Submitted By: Greg Vandeventer
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Presentation By: Greg Vandeventer
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Department: Recreation and Parks
FORMAL TITLE:
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Three-year agreement with Tip Top Tree Experts, LLC, for palm tree inoculations and canopy tree services in an aggregate amount not to exceed $83,655
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
Bid released to public: 7/30/26
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BACKGROUND:
The Recreation and Parks Department is responsible for overseeing maintenance of the City’s landscaped areas on various City properties. This maintenance includes disease control for palm trees and legacy canopy oak trees.
Lethal bronzing is a bacterial disease that has caused significant loss of mature palm trees throughout much of Florida, including the City of Ocala. As a preventive measure, the City inoculates palm trees with oxytetracycline (OTC) three times a year.
In addition to palm tree inoculations, the department provides Cambistat treatments to selected aging canopy trees, primarily live oaks. These treatments promote fine root growth while regulating canopy growth, improving drought tolerance and overall tree health and helping extend the lifespan of the City’s legacy trees.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
On July 30, 2026, Invitation to Bid (ITB) No.: REC/260749 was released for palm tree inoculation and canopy tree services. Four bids were received with the following results:
Tip Top Tree Experts, LLC, was the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
Staff recommends approving a three-year agreement with Tip Top Tree Experts, LLC, from November 18, 2026, through November 17, 2029, with two optional one-year renewals.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Tip Top’s price proposal lists an extended cost of $9,295 per treatment round. Three treatment rounds each year will result in an estimated annual cost of $27,885 and a total expenditure not to exceed $83,655 over the three-year contract term.
Funds for these services are included each year in the Recreation and Parks Department budget (001-021-120-572-57-34010).
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
These services were procured in compliance with the City’s procurement policy.
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