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Redevelopment commission awards $49,400 tree‑clearing contract and approves $15,000 change order for trail work
Summary
The commission approved a $49,400 contract with Homer Tree Service to clear trees for Phase 1b of the trail and authorized a $15,000 change order to cover additional administration and procurement work after splitting tree work from the general contract.
The Redevelopment Commission voted to award the Phase 1b tree‑clearing contract to Homer Tree Service of Lockport, Illinois, for $49,400 and approved an additional change order not to exceed $15,000 to cover extra work created by separating the tree removal from the main construction bid.
Matt Kaiser, who presented the trail updates, said the National Park allowed the commission to solicit separate quotes for tree removal to meet the Indiana bat tree‑clearing window (deadline March 31). Kaiser described three bids: Homer Tree Service at $49,400; Tree Servants LLC at about $98,624.27; and Russell Tree Experts at about $113,600, and recommended Homer as the most responsive and closest contractor.
Commissioners confirmed the tree work is covered in the project budget and asked staff for access to the project binder and the most recent drawdown spreadsheet; staff said the binder is available in the office and the spreadsheet can be posted to OneDrive.
Kaiser explained the $15,000 change order (Ava Marsh change order #003) is a time‑and‑materials allocation to cover preparing the separate tree quotes, the narrower bid package for tree contractors, and construction administration related to the split‑out work. A motion to approve Change Order #003 not to exceed $15,000 passed by roll call.
Commissioners discussed operational details, including how crews will cross the trail at designated access points, the potential for equipment to damage sections of the trail, and repair responsibilities. Staff said any damage caused by the tree contractor will be repaired during the main construction phase by the trail contractor so the repair can be completed as a single paving operation.
Votes at a glance - Award Homer Tree Service contract for tree clearing, $49,400 — approved by roll call. - Approve Ava Marsh change order #003, not to exceed $15,000 — approved by roll call.
What happens next Staff will finalize the contract documents and set up the purchase order for the change order; the contractor will mobilize once administrative review is complete and date notifications to nearby residents will be posted to the town Facebook page and website.
