Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Custom Landscape Contractors, LLC for the installation of 104 street trees along East Long Street in the Near East Civic Association area.
Background: Funding is in place to replace street trees in eleven of the Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization (NCR) areas throughout the City of Columbus over the next five years. Replanting of trees along East Long Street was a request submitted by the Near East Civic Association. The planting locations were inspected and a list of replacements was finalized in late 2015. These new plantings will represent a diverse species of trees selected specifically for each planting location and takes into consideration the specific site restrictions that will help to maximize the Urban Tree Canopy and reduce storm water run-off. The trees were also specifically selected to not interfere with nearby utilities or structures. This project will support the mission of the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by adding trees to the Columbus Urban Tree Canopy and replacing trees lost to the Emerald Ash Borer and other causes of tree mortality. Increasing the tree canopy will increase the health and wellness of Columbus citizens by reducing storm water runoff, reducing utility costs within the communities and reducing air pollution.
The costs for this project will be $40,240.72 with a contingency of $9,759.28 for a total of $50,000.00.
Bids were advertised through Vendor Services, in accordance with City Code Section 329, on December 31, 2015 and received by the Recreation and Parks Department on January 19, 2016. Bids were received from the following companies:
Company Amount
Custom Landscape (MAJ) $40,240.72
Greenscapes (MAJ) $45.760.00
After reviewing the proposals that were submitted, it was determined that Custom Landscape Contractors, LLC was the lowest and most responsive bidder.
Principal Parties:
Custom Landscape Contractors, LLC
2411 SR 22 SW, Washington Court House, OH 43160
Jaret Bishop 740-620-9663
CC# 31-1747937
Exp. Date: 8/18/17
Columbus Employees: 0
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 the trees, and perform the stump removal and plant the trees before ideal planting conditions are lost to warmer summer temperatures.
Fiscal impact: The expenditure of $50,000.00 is budgeted and available in Fund 7704 under NCR-Long Street Tree Plantings to meet the financial obligations of this contract.
Title
To authorize and direct the Director of Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Custom Landscape Contractors, Inc. for the installation of 104 street trees in the Long Street district neighborhood; to authorize the expenditure of $50,000.00 from the Street and Highway Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization (NCR) Fund; to transfer appropriation from Public Service's NCR Fund to Recreation and Parks' NCR Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($50,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize and direct the Director of the Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Custom Landscape Contractors, Inc. for the installation of 104 street trees in the Long Street Community Area; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $40,240.72 with a contingency of $9,759.28 for a total of $50,000.00 from the Street and Highway NCR Fund; and
WHEREAS, a contingency of $9,759.28 has been added to available funding for any unforeseen and community requested changes to the project; and
WHEREAS, the Long Street NCR District leadership requested the planting of new trees with NCR capital funds; and
WHEREAS, this project supports the mission of the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by adding trees to the Columbus Urban Tree Canopy and replacing trees lost to the Emerald Ash Borer and other causes of tree mortality; and
WHEREAS, increasing the tree canopy will increase the health and wellness of Columbus citizens by reducing storm water runoff, reducing utility costs within the communities and reducing air pollution; and
WHEREAS; this project also satisfies the goal of the NCR program by improving the commercial streetscape and thus the business environment; and
WHEREAS; this ordinance will transfer appropriation from Public Service to Recreation and Parks in order to allow the Recreation and Parks department to administer financial requirements of this project fund while still using fund 7704; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into said contract as tree planting has specific periods of time when it is most beneficial to plant trees adding to the preservation of 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 and directed to enter into contract with Custom Landscape Contractors Inc. for the installation of 104 street trees.
SECTION 2. That the City Auditor’s office be and is hereby authorized and directed to transfer appropriation in the amount of $100,000 for this and (1) future NCR street tree project from Public Service to Recreation and Parks.
DAX appropriation information attached.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $50,000.00 including project contingency funding is authorized from the Street and Highway NCR Fund.
See Attached DAX Funding information
SECTION 4. 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 5. 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 6. 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 7. 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 10 days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.