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