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Ottawa City outlines multiyear tree-trimming plan for primary power lines; alley work slated for 2027
Summary
City Manager reported completion of two primary three-phase trimming zones, costs for Zone 1 ($94,420) and Zone 2 (about $150,000), and plans to issue RFPs for Zones 3 and 4 with alley trimming beginning in 2027; residents encouraged to update Everbridge contact info.
The City Manager told commissioners the city has completed two of four primary three-phase electric trimming zones intended to reduce storm-related outages and will issue requests for proposals to complete Zones 3 and 4.
The city’s right-of-way maintenance work has been broken into four zones. Zone 1, covering the northeast part of town and north of the river, cost $94,420 and was completed in the earlier phase; Zone 2 cost just under $150,000 and covered a much larger portion of the city footprint. The City Manager said the city solicited emergency bids in year one and will move to a multi-year RFP for subsequent zones to increase competition and continuity.
"We have completed 2 of 4 primary, 3 phase zones," the City Manager said, and added that Zones 3 and 4 will be brought to the commission as RFP awards for multiyear contracts. Alley trimming behind residences is planned to begin in 2027 and will be presented as separate work so residents are notified; the City Manager encouraged residents to keep Everbridge contact information current for advance notifications.
The manager said the work focuses on primary and secondary lines, not the private attachment from the secondary line to individual houses. "There still could be trees over their line that attaches to the house that could eventually cause issues, but that's ... not something we're touching with these bids," staff said.
Commissioners asked about bidding and the companies involved; the manager said a prior contractor performed the initial work and that the city hopes a multiyear bid will draw more bidders. The manager also highlighted recent public-works activity including street rehabilitation, pothole repairs and sewer-line work, and noted volunteers are needed for the citywide cleanup scheduled for April 4.
