06-23-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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If the ash tree is not treatable, or if the desired direction is to not treat an ash tree, an example of that cost would be: 18-inch DBH ash tree. Approximately $285 to remove the tree and $356 to grind the stump. +/- $641 for tree removal. (cost estimate based on the tree services contract pricing, utilization of the work crew may decrease per tree removal cost.) The cost of replacement varies greatly by size and species and could range from $50-$350 per tree including mulch and bagging around the tree. Currently, the City does not have an accurate inventory of all right-of-way (ROW) trees. It is estimated that there are more than 8,000 trees located on city property in the public ROW. Staff is working on getting a price to inventory all ROW trees and depending on the cost and timeline, possibly prioritize ash trees before getting all ROW trees inventoried. Since there is not a plan or dedicated funds in the current budget for EAB, staff would like to get feedback and guidance from the City Council prior to moving forward on the next steps. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) Since EAB has emerged as a threat, many cities have begun to partner with tree care companies to conduct trunk injection treatments to combat EAB trees on public property as well as ash trees on private property. The desire would be to secure a “not to exceed” price which Little Canada residents and the City can utilize to treat public or private ash trees. The benefit of issuing an RFP would provide the best possible cost and encourage residents to proactively treat ash trees. The city would also benefit from receiving an annual report of work completed on private trees and include the location of trees, tree size, dates of treatments, and a map showing locations of treated trees to assist in monitoring EAB in Little Canada. Staff requests further direction from the City Council regarding issuing an RFP for EAB treatment. SOURCE OF FUNDS: The source of funds has yet to be identified since the scope of work has not been defined. The 2021 General Fund Budget has the following: Department Budget YTD Expenditures Budget Remaining Shade Tree $6,000 $2,339 $3,661 Council Contingency $15,000 $-0- $15,000 As part of the 2022 Budget, additional funding will need to be determined for EAB activities. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff will provide additional information and recommends further discussion and direction from the City Council on treating ash Trees on public property versus removal. Staff also recommends City Council to authorize staff to publish a Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified tree care companies to conduct trunk injection treatments to combat EAB.