Council committee forwards $350,000 tree‑services contract with incumbent Thundering Oak to city consent agenda

City parks staff told the FedRack committee the Parks Department solicited bids for on‑call tree services and that Thundering Oak Enterprises was the lowest responsive, responsible bidder. A staff speaker said the contract would be a three‑year term with an optional one‑year extension, funded from the Parks urban forestry budget and the city’s general fund. The presenter said ongoing operational and maintenance costs will continue to be funded in future budgets.

Council member Jack Dovi and others asked whether Thundering Oak was the incumbent contractor; staff confirmed the firm had served the city for “in excess of a decade.” Council member Susan Honda asked about criteria for removing dead trees; staff explained that “dangerous” trees or trees that present targets (houses, roads, playgrounds, cars, fences) are removed, while trees with no near‑term targets in natural groves may be left to natural processes. Honda and others pointed to several Park locations (Celebration Park, Hanwhrui/Honoree Garden) where staff said they would inspect specific trees and have Thundering Oak evaluate removal or mitigation.

The committee moved and seconded a recommendation to forward the proposed tree‑services contract authorization to the Oct. 7, 2025, consent agenda for council approval. The motion carried, recorded as “this matter passed 3‑0.”

Ending: Staff said they will return to council via the consent agenda on Oct. 7 with the contract authorization and that future costs will be treated as part of regular operations and maintenance budgeting.