BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT:
Title
Procurement of Sole Source Services From Mowbray's Tree Service for Hazardous Tree Removal Along Saratoga Creek (Saratoga) (District 5). (Moved From March 21, 2018 Agenda)
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
A. Approve a Sole Source purchase of services for hazardous tree removal along Saratoga Creek for a not-to-exceed amount of $100,000; and
B. Authorize the Chief Executive Officer or her designee to procure tree removal services from Mowbray's Tree Service for an amount not-to-exceed $100,000.
Body
SUMMARY:
Urgent tree work is required along Saratoga Creek, just north of Cox Ave., in Saratoga, due to tree mortality, structural deficits, and disease related to 2012-2015 drought conditions. There are approximately 51 hazardous trees (blue gum eucalyptus) within a grove that require being removed to protect property, life and power infrastructure. Numerous tree failures have occurred in the reach in recent years and decay fungi have been observed on several trees in the grove, indicating potential instability.
These trees, on District property, can be accessed from the opposite bank using a large crane and crew that will cut and lift tree material over the creek away from homes and utility lines. Targets below the trees include high-value homes and properties, a private swim and racquet club, Saratoga Creek, and PG&E distribution lines.
The District and PG&E are pursuing a partnership to remove and/or prune back several of the trees in the grove, and the District is in the process of contracting out this specialized job to Mowbray's Tree Service, a specialty tree contractor and a PG&E preferred contractor for large jobs of this nature where access is limited, and homes are close by.
Mowbray's offers a specialized tree service, utilizing a coordinated technique between tree climbers and very large cranes. Crane operators and climbers are in direct contact through wireless communication systems and can expedite...
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