Discussion:
The city hired Precision Landscape and Tree to complete tree pruning in 2022. That contract agreement has a provision 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 and 2023, it is recommended to extend the pruning contract with Precision Landscape and Tree for 2024 which would be the last year the contract can be extended.
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 2024 with a completion date of December 31, 2024. The 2024 hourly rate is $119.10 which is the 2023 rate ($117.70 per hour) adjusted by 1.2%. The proposed rate adjustment is within the allowable increase per the contract 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 the city.
The trees proposed to be pruned in 2024 include the mature trees, young trees and general right-of-way clearance in Zone D, and only young trees in Zone A (see attached maps).