Explanation
Background: In April of 2021, the Columbus Recreation and Parks Commission voted in support of and Columbus City Council passed a resolution to support the Columbus Urban Forestry Master Plan (UFMP) and its immediate implementation. By authorizing the implementation of the Urban Forestry Master Plan, the Forestry Section of the Recreation and Parks Department can implement key recommendations through hiring staff, purchasing equipment, procuring tree service contracts, inventorying the City’s street trees, and engaging urban forestry consultants.
This ordinance is requesting the authorization the expenditure of $2,000,000.00 in voted bond funds and the authorization for the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into various contracts relating to the Urban Forestry Master Plan. This ordinance will establish auditor's certificates and authorize expenditures in conjunction with the management of the UFMP. Contracts will be entered in compliance with the relevant provisions of Columbus City Code Chapter 329, however this legislation will set up all of the funding required to enter into contracts with vendors on an as-needed basis. All purchases will be through competitive bidding, through any current universal term contract, or through any current State of Ohio purchasing contract pre-approved by the City of Columbus Purchasing Office, per Ordinance No. 0582-87.
Part of this authorization is for the purchase of equipment and vehicles for the Recreation and Parks Department. These purchases will be made through the City of Columbus Purchasing Office. The equipment will replace aging equipment used by the Forestry Section for the implementation of the UFMP. The list below outlines the equipment and vehicles expected to be purchased as soon as possible as a result of this ordinance:
Bucket Truck (2 each) - Estimated expenditure $700,000
Tractor (1 each) - Estimated expenditure $40,000
Tiller (1 each) - Estimated expenditure $5,000
Stu...
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