HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES2025-062 AK Tree Service Vegetation Clearingi
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Sponsored by: Sorensen
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2025-062
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO AMEND THE
CONTRACT WITH AK TREE SERVICE TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL
$400,000 FROM THE ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT RESERVES FOR
CONTINUED VEGETATION CLEARING
WHEREAS, the City of Seward Electric Department has contracted with AK Tree Service
to assist in removing hazardous vegetation from the electric system right-of-way; and
WHEREAS, AK Tree Service has made significant progress in clearing old growth trees
and other encroaching vegetation that pose a risk to the system's safety and reliability; and
WHEREAS, with the addition of Overstory software, the Electric Department has
identified additional critical areas where vegetation has encroached upon electric infrastructure;
and
WHEREAS, continued work by AK Tree Service is necessary to address these high -risk
areas and will contribute to lowering liability, improving system reliability, and reducing the risk
of outages for Seward residents; and
WHEREAS, this resolution seeks to appropriate an additional $400,000 from the Electric
Reserves to continue these vegetation management efforts trough the end of 2025.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that:
Section 1. The City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to amend the contract
with AK Tree Service and proceed with additional vegetation clearing work through 2025.
Section 2. Funding in the amount of $400,000 is hereby appropriated from the Electric
Enterprise Fund unrestricted net position and appropriated to the Electric Transmission
Maintenance Department and Electric Distribution Maintenance Department contracted services
accounts 15000-3004-7009 & 15000-3005-7009.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2025-062
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska this 14th
day of July 2025.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
CIA.A1VVC-L re -
Sue McClure, Mayor
AYES: Warner, Barnwell, Wells, Crites, Finch, Osenga, McClure
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Kris Peck
City Clerk
LI
City Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: July 14, 2025
To: City Council
Through: Kat Sorensen, City Manager
From: Taylor Crocker, Electric Operations Supervisor
Subject: Resolution 2025-062: Authorizing the City Manager to Amend the Contract
with AK Tree Service to Include an Additional $400,000 from the Electric
Department Reserves for Continued Vegetation Clearing and Appropriating
Funds
Background and justification:
The City of Seward Electric Department has been actively working to reduce system risk and
improve electric reliability through an aggressive vegetation management strategy. In 2025, AK
Tree Service was contracted to perform right-of-way clearing, focusing on removing overgrown
and hazardous vegetation near critical electric infrastructure. Their work to date has been efficient,
effective, and instrumental in improving safety and reliability.
With the recent implementation of Overstory, a satellite -based vegetation monitoring software,
the Electric Department has gained new insights into areas where vegetation poses elevated risk
to the electric system. The software identified multiple high -priority zones where trees and brush
have encroached dangerously close to lines and equipment.
To address these newly identified risks before winter weather increases outage potential, staff
recommends appropriating an additional $400,000 from the Electric Department Reserves. This
funding will allow AK Tree Service to continue vegetation clearing through the end of the year,
ensuring that critical areas are addressed promptly and helping to lower liability, prevent
unplanned outages, and maintain a safe, reliable electric grid for the community.
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive Plan:
Strategic Plan:
Other:
Total amount of funds listed in this legislation: $ 400,000
This legislation (V):
Creates revenue in the amount of:
Creates expenditure in amount of:
Creates a savings in the amount of:
Has no fiscal impact
X
Funds are (✓):
Budgeted Line item(s): 15000 3004 7009 — Transmission Ops & Main.: Contracted Services
Not budgeted
Not applicable
X
$ 400,000
$
15000 3005 7009 — Distribution Ops & Main.: Contracted Services
Fund Balance Information
Affected Fund (✓):
General
Boat Harbor
Motor Pool
Available Fund Balance
SMIC
Parking
Other
X
Electric
Water
$
Wastewater
Healthcare
Note: amounts are unaudited
Acting Finance Director Signature:
X
Yes
Attorney Signature:
Not applicable Comments:
Administration Recommendation
X
Adopt Resolution
Other: