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Committee approves sealed-bid process for ash tree disposal
Summary
After staff outlined a sealed-bid approach and quarantine constraints for ash wood, the committee approved putting ash-tree piles up for public bid with buyer-loading and liability requirements.
The Park and Recreation Committee on Feb. 4 approved a sealed-bid policy to dispose of ash logs and brush collected during recent tree removals, with buyers responsible for loading and complying with quarantine restrictions.
Ginger, parks and recreation staff, presented a proposed process in which crews stage logs in numbered lots; each lot would be sold separately to the highest bidder. Buyers would inspect piles before bidding, sign a liability form accepting responsibility for loading and transport, and be required to remove material by a posted deadline. The city will not provide loading assistance and will prohibit chainsaws or other cutting equipment on city property. Ginger said larger lots can be grouped to accommodate commercial buyers while keeping other piles manageable for residents with pickup trucks.
Ginger explained that quarantine rules for the spongy moth (gypsy moth) affect where wood can be transported and that the western part of the state is not currently under quarantine; buyers will be asked to state intended destination county. She said tops will go to DTech under current operations, while logs are staged at the wastewater treatment plant lot.
Committee member Bernie Ritchie moved to put the ash disposal lots on sealed bid; Taylor Reicher seconded the motion. The committee voted in favor and the motion carried.
Committee members raised safety concerns about private equipment loading large logs and asked staff to require permits and gate access controls. Ginger said the winning bidder would receive a permit to open the gate and that the area is under camera surveillance. A committee member asked whether bids could be limited to New London residents; staff said public bid rules prevent local-only preference.
The committee approved the bidding approach; staff will publish bid instructions and terms, including buyer inspection, removal deadlines, permit procedures and a liability waiver.
