CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approve the award of Option Year #2 to Contract 23-051, Tree Trimming, Tree Removal and Disposal of Debris, to Lewis Tree Service for an amount not to exceed $241,016
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DEPARTMENT: Electric Utility
SUBMITTED BY: Brian Groth, Director
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
The Electric Utility (Utility) has over 3,000 transmission and distribution poles and over 9,000 underground distribution transformers and switchgear devices installed throughout the City. Although effort is made to communicate the clearance required around these devices for maintenance and operation of the electric system, the Utility routinely identifies locations that require vegetation management.
Typically, vegetation clearance issues are identified during routine equipment inspections, planned maintenance, or an emergency. A clear path to operate and maintain equipment is critical for the safety of Utility crews as well as a timely outage restoration.
This type of vegetation management typically does not require specially trained operators, as is the case with overhead line clearance tree trimming. Therefore, the Utility bids this work separately from line clearance tree trimming to provide the opportunity to more bidders.
The City Council awarded Option Year #1 to Contract 23-051 Tree Trimming, Tree Removal and Disposal of Debris, to Lewis Tree Service with a term January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
The purpose of this contract is to provide tree trimming services specific to the Utility, which are separate from any parkway tree maintenance services contracted through the Department of Public Works.
DISCUSSION:
During the original term of the contract, Lewis Tree Service has completed over 480 service requests for tree trimming and removals from around electrical equipment, transmission poles and rights-of-way, and is currently working on completing an additional 100 service requests.
With underground and overhead equipment inspection programs in progress, the Utility estimates a similar number of obstructions to be attended to in 2026. Lewis Tree currently provides tree trimming services for the Utility under the overhead line clearance contract. Having one contractor performing both contracts provides for both efficient staff oversight and contractor utilization.
The term of this second option year is January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026, with one one-year optional extension remaining.
FISCAL IMPACT:
CIP#: N/A
Tree trimming, tree removal and disposal of debris are expensed to the Operational Services and Building and Ground Maintenance account listed below. The Electric Utility included $1,230,000 in their proposed 2026 budget for various operational services, including tree trimming, line clearance, and landscape restoration. Additionally, the Water Utility included $30,000 in their proposed budget for various water site improvements, including tree and debris removal. The requested award is within the proposed budget amount for this expense.
|
Account Number |
Fund Description |
Total Proposed Budget Amount |
|
40251300-531308 |
Electric Utility Fund |
$1,230,000 |
|
41251510-531302 |
Water Utility Fund |
$170,000 |