Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Greenscapes Landscape Company, Inc. for the Stump Removal and Street Tree Planting - Fall 2026 Project. The contract amount is $415,225.00, with a contingency of $15,000.00, for a total of $430,225.00. An additional $2,500.00 is being authorized for interdepartmental inspections and fees for a total of $432,725.00 being authorized by this ordinance.
This project consists of removing 194 stumps in preparation for tree replacement and planting 700 trees in numerous Columbus neighborhoods. The tree plantings will help replace tree species that have been removed throughout the City due to tree mortality. The project will also plant new trees in areas that previously did not have trees. The tree plantings will represent a diverse species of trees selected specifically for each planting location, taking into consideration the specific site restrictions that each location has while not interfering with nearby utilities or structures. This project is an effort to replace some of our lost Urban Tree Canopy and reduce storm water run-off in the areas receiving new trees.
Vendor Bid/Proposal Submissions:
Bids were advertised through Vendor Services, in accordance with City Code Section 329, on March 31, 2026 and received by the Recreation and Parks Department on April 21, 2026. Bids were received from the following companies:
Greenscapes Landscape Company: $415,225.00
After reviewing the bids that were submitted, it was determined that Greenscapes Landscape Company, Inc. was the lowest and most responsive bidder. Greenscape Landscape Company, Inc. and all proposed subcontractors have met code requirements with respect to prequalification, pursuant to relevant sections of Columbus City Code Chapter 329.
Principal Parties:
Greenscapes Landscape Company, Inc.
4220 Winchester Pike, Columbus, Ohio 43232
Matt Rietschlin, (614) 830-2602
Contract Compliance Number: 004614
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: March 5, 2027
Benefits to the Public: This project will increase the Urban Tree Canopy in the City of Columbus. The new trees will help reduce storm water runoff, air pollution, and heat-island effects. As a result, utility costs to nearby homes and businesses should be reduced.
Community Input/Issues: The majority of the trees being planted as part of this contract have been requested by the property owners.
Area(s) Affected: Citywide (99)
Master Plan Relation: This project supports the Recreation and Parks Department’s Master Plan by planting trees intended to both replace and add to the City of Columbus’ Urban Tree Canopy.
Fiscal Impact: $432,725.00 is budgeted and available from within the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702 to meet the financial obligations of this contract. The funds will not be available to the Recreation and Parks Department until the proceeds of the 2025-2026 bond sale are available at a future date. Therefore, it is necessary to certify the required funds against the General Fund 1000, Income Tax Set Aside Subfund 100099. Upon the sale of bonds, this will be reimbursed.
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Greenscapes Landscape Company, Inc. for the Stump Removal and Street Tree Planting - Fall 2026 Project; to authorize the transfer of $432,725.00 between the General Fund Income Tax Set Aside Subfund and the Recreation and Parks Bond Fund; to authorize the appropriation of $432,725.00 in the Income Tax Set Aside Subfund and Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund; and to authorize the expenditure of $432,725.00 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund. ($432,725.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Greenscapes Landscape Company, Inc. for the Stump Removal and Street Tree Planting - Fall 2026 Project; and
WHEREAS, the City anticipates incurring certain Original Expenditures (as defined in Section 1.150-2(c) of the Treasury Regulations (the "Treasury Regulations") promulgated pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, with respect to the construction of the project described in this ordinance (the "Project"); and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the transfer of $432,725.00 between the General Fund 1000, Income Tax Set Aside Subfund 100099, and the Recreation and Parks Bond Fund, Fund 7702; and
WHEREAS, funds will need to be appropriated within the General Fund 1000, Income Tax Set Aside Subfund 100099 and within the Recreation and Parks Bond Fund, Fund 7702; and
WHEREAS, the City will reimburse the General Fund 1000, Income Tax Set Aside Subfund 100099; and
WHEREAS, this transfer should be considered as a temporary funding method; and
WHEREAS, the aggregated principal amount of obligations which the City will issue to finance this project is presently expected not to exceed $432,725.00; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $432,725.00 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is necessary to authorize the Director to enter into contract with Greenscapes Landscape Company, Inc. for the Stump Removal and Street Tree Planting - Fall 2026 Project, NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Recreation and Parks be and is hereby authorized to enter into contract with Greenscapes Landscape Company, Inc. for the Stump Removal and Street Tree Planting - Fall 2026 Project.
SECTION 2. 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 3. 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 4. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer the unencumbered balance in a project account to the unallocated balance account within the same fund upon receipt of certification by the Director of the Department administering said project that the project has been completed and the monies are no longer required for said project.
SECTION 5. That from the unappropriated monies and from all monies estimated to come into said funds from any and all sources and unappropriated for any other purpose during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, the sum of $432,725.00 is appropriated in General Fund 1000, Income Tax Set Aside Subfund 100099, in Object Class 10 Transfer Out Operating, and in Fund 7702, Recreation and Parks Bond Fund, in Object Class 06 Capital Outlay per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That the transfer of $432,725.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized between the General Fund 1000, Income Tax Set Aside Subfund 100099, and the Recreation and Parks Bond Fund, Fund 7702, per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 7. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer said funds to the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702, at such time as is deemed necessary by the City Auditor, and to expend said funds, or so much thereof as may be necessary.
SECTION 8. That upon obtaining other funds from the 2025-2026 Bond Sale for the City of Columbus, the City Auditor is hereby authorized and directed to repay the General Fund 1000, Income Tax Set Aside Subfund 100099 the amount transferred under Section 5.
SECTION 9. That the City intends that this ordinance constitutes an "official intent" for purposes of Section 1.150 2(e) of the Treasury Regulations, and that the City reasonably expects to reimburse itself for certain Original Expenditures incurred with respect to the Project from the proceeds of obligations to be issued by the City in a principal amount currently estimated to be $432,725.00 (the "Obligations"). The City intends to make a reimbursement allocation on its books for the Original Expenditures not later than eighteen months following the later to occur of the date of the Original Expenditure to be reimbursed or the date the Project for which such Original Expenditures were made is "placed in service" within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.150 2(c). Upon the issuance of the Obligations, the proceeds of such Obligations shall be used to reimburse the fund from which the advance for costs of the Project will be made.
SECTION 10. That for the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $432,725.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the cost thereof, be and is hereby authorized from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702 in object class 06 Capital Outlay per the accounting codes in the attachments to this ordinance.
SECTION 11. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.