Discussion:
The city hired Precision Landscape and Tree to complete tree pruning in 2022. That contract agreement has a prevision to extend the contract for up to two additional years at the city's sole discretion. Based on the quote and the satisfactory of work performed in 2022, it is recommended to extend the pruning contract with Precision Landscape and Tree for 2023.
Precision Landscape and Tree from Little Canada, Minnesota, has the capacity and experience for the work and are prepared to begin the work in January 2023 with a completion date of December 31, 2023. The 2023 hourly rate is $117.70 which is the 2022 rate adjusted by 7% to account for inflation. See attached for the 2022 quote tabulation.
It should be noted that one of the city's contract requirements prescribes that only an ISA Certified Arborist may perform pruning and that all ANSI standards shall be met while performing work. Additionally, the contractor is required to notify adjacent property owners of the activity in their area a minimum of 48 hours in advance, with a letter provided by city staff.
The trees proposed to be pruned in 2023 include the mature trees and young trees in Zone C, and only young trees in Zone F (see attached maps).