Title
Amendment to Asplundh Contract (NB)
Staff recommends an extension of the contract with Asplundh for one year.
Explanation
On November 13, 2001, the City Commission approved a contract to Asplundh Tree Expert Company for electric distribution line clearance, tree trimming, right-of-way maintenance, weed control, and related work for the period commencing December 1, 2001, and ending March 31, 2005. On March 28, 2005, the City Commission approved a one year extension to the contract through March 31, 2006. This requested contract extension is the second of three allowable under the contract.
The purpose of the contract is to provide a program for vegetation management services to the electric transmission and distribution systems according to approved arboricultural standards. The Recreation and Parks Department also uses Asplundh's services to supplement their own crews. In addition, Asplundh can assist with storm restoration as in the hurricanes of 2004.
This contract is subject to the Living Wage Ordinance and Asplundh's wage rates have been adjusted to reflect the new rates published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2005. The fiscal impact of the Living Wage Ordinance on this Contract will be reported in the semi-annual report provided to the City Commission. Staff estimates that the fiscal impact of the Living wage for this contract is an additional $18,318. The pricing of these services remains competitive and Asplundh continues to perform well.
Recommendations
The City Commission: 1) authorize the General Manager or his designee to execute an amendment to extend the contract with Asplundh Tree Expert Company for the period April 1, 2006, to March 31, 2007; and 2) approve the issuance of purchase orders to Asplundh Tree Expert Company for these services in an amount not to exceed $1,400,000 for GRU and in an amount not to exceed $124,000 for General Government subject to the final appropriation of funds.
Fiscal Note
Funding for this request is included in the Operations and Maintenance and Capital Budgets for
FY 2006 and will be requested in FY 2007.
Drafter
Prepared by: David E. Beaulieu, Assistant General Manager, Energy Delivery
Submitted by: Michael L. Kurtz, General Manager