SUBJECT: Consent Agenda
Title
A Resolution of the Board Of Trustees of the Town Of Erie Appropriating $51,049 of Conservation Trust Funds for the Removal of Hazardous Trees from the Wise Homestead Property
Body
DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation
PRESENTER: Patrick Hammer, Parks & Recreation Director
FISCAL INFORMATION:
Cost as Recommended: $51,049.00
Balance Available: $0.00
Budget Line Item Number: 220-50-110-605000-100339
New Appropriation Required: Yes
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Authorize the expenditure of Conservation Trust Funds for the removal of hazardous trees along Jasper Road in Wise Homestead Open Space in the amount of $51,049.
End
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
In May of 2019, the Town purchased the 169 acres of Wise Homestead property as open space. Trees line the northern border of the property along Jasper Road for over half a mile between N. 109th and N. 119th Streets. Trees along this stretch are over-mature cottonwood trees that have historically received zero to minimal maintenance. The Town Forester and a third party contractor have determined many of the trees are in poor condition and pose a hazard to motorists and bicyclists travelling along Jasper Road. In 2019, two tree failures from this stand of trees required road closures for emergency work by staff and contractors. Further disregard of tree maintenance/removal will most likely result in future tree failures and represents a safety hazard.
The scope of work to mitigate risk of further tree failures and improve the health of existing trees includes pruning twelve trees and removing and stump grinding seven trees. After the contractor completes aerial inspections for the trees slated for pruning, staff and the contractor will determine if it is necessary to remove additional trees. This work will be schedule for completion this fall.
Staff recommends a full closure of Jasper Road between N. 109th and N. 119th Streets for approximately two weeks Monday-Friday, to complete the work safely and expeditiously. Not only is approach this more cost effective than a partial closure with flaggers, but crews will be able to complete work more quickly and the risk to motorists is eliminated. Colorado Barricade will manage and coordinate traffic control.
Blue River Tree Care is currently the Town’s tree care contractor for both emergency and scheduled tree services. Through the RFP process they provided the best hourly rates for services and agreed to meet all of the criteria to respond to emergency requests within a set timeframe. Blue River has held this contract for the past two years and has met or exceeded the needs of the Town during this time.
Project Budget Summary
The following is a summary of the total project costs and source of funding. Staff recommends using Conservation Trust Fund dollars, which is an appropriate use of these funds:
Costs:
Tree Pruning and Removal $36,380.00
Traffic Control $ 4,669.00
Contingency (20%) $10,000.00
Total $51,049.00
Funding (new appropriation):
220-50-110-605000-100339 $51,049.00
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. Blue River Tree Care Quote
3. Colorado Barricade Quote