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Board approves Urban Forest Services bid for brush grinding after debate
Summary
The Board of Public Works voted unanimously to accept Urban Forest Services’ bid for a brush-grinding job needed to reduce an accumulated yard-waste pile. Members debated hourly vs. fixed bids, repair-liability language, and the potential for higher incidental costs before approving the referral to council.
The Board of Public Works voted to accept Urban Forest Services’ proposal to perform the city’s yard-waste and brush grinding after members debated cost structure and contract terms.
The Street supervisor told the board that TLB Grinding offered a fixed-rate quote of $6,500 while Urban Forest Services quoted around $600 an hour plus a $400 mobilization fee and estimated about 10 hours to complete the work. "TLB grinding was a fixed rate quote of $6,500, and urban forest services was around $600 an hour plus their $400 mobilization fee," the Street supervisor said. Board members discussed that the city’s previous contractor charged about $4,800 but that contractor had an eight-hour minimum charge. The Chair said the board should avoid opening the door to an open-ended hourly rate: "I just don't wanna open the door to a $600 hour rate plus $50 a tooth," he said, referencing language that could allow high incidental charges.
Committee members raised specific contract concerns, noting a TLB estimate clause that would require the city to pay for any machine repairs and a potential $50-per-tooth replacement charge if the grinder chews up teeth. One member emphasized testing both vendors in the future to compare end products before committing to a multi-year arrangement. After discussion, a Committee member moved to accept the Urban Forest Services bid and the motion was seconded and approved by roll-call. The decision will be forwarded to council for final processing.
