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<br /> <br /> <br /> REQUEST FOR <br /> <br /> COUNCIL ACTION <br /> <br /> CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: <br /> AUGUST 1, 2011 <br /> <br /> TITLE: APPROVED <br /> ? As Recommended <br /> AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH ? As Amended <br /> WEST COAST ARBORISTS FOR TREE El Ordinance on Reading <br /> El Ordinance on 2n "d Reading <br /> MAINTENANCE SERVICES ? Implementing Resolution <br /> ? Set Public Hearing For <br /> i CONTINUED TO <br /> FILE NUMBER <br /> CITY MANAGER <br /> <br /> RECOMMENDED ACTION <br /> <br /> Authorize the Clerk of the Council and the City Manager to execute the attached amendment <br /> (Exhibit 1) for tree maintenance services with West Coast Arborists, Inc. in the amount not to <br /> exceed $760,622 for fiscal year 2011-2012. <br /> <br /> DISCUSSION <br /> <br /> The Public Works Agency (PWA) is responsible for the maintenance of approximately 65,000 street <br /> trees and 3,000 median trees. The work performed is a component of the City's tree management <br /> program and is planned based upon the tree species pruning cycle. Since 1997, the City has utilized <br /> the services of West Coast Arborists, Inc. (WCA) to provide tree-maintenance services. The City <br /> and the contractor have had an excellent public/private partnership over the term of the contract, <br /> working with neighborhoods and the community on tree-care issues. <br /> <br /> The PWA Tree Section has been reviewing the City's pruning standards. During the review it was <br /> noted that the industry standard for pruning has changed. Some cities are reducing their foliage <br /> removal to 15 percent of the tree canopy. This is approximately a 25 percent reduction in pruning <br /> costs, and the City has implemented a pilot program that reflects a reduced pruning level. <br /> <br /> Last month, the Council directed staff to explore reduced pricing to coincide with the reduced <br /> pruning standards. WCA recognizes that municipalities remain challenged by substantial reductions <br /> in revenue and increased operating costs and, based on Council's request, have agreed to add a <br /> price for lighter tree pruning. <br /> A survey was conducted of other Orange County cities for pruning costs including other comparable <br /> urban-forest-sized cities. The pruning pricing ranged from $46.50 up to $136.00 per tree (Exhibit 2); <br /> Santa Ana's price is $47.00 per tree. <br /> <br /> WCA has agreed to reduce the price by 30 percent for a light pruning. The light pruning price will be <br /> $33.00, which will be the lowest of all cities surveyed. Some trees may require a heavier trim and <br /> will continue to be charged at the current rate of $47.00. No other changes to the current agreement <br /> are proposed. <br /> <br /> 25A-1 <br />