Agenda - 04-16-2002 - 8b - Laserfiche WebLink

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w - 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: April 16, 2002 Action Agenda Item No. SUBJECT: Bid Award: Removal and Re-Planting of Trees at Richard Whitted Human Services Center DEPARTMENT: Purchasing and Public Works PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Pam Jones, 245-2652 Bid Tabulation Wilbert McAdoo, 245-2627 Section of Manager's Memo TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Poster Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 968-4501 Durham 688-7331 Mebane 336-227-2031 PURPOSE: To consider awarding a bid for the removal and recycling of trees and re-planting of trees at the Richard Whitted Human Services Center (RWHSC). BACKGROUND: In a Manager's memo dated February 15, 2002, the Board was advised of the condition of eleven red and sugar maple trees surrounding RWHSC along Tryon Street and on the east side of the building. These trees are in poor health and create a safety hazard. In the summer of 2000, the observed condition of several of the trees indicated the possibility for loss of limbs, a particular concern during periods of severe weather when accompanied by high winds. Concerns were heightened when one tree fell during a storm in October of 2001. An assessment was contracted in November of 2001 with Dr. James McGraw, an N.C. State Professor of Forestry and Extension Urban Forestry Specialist with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. He found that the problems the most-damaged trees are exhibiting include extensive cavities, deadwood and defective branches. Based on Dr. McGraw's findings, the Orange County Public Works Department recommended removing and replacing all of the trees. The trees will be replanted farther back from the street, retaining wall and parking lot at RWHSC, providing increased room for root growth, stability and improved conditions for healthy growth. Public Works Director Wilbert McAdoo presented these findings to the Hillsborough Tree Board for their approval on January 16, 2002. The Tree Board unanimously approved the recommendation for removing and replanting the trees. In tandem with the Public Works staff, the Purchasing staff prepared specifications to remove the damaged trees and to replace them with trees at least 6" in diameter and at least 20' tall. It should be noted that the removed trees would be recycled or reused except for portions that must be landfilled (i.e. stumps). The 13 replacement trees will be of the same variety as those that currently exist (red maple and sugar maple). All trees are warranted for three years. Trees will be planted within two weeks following bid award, with no interruption of service at RWHSC anticipated.