Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Custom Landscape Contractors for the installation of trees in the Mid-East Community. The contract amount is $245,735.00 with a contingency of $20,000.00 for a total of 265,735.00 being authorized. The funding for this contract is being provided by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in accordance with the 2020 Annual Action Plan as approved by Council.
This project will be installing trees in the Mid-East Community to help replace tree species that have been removed 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
Custom Landscape Contractors (MAJ) $245,735.00
Greenscapes Landscape Company (MAJ) $249,483.50
After reviewing the proposals that were submitted, it was determined that Custom Landscape Contractors was the lowest and most responsive bidder.
Custom Landscape Contractors 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 Landscape Contractors
2411 US Route 22 S.W. Washington Court House, OH 43160
Jaret Bishop, 740-333-1669
Contract Compliance Number, Tax ID: 005898, 31-1747937
March 28, 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: Mid-East (57)
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: $265,735.00 is budgeted and available from within the CDBG Fund 2248 to meet the financial obligations of this contract.
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Custom Landscape Contractors for the installation of trees in the Mid-East Community; to authorize the appropriation of $265,735.00 within the CDBG Fund and in accordance with the 2020 Annual Action Plan as approved by Council; to authorize the expenditure of $265,735.00 from the CDBG Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($265,735.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Custom Landscape Contractors for the installation of trees in the Mid-East Community; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the appropriation of $265,735.00 within the CDBG Fund 2248 and in accordance with the 2020 Annual Action Plan as approved by Council; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $265,735.00 from the CDBG Fund 2248; 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 Custom Landscape Contractors for the installation of trees in the Mid-East Community.
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 the appropriation of $265,735.00 is authorized within the CDBG Fund 2248 per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance and in accordance with the 2020 Annual Action Plan as approved by Council.
SECTION 6. For the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $265,735.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the cost thereof, be and is hereby authorized from the CDBG Fund 2248 in object class 06 Capital Outlay per the accounting codes in the attachments to this ordinance.
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 ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.