CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approve the award of Bid 26-110, Energized Tree Trimming, Tree Removal, and Disposal of Debris, to Asplundh Tree Experts, LLC for an amount not to exceed $1,518,172.40 and for a three-year term
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DEPARTMENT: Electric Utility
SUBMITTED BY: Michael Mann, Deputy Director
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
The Electric Utility (Utility) has approximately 69 miles of overhead transmission and distribution conductors throughout the city. Trees and other landscaping in the vicinity of these conductors must be trimmed routinely to ensure reliability of the electrical system as well as safety of the public. The Utility's line-clearance tree trimming around overhead conductors is outsourced to qualified line-clearance tree trimming contractors. Trimming of trees and brush around underground electrical equipment is handled under a different contract to reduce costs.
The Utility performs "cycle trimming" on every circuit every three years. Doing timely cycle trimming supports electric reliability by trimming branches before the growth gets too close to the overhead facilities. The relatively short cycle time between trims also minimizes the amount of cutting required, which generally is considered better for the trees and for customer service.
DISCUSSION:
In April 2026, the Utility issued Bid 26-110, Energized Tree Trimming, Tree Removal, and Disposal of Debris to contract with a vendor to complete tree trimming around energized overhead electrical lines.
Bids were received from the following vendors:
Vendor Name
Proposed Cost
Asplundh
$1,518,172.40
Arbor Works
$2,138,065.66
Intren
$2,671,909.79
Lewis
$2,717,135.06
Xylem
Non-Responsive
Xylem was determined to be non-responsive because the vendor did not bid for any circuit line trimming.
Staff recommends awarding the contract to Asplundh Tree Experts, LLC as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the procurement of Bid 26-110, Energized Tr...
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