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Coldwater Council OKs one‑year trial with Davey Tree Service for right‑of‑way trimming
Summary
Council authorized a one‑year agreement to hire Davey Tree Service for municipal and BPU right‑of‑way tree trimming, citing a three‑person crew for safety and continuity; staff said the city budgets about $110,000 annually for tree services and will monitor costs during the trial.
The Coldwater City Council on Dec. 16 approved Resolution 24‑89 and Agreement 82417 to hire Davey Tree Service for city and BPU right‑of‑way tree trimming on a one‑year trial basis.
City staff explained the change followed repeated staffing shortfalls at the previous contractor. Davey was chosen because its standard three‑person crews reduce the safety and efficiency problems that occur when the contractor cannot supply a second crew member to act as a ground person for bucket‑truck operations.
"We really considered them because they have a three‑man crew," staff said, adding that when a crew member is absent a three‑person line allows work to continue without assigning city personnel as ground support.
Staff noted the city currently budgets roughly $110,000 annually for tree services and expects only a modest cost increase under the new vendor due to improved efficiency. The Board of Public Utilities splits tree‑trimming weeks with the city (staff described past arrangements of roughly 24 weeks for the BPU and 26 for the city), and the new contract will use a combined invoicing approach with costs apportioned by actual usage. Staff stated the contract is time‑and‑material, meaning the city pays only for work performed.
Council members raised questions about how to keep the city's net cost near current budgeted levels; staff replied that scheduling and a budget for work will be enforced and that the item is intended as a trial year to evaluate performance. The contract is anticipated to go into effect in February if approved.
Next steps: DMS and BPU staff will monitor contractor performance and present findings during the FY2026 budget process; council directed staff to keep costs within the allocated budget and to report back if adjustments are needed.
