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July 14, 2026
ITEM TITLE
Agreement: A ward a Cooperative Agreement to West Coast Arborist, Inc for Citywide Tree Maintenance Services
Report Number: 26-0210
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: Public Works
G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: Yes
Environmental Notice : The Project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines Section 15301 Class 1 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15304 Class 4 (Minor Alterations to Land).
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution awarding a cooperative agreement for tree maintenance services to West Coast Arborist, Inc.
SUMMARY
The proposed cooperative agreement with West Coast Arborist, Inc. provides for citywide tree maintenance services. Section 2.56.140 of the Chula Vista Municipal Code (CVMC) authorizes the City to contract for goods or services through a cooperative purchase arrangement provided th e goods or services were purchased through a competitive process that the Purchasing Agent determines to be consistent with the goods purchase practices. Staff recommends that Council award a cooperative agreement for citywide tree care and maintenance services to West Coast Arborist, Inc. with an initial four-year (4) term through June 30, 2030 and a not-to exceed amount of $4.0 million for the initial term. The proposed agreement also contains three one-year options to extend upon demonstrated satisfactory performance. If all extensions are exercised, the total not-to-exceed amount of the agreement would be $7.0 million over the full term of the agreement.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 Class 1 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15304 Class 4 P a g e | 2
(Minor Alterations to Land) because the proposed project would not result in a significant effect on the environment, create a cumulative impact, damage a scenic highway, or cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Thus, no further environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
The City has need of comprehensive tree maintenance services for public trees located throughout parks, parkways, and City -owned properties. The City’s current contract with West Coast Arborist, Inc. (“WCA”) expired on June 30, 2026.
Accordingly, staff rev iewed options to continue contracting with WCA , or to solicit new bids for tree maintenance services. Section 2.56.140 of the CVMC authorizes the City to contract for goods or services through a cooperative purchase arrangement provided the goods or servic es were purchased through a competitive process that the Purchasing Agent determines to be consistent with the good purchasing practices.
On February 24, 2025, the City of La Verne issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a five -year contract for comprehensive tree maintenance services. The RFP was made available through PlanetBids, allowing for a competitive and transparent selection process. The scope of work included routine trimming , emergency response, removals, stump grinding, planting, inventory manag ement, and ongoing assessments related to tree health and public safety.
On March 14, 2025, a total of nine (9) proposals were submitted in response to the City of La Verne’s RFP.
Based on a combination of Firm Qualifications and Experience; Project Understanding and Execution; Safety, Risk Management, and Environmental Compliance; Communication and Customer Service; Implementation Plans; and Cost Proposals, four firms were interviewed, and WCA was selected. The contract commenced on July 1, 2025. Upon review of the City of La Verne RFP process, the Purchasing Agent has determined their competitive process to be consistent with good purchasing practices.
Staff recommends that the City enter into a cooperative purchasing agreement with WCA that provides for an initial four-year (4) term through June 30, 2030, with three one -year options to extend (potentially through June 30, 2033).
WCA will be compensated on a time -and-materials basis in accordance with the rates and amounts established in the agreement, with a not-to-exceed amount of $4.0 million for the initial term and maximum contract amount of $7.0 million if all extensions are exercised.
The annual budget includes approximately $600,000 for routine tree maintenance of City owned trees in the right of way and City Parks. The agreement also includes a contingency amount to allow for emergencies, other required tree maintenance, removal or replacement needs, or should additional funds become available.
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DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site -specific and, consequently, the 500-foot rule found in California Code of Regulation Title 2, section 18702.2(a)(11)is not applicable to this decision for pu rpose of determining a disqualifying real property - related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (California Government Code § 87100,et seq.).
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
The costs associated with this agreement are included in the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget in the General Fund, Public Works Department, and Sewer Funds.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
The annual number of trees maintained can vary due to the amount of available budget and need. Funding for this agreement is primarily incl uded in the General Fund, Public Works Department, and Sewer Funds, and will be considered as part of the annual budget development process. The table below outlines the not- to-exceed amounts for the full term of the agreement.
West Coast
Arborist,
Inc.
Initial Term
FY 2026-27 to
FY 2029-30
Extension 1
FY 2030-31
Extension 2
FY 2031-32
Extension 3
FY 2032-33 TOTAL
$4,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $7,000,000
ATTACHMENTS
1. Two Party agreement with West Coast Arborist, Inc.
2. City of La Verne staff report
Staff Contact: Angelica Aguilar, Director of Public Works Tessa Nguyen, Principal Management Analyst