HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/02/2000, C13 - CONTRACT FOR TREE PRUNING SERVICES council Z
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C I TY O F SAN LU I S OBISPO
FROM: Michael D. McCluskey, Public Works Director
PREPARED BY: David Elliott, Administrative Analyst`j�;2
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SUBJECT: CONTRACT FOR TREE PRUNING SERVICES
CAO RECOMMENDATIONS:
1) Approve the"Notice Inviting Bids to Furnish Tree Pruning Services, Specification No.
90150"
2) Authorize Public Works to advertise for bids
3) Authorize the City Administrative Officer to award the contract
DISCUSSION
The City has a long-standing policy of using contractors where appropriate for ongoing
operations and maintenance services. Public Works contracts for several such services,
including tree pruning in areas outside the downtown. The current multi-year contract for tree
pruning will expire on June 30, 2000.
Public Works is recommending a five-year term for this contract. The length of most Public
Works operations and maintenance contracts has been two to four years. A longer term has the
following advantages:
• It allows contractors to recover startup and capital costs over a longer period.
Consequently, contract prices can be lower.
• It makes budgeting for contract costs more predictable because contract prices remain
stable.
• It eliminates frequent and time-consuming contract solicitations.
• It reduces the inevitable disruption that occurs whenever there is a change in contractor.
The transition period for such a change usually requires temporary but intensive
supervision from Tree Maintenance employees which takes them away from their regular
duties.
FISCAL IMPACT
The current annual budget for tree pruning in the Tree Maintenance Program operating budget is
$30,000. The tree pruning contract will specify unit prices for various types and sizes of tree.
Each year the Arborist will order pruning services for specific trees so that the payment for
contract work in that year will not exceed the amount budgeted.
Specification No. 90.150 is available for review in the Council office.
90150 Tnx Pmning Services
C13-1