Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Greenscapes Landscape Company for the installation of 592 street trees throughout the City of Columbus in accordance with the Mayor’s Sustainable Columbus Initiative. The contract amount is $177,304.00 with a contingency of $13,000.00 for a total of $190,304.00 being authorized.
This project will be installing trees in the South Linden Community as well as other locations Citywide in order to help replace tree species that have been removed throughout the City due to tree mortality. The new tree plantings will represent a diverse species of trees selected specifically for each planting location, taking into consideration that the specific site restrictions that each location has. This project will replace some of our lost Urban Tree Canopy and reduce storm water run-off in the area while not interfering with nearby utilities or structures.
Bids were advertised through Vendor Services, in accordance with City Code Section 329, in July 2020 and received by the Recreation and Parks Department on August 4, 2020. Bids were received from the following companies.
Company Status Amount
Greenscapes Landscape (MAJ) $177,304.00
Custom Landscape Contractors (MAJ) $183,520.00
After reviewing the proposals that were submitted, it was determined that Greenscapes Landscape was the lowest and most responsive bidder.
Greenscapes Landscape 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
4220 Winchester Pike, Columbus, OH 43232
Tom Kuhn, 614-830-2606
Contract Compliance Number, Tax ID: 004614, 31-1027889
September 12, 2021
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested as tree planting has specific periods of time when it is most beneficial for the long term health of the trees. This will ensure a sufficient 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.
Area(s) Affected: Citywide
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 replace trees lost due to the Emerald Ash Borer and other causes of tree mortality.
Fiscal Impact: $190,304.00 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 Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Greenscapes Landscape Company for the installation of trees throughout the City of Columbus; to authorize the expenditure of $190,304.00 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($190,304.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Greenscapes Landscape Company for the installation of trees throughout the City of Columbus; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $190,304.00 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702; 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 this contract as tree planting has specific periods of time when it is most beneficial for the long term health of the trees, adding to the preservation of public peace, property, health, welfare, 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 Greenscapes Landscape Company for the installation of trees throughout the City of Columbus
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. For the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $190,304.00 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.