Consent - Nick Fleischhacker - Deputy Public Works Director
Title
Title
Accept Proposal from Rivard Companies for Tree Removal Services and Authorize Execution of an Agreement
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Executive Summary
Council is requested accept a proposal from Rivard Companies for removal of dead and diseased trees, especially those affected by Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), and authorize an agreement for those services and emergency tree removal.
Background
Emerald Ash Borer has been identified by the City Forester as present in all areas of the City. This disease continues to adversely affect the City’s forestry stock, and the City has identified over 2700 ash trees in the rights of way that will need to be removed over the next several years. EAB removals will likely continue over the next 5-10 years to ensure that the City does not have dangerous ash trees in public areas.
The Public Works department requires contractual labor in the form of tree removal services to remove diseased, dying and dangerous trees throughout the City. Public Works has utilized contractors for years to assist in maintaining its Forestry stock. This quote process recognizes a more formal process of adopting a contractor for forestry services.
The City has also identified the need to retain an emergency contractor to assist with large storm events that exceed the City’s labor forces. This contract allows the City to retain a contractor on a priority basis to ensure the City can recover from storm events as quickly as possible.
The 2022 General Fund Budget appropriated $250,000 for tree removal services and $120,000 of this appropriation remains at this time. A Request for Proposals was issued on July 15, 2022. The request required proposers to quote unit cost for tree and stump removal based on trunk size, allowing the city to select the proposer that could remove the most trees within the $120,000 budget.
Three contractors, Carr’s Tree Service, Inc., The Davey Tree Expert Company, and Rivard Companies responded. Proposals were checked and tabulated, and it has been determined that Rivard Companies of East Bethel, Minnesota would provide the most cost-effective solution for diseased tree removal services for 2022. The Public Works Department has worked with Rivard Companies on previous contracts and recommends their proposal be accepted, and a contract be entered into. Rivard’s proposal is attached.
The funding source for this project would be from funds appropriated to the Public Works Forestry division in the General Fund. There are sufficient funds budgeted to cover these costs.
Strategic Plan Relationship
This service aligns with the City’s strategic plan goals of providing well maintained infrastructure.
Board/Commission Review
None required
Financial Impact
The city appropriated $250,000 for the removal of trees and there remains $120,000 of that appropriation to complete this agreement.
Public Outreach/Input
NA
Staff Recommendation
By motion, accept the proposal from Rivard Companies for tree removal services through the remainder of 2022.
Attachment List
RFP
Rivard Companies Proposal