The City received a CalFIRE grant award under the California Climate Investments (The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund).  The project scope includes: development of a comprehensive UFMP; an update to the City’s Tree Ordinance; an assessment of canopy cover; and, provide Greenhouse Gas calculations related to the project’s 363 trees to be planted within OCTA Pacific Electric Right-of-Way.  The specific planting area is located between Nelson Street and Brookhurst Street (see Attachment 2).

In March 2019, staff released a Request for Proposal (RFP) and on the closing date, the City received one (1) completed proposal that complied with the RFP requirements for review from Davey Resource.  A review panel consisting of two (2) staff members from different divisions participated in the review process.  The proposal received was reviewed based on qualifications, professional experience working on grant funded projects, cost and budget, process, customer service, and problem solving skills and creativity.

 Following the review process, it was determined that the Davey Resource proposal met all design criteria requested by the City.  Additionally, all reference evaluations from other contracting cities responded with excellent reviews.  In May 2019, the selection panel concluded its evaluation and recommended the award to Davey Resource.

The Davey Resource was founded in 1880 and provides a full range of natural resource and utility consulting to commercial, residential, municipal, and governmental entities.  Specifically, the Davey Resource has provided services such as tree inventories; tree preservation and protection; urban tree canopy assessment; land cover mapping; urban forestry management planning and software and public education.  Based on years of professional experience, service, and the number of projects, Davey Resource qualifies for the project. 

There is no financial impact to the General Fund.  The project is funded through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund grant.  Included in the total contracted amount, the City will provide a 27% local match with staff time divided amongst Public Works, Planning, and Community Services along with a portion of volunteer time.  At the May 8, 2018 meeting, the City Council approved Resolution No. 9498-18 acknowledging the grant request and the City’s matching funding commitment.

It is recommended that the City Council:

•  Award a contract to Davey Resource Group, Inc., to provide urban and community forestry consulting services, in the amount, not to exceed $121,856; and,

• Authorize the City Manager or authorized designee, to execute the Professional Services Agreement on behalf of the City and to make minor modifications as appropriate.