La Verne updates procurement, awards five‑year tree maintenance contract to West Coast Arborists

The City Council approved a five‑year, citywide tree maintenance and arborist services contract to West Coast Arborists after staff described a revised RFP evaluation process designed to prioritize qualifications and public‑safety outcomes.

Public Works presented changes to procurement for professional services: a two‑phase selection process that scores qualifications, technical approach and interviews at 80 percent, with cost evaluated separately at 20 percent after interviews. Nicole Houston said the approach was intended to ensure consistency, fairness and selection of the best overall value rather than automatically choosing the lowest bidder.

Houston told council the city manages more than 10,000 trees on public property. The RFP (issued Feb. 24, 2025) drew nine proposals; staff shortlisted four firms and recommended West Coast Arborists, which has served La Verne since about 2002 and scored highest in the panel evaluation. "Their proposal offered the best value overall and pricing lower than their current rate structure," Houston said, noting the contractor employs ISA‑certified arborists and uses technology‑enabled tree tracking.

Council members supported the transparent scoring and interview process; one resident commenter noted the advertised lower pricing. The council approved the staff recommendation to award a five‑year contract with three optional one‑year extensions starting July 1, 2025.

The contract includes routine trimming and removals, emergency response, planting and inventory/maintenance services and includes added protections suggested by the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority. Council voted unanimously.

Implementation: Public Works will notify the contractor and begin transition; staff said the contract enhances tree health monitoring and emergency response capability.