Submitted By: Lisa Crouthamel
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Presentation By: Doug Peebles
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Department: Electric Utility
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve a three-year contract with Davey Resource Group, a division of the Davey Tree Expert Co., for tree trimming and power line clearing services with a total estimated cost of $7,624,629
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence.
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
Bid released to the public 01/30/2023
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BACKGROUND:
Ocala Electric Utility (OEU) directs resources to deliver safe and reliable power to the community to meet customers’ expectations. One of the leading causes of electric power failures is vegetation interference. OEU has approximately 767 linear miles of overhead powerlines throughout the service area, often conflicting with vegetation. OEU uses specialized utility vegetation management contractors to clear trees away from powerlines.
The annual budget, along with a 3% contingency, enables vegetation trimming along 25% of the overhead powerlines. Tree trimming and clearing also play a significant role in restoring power after weather events that result in tree-related outages. OEU has reduced power outages caused by vegetation by 24% from 2018 to 2022.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
On January 30, 2023, the City issued its Invitation to Bid (ITB) #: ELE/230159 for the clearing, pruning, and herbicide treatment of vegetation along the overhead powerlines. A total of eight (8) firms responded to the solicitation, were evaluated based on price and subject to the City’s Local Vendor Preference Ordinance, 2017-35. After submitting a local vendor preference affidavit affirmatively demonstrating that it satisfied the requirements of Ordinance 2017-35 and reducing its bid to 1% below that of lowest bidder, Davey Resource Group, a division of The Davey Tree Expert Co., was found to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds for this contract are budgeted each fiscal year in account #457-032-231-531-53-34070 at an estimated annual budget of $2,541,543.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
These services were procured in compliance with the City’s Procurement Policy and Local Vendor Preference Ordinance 2017-35.
LEGAL REVIEW:
This Agreement has been reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny