Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Site Maintenance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Township plans deck replacement and tree‑removal contract; residents urge care for cultural landscape
Summary
The committee reviewed an $18,375 deck replacement at Abolition Hall and a tree‑removal bid (Yellowstone) of $69,847.90 that would run from about Oct. 13 to Jan. 13 if approved by the Board; residents and committee members urged inventorying and protecting cultural landscape features before work begins.
The committee reviewed two maintenance projects at Abolition Hall. Craig McAnally said Phil Bueno & Sons (contractor) will replace the Abolition Hall deck in a remove‑and‑replace, in‑kind manner at a cost of $18,375; Public Works will remove the existing deck to lower costs.
Craig reported that hazard tree work went to bid, with five contractors attending a pre‑bid meeting and three formal bids submitted. He said the apparent low bid from Yellowstone was $69,847.90, which the arborist, John Hosbach, indicated seemed reasonable; the engineer and staff are reviewing bid packets and bonding requirements before presenting recommendations to the Board. If approved by the Board the anticipated timeframe for tree removal would be about Oct. 13 through Jan. 13.
Committee members flagged logistical concerns including contractor bonding, road congestion, and coordination with PECO for any required power shutdowns. Laura and Craig emphasized the need for good communication with nearby businesses and residents during tree removal.
Residents and members pressed for cultural‑resource protections. Sydelle Zove asked whether the RFP and contract require protection of cultural‑landscape features and requested an inventory of sculptures, tile patios, gate posts and other historic elements so contractors can avoid or protect them. Roy Wilson said many trees and landscape elements appear in historic paintings and photographs and expressed disappointment that some historically valuable trees may be removed. Committee members agreed to invite volunteers to photograph and catalog artifacts and to include oversight language in contracts and bid instructions where appropriate.
Next steps: staff and the engineer will complete bid reviews for the Board; committee will gather and catalog cultural‑landscape items and ensure contract language protects those features where feasible.
