HomeMy WebLinkAbout9 Tree Trimming Contractenda Item #
CONSENT
To: Board of Directors
From: Jim Wilson
Date: August 02, 2017
Subject: Consideration of a Change Order for the Tree Trimming Contract
1. WHY THIS MATTER IS BEFORE THE BOARD
Board approval is required for expenditures in excess of $15,000.
2. HISTORY
There are approximately 135 miles of overhead electric distribution facilities in the
District's service territory, typically located along street and road right-of-way; however
some are located in backyard easements.
It is critically important for the District to perform annual vegetation management
operations. The goals of the vegetation management program include: ensuring the
safety of the general public and District lineman, reducing fire risks due to tree contact
or electrical sparks igniting brush, preventing customer outages and maintaining
aesthetics.
The District awarded an annual unit cost purchase agreement for electric line and tree
trimming on December 7, 2016 to Wright Tree Service in the amount of $267,000 with
an option to extend the contract for up to two additional years.
3. NEW INFORMATION
As a result of last winter's severe storms, staff has been working throughout the entire
District trimming trees, removing hazardous trees, and cleaning up trees that had
caused power outages during last winter's severe storms. So far this summer, the
District has not accomplished its annual routine tree trimming and pole clearing work.
Instead, the work performed has been to trim or remove hazardous trees that pose a
potential threat to the District's Electric facilities.
During the first part of August, tree trimming will commence in the Tahoe Donner
Subdivision. This area was earmarked as the 2017 line clearance project. There are
still a substantial number of hazard trees to be addressed in Tahoe Donner before we
can begin the annual routine work of maintaining adequate clearance between trees
and power lines.
In March, District staff presented a report to the Board outlining the effects of the
winter storm events and expressing a need to prepare for additional tree trimming and
vegitation management during the summer. The amount of affected vegetation due to
the winter storms has necessitated a subsequent increase in the amount of labor
needed and increasing the contract limit.
4. FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds exist is the Electric General Fund to cover the additional costs.
5. RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the General Manager to execute an amendment with Wright Tree Service
increasing the contract amount from $267,000 to an amount not to exceed $567,000.
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Stephen Hollabaugh Michael D. Holley
Assistant General Manager General Manager