HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - May 15, 2013 C-03AGENDA ITEM C'OS
CITY OF LODI
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
TM
AGENDA TITLE: Approve Plans and Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for Fiscal
Year 2013/14 Annual Tree Trimming Contract for Power Line Clearing
MEETING DATE: May 15,.2013
PREPARED BY: Electric Utility Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve plans and specifications and authorize advertisement for
bids for Fiscal Year 2013/14 annual tree trimming contract for power
line clearing.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Electric Utility Department (EUD) has utilized a tree trimming
contractor for its line clearing requirements since June 2009. The
current contract with Asplundh Tree Expert Company of Stockton is
due to expire on June 30, 2013 at the conclusion of the final extension year. Therefore, it is necessary to
advertise for bids for line -clearing services after this date. - -
The specifications for tree trimming have been updated. It has been prepared on a 12 -month basis with
the option to extend annually thereafter, at the City's sole discretion, for a maximum of three additional
years. The specifications would provide the City with a three-person backyard crew and a two -person
street crew, including vehicles, equipment and other expenses for two crews.
Maintaining an adequate line clearance program is a critical element to electric system reliability. Due to
the excellent results the utility has experienced with contracting out this service (i.e. significant reduction
of outage time and overall cost effectiveness), it is recommended that the contracting program be
continued. The proposed tree trimming program covers the period of July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014 with
the option for up to three additional one-year extensions covering fiscal years 2014/15 and 2015/16 and
2016-17. The specifications are on file with the EUD.
FISCAL IMPACT: Estimated annual cost of $490,000, with additional, unquantifiable benefit to
customers from reduced outages.
FUNDING AVAILABLE: Included in FY 2013/14 Account No. 160654.
Funding for contract extensions shall be approved on a year-to-year basis.
Elizabeth A. irkle
Electric Utility Director
PREPARED BY: Barry Fisher, Construction/Maintenance Supervisor
EAK/BF/LST
Konradt Bartlam, City Manager