HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff ReportCITY OF SEBASTIAN
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE October 16, 2024
TO Honorable Mayor and City Council
THRU Brian Benton, City Manager
FROM Karen Miller, City Engineer & Special Projects Director
SUBJECT
Consideration of a purchase order for Underwater
Engineering Services, Inc. in the amount of $49,546 for
Stonecrop drainage project additional tree removals
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2023, Underwater Engineering Services, Inc. began work on the Stonecrop drainage project per the
construction drawings in ITB 23-04. Trees within the easement were removed according to the
construction plans. As the project started back up, the contractor brought to the City’s attention their
concern of negatively impacting roots of the existing trees with their equipment moving in and out of the
area. They were concerned that cutting the tree roots in order to place the concrete armoring for the ditch
as well as driving over the remaining roots with equipment may cause significant harm to the trees. As
the City did not want to leave unstable or unhealthy trees in the process with compromised root systems
that could ultimately fall and cause damage on private property during a hurricane, the City asked the
contractor to complete a tree risk assessment. Through an arborist’s review, UESI provided a tree risk
assessment for the portion of the work between Stonecrop Street and Bevan Dr and an assessment for the
work between Bevan Dr and Laconia St. It was determined that additional trees needed to be removed
to ensure equipment access as well as leaving healthy trees post construction. In order to move forward
with the project the City is looking to remove the trees outlined within the tree risk assessment reports in
order to allow construction and to leave a safe condition for the residents.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of a purchase order in the amount of $49,546 for Underwater Engineering
Services, Inc., to provide additional tree removals for the Stonecrop project and authorize the City
Manager or designee to approve the purchase order for additional scope of the work.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Extraordinary Procurement Certificate
2. UESI Tree Removal Proposal
3. Tree Risk Assessment Part 1
4. Tree Risk Assessment Part 2
FUNDING SOURCE:
Expenditure required Amount Budgeted: Funding source
$49,546 $38,547 Discretionary Sales Tax
Additional Funds Needed: $12,499