Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes an agreement with two nurseries for tree purchases in 2017. Funding for tree purchases in included in the Parks Division capital budget in 3 programs: (1) Assessable Trees ($150,000), (2) Emerald Ash Borer Mitigation ($1.0m), and (3) Street Tree Replacements ($185,000).
Title
To authorize the City to enter into an agreement with either one or both of two Wisconsin nurseries, McKay Nursery and Johnson Nursery, to purchase trees until January 1, 2027.
Body
On January 16, 2007, the Common Council authorized the Forestry section of the Parks Division to purchase trees on a sole or dual source contract from either or both of two Wisconsin nurseries, McKay Nursery and Johnson Nursery, for a 10-year period (RES-07-00130, Legislative File 05135). This authorization expired on January 1, 2017. The Parks Division requests that the authorization be extended for another ten years to January 1, 2027.
WHEREAS, the Forestry section of the Parks Division plants approximately 2,800 trees per year in new subdivisions and to replace existing trees that were removed; and
WHEREAS, Forestry has concerns about competitively bidding tree stock, that it will vary in quality and have a higher mortality rate, which will result in a higher number of removals and replantings and require additional inspections, all of which will add to Forestry’s workload; and
WHEREAS, the tree species grown outside the Wisconsin climate may not be as well-suited to the state’s climate as in-state grown trees; and
WHEREAS, the competitive bid process may limit availability of trees in the size and with the species diversity needed by City Forestry; and
WHEREAS, ordering from a sole source or dual source provides delivery cost savings and limits staff time needed to order and organize tree deliveries, resulting in the sole or dual source option being the most cost-effective option of procurement given staff resources; and
WHEREAS, Wisconsin-based nurseries McKay Nursery and Johnson Nursery have consistently provided high quality trees with good survival rates; and
WHEREAS, City Purchasing will not approve a Purchase Order for a non-competitive purchase of goods that exceeds $25,000 without Common Council approval; and
WHEREAS, the Parks Division is now seeking such approval from the Council so that the Forestry Section may continue to purchase the trees necessary for planting in 2017-2026.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and City Clerk or the Designee of the Finance Director, as appropriate, are hereby authorized to execute document(s) as necessary in a form approved by the City Attorney, with either or both of two Wisconsin nurseries, McKay Nursery and Johnson Nursery, for the purchase of trees until January 1, 2027.