Issue - meetings

This report sets out options and identifies a preferred course of action for the future procurement of the Council’s Arboricultural Services Contract.

(i)         that the Arboricultural Services Contract be extended by two years to 31 March 2018, noting the rationale for doing so as set out in the report;

(ii)        that the negotiated service improvements offered by the incumbent contractor for the contract extension period (summarised in paragraph 5.9) be accepted;

(iii)       that a programme of removal and replacement of lime trees in the poorest condition be commenced, to improve the quality of the council’s tree stock;

(iv)       that approval be given to the establishment of an intra-authority and intra-service working group, aimed at sharing knowledge and securing a formal Trees Partnership ahead of future tree maintenance procurement.

The report before the Cabinet from the Chief Operating Officer set out options and identified a preferred course of action for the future procurement of the council’s Arboricultural Services Contract. The current contract was due to expire in March 2016. Options for retendering were to either re-tender the contract, with the procurement exercise commencing immediately after Cabinet decision; or extend the contract by two years. Councillor Crane (Lead Member, Environment) recommended the latter as the preferred option in order to improve the council’s market position, and facilitate greater long-term efficiencies, service improvements and savings. He also welcomed the opportunity for an asset management system that would improve programming quality.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the Arboricultural Services Contract be extended by two years to 31 March 2018, noting the rationale for doing so as set out in the report from the Chief Operating Officer;

(ii)        that the negotiated service improvements offered by the incumbent contractor for the contract extension period (summarised in paragraph 5.9) be accepted;

(iii)       that a programme of removal and replacement of lime trees in the poorest condition be commenced, to improve the quality of the council’s tree stock;

(iv)       that approval be given to the establishment of an intra-authority and intra-service working group, aimed at sharing knowledge and securing a formal Trees Partnership ahead of future tree maintenance procurement.