TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Philippe Eskandar, City Manager
BY: Isidro Figueroa, Community Development Director
Alexis Huerta, Management Analyst
Lora Hall, Urban Forester
DATE: February 28, 2025
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF CONTRACT FOR CONSULTING ARBORIST
SERVICES WITH PETER C. HARNISCH, CONSULTING
ARBORIST
STRATEGIC PLAN CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS
Beautiful, Preserved, Single-Family Neighborhoods
Efficient, Responsive, and Effective City Services
Safe Community
Fiscally Responsible and Transparent City Government
BACKGROUND
The Community Development Department is seeking to enter into a new agreement with Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) Peter C. Harnisch, to provide services that include tree inspections, evaluations and appraisals for private trees (Exhibit A). Mr. Harnisch previously provided these services under contract in 2022, prior to the City hiring an Urban Forester.
Currently, the City faces a backlog of pending tree removal applications, further exacerbated by the recent windstorm. Under the direction of the Urban Forester, Mr. Harnisch will conduct inspections and evaluations on an asneeded basis to support and complement the City's tree management efforts.
Mr. Harnisch is also certified in plant and tree appraisal and will determine appropriate fines when high-value trees are damaged or removed without a permit, as outlined in the Tree Protection Ordinance. This will ensure that the City’s tree preservation policies are effectively enforced and supported.
Gretchen Shepherd Romey, Mayor
Tony Chou, Vice Mayor
Hunter Chang, Council Member
John Chou, Council Member
Calvin Lo, Council Member
DISCUSSION
The agreement with Mr. Harnisch expired on October 31, 2022. During that time, Mr. Harnisch provided essential arborist consulting services to the City, including risk assessments and tree evaluations for private trees. Mr. Harnisch is a highly credentialed professional with extensive expertise in the field of arboriculture. He holds the following qualifications:
• ISA Certified Arborist
• Registered Consulting Arborist
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
• ASCA Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualification
• Member of the American Society of Consulting Arborists The City currently does not have accredited staff to conduct tree appraisals, which are essential for evaluating unauthorized removals and supporting code enforcement cases. Additionally, a substantial backlog of private tree removal applications requires expert evaluation to ensure compliance with City regulations. The severe windstorm in January 2025 caused extensive tree damage throughout the City, underscoring the urgent need for professional arborist services to support recovery efforts and maintain public safety.
Renewing the contract with Mr. Harnisch will enable the City to address these immediate needs and be better prepared for future severe weather events.
His services will also reinforce the City’s commitment to excellent customer service by providing timely responses to private tree removal applications.
Given the City’s extensive tree canopy, tree protection policies, and the community’s deep appreciation for its trees, Mr. Harnisch’s expertise is especially valuable in upholding the City’s preservation efforts. His prior experience working with the City makes him uniquely qualified to assist with complex tree appraisals, unauthorized removals, and enforcement cases.
In preparation of the contract renewal, staff took the opportunity to solicit proposals from two other arborist consulting agencies that perform similar services. As a result, staff received proposals from Environmental Science Associates and JTL Consultants. Environmental Science Associates submitted an hourly rate between $219 and $243 for consulting arborist services. JTL Consultants offers an hourly of $175 but requires a four-hour minimum for the same services.
While Mr. Harnisch’s $200 hourly rate is slightly higher than JTL Consultants, his no-minimum hourly policy offers greater flexibility and cost efficiency. His expertise in the City’s Municipal Code and tree protection policies, combined with prior experience, ensures high-quality, cost-effective service. Staff recommends him as the best overall value for the City.
Staff was highly satisfied with the quality and reliability of services provided by Peter Harnisch during his time as the City’s Consulting Arborist. Given his strong qualifications, extensive experience with the City, and cost-efficient pricing structure, staff recommends approving a new three-year agreement with a total contract amount not to exceed $50,000 to continue providing essential arborist consulting services in support of the City’s tree preservation efforts. His expertise will provide critical support to the Urban Forester, Code Enforcement, and the community as a whole, particularly in addressing the backlog of tree removals and appraisals.
FISCAL IMPACT & PROCUREMENT REVIEW
A budget amendment to the FY 2024-25 operating budget is not required as the City Council approved an appropriation of $50,000 in Community Development Department Other Contract Services account 101-14-4150- 0000.
The Finance Director has reviewed this report and concluded that this agreement is in the best interest of the City.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney's office has reviewed and approved as to form.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve the contract and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement. If the City Council concurs with staff’s recommendation, an appropriate motion would be:
“I move to approve the contract with Peter Harnisch, Consulting Arborist and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.”
ATTACHMENTS
1. Professional Services Agreement with Peter C. Harnisch, Consulting Arborist