HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Emergency Purchase Order for the Tree Removal from the August 10, 2020, Windstorm Damage RESOLUTION NO. 20-546
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE EMERGENCY PURCHASE ORDER FOR THE
TREE REMOVAL FROM THE AUGUST 10, 2020,WINDSTORM DAMAGE
TO WEISS TREE SERVICE, INC.
FOR THE CITY OF AMES,IOWA
WHEREAS,on August 10,2020,the City experienced widespread destructive straight-line
winds which blew across Central Iowa; and,
WHEREAS,the derecho event caused many downed trees on and around electrical lines,and
in order to restore electrical service to the City's electric customers,crews were immediately needed
to remove trees; and,
WHEREAS, City staff directed Weiss Tree Service, Inc., of Ames, Iowa, to perform tree
clearing work from the City's power lines under emergency procedures; and,
WHEREAS, per the Purchasing Policies & Procedures, an "emergency situation" occurs
suddenly and unexpectedly and demands immediate action to prevent delays,which may affect the
life, safety,or health of the public or City employees,or the continuation of services to the citizens,
or serious loss of injury to the City; and,
WHEREAS, Weiss Tree Service, Inc., was selected to perform this service due to the
availability of its crews and the complexity of the clean-up needed(equipment capable of reaching
the debris without causing further damage); and,
WHEREAS,Weiss Tree Service,Inc.,provided emergency response storm damage removal
to 21 different locations, each ranging in price from $1,500 to $13,500; and,
WHEREAS,the City's Purchasing Polices&Procedures state that"if the cost of purchases
related to [an] emergency or rapid need is $50,000 or more, the using department shall maintain
records"of the expenditure,and it further states that the using department"shall report the situation
and the related expenses to the City Manager for presentation to the City Council and no payment
shall be made prior to approval of the emergency purchase by the City Council;" and,
WHEREAS, due to the extreme destruction and expedited need for the help,the report was
made verbally from the Department Head to the City Manager; and,
WHEREAS,with the emergency,staff authorized the tree removal work so the electric crews
could re-establish power; and,
WHEREAS,following the authorization of this emergency purchase by the City Manager's
office, staff is seeking the Council's approval for $142,898.50, inclusive of sales tax, for the
expenses incurred by Weiss Tree Service Inc., of Ames, Iowa; and,
WHEREAS, as this cost was incurred due to the derecho, staff is planning to submit this
expense to FEMA for reimbursement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa,
that the Emergency Purchase Order for the tree removal from August 10, 2020 windstorm damage
to Weiss Tree Service,Inc., of Ames, Iowa, for the Electric Services Department, in the amount of
$142,898.50 inclusive of sales tax is hereby approved.
ADOPTED THIS 13t' day of October, 2020.
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
Introduced by: Betcher
Seconded by: Junck
Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Martin
Voting nay: None Absent: None
Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 13t'day of October, 2020.