Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Greenscapes Landscape Company for the Street Tree Installation Spring 2021 Project. The contract amount is $287,574.00, with a contingency of $28,000.00, for a total of $315,574.00 being authorized by this ordinance.
This project will be installing 1002 trees in numerous communities throughout Columbus and in all Forestry Planning Areas 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, being careful not to interfere with nearby utilities or structures. This effort takes into consideration the specific site restrictions that each location has in an effort to replace some of our lost Urban Tree Canopy. These plantings are part of the Sustainable Columbus efforts, a green initiative helping to reduce storm water runoff, clean our air, provide shade, and more.
Vendor Bid/Proposal Submissions (ODI designation status):
Bids were advertised through Vendor Services, in accordance with City Code Section 329, on March 16, 2021 and received by the Recreation and Parks Department on March 31, 2021. This project was also picked up by various local and regional plan rooms and distributed to their membership. Bids were received from the following companies:
Greenscapes Landscape Company (MAJ): $287,574.00
Custom Landscape Contractors (MAJ): $289,578.00
Facemyer Company (FBE): $394,179.00
After reviewing the bids that were submitted, it was determined that Greenscapes Landscape Company was the lowest and most responsive bidder. Greenscapes Landscape Company 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
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: September 12, 2021
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested as there is a limited window for temperature and weather appropriate tree plantings prior to the end of 2021.
Benefits to the Public: These plantings will increase the Urban Tree Canopy which reduces storm water runoff, reduces, reduces air pollution, and reduces utility costs to nearby homes and businesses.
Community Input/Issues: The majority of the trees being planted during this contract have been requested by the property owners where the trees are being planted or at locations where trees had been previously removed for various reasons.
Area(s) Affected: Citywide (99)
Master Plan Relation: This project supports the department’s Master Plan by adding to the City of Columbus Urban Tree Canopy.
Fiscal Impact: $315,574.00 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 Street Tree Installation Spring 2021 Project; to authorize the expenditure of $315,574.00 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($315,574.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Greenscapes Landscape Company for the Street Tree Installation Spring 2021 Project; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $315,574.00 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into contract with Greenscapes Landscape Company as there is a limited window for temperature and weather appropriate tree plantings prior to the end of 2021, all for the preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare and, 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 Street Tree Installation Spring 2021 Project.
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 $315,574.00 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.