Council extends tree‑care agreement month‑to‑month while staff issues new RFP; members request default replanting policy

The City Council on June 17 approved a month‑to‑month extension to the tree‑maintenance agreement with West Coast Arborists while staff prepares and posts a new request for proposals.

Council members discussed correct pruning practice with the vendor. A West Coast Arborists representative told the council the company follows ISA guidance and typically limits pruning to roughly 30% of live canopy to preserve long‑term tree health; council members said they had seen sites that appeared heavily trimmed and asked for better consistency. The vendor confirmed that heavier cuts generally require more frequent follow‑up pruning and can produce weaker regrowth.

Councilmember Gutierrez moved and Councilmember Cantos seconded continuing the contract month‑to‑month while an RFP is posted. The council also directed staff to ensure tree removals are followed promptly by stump grinding and backfill and to treat replacement plantings as a standard option; staff said the city will coordinate replantings at the city's request and suggested procedures for backfilling and replanting with new stock.

The council approved the amendment on a 5‑0 roll call vote. Staff said the RFP is under review by the city attorney and will be published once comments are finalized; vendors will then be able to bid for a longer contract term.

Council members asked staff to include replacement‑by‑default language as an option so that, unless the city directs otherwise, a removed street tree would be replaced and the contractor would perform initial backfill and planting. The vendor described the technical process for stump removal, root grinding and backfill and confirmed contractors can coordinate to replace trees and restore tree grates when requested by the city.

No additional appropriations were approved as part of the amendment; staff said the change preserves continuity of service while the RFP is issued.