Minutes - Public Works Committee - 11/15/2005

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Riverblood informed the Committee that earlier this year, the City requested sealed bids for planted balled and burlaped trees ora similar size and species. This cost was $650 dollars per tree. In addition, staff recently requested quotes for smaller trees ora more common variety, with this cost at $354 each, installed. He continued that, if these costs were applied to the trees staff moved, this would represent a value of $131,950, or $71,862 dollars respectively or almost double or triple the investment the first year. He added that the attachment had a useful life of approximately 25 years, and that it will continue to be put into use in the spring and fall when the loader is not needed for other projects. Committee member Pearson asked what the survival rate has been. Parks & Utilities Supervisor, Riverblood replied that with the exception of one tree that is in severe decline because it was too large; and was deliberately moved as an experiment, the survival is nearly 100 percent. Pearson added that it has been his experience that fall is the best time to move trees. The Committee discussed purchase of a trailer that could be used in conjunction with a tree spade. Riverblood indicated he felt this would work ideal with a Bobcat sized tree spade. He continued that staff is looking into trading a Bobcat attachment the City no longer uses, for a 36" or 44" tree spade for the skid-steer Bobcat. This would probably require an additional 3 to 4 thousand dollars however. He stated that if the 2006 Capital Equipment purchases come under budget, staff could bring this back to the Committee. Parks Supervisor Riverblood provided a summary of the number, size and value of the trees that have been moved by staff. Acting Chairperson Cook suggested consideration ofbasketing the trees to improve the program. Parks Supervisor Riverblood replied a trailer or basket may be able to be worked into the budget if capital expenditures come in under budget. The consensus of the Committee was to recommend that the City Council authorize staff to proceed with the purchase ora tree spade. Road Striping on Alpine Drive Mayor Gamec directed staff to look into the striping on Alpine Drive and Highway 47. He stated the lines on Alpine Drive are almost unable to be seen. Public Works Supervisor Reimer explained the weather at this time of year is too cold for striping the roads; this could be done in the spring. Public Works Director Kapler indicated Public Works Supervisor Reimer will conduct an analysis of the roads in the City that require striping to gear up for the work to be completed in the spring. Public Works Committee / November 15, 2005 Page 10 ofll