Explanation
BACKGROUND
This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a contract with Berens Tree & Excavating LLC. for Yard Waste and Log Grinding Services for the Division of Water Reclamation.
The City of Columbus operates a composting facility that processes sewage sludge from two interconnected wastewater treatment plants into soil conditioner / mulch for wholesale. Maintaining continuous operations is necessary to comply with wastewater permit standards and to protect public health. The City utilizes ground yard waste, whole tree wood chips, sawdust, straw, logs, and ground wood waste as bulking agents to process sewage sludge. The services to be performed under this contract call for Berens Tree & Excavating LLC. to provide equipment and an operator for grinding yard waste and wood waste, sizing and grinding logs.
PROCUREMENT
The Department of Public Utilities solicited competitive bids in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code relating to professional service contracts. Three proposals were received and opened on December 17, 2025. Discussions and negotiations with the selected firm resulted in the award of the contract to Berens Tree & Excavating LLC.
SUPPLIER: Berens Tree & Excavating LLC., vendor #044269 cc# expires 12/11/2027 (Payment Hold update pending)
The company is not debarred according to the Excluded Party Listing System of the Federal Government or prohibited from being awarded a contract according to the Auditor of State Unresolved Findings for Recovery Certified Search.
FISCAL IMPACT: $350,000.00 is budgeted and needed for this service.
$258,189.99 was spent in 2025
$288,011.21 was spent in 2024
This ordinance is contingent on the passage of the 2026 Operating Budget, Ordinance 2939-2025.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a contract with Berens Tree & Excavating LLC. for Yard Waste and Log Grinding Services; and to authorize the expenditure of $350,000.00 from the Sewer Operating Fund. ($350,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a contract with Berens Tree & Excavating LLC. for Yard Waste and Log Grinding Services; and
WHEREAS, three bids were received and opened by the Director of Public Utilities on December 17, 2025,; and
WHEREAS, the Division of Sewerage and Drainage recommends an award be made to the responsive, responsible and best bidder, Berens Tree & Excavating LLC., and
WHEREAS, this contract will be in effect from the date of execution and, upon mutual agreement of the parties, availability of funds, and approval by the Columbus City Council, this contract can be renewed for three (3) additional years on a year to year basis, and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $350,000.00 from the Sanitary Sewer Operating Fund; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities to authorize the Director to enter into a contract with Berens Tree & Excavating LLC. for Yard Waste and Log Grinding Services; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Public Utilities be and is hereby authorized to establish a contract with Berens Tree & Excavating LLC. for Yard Waste and Log Grinding Services, in accordance with the specifications of the “Yard Waste and Log Grinding Services” bid on file.
SECTION 2. That this contract is in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code
SECTION 3. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 4. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this Ordinance.
SECTION 5. That the expenditure of $350,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, be and is hereby authorized in Object Class 03 Services in Fund 6100-Sewerage Operating per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.