Report Prepared by: Jeff Frederick, Public Works Manager - Tax Services
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of a Service Agreement with West Coast Arborists, Inc., for Tree Pruning and Removal Services in Bellevue Ranch East, Bright Development, Bellevue Ranch West, University Park, Moraga Community Facilities Districts, Las Brisas, Fahrens Park II, La Bella Vista, Vista del Sol Maintenance Districts, and other City trees in a Total Amount not to Exceed $413,000
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a service agreement with West Coast Arborists, Inc., for tree pruning and removal services at various Community Facilities Districts and Maintenance Districts for a total amount not to exceed $413,000.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a service agreement with West Coast Arborists, Inc., in the amount not to exceed $413,000 for Tree Pruning and Removal Services; and,
B. Authorizing contract amendments not to exceed 10% of the total contract amount; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to sign the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to modifications as conditioned by City Council; or,
3. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
4. Deny.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200, et seq. and Section 3.04.120 of the Merced Municipal Code.
Services with an estimated value greater than $39,000.00 are made by written contract in accordance with Merced Municipal Code, Title 3 - Revenue and Finance, Chapter 3.04.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Staff solicited proposals from qualified firms to provide tree pruning and removal services at various Community Facilities Districts (CFD), Maintenance Districts (MD), and other City trees.
The Request for Proposals was posted on November 3, 2025 with a submittal date of November 20, 2025. Nine proposals were received by the submittal deadline. An evaluation committee was convened consisting of Public Works staff members. Each member rated the proposals on criteria including, but not limited to: project experience and understanding, overall approach, scope of work, and completeness. Shown below is the proposer ranking:
1. West Coast Arborists, Inc.
2. Grover Landscape Services
3. Arbor Works
4. United Pacific Service, Inc.
5. Elite Maintenance & Tree Services
6. Julian Tree Care, Inc.
7. T&S Tree Services, LLC
8. Rapid Response Force, LLC
9. West Coast Tree Services, Inc.
West Coast Arborists, Inc., (WCA) proposed fee schedule for completing the tree removal, tree pruning, and related tasks totals $609,146. This proposal was for all tree work needed, but due to limited funding, the contract is only being awarded for the total amount not to exceed $413,000.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed. Funding for this agreement is available in the FY 25/26 adopted budget within MD and CFD funds as well as Measure Y.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Service Agreement
2. Location Map