Title
Approval of Contract for Electric Distribution Line Clearance, Tree Right-of-Way Maintenance, Weed Control and Related Work (B)
Explanation
Utilities Purchasing issued an Invitation to Bid to five companies capable of providing these services. Four responses and one no bid were received. The responses were evaluated based on prices quoted and a typical year of work. Asplundh Tree Expert Company was determined to be the lowest evaluated, responsive and responsible bidder. A tabulation of the bids is attached for your reference.
This contract provides tree trimming for the electric transmission and distribution systems. The primary objective of this type of maintenance work is to use recommended arboricultural standards for the trimming and removal of vegetation around power lines. Approximately 775 pole miles of overhead service facilities need maintaining. Results to date of both staff studies and industry experience have concluded that using this type of planning approach to line clearance will continue to significantly reduce tree related electrical outages and increase safety, while promoting more control and minimizing annual costs. The ultimate goal is to optimize system reliability, customer service and safety while maintaining the aesthetic qualities of tree cover in the city's landscape in a cost-effective manner. In addition, electric system outages related to trees (preventable) have been reduced from over 12% of all outages in 1995 to 1.8% in 2001.
Recommendations
The City Commission 1) Authorize the General Manager or his designee to execute a contract for electric distribution line clearance, tree-trimming, right-of-way maintenance, weed control and related work with Asplundh Tree Expert Company for the period commencing December 1, 2001 and ending March 31, 2005, subject to the approval of the City Attorney as to form and legality; and 2) Approve the issuance of a purchase order to Asplundh Tree Expert Company for these serv...
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