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Staff Report <br />To:Mayor Fischer and Members of the City Council <br />From:Eric Seaburg, City Engineer <br />Date: April 8, 2026 <br />Re:2026 Little Canada Road Improvements – Early Tree Clearing Change Order <br />Action To Be Considered: <br />Motion to approve, table, or deny the following: <br />Change Order 1 with Husky Construction for the Little Canada Road Improvements Early Tree <br />Clearing Contract <br />Background: <br />At its February 25, 2026, City Council meeting, the City awarded a tree removal contract to Husky <br />Construction. As described in the original staff report, early tree clearing was intentionally scheduled <br />ahead of the main construction contract in order to comply with seasonal environmental restrictions <br />established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for protection of the Northern Long‑Eared Bat. <br />Unusually warm weather conditions in March resulted in softer-than-anticipated ground conditions in <br />the areas where tree clearing occurred. These conditions led to greater soil disturbance than would <br />normally be expected under typical frozen-ground conditions, creating the need for additional interim <br />restoration measures to manage erosion until full project construction begins later this summer. <br />In response, project staff coordinated with Husky Construction to develop Change Order #1, totaling <br />$34,839.00, to implement necessary soil stabilization and restoration measures consistent with <br />Ramsey–Washington Metro Watershed permit requirements and in advance of typical spring rainfall <br />events. These measures were not included in the original tree clearing contract, as that work was <br />planned and bid under the expectation of frozen ground and minimal soil disturbance. However, even <br />after including the soil restoration work, Husky’s contract still falls below the $100,000 that was <br />estimated for early tree clearing work. <br />Source Of Funds: <br />The Little Canada Road Project (PW 67) is included in the 2026–2035 Capital Improvement Plan <br />(CIP). Costs for early tree clearing and associated restoration work continue to be cost-shared with <br />Ramsey County in accordance with their cost participation policy and the proposed Cooperative <br />Agreement. <br />Staff Recommendations: <br />Staff recommends that the City Council approve Change Order #1 with Husky Construction, in the <br />amount of $34,839, for the Early Tree Clearing Contract for the Little Canada Road Improvement <br />Project.