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Isanti staff present tree-removal bids and options to assess restoration costs to property owners
Summary
Staff told the Committee of the Whole that contractor and in‑house bids for removing and restoring about 27 right‑of‑way trees vary; contractor estimates included a $6,090 stump‑removal/restoration line and a ~ $12,000 total, while public works estimated ~$10,300; council discussed assessing restoration costs to property owners and prioritizing 25 trees for short-term removal.
Staff presented a bid comparison for removing roughly 27 trees identified in a recent inventory and explained restoration line items including stump removal/grinding, black dirt and seeding.
One contractor’s restoration line for stump removal was listed at $6,090 and that contractor’s total removal/restoration proposal was about $12,000; in‑house public‑works estimates, accounting for staff time and partial restoration, were around $10,300 for the same scope. Staff said some items (black dirt and seeding) were included in certain contractor bids but not in all, which affects direct bid-to-bid comparisons.
Council members discussed whether the city’s public works crew could handle more removals at lower cost, and staff noted that any restoration cost could be assessed to the property owner if the council chooses that route. Staff also said the inventory flagged roughly 25 trees that should be addressed immediately or in the short term based on condition assessments.
No formal contract award was recorded in the Committee of the Whole discussion; council members asked clarifying questions about bid components, restoration responsibilities and the addresses of affected trees. Staff said assessments to property owners are an available mechanism but require a council decision and appropriate notices.
Next steps: staff will provide a clearer bid comparison with addresses and restoration inclusions and return to council with contract and assessment recommendations for formal action.
