ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works with a Request for the Following:
A. APPROVE the Reinstatement of Funding in the City of Peoria 2020 - 2021 BIENNIAL ANNUAL BUDGET, in the Amount of $100,000.00, for the Public Works FORESTRY SERVICES Line Item in the Stormwater Fund;
B. APPROVE an Increase, in an Amount not to Exceed $70,000.00, Relating to the Approved CONTRACT with JIMAX through December 31, 2020, for Tree/Stump Removal by Size and Brush Trimming by Hourly Rates and an Increase, in an Amount not to Exceed $30,000.00, Relating to the Approved Contract with JIMAX through December 31, 2020, for Emergency Tree and Brush Trimming by Hourly Rates.
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BACKGROUND: A Request for Proposals (RFP) was created in 2019 by Public Works staff for the removal of trees and tree stumps on public properties throughout the City of Peoria on an emergency basis. Typically, this work is due to damage caused by a storm, high winds or heavy snow or ice and cannot wait to be scheduled during normal working hours.
The original fund amount in Public Works Forestry Services Account #8013023-503602 was $200,000 for day-to-day forestry services and emergency tree and stump removal; however, due to COVID-19 budget constraints, $100,000 was slated to be reduced from the account and services. While Public Works staff continues to diligently prioritize and address these needs, and considering the damage done during the recent storms in July and August 2020.
There are still numerous damaged or downed trees, in addition to the day-to-day dead, diseased or Emerald Ash Borer infested trees, that need to be removed from public rights-of-way. It is imperative that we keep tree debris from the stormwater system as clogged drains can lead to localized flooding. As such, the budget reduction has proven to be unsustainable. In an effort to cover these anticipated costs for the remainder of 2020, Public Works staff requests the $100,000 be reinstated for the 2020 Forestry Service’s needs.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Funding is provided in the 2020 Operating Budget Account for Public Works Forestry Service Account #8013023-503602.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Hazardous and/or downed trees in the public rights-of-way due to storms or are dying or diseased can be removed in a timely manner, no longer posing a threat to citizens and property. Failure to remove said trees will drastically increase the blight of neighborhoods of Peoria and decrease property values.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: Hazardous and/or downed trees as well as dying or diseased trees in the public rights-of-way can be removed in a timely manner and no longer pose a threat to citizens and property.
IMPACT IF DENIED: Hazardous and/or downed trees or those dying or diseased in the public rights-of-way could cause injury to citizens and damage to property. The Public Works Department does not have the equipment to remove the larger trees nor sufficient staff to address the forestry needs, especially emergency issues, in a timely manner and, therefore, would be unsustainable.
ALTERNATIVES: As directed by City Council.
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: Not applicable.
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2017 - 2032 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Safe Peoria
2. Beautiful Peoria
3. Financially Sound City Government
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Reinvest in neighborhoods.
2. Support sustainability.
3. Have an efficient government.
DEPARTMENT: Public Works