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Seward County approves contract for tree-grinding service for landfill with insurance, pending documentation
Summary
The commissioners approved a contract with Hansen/Hanson Tree Service to grind trees at the Seward County Landfill, with a $7,500 mobilization/demobilization charge and an hourly grinding rate discussed in the record; the county required proof of insurance before work begins.
Seward County commissioners approved a contract award to a commercial tree-grinding provider to bring the county landfill into compliance with Kansas Department of Health and Environment requirements, with final work subject to proof of insurance and tax documentation.
Tyler, representing the Seward County Landfill, told commissioners the county’s grinder has required significant maintenance costs—about $28,000 in the past year—and that renting a contractor may be more economical than purchasing a new grinder, which Tyler estimated could cost $800,000 to $1 million. He said one vendor, identified in the record as Hanson (also referenced as Hansen) Tree Service from the St. Louis area, quoted a $7,500 mobilization fee and an hourly grinding rate; county staff estimated roughly 20–30 hours of work for the current pile.
Tyler said a county lease-purchase option for a new grinder would carry roughly $150,000 per year in payments. He told commissioners the vendor indicated it could be on-call after initial work to respond to disaster needs and that the company carries insurance; Tyler said he would obtain the certificate for county records if commissioners approved the contract.
Commissioners asked about on-site safety procedures and a spotter; Tyler said the grinding area would be cordoned off and flagged to warn of flying debris and that landfill staff would assist with support equipment to reduce contractor time. Tyler told commissioners he had an alternative quote from Brush Grinding that included a mobilization fee near $10,000 and an $800 hourly rate.
Commissioner Steve Helm moved to approve the bid from Hansen/Hanson Tree Service, specifying a $7,500 mobilization/demobilization fee and an hourly rate as recorded in the motion; Commissioner Poehler seconded. The board approved the motion by voice (show of hands). Tyler and staff confirmed county staff would obtain a certificate of insurance and W-9 from the vendor before work proceeded.
Notes on rates in the record: the presented quote discussed $750 per hour while grinding; the motion as read at the meeting referenced $7.50 per hour. The record contains both figures; county staff said they would secure the vendor documentation (proposal and insurance) before work began and verify the hourly rate in the contractor paperwork.
