Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Custom Lawn Care & Landscaping, L.L.C. for the Street Tree Installation Fall 2023 Project. The contract amount is $262,874.50, with a contingency of $7,125.50, for a total of $270,000.00 being authorized by this ordinance.
This project will be installing 754 trees in numerous Columbus neighborhoods and in all Forestry Planning Areas to help replace tree species that have been removed due to tree mortality. The project will also include planting new trees in areas that previously did not have trees. The new tree plantings will represent a diverse species of trees selected specifically for each planting location. Selection will take into consideration the specific site restrictions that each location has in an effort to replace some of our lost Urban Tree Canopy. These plantings will help to reduce storm water run-off in the area while not interfering with nearby utilities or structures.
Vendor Bid/Proposal Submissions (Office of Diversity and Inclusion designation status):
Bids were advertised through Vendor Services, in accordance with City Code Section 329, on August 24, 2023 and received by the Recreation and Parks Department on September 19, 2023. Bids were received from the following companies:
Custom Lawn Care & Landscaping (MAJ): $262,874.50
Marlczewski’s Lawn Care (MAJ): $270,140.00
Greenscapes Landscape (MAJ): $289,965.00
After reviewing the bids that were submitted, it was determined that Custom Lawn Care & Landscaping, L.L.C. was the lowest and most responsive bidder. Custom Lawn Care & Landscaping, LLC and all proposed subcontractors have met code requirements with respect to prequalification, pursuant to relevant sections of Columbus City Code Chapter 329.
Principal Parties:
Custom Lawn Care & Landscaping, L.L.C.
2411 SR 22 SW
Washington Court House, Ohio 43160
Kyle Reed, (740) 333-1669
Contract Compliance Number: 005898
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: January 31, 2025
Emergency Justification: An emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department as tree planting has specific periods of time when it is most beneficial to plant trees. Traditional 30 day legislation would result in an insufficient period of time to schedule the work, order and plant the trees before ideal planting conditions are lost to colder winter temperatures.
Benefits to the Public: These plantings will increase the Urban Tree Canopy which reduces storm water runoff, reduces utility costs to nearby homes and businesses, and reduces air pollution.
Community Input/Issues: The majority of the trees being planted during this contract have been requested by the property owners where the trees are being planted or at locations where trees had been previously removed for varying reasons.
Area(s) Affected: Citywide (99)
Master Plan Relation: This project supports the departments Master Plan by planting trees intended to both replace and add to the City of Columbus’ urban tree canopy. It will be adding to the total overall canopy levels and is helping to reduce storm water runoff, heat-island effects and replace trees lost due varying causes of tree mortality.
Fiscal Impact: $270,000.00 is budgeted and available from within the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702 to meet the financial obligations of this contract.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Custom Lawn Care & Landscaping, L.L.C. for the Street Tree Installation Fall 2023 Project; to authorize the expenditure of $270,000.00 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($270,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Custom Lawn Care & Landscaping, L.L.C. for the Street Tree Installation Fall 2023 Project; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $270,000.00 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into contract with Custom Lawn Care & Landscaping, L.L.C. as there is a limited window of time to order trees in order for them to be available for the Fall 2023 planting schedule, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, and safety; 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 Custom Lawn Care & Landscaping, L.L.C. for the Street Trees - Fall 2023 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 for the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $270,000.00 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 6. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof,, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.