Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Hardwick Tree Care LLC for the Stump Removal 2024 Project. The contract amount is $198,000.00 being authorized by this ordinance.
This project will include removing 1,591 street tree stumps located all over the City. The contracted work is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2024 and be finished by the end of 2024. This project is to help complete a significant amount of back-logged stump work orders. The general public should see minimal impact to street access while work is being performed. The project work will create locations for future plantings that will continue the Urban Forestry Master Plan.
Vendor Bid/Proposal Submissions (Office of Diversity and Inclusion designation status):
Bids were advertised through Vendor Services, in accordance with City Code Section 329, on December 18, 2023 and received by the Recreation and Parks Department on January 18, 2024. Bids were received from the following companies:
Hardwick Tree Care (MAJ): $198,000.00
Axes Tree Service (MAJ): $276,834.00
A-1 Tree Care (MAJ): $338,883.00
Pressure & Power Wash/Perfect Lawn Care (MBE): $477,300.00
After reviewing the bids that were submitted, it was determined that Hardwick Tree Care LLC was the lowest and most responsive bidder. Hardwick Tree Care LLC and all proposed subcontractors have met code requirements with respect to prequalification, pursuant to relevant sections of Columbus City Code Chapter 329.
Principal Parties:
Hardwick Tree Care LLC
15964 Justamere Road
Centerburg, Ohio 43011
Darius Hardwick, (614) 746-6756
Contract Compliance Number: 042007
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: December 27, 2025
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested as the sites included in this contract are intended to be tree planting sites during the fall 2024 planting window and there is a significant number of stumps that need to be removed prior to new tree plantings at these locations.
Benefits to the Public: This contract work will remove stumps that are within the City’s right-of-way and create locations for future plantings.
Community Input/Issues: Many of the stump locations have been submitted by citizens through the 311 call center.
Area(s) Affected: Citywide (99)
Master Plan Relation: This project is related to the Master Plan by conserving, protecting and enhancing the city's natural resources and overall environmental health for this and future generations.
Fiscal Impact: $198,000.00 is budgeted and available from within the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund 2285 to meet the financial obligations of this expenditure.
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Hardwick Tree Care LLC for the Stump Removal 2024 Project; to authorize the expenditure of $198,000.00 from the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($198,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Hardwick Tree Care LLC for the Stump Removal 2024 Project; 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 Hardwick Tree Care LLC as the sites included in this contract are intended to be tree planting sites during the fall 2024 planting window and there is a significant number of stumps that need to be removed prior to new tree plantings at these locations, 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 Hardwick Tree Care LLC for the Stump Removal 2024 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 contract 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 expenditure of $198,000.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the cost thereof, be and is hereby authorized from the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund 2285.
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.