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ADOPT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE REMOVAL OF CITY STREET TREES AND STUMPS
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to:
1. Approve the Notice of Exemption No. NOE04-21 under the California Environmental Quality Act for Removal of City Street Trees and Stumps, Project No. WP21024.
2. Approve the specifications for Removal of City Street Trees and Stumps, Project No. WP21024.
3. Award a Construction Contract in the amount of $622,650 to The Original Mowbray’s Tree Service, Inc. of San Bernardino, CA, for Removal of City Street Trees and Stumps, Project No. WP21024.
It is also recommended that the City Manager be authorized to take appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this resolution.
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Summary
The Removal of City Street Trees and Stumps, Project No. WP21024, will remove approximately 308 dead or unhealthy City street trees and approximately 1,800 tree stumps at 1,723 address locations throughout the City (Attachments A and B). This project will eliminate the City’s current backlog list of non-emergency trees and stumps needing removal.
On January 14, 2021, the City received six bids for this project. Staff recommends award of the Construction Contract to the lowest responsive bidder, The Original Mowbray’s Tree Service, Inc., in the amount of $622,650. Staff also recommends that Council adopt a resolution approving Notice of Exemption No. NOE04-21 under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and approving the specifications for the project. Construction is anticipated to begin in early spring 2021 and be completed by fall 2021, weather permitting.
DISCUSSION
Background
The Public Works Department has one Tree Crew, with five crew members, performing primarily emergency tree removals and public safety services, such as stop sign and stop signal clearance trimming. This single crew is unable to keep pace with the demand for removal of dead and dying trees. Contracted services are utilized to remove large trees that are in the worst condition. Services are typically bid on a unit price basis according to the size of the tree as funding allows. Removal locations are determined by public calls for service and field inspections by Public Works’ staff.
There are approximately 90,000 City trees. Many trees have reached the end of their useful life or have succumbed to disease or pest infestation and now require removal.
On November 17, 2020, by Resolution No. 2020-11-17-1405, Council allocated $3.4 million in discretionary funding for park and tree improvement projects, including the removal of approximately 308 dead or unhealthy City street trees and approximately 1,800 tree stumps at 1,723 address locations throughout the City. This project will eliminate the City’s current backlog list of non-emergency trees and stumps needing removal.
On July 26, 2016, Council adopted a Community Workforce and Training Agreement (CWTA). The CWTA became effective August 25, 2016 and applies to all Public Works projects over $1 million that are bid after that date. On July 16, 2019, by Motion No. 2019-07-16-1403, Council extended the CWTA term to August 25, 2024.
Present Situation
On December 23, 2020, the Removal of City Street Trees and Stumps, Project No. WP21024, was advertised for bids. On January 14, 2021, six bids were received with the following results:
COMPANY NAME BID AMOUNT ADJUSTED BID AMOUNT
(local preference applied)
The Original Mowbray’s Tree Service,
Inc. (San Bernardino, CA) $ 622,650.00 $ 622,650.00
Arbor Pros, LLC
(Reno, NV) $ 674,115.66 $ 674,115.66
Joe’s Landscaping and Concrete, Inc.
(Newman, CA) $ 867,750.00 $ 867,750.00
ArborWorks, Inc.
(Los Gatos, CA) $ 897,091.25 $ 897,091.25
West Coast Arborists, Inc.
(Stockton, CA) $1,150,820.00 $1,093,279.00
Mountain F Enterprises, Inc.
(Folsom, CA) $1,190,175.00 $1,190,175.00
Engineer’s Estimate $ 1,237,350.00
The CWTA applies because the engineer’s estimate is over the $1 million threshold amount. The requirements of Stockton Municipal Code (SMC) section 3.68.090, Local Business Preference, apply to this project. West Coast Arborists, Inc. is located within City limits and is entitled to a five percent bid preference. Application of the Local Business Preference has no effect on the bid result.
The bid from The Original Mowbray’s Tree Service, Inc., the lowest responsive bidder, is regular in all respects. The Original Mowbray’s Tree Services, Inc. has the proper license to perform the work, and their bid is approximately 50 percent lower than the engineer’s estimate. Staff recommends Council approve the specifications for the project and award a Construction Contract to The Original Mowbray’s Tree Service, Inc. in the amount of $622,650.
The project is in conformance with the City’s General Plan, pursuant to California Government Code section 65402, and is categorically exempt from the requirements of CEQA as specified under Section 15304 of the CEQA guidelines. As a result, the project has been granted a Categorical Exemption. The activities related to this project constitute a discretionary project under the City’s jurisdiction and qualifies as a project that does not have a significant effect on the environment. The resolution will approve the filing of Notice of Exemption No. NOE04-21 under CEQA. Construction is anticipated to begin in early spring 2021 and be completed by fall 2021, weather permitting.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
There are sufficient funds available in The Removal of City Street Trees and Stumps, Project No. WP21024, Account No. 4550;100-000 (formerly PW2124, Account No. 10-3071-590), to award a Construction Contract in the amount of $622,650 to The Original Mowbray’s Tree Service, Inc.
There is no additional impact to the City’s General Fund or any other unrestricted fund as a result of taking the recommended actions.
Attachment A - Location Map Stump Removals
Attachment B - Location Map Tree Removals