The City has an urban forest of approximately 19,000 trees. A combination of contractual and in-house staff is strategically used to maintain the City's urban forest that encompasses a variety of trees in the right of way and residential parkway areas.  The contractual services include tree removal and tree trimming, with a cost effective grid pruning system and an up-to-date tree inventory GPS.

In June 2016, the City entered into an annual agreement with WCA to provide tree maintenance services with a not-to-exceed amount of $290,000 per year based upon available funding in the General Fund.  The agreement can be extended for one-year periods for up to five years, through June 30, 2021. Due to the aging tree inventory and a delayed tree trimming schedule, there has been an increased need for pruning trees to sustain the health of the trees.  Additionally, overgrown and misplaced trees have increased the need for removing trees that compromise surrounding utilities lines (e.g. gas, water, electric and sewer). Funding is needed to help sustain a tree trimming cycle, tree plantings and enhance the tree removal program. 

The biennial budget adopted additional gas tax funding in the amount of $150,000 for FY 2020-2021, which is available to add to the City's tree maintenance service contract.

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Approve the amendment agreement with West Coast Arborist, Inc. for tree maintenance services in the additional amount of $150,000 for FY 2020-2021.

• Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the City and make minor modifications as appropriate thereto.

By:  Albert Eurs

       Public Works Supervisor