Explanation
Background: In April of 2021, the Columbus Recreation and Parks Commission voted in support of and Columbus City Council passed a resolution to support the Columbus Urban Forestry Master Plan (UFMP) and its immediate implementation. By authorizing the implementation of the Urban Forestry Master Plan, the Forestry Section of the Recreation and Parks Department can implement key recommendations through hiring staff, purchasing equipment, procuring tree service contracts, inventorying the City’s street trees, designing a new facility for Forestry’s North Zone, and engaging urban forestry consultants.
This ordinance is requesting the authorization of $1,455,000.00 in voted bond funds and the authorization for the Director of Recreation and Parks to enter into various contracts relating to the Urban Forestry Master Plan. This ordinance will establish auditor's certificates and authorize expenditures in conjunction with the management of the UFMP. Contracts will be entered in compliance with the relevant provisions of Columbus City Code Chapter 329, however this legislation will set up all of the funding required to enter into contracts with vendors on an as-needed basis. All purchases will be through competitive bidding, through any current universal term contract, or through any current State of Ohio purchasing contract pre-approved by the City of Columbus Purchasing Office, per Ordinance No. 0582-87.
Within the total being authorized for the UFMP, this ordinance will also authorize the modification of an existing contract with Davey Resource Group to continue citywide street tree inventory. The expenditure of $239,250.00 was legislated for the Street Trees - Site Assessment and Inventory 2020 Project by Ordinance 2336-2020. This ordinance will provide funding that will modify the previously authorized amount by up to $300,000.00. The aggregate total amount authorized for this contract, including this modification, is $539,250.00.
The staffing, suppli...
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