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Committee approves Omni contract to treat ash trees; staff says removal remains option where trees are unsalvageable
Summary
The committee authorized an ash tree treatment contract to protect remaining ash trees from emerald ash borer at a cost up to $15,000 for 2025; staff said they will not treat trees deemed too far gone and will continue selective removal and replacement where appropriate.
Public Works staff presented the annual ash‑tree treatment program and recommended contracting with Omni Tree Service to treat 87 ash trees in 2025 at a cost not to exceed $15,000. The committee approved moving forward with the Omni proposal.
Staff explained the city began alternating treatment cycles to preserve high‑value ash trees after the emergence of emerald ash borer (EAB). Treatment is less costly than wholesale removal and replacement, but staff said some trees are beyond treatment and will be removed and replaced. Staff estimated removal and replacement, if pursued for all 87 trees, would cost roughly $130,500 assuming combined removal and replacement cost of $1,500 per tree.
Committee members asked staff to rely on the city arborist’s field assessment to determine which trees are viable candidates for treatment and which should be removed. Staff confirmed they will not treat trees deemed unsalvageable and will continue the alternating‑year program while monitoring tree health.
The committee voted to accept the low bid from Omni for treatment work in 2025 and to direct staff to continue removal/replace planning for trees beyond treatment.
