City Council Chops Tree Trimming Contract

Trees aren’t the only things getting trimmed in Laguna Niguel.

The City Council Tuesday voted to cut the city’s contract extension with West Coast Arborists. Instead of maintaining the city’s treescape for several more years, the council opted to hire the company for two years with a one-year extension

Councilwoman Linda Lindholm had raised concerns regarding the length of the contract extension with West Coast Arborists.

“I never go for any contract that’s 5 years … council members are elected for four years, and this would even put it into the next group of council members,” Lindholm said.

She instead moved for a two-year agreement, with a one-year extension, noting it was in no way a reflection of the business’ quality of work.

According to Pat Mahoney, president of West Coast Arborists, the company has done tree maintenance for 220 cities in California and has a long-standing safety record. It is also noted for its computerized inventory system, he said.

Mahoney said the city could benefit from a longer plan if the city would lock in a rate of roughly $60,000 for GPS tree inventory.  In addition, there is a 30-day cancellation if the work is not up to par after three years.

“We would ask you to go to five years, which is what we’re offering, but we would be happy with two-plus,” said Mahoney.

Councilwoman Robert Ming supported Lindholm’s motion, noting that the city has used the same vendor since 1999. Ming said he would like to entertain the thought of putting it out to bid in the future.

In Other News:

• City Manager Tim Casey said the city received about $154,000 more in building and development-related revenue than previously estimated.
• It was moved to recommend the issuance of the purchase order for the purchase and installation of irrigation communication radio re-banding kits for various parks/medians/slopes. Police Chief Andy Ferguson explained through this process, adjacent jurisdictions can use the same frequency without interference or cross-talk.
• The Salt Creek Trail Enhancement project came in under budget and it was moved to recommend the awarding of the construction contract, and authorize the mayor or city manager to sign the contract documents.

Upcoming Events

The Liason for Youth Committee will be holding its annual Haunted Trails on Oct. 25 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Oct. 26-27 from 6:30-10 p.m. at 29751 Crown Valley Parkway’s emergency access road. The cost is $10.

A Toy Drive will be held on Sunday, Nov. 4 and Monday, Nov. 5 at for the adopted units and their children.