Title
Adopt a Resolution to Approve and Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Non-Professional Services Agreement with Hamilton Tree Service for Trimming Trees at Memorial Park for $145,040 Budgeted in Account 010-33-001-5340
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
• Public Safety
• Infrastructure
SUMMARY
Memorial Park has approximately 80 eucalyptus trees that exist along the northern property line of Memorial Park. With tree heights exceeding 100’, should one or more trees fail and fall in a northerly direction across San Leandro Creek, it is very likely that Lee Avenue residences would be damaged, or worse. Due to the existing tree heights, the Public Works Department does not have the necessary equipment or staffing to perform this work in-house.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution to approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Non-Professional Services Agreement with Hamilton Tree Service (located in Martinez) for topping off the eucalyptus at a height of approximately 30 feet, plus trim three additional trees located in Memorial Park, for $145,040 that is budgeted in Account 010-33-001-5340.
BACKGROUND
Memorial Park borders San Leandro Creek at the intersection of Callan and Bancroft Avenues and is owned by the City (the Veteran’s Buildings, which is owned and operated by Alameda County is also located on this property). A row of approximately 80 eucalyptus trees is located along the north property line (which is the south side of San Leandro Creek). It is unknown when the last time these trees were trimmed. Given the excessive height of these trees, it’s conceivable that significant property damage would be realized should any of the trees fail during a windstorm. The City does not have the proper equipment nor staffing to do this work in-house. There are also three mature trees located within the park that staff is proposing to have the contractor trim according to International Arboriculture Society (ISA) standards. One of the trees has had large limbs fall in the past few years.
Analysis
To minimize potential property damage and/or harm to park visitors/nearby residents from tree failures, a competitive bid (Bid No. 22-23.004) was issued on August 2, 2022. A mandatory walk-thru was held on August 11th, and bids closed on August 31st. Five responsive bids were received, and Hamilton Tree Service was the lowest bidder. The bid asked for two different price options for the eucalyptus trees, as staff was unsure whether the available budget would be adequate for this work. In addition, the bid included trimming of three trees and removal of one tree in Memorial Park. For the tree removal, Hamilton Tree Service had the highest unit price, so staff won’t be including it in the NPSA and will have the work performed by another contractor.
This work will include ‘topping’ the row of eucalyptus trees to an approximate height of 30’ above grade. All work will be performed from the park property (no equipment is allowed in San Leandro Creek), and the contractor has been instructed to remove any large branches that fall into San Leandro Creek during this work, so that future water flow during the rainy season isn’t impacted.
Financial Impacts
Sufficient funds are included in the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 General Fund budget Account 010-33-001-5340 for tree trimming.
This Council action will not impact fund balance because there are funds available in the FY2022-2023 adopted budget.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution for NPSA with Hamilton Tree Service
Attachment B: Tree Bid Document
PREPARED BY: Debbie Pollart, Director, Public Works Department