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• FALCON HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES November 10, 2004 MnDOT Maintenance Resolution (continued) -8- Administrator Worthington said the resolution represents a new effort by multiple cities, to draw MnDOT's attention to this problem. The City of Fridley hopes to convene a meeting between several suburban mayors and the Governor, sometime in early 2005 before the legislative session. They are also recommending that the cities who participate in this effort send a packet of information to their legislative delegation. A brief discussion followed. RESOLUTION 2004-23 Talbot moved adoption of Resolution 2004-23 requesting that MnDOT conduct regular maintenance of their rights of way within City limits. The motion was unanimously approved. 2005 Tree Removal Contract Extension Administrator Worthington said that typically the city takes proposals for tree removals annually. Since these are under the $50,000 statutory competitive bidding cap, the city is not required to . bid these contracts: Tree trimming takes place in the winter, when trees are largely dormant. The City currently has a contract for 2004 with S & S Tree Service for tree removals. The trimming contract is a separate contract. S & S has offered to honor their 2004 pricing in 2005, provided that we do not solicit any new proposals for 2005. With increased fuel costs for companies with large fleets, as well as some difficulty in the past in getting proposals from reputable companies, it makes sense to extend the removal contract for one more year. In addition, staff has received many favorable comments about the quality of S & S's work, and they have provided an excellent response to emergency call-out, routine removals, and special situations, including our Dutch Elm season. Staff reviewed this proposal with the city attorney, and there are no legal impediments to a one-year extension to the contract. Staff is currently researching better, more competitive ways to solicit proposals for the tree contract, and in 2005, will recommend that the city combine the tree trimming and removal contracts into one request for proposals. A brief discussion followed. Council member Lamb commented that while he recognizes S & S is probably giving the City a price break for 2005 and the contract with them is under the $50,000 statutory competitive bidding cap, he would prefer the City bid out all contracts on principle, to ensure the City's taxpayers are getting the biggest bang for the buck. Council member Talbot said that he talked with City Forester Anita Twaroski and she told him that Dutch elm disease is running rampant through the metro area, requiring the removal of large • numbers of trees at additional cost to each community. Also, gas is going up. He would vote to accept S & S's offer for 2005. 8