The Cabinet Member for Environment introduced the report which set-out details of the tender process undertaken for the Arboriculture Services contract.  Members were asked to agree to award the contract on a five-year basis to Elite Arborists who had provided the best price and quality score as set-out in paragraph 3.6 of the report.  The Cabinet Member explained that currently Arboriculture Services were included in the Grounds Maintenance Contract, and officers considered that having it as a separate contract would open up the work to smaller local businesses and the potential for greater value.  The contract was to provide 48 days a year service.

The Cabinet Member for Environment proposed the recommendation and this was seconded by the Cabinet Member for Housing.

Members considered the report and points made included:

·        Concerned that 48 days was a bit light, and should be increased to 60 days;

·        welcomed the proposal which would allow smaller companies to tender, and the Council should explore other areas where this could be done;

·        welcomed the environmental improvements;

·        important to ensure the local companies were paying the minimum wage; and

·        concerned that there was no reference to use of electric vehicles in the report.

The Head of Environment and Leisure advised that large industrial vehicles including cranes were required to carry out the necessary maintenance to trees.  Currently the market was not strong on electric versions of those types of vehicle, however, moving forward officers were putting greater emphasis on those requirements within contracts.  With regard to the minimum living wage, the Head of Environment and Leisure explained that as they were specialist higher paid roles officers had not considered it was necessary to include.

In response to questions from Members about increasing the days’ per annum to 60, the Head of Environment and Leisure advised that it would be possible to make changes to the contract to include additional days, subject to Member approval of finances.

Following advice from the Monitoring Officer, Councillor Monique Bonney moved the following amendment:  That delegated authority be given to the Head of Environment and Leisure in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment to consider variations possible within the budget framework.  This was seconded by the Cabinet Member for Planning.  On being put to the vote the amendment was agreed.

Resolved:

(1)      That the five-year Arboriculture Contract be awarded to Elite Arborists at a cost of £31,200 per annum, commencing on 15 January 2022.

(2)      That delegated authority be given to the Head of Environment and Leisure in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment to consider variations possible within the budget framework.

(3)      That the Head of Environment and Leisure and Head of Mid-Kent Legal Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment be given delegated authority to complete the necessary contract documents.