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Trustees confront failing Main Street tree canopy; discuss phased replacements and open bidding
Summary
Board members were told that roughly 94 of about 140 Main Street trees are at least half dead and 38 more are likely to die within two years; trustees discussed phased replacement (e.g., 50 this fall, 50 next year), RFP procurement, and possible donated/discounted trees but insisted on open bids to avoid perceived favoritism.
Trustees reviewed an arborist assessment showing widespread decline along Main Street and discussed options for replacing up to 50 trees in the fall and another tranche the following year. A staff member described the tagging system used in the survey: orange ribbons for trees more than 50% dead, yellow for trees likely to reach that level within two years. "Out of the 140ish trees we have along Main Street, 94 of them are half dead or dying. 38 of them are going to be dead in the next two years," a trustee said.
Board members debated whether to accept a prior nine-tree quote (previously identified as a good deal by the arborist) or to solicit larger bids. Mike, a local contractor referenced in discussion, said he could provide trees but the board emphasized that any work should be procured through a sealed bid/RFP to avoid appearance of favoritism; members agreed Mike may bid but must be treated like other vendors.
Staff recommended phasing replacements by block (Main Street first, then Oak Street, then the berm/division streets), with staff preparing counts and an RFP. Trustees also discussed watering and contractor warranty terms (contractor responsibility for initial watering period) and whether to require in-spec irrigation or contractor watering periods.
