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Board approves tree-removal contracts for Dutchman’s Conservancy and Argonne Park; alternate boardwalk work discussed
Summary
The Park and Recreation Board awarded tree-removal work for two winter projects — the Dutchman's Creek Conservancy and Argonne Park boardwalk area — to Lonney's (Lowney/Maloney referenced) Tree Service. Bidders and staff detailed working conditions, access issues and an alternate scope to remove trees where a future boardwalk will be placed.
The Park and Recreation Board voted Jan. 21 to accept the recommended low bids for two tree-removal projects: one in the Dutchman’s Creek Conservancy and one tied to the Argonne Park trail/boardwalk corridor. Staff recommended the award to Lonney's Tree Service (contractor name appears in meeting materials and transcript with variant spellings).* The board approved the recommendation by voice vote.
Why it matters: The work removes dead and dying ash trees and clears a footprint needed for a planned wooden boardwalk at Argonne Park and for stream-restoration access in the Dutchman’s Conservancy. Removing hazardous trees within the future boardwalk footprint is intended to protect trail users and allow contractors to place the elevated boardwalk in summer 2025.
Project details presented by Tim (village forester): - Dutchman’s Creek Conservancy: roughly 25 ash trees are targeted for removal within the conservancy; access is constrained and village staff obtained temporary trespass easements from adjoining property owners to reach some trees via Timber Lane. Staff reported written responses from most adjacent owners and said outreach continues. - Argonne Park: the wood-boardwalk corridor crosses wetland and bog soils; staff will remove dead-and-dying trees within and near the boardwalk footprint. Debris will be left on site and cut to reduce visual impact, except within the middle 50 feet of the boardwalk corridor where debris will be cleared to enable contractor placement of the boardwalk.
Bids and award: Staff said they solicited bids from about 30 contractors and received multiple bids; Tim reported Lonney's Tree Service as the recommended low bidder for both projects and noted references checked favorably. The meeting transcript contains multiple, inconsistent transcriptions of the contractor name and the bid amounts; staff told the board the low bids were acceptable and the board approved the award. The approved motion directed staff to proceed and to present the final contract(s) to Village Board.
Alternate scope: Because the contractor will already mobilize for tree removal, staff are obtaining quotes for an alternate section of trail removal/clearing adjacent to the primary bid to avoid remobilizing later. Staff said they will bring pricing for that alternate to the Village Board for approval if the contractor’s on-site pricing is favorable.
The motion to accept staff’s recommendation passed by voice vote; the board recorded "aye" and the motion carried. Staff will coordinate mobilization and confirm easement permissions with property owners before work begins.
