Public Works
Reviewed by: Craig Hupy, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Tom Crawford, Interim 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,” make it a desirable place to live, work and play;
Whereas, Routine tree pruning is an important component of a sustainable urban and community forest management program, and initiation of a routine street tree pruning cycle is a recommendation of the City Council adopted Urban and Community Forest Management Plan;
Whereas, A healthy urban forest is an integral component of our Stormwater System, intercepting 65 million gallons of stormwater and improving the quality of run-off that reaches local lakes, streams, and reservoirs;
Whereas, Competitive bids for routine street tree pruning were received by Purchasing on July 9, 2020;
Whereas, The Davey Tree Expert Company, submitted a bid that offered the most advantageous combination of low price and highest qualifications/experience in performing tree pruning as part of a municipal street tree pruning program;
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, The Davey Tree Expert Company has performed routine street tree pruning as part of FY18 street tree pruning contract to the satisfaction of the City; and
Whereas, The Davey Tree Expert Company complies with the City’s non-discrimination and Living Wage Ordinances;
RESOLVED, That City Council approves a contract with The Davey Tree Expert Company for routine street tree pruning along city street rights-of-way in select areas of the city (ITB 4636) in the amount of $674,020.00;
RESOLVED, That a contract contingency in the amount of $33,701.00 (5%) be established and the City Administrator be authorized to approve change orders to the contract with The Davey Tree Expert Company to satisfactorily complete this project;
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to extend the contract for two (2) one-year terms, provided both parties agree to extension subject to the same terms, conditions and pricing of the original contract and subject to the annual appropriation of funds;
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.