8/4/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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residential properties needed to be relocated to the front of the properties facing the road right-of-way. The water main behind the homes on 4th Court (on the west side of the properties) between 13th Street and 14th Street is in a utility easement that was heavily forested and thick with underbrush. This line was moved to the front of the homes. However, we must continue to utilize the easement for wastewater main and electric control lines. ANALYSIS The trees are growing in an Indian River County easement. Many of the trees and some limbs of other trees are dead, and are potentially hazardous, especially with the electric lines running through the trees. For safety of life and property, it is desired to remove the trees. We have limited working in the easement to emergencies only until the area can be made safe. RECOMMENDATION The Department of Utility Services requests authorization to enter into an agreement with the low bidder, A-1 Tree Service of Ft. Pierce, for removal of the trees at a cost of $14,675.00 (see attached). Aerial power lines are in place within the easement. MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Bowman, SECONDED by Commissioner Scurlock, that the Board enter into an agreement with the low bidder, A-1 Tree Service of Ft. Pierce, for removal of the trees at a cost of $14,675.00, as set out in the above staff recommendation. Under discussion, Commissioner Scurlock raised the concern of setting a precedent for the County to remove large dead trees in easements, but Utilities Director Terry Pinto assured him that we would not be setting a precedent. Chairman Eggert understood that it would be only in the cases where it endangers the utilities, and Administrator Chandler confirmed that is what we are doing in this case. Director Pinto explained that we have exhausted every possibility of getting the City of Vero Beach to accept responsibility for these lines in this area. They won't address it and the County is faced with footing the entire cost. Lengthy discussion ensued regarding the County's policy and whether we should pursue the matter with the City of Vero Beach as to their part of the responsibility in utility easements. Director Pinto felt it is absolutely absurd that the City has let this go on for so long. but it is the County's utility easement and the City has a permit to use all of those easements in Rockridge. 29 AUG ® 4 1992