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 Grindin...
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