ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works with Request for Approval of an AGREEMENT with DAVEY RESOURCE GROUP for the Amount of $84,100.00 to Complete a TREE INVENTORY AND MANAGEMENT PLAN. (Also Refer to 13-142) [All Council Districts]
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BACKGROUND:
In February 2013, the City of Peoria requested proposals for a tree inventory, management plan and software. Proposals were received from Davey Resource Group, Arbor Pro, and Dewberry. The proposal of Davey Resource Group was approved by Council on March 26, 2013 under Item #13-142, for a contract of $75,250. The work was started in June 2013 and finished by the end of summer. Unfortunately, the number of trees on the right of way (ROW) was underestimated, and only 43% of the City streets were surveyed before the funds were expended.
That survey by Davey Resource Group identified over 500 trees on the ROW that needed to be removed. Also, the survey identified over 600 ash trees on the right of way. The emerald ash borer has been discovered in Peoria County which will affect all ash trees. Since the City can be held liable for damage caused by hazardous trees, it is important to have a tree management plan in place.
A request for proposals for completion of the survey was issued on October, 13, 2014. Nine (9) proposals were sent and two (2) responses were received. The proposals were reviewed and ranked by Scott Reeise, City Engineer; Chris Switzer, Purchasing Agent; David Haste, Streets, Sewers and Forestry Manager; and Randall Swenson, Public Works Planner. Davey Resource Group was ranked first and Arbor Pro was ranked second. Attached is the scoring matrix for the rankings.
The scope of work by Davey Resource Group includes data gathered by an experienced staff of certified arborists who will use field data collectors that will collect GPS locations of each tree. Information on each tree location will include species, tree size, condition, and maintenance needs which could be removal, tree cleaning, young tree training, and stump removal. A risk assessment will be done for each tree location. All of this information will be entered into the Tree Keeper 7 software which City Staff is already using.
Davey is prepared to start in January 2015 and be completed by the end of April 2015.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Funds are available in account 101-3124-542-36.02, Forestry Service.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Dead, diseased or hazardous trees are a danger to the public.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: The tree inventory can be completed along with a comprehensive tree management plan.
IMPACT IF DENIED: The City's tree management plan will remain incomplete, leaving the City liable for damages caused by hazardous trees on the ROW.
ALTERNATIVES: As directed by Council.
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: Davey Resource Group has current EEO #03200-151231.
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL'S 2014 - 2029 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Attractive Neighborhoods with Character: Safe and Livable
2. Financially Sound City Government, Effective City Organization
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Have an efficient government.
2. Support sustainability.
3. Reinvest in neighborhoods.
DEPARTMENT: Public Works