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Pico Rivera approves three-year tree-maintenance contract with West Coast Arborist over council concerns
Summary
After debate about using a piggyback procurement rather than a new RFP, council approved a three-year contract with West Coast Arborist that includes a GPS inventory of the city's roughly 11,600 street trees; vote was 4-1 with Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez dissenting.
The Pico Rivera City Council voted to award a multi-year tree-maintenance contract to West Coast Arborist after a contentious discussion about procurement method and value.
Councilmember (Mayor Pro Tem) Sanchez objected to rescinding an earlier June 9 directive to pursue an RFP and urged staff to use an open competitive process. "We have never rescinded a directive that the council has requested of staff," Sanchez said, arguing the prior majority vote should stand.
Public Works Director Negrete defended the recommended piggyback approach as legal and cost-stable, saying the original competitively bid contract had eight proposers and the city would lock in pricing with only a 1% increase over the five-year bid. Negrete also said the recommended contract includes a GPS tree inventory that would normally cost "just over $90,000" at no additional cost to the city and estimated Pico Rivera manages "approximately 11,600 trees." Victor Gonzales, vice president of West Coast Arborist and a Pico Rivera resident, addressed council to support the award and noted his firm's local ties.
Councilmembers expressed concern about procurement transparency but also noted budget pressure and service needs. After discussion the motion to approve staff's recommendation passed by roll call, 4-1 (Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez opposed). Councilmember Rolotta said he will bring the piggybacking process back for broader review.
The contract locks in tree-maintenance rates for the term and adds the GPS inventory to help with future planning. Staff said they will monitor performance and return to council with any adjustments or future procurement steps required.
