HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - September 6, 1995 (66)CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
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AGENDA TITLE: Specifications and Advertisement for Bids for Privatization of Tree Trimming and
Creation of a Landscape/Arborist-Type Classification
MEETING DATE: September 6, 1995
PREPARED BY: Public Works Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That the City Council approve the specifications for tree trimming,
authorize advertising for bids, and conceptually approve the new
position. The exact title and job specification for this new position to be
brought back to the City Council at a later date.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Lodi's public and private trees benefit the community's and urban
environments economically, socially and environmentally. Lodi's
trees make Lodi what it is. For the trees to remain an asset to the
community, they must receive regular and proper maintenance and
care. Per the Council's desire, we will initiate contracting tree trimming in the Public Works Department.
However, in order to make this program work, staff recommends the creation of a new position to
develop and administer the City's tree and landscape programs and contracts.
The Public Works Department is responsible for the maintenance of approximately 5,200 City trees
located in rights of way, at City facilities, and in public parking lots. The Parks and Recreation
Department also has approximately 1,800 trees which are currently under no formal maintenance
program. The City's primary goal should be to maintain all City trees in a safe, healthy, and
aesthetically -pleasing condition. Staff recommends that the new position be responsible for overseeing
all City trees, including those in parks. The first contract would be for the trimming of 408 street trees.
Privatization needs to be managed with prudent inspection and input from the governing body or it can
become an expensive lesson in economics. Once a tree is trimmed or pruned improperly, it could take
10-20 years to correct the problem. Other agencies that have or are doing contract trimming have
indicated that the major problems they have encountered have been improper trimming, lack of traffic
control, pedestrian safety and safeguards against property damage. The appointment of a full-time
person to administer the City's total tree maintenance program and all tree and landscape -related
contracts will assure a successful, effective and efficient program.
The Department's total tree maintenance program is more than just trimming 400 trees per year. It also
includes the annual trimming of 450 crepe myrtles, maintenance of 841 tree wells, removal of 100 ±
trees and stump grinding, mistletoe clearing, spraying and injection of 620 trees, planting of 100 ± new
trees, and miscellaneous low limbing, sign clearing, etc. We anticipate we would contract out all of
these items. The Central City Revitalization plans call for the planting of many new trees on
Cherokee Lane, School and Oak streets. It is critical that these new trees obtain special and proper
attention during the first five years to develop the desired shape and strength.
APPROVED:
THOMAS A. PETER ON
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City Manager
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Specifications and Advertisement for Bids for Privatization of Tree Trimming and Creation of a
Landscape/Arborist-Type Classification
September 6, 1995
Page 2
The new position would be responsible for administering all of the tree maintenance contracts and
would also be charged with responding to citizens' complaints and concerns, emergency responses,
and special requests, i.e., storm damage, blocked commercial signing, and low limb clearing for
regulatory and informational signs.
The City must, in the near future, establish a computerized tree inventory and record keeping system.
A computerized system would provide accurate inventory and data for cost analysis to aid in evaluating
efficiency of maintenance efforts. This information is necessary for budgeting purposes as well as
providing information in the processing of claims. Implementing this program will be the responsibility of
the new position.
The new position would also be used to resolve three other deficiencies which presently exist in the City:
1. Getting Parks and Recreation capital projects accomplished
2. Providing comprehensive and technical review of landscaping and sprinkler plans
submitted to the City as a requirement of SPARC
3. Providing in-house expertise and design for small landscape and sprinkler projects
It is also our intent to use this position in the future for the following new tasks and programs:
1. Develop a tree planting program for all new subdivisions
2. Research and make application for grants related to tree/landscape installation and
maintenance
3. Research and evaluate the need for a Heritage Tree program/ordinance
4. Development of a public education and assistance program for the elimination of
mistletoe in private trees
5. Develop and administer a memorial tree planting program
With conceptual approval of the new position, staff will bring back to the City Council a detailed
job specification including title and proposed salary range.
FUNDING: Originally Budgeted:
Budgeted Fund:
Current Appropriation:
Estimate to Trim 408 Trees:
New Position:
Planned Bid Opening Date:
JLR/GMB/dsg/Im
cc: Street Superintendent
Purchasing Officer
1995/96
General Fund
$120,000
$ 60,000
$ 50,000 ± (includes benefits)
September 21,1 95
Jac L. Ronsko
Publi Works Director
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