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Council awards electric division tree‑trimming contract to Xylem; city clarifies private‑property responsibilities
Summary
Council approved awarding the electric division tree‑trimming and right‑of‑way maintenance RFP to Xylem Tree Experts (hourly contract); staff emphasized the city handles trees in the right‑of‑way and may bill property owners when private trees affect power lines.
The Kinston City Council on April 7 approved awarding the Electric Division’s tree‑trimming and right‑of‑way maintenance RFP to Xylem Tree Experts. Public Services Director Steve Miller told council the procurement received five bids and that the contract authorizes work at the vendor’s hourly rates rather than specifying a total price; available funds in the current year will cover some immediate work and additional funds will be requested in the FY2027 budget.
Director Miller and Electric Superintendent Tyler Skinner explained the cost analysis used typical crew scenarios for dry and wet conditions and emphasized the contract’s focus on keeping limbs away from power lines to prevent outages.
Council Member Aiken described a hazardous tree near Emma Webb on Highland Avenue and said driving under it felt like “playing Russian roulette,” and asked about responsibility for trees on private property. Director Miller and Council Member Hardy clarified that property owners are responsible for trees on private property, though the city will notify owners, and that the city will cut trees that begin interfering with electric lines at the right‑of‑way edge and may bill property owners for work under code enforcement procedures.
Mayor Moore and Interim City Manager Ralph Clark confirmed the city distinguishes visibility/landscaping issues handled by code enforcement from utility issues handled by the electric division. The motion to approve the award carried unanimously.
