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Council approves public-safety funds for right-of-way tree removals and $25,000 in additional brushing
Summary
Council approved spending public-safety funds to remove hazardous right-of-way ash trees under a Woodchuck Tree Care quote the city cited as about $18,000, and approved an additional $25,000 for brushing in multiple locations; a resident questioned whether multiple bids were solicited and referenced larger figures in the transcript.
Grant City Council authorized two public-safety-funded maintenance actions: a contractor quote for removing hazardous ash trees in city right-of-way and an extra $25,000 in brushing work at several locations.
Staff described the Woodchuck Tree Care quote as approximately $18,000 to remove dead or dangerous ash trees across identified right-of-way locations. The city noted those trees lie on public right-of-way and that some have become safety hazards; staff said some removals require specialized crews due to ash-borer or tree condition, which increases cost.
A resident at the meeting questioned whether the city solicited multiple bids, saying he typically seeks two or three bids for tree work and that he had heard a larger number referenced (the transcript records the resident referring to amounts of $118,000 and $188,000). Council and staff responded that the project did not meet state bidding thresholds and that the city often uses preferred local bidders to avoid mobilization charges; staff said preferred, in-city contractors save staff time and are common for smaller projects.
Council moved and seconded approval of the Woodchuck Tree Care quote and then proceeded to vote; the transcript records vocal assent from council members during the roll-call exchange. Council then approved a separate $25,000 brushing quote to use available public-safety funds on vegetation management at listed streets and areas, subject to weather and scheduling.
What happens next: staff will coordinate with the contractor to schedule tree removal and brushing work; because the project did not meet bidding thresholds staff will document procurement rationale in the city file.
