CC SR 20230502 G - Monster Tree Emergency Services
01203.0006/872701.2
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 05/02/2023
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Consent Calendar
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to ratify the payment to Plunkett Jr. Sock dba Monster
Tree Service of South Bay for emergency storm services.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
1) Authorize staff to ratify the payment of $36,950 to Plunkett Jr Sock dba Monster Tree
Service of South Bay for emergency storm services rendered between February 22,
2023 and March 10, 2023.
FISCAL IMPACT: The recommendations will result in a total authorized expenditure of
$36,950 in Fiscal Year 2022-23. The expenditure is budgeted in Street Landscape
Maintenance account.
Amount Budgeted: $450,000
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): 101-400-3180-5201 (General Fund - Street Landscape Maint./Repair & Maint.)
ORIGINATED BY: Juan Hernandez, Maintenance Superintendent
REVIEWED BY: Ramzi Awwad, Public Works Director
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Invoice from Monster Tree Service of South Bay (Page A-1)
B. Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal code 2.44.080 (page B-1)
C. Weather forecast presentation dated February 22, 2023, from the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)in conjunction with the
National Weather Service. (Page C-1)
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
Between February 22, 2023 and March 10, 2023, the Southern California region received
back-to-back rainstorms that intensely affected the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. The
heavy and consistent rainfall caused multiple trees and branches to fall and obstruct
roadways throughout the City. The volume and type of tree and branch obstructions was
so significant that the City's regular contracted tree service and landscape contractors
could not clear roads in a timely fashion. This meant many trees and branches that fell
1
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
di
either in the roadway or at city facilities posed safety issues for the public and made some
roads undriveable.
In an effort to keep all public roads accessible by emergency service vehicles and
residents, the Public Works Department reached out to several additional tree service
providers to help in the efforts of removing roadway blockages. However, only one vendor
was available to respond to the City's request for service: Plunkett Jr Sock dba Monster
Tree Service of South Bay (Monster Tree Service).
Although Monster Tree Service was not under contract at the time, Staff were authorized
to secure emergency services under Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code Section
2.44.080:
Emergency purchases required due to natural disasters or other
unforeseen circumstances may be made by the purchasing agent if so
noted on the purchase order form. Any such purchase shall be reported to
the city council at the earliest opportunity, including supporting
documentation to demonstrate the emergency and to provide a detailed
accounting. (Ord. No. 618, § 3, 3-5-19)
Monster Tree Service responded to several emergency cleanup efforts at Staff’s request.
They responded to multiple fallen trees and branches in neighborhood areas including
Rue Valois, Via Victoria, Loraine Drive, and Miraleste Drive. Additionally, Monster Tree
Service responded to needs at City parks including Ryan Park and Point Vicente
Interpretive Center.
After the rain event had passed and work concluded, the City received an invoice for
$36,950 from Monster Tree Service for approximately seven instances of removal and
clean-up of fallen trees and/or large limbs. Staff compared the rates from Monster Tree
service to the rates of the City’s currently contracted tree removal vendor, West Coast
Arborists (WCA), and found them to be similar. Recent typical actual costs for a WCA
emergency response crew with equipment has been approximately $5,000 to $6,000 and
the average cost for Monster Tree Service’s response was approximately $5,250 per
instance.
Staff is now reporting the purchase and requesting that the City Council ratify a payment
of $36,950 made on March 31, 2023.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Staff is currently seeking reimbursement for these and other expenses related to the late
February to March storms by working closely with the California Governor’s Office of
Emergency Services (CalOES) to submit a reimbursement request to the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). If approved, the costs incurred for services
provided by Monster Tree Services may be reimbursed.
2
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ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendations, the following alternative action is available for
the City Council's consideration:
1. Discuss other alternatives that may be appropriate.
3
Location
Various
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Invoice For
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
30940 Hawthorne Blvd
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
main: 310-544-5221
mobile: 310-935-8605
jhernandez@rpvca.gov
February 2023 Storm Cleanup
Terms
Due on receipt
ITEM DESCRIPTION AMOUNT
1) Storm Damage & Emergency Work
The take down of fallen, hanging, or compromised trees. Arising debris to be removed.
This work typically requires extraordinary scheduling, equipment and technical skills as well as safety precaution.
Description of Work:
02.26 Removed downed pine tree from N. slope area across from 30709 Rue Valois.
$ 5,000.00
2) Storm Damage & Emergency Work
The take down of fallen, hanging, or compromised trees. Arising debris to be removed.
This work typically requires extraordinary scheduling, equipment and technical skills as well as safety precaution.
Description of Work:
02.27 Cleaned large broken limbs from Banyon tree adjacent to basketball courts at Ryan park. Cleanup included large limb
adjacent to restroom
$ 5,500.00
3) Storm Damage & Emergency Work
The take down of fallen, hanging, or compromised trees. Arising debris to be removed.
This work typically requires extraordinary scheduling, equipment and technical skills as well as safety precaution.
Description of Work:
02.27 Removed downed Callery Pear at 30161 Via Victoria
$ 450.00
4) Storm Damage & Emergency Work
The take down of fallen, hanging, or compromised trees. Arising debris to be removed.
This work typically requires extraordinary scheduling, equipment and technical skills as well as safety precaution.
Description of Work:
03.01-03.02 Removed two large failed trees (pine and eucalyptus) at 4198 Loraine Dr (corner of Loraine and Miraleste Dr)
$ 13,000.00
5) Storm Damage & Emergency Work
The take down of fallen, hanging, or compromised trees. Arising debris to be removed.
This work typically requires extraordinary scheduling, equipment and technical skills as well as safety precaution.
Description of Work:
03.03 Removed numerous broken and/or cracked limbs of several pine trees at Point Vicente Interpretive Park.
$ 5,500.00
6) Storm Damage & Emergency Work
The take down of fallen, hanging, or compromised trees. Arising debris to be removed.
This work typically requires extraordinary scheduling, equipment and technical skills as well as safety precaution.
Description of Work:
$ 7,500.00
Invoice #2275
Date: 03/09/2023
From: Terri Plunkett
Monster Tree Service of South Bay
1536 W 25th Street #255
San Pedro, CA 90732
Monster Tree Service of South Bay | | (310) 775-9204 | Page 1 of 2A-1
03.07-03.08 Dismantled portions of at least four damaged or fallen pine trees as well as several smaller collections of broken
limbs at the rear of the Ryan Park.
Client Notes
Emergency Tree Cleanup due to February 2023 Storms
-02.26 Removed downed pine tree from N. slope area across from 30709 Rue Valois.
-02.27 Cleaned large broken limbs from Banyon tree adjacent to basketball courts at Ryan park. Cleanup included large limbs adjacent to restroom
(unable to work on downed trees at rear of park due to risk of getting equipment stuck in extremally soft ground)
02.27 Removed downed Callery Pear at 30161 Via Victoria
03.01&03.02 Removed downed very large pine and eucalyptus at 4198 Loraine Dr (corner of Loraine and Miraleste Dr)
03.03 Removed numerous broken or cracked limbs of several pine trees at Point Vicente Interpretive Park.
03.07&03.08 Dismantled portions of at least four damaged or fallen pine trees as well as several smaller collections of broken limbs at the rear of the
Ryan Park.
$ 36,950.00
$ 0.00
$ 36,950.00
All balances not paid by the due date are subject to late fees. Please mail checks to
the above address. Please use the contact information below for inquiries about this
invoice.
SUBTOTAL
SALES TAX
INVOICE TOTAL
Terri Plunkett
Office: 3102653879
Mobile: 3102653879
tplunkett@whymonster.com
Sales Reps
Invoice #2275
Date: 03/09/2023
From: Terri Plunkett
Monster Tree Service of South Bay
1536 W 25th Street #255
San Pedro, CA 90732
Monster Tree Service of South Bay | | (310) 775-9204 | Page 2 of 2A-2'"1 ~}
Created: 2023-03-08 10:10:30 [EST]
(Supp. No. 70)
Page 1 of 1
2.44.080 Emergency purchases.
Emergency purchases required due to natural disasters or other unforeseen circumstances may be made by
the purchasing agent if so noted on the purchase order form. Any such purchase shall be reported to the city
council at the earliest opportunity, including supporting documentation to demonstrate the emergency and to
provide a detailed accounting.
(Ord. No. 618, § 3, 3-5-19)
B-1
Weather Forecast Office
Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, February 22Thursday through Saturday Night
Strong & Cold Winter Storm
Presenter : Eric Boldt
Photo: Bill Reid C-1
Weather Forecast Office
Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, February 22
●Lowest snow levels of the season
●Blizzard Warning for southwest CA mountains
○Rare event for the combination of strong winds and high snowfall rates
○Heavy snow loads on structures, trees, powerlines
○Definition for blizzard: >35 mph winds AND ¼ mile visibility for 3-hr duration
●Moderate to heavy rain Friday and Friday night
●Small stream and urban flood potential
○Road impacts due to mud and rocks, especially Santa Monica Mtn area
○Elevated risk of shallow mud and debris flows at recent burn scars
●Thunderstorm potential Friday night and Saturday
○Small hail, gusty winds, plus waterspouts over ocean
●High surf, minor coastal flooding, & additional beach erosion
●Another storm expected late Monday to Wednesday
Key Points
2C-2
Weather Forecast Office
Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, February 22
Infrared Satellite - Today
3
L
L
C-3
Weather Forecast Office
Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, February 22
Visible Satellite - Today
4
L
L
C-4
Weather Forecast Office
Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, February 22
Jet Stream & Integrated Water - Friday
5
Friday
C-5
50 °N 50 °N
150
at he
$ 145
45°N 140 45 °N
135
130
40°N 125 40 °N
120
110
35°N
105 35°N
100
30°N
95
90 30 °N
85
25°N 80
25°N
75
70
20°N 20 °N
140°W 135°W 130°W 125°W 120°w 115°W 110°w
NCEP NAM IVT (kg m-1 s-1 ; shaded), IVT Vect or, and SLP (hPa; contours)
Initial ized : 120 UTC 02/22 /2023 -· . · T 2/25 /2023
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120 °w 1 15 °W 110°w
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
700
600
500
400
300
250
Weather Forecast Office
Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, February 22
Jet Stream & Integrated Water - Saturday
6
Saturday
C-6
50 °N
45°N
40°N
35°N
30°N
25°N
20 °N
- -
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150
145
140
135
130
95
90
85
80
75
70
50°N
45°N
40°N
35°N
30°N
25°N
20°N
NCEP NAM IVT (kg m-1 s-1 ; shaded), IVT Vector, and SLP (hPa; contours)
Initialized: 1200 UTC 02/22 /2023 F-084 : Valid: 0000 UTC 02 /26 /2023
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1600
1400
1200
1000
800
700
600
500
400
300
250
Weather Forecast Office
Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, February 22
Rainfall Amounts, Rates, and Timing
7
●Thursday through Friday Evening
○Scattered showers Thursday
○Increasing widespread steady rain Friday
■Peak rainfall Friday Central Coast to Santa Barbara County
■Peak rainfall Friday afternoon and night Ventura and Los Angeles Counties
■RATES: 0.50-1.0” per hour during highest intensities
○Totals:
○Coasts/Valleys 1.5-3” Central Coast, 2-5” south Santa Barbara, Ventura, LA Counties
○Foothills/Mtns 4-6” transitioning to snow between 4000-4500 ft (some uncertainty)
○Snow levels 2000-3000 ft Thursday rising to ~4000 ft Friday, then dropping to 2000 ft or lower
Friday night/Saturday
●Heavy shower potential Friday Evening through Saturday
○Peak rain rates 0.25-0.75” per hour
○Potential lightning with small hail/graupel
○Isolated waterspouts over ocean
C-7
Weather Forecast Office
Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, February 22
Rain Timing & Intensity
8C-8
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11
Weather Forecast Office
Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, February 22
TOTAL RAIN: Through Sunday
9C-9
15 .0
10.0
8.0
6 .. 0
4 .0
3 .0
2 .0
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Storm Total Rain
Val id: Through Sunday Febuary 26th, 2023
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2.317 "
San Luis Obispo
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2.36"
Lompoc
2 .52 °
S orpion Ranch
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L ,os Angeles/Oxnard California
02/22/2023 08 42 PM GMT
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weather.gov/LosAnge es
Weather Forecast Office
Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, February 22
Santa Clara River @ Piru Forecast
10
Santa Clara River @ Piru
●~4am Saturday, 2/25
●Low chance of reaching flood stage
(13.1 feet)
C-10
16
14
12
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4
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Feb 23
Thu
12am
Hourly River Level Probabilities
SANTA CLARA RIVER -PIRU (SCPC1)
Created : 02/22/2023 at 9:20 AM PST
Feb 24 Feb 25
Fri Sat
12am 12am
Date/Time (Pacific)
7,258
6,058
4,908
3,803 "T1
0
~ --Official Forecast C")
"T1 (Deterministic) CJ'J 2,751 --Ensemble Mean
~ Model Traces
1,764 Hourly Probabilities
0-5% chance
-5-25% chance
889 25 -40% chance
40-60% chance
177
0
Feb 26 Feb 27
Sun Mon
12am 12am
Weather Forecast Office
Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, February 22
TOTAL SNOW: Through Saturday Night
11
●Very heavy snow amounts totally 2-5
feet mainly above 4500 ft with
isolated 7-8 feet at higher resort areas
●Moderate chance of snowfall rates of
2-4” per hour, especially
Friday-Friday night
●Heavy snow loading on structures,
trees, and powerlines likely
●Blizzard - means whiteout conditions
with significant blowing and drifting
snow
●Dangerous travel over mountains
C-11
96 .0
72 .0
60 .0
48.0
36.0
30.0
24.0
18.0 Ill Q)
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12 .0 C
8 .0
6 .0
4 .0
3 .0
2.0
LO
0.1
Expe-cted Storm Total Snow
Valid: 02/21/2023 11:00 PM -02/26/2023 04:00 AM PST
Paso Robles ,
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National Weather Service
Los Angeles/Oxnard California
02/22/20'23 10::46 AM PST
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Follow Us: 11
weather .gov/LosAngeles
Weather Forecast Office
Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, February 22
Winter Storm Severity Index - Blowing Snow
12
Friday
Snowfall totals for lower elevations:
●6-12 inches between 2500-4000 feet
○Grapevine I-5, Highway 14, foothills
above Pasadena
●1-6 inches between 1500-2500 feet
○Santa Lucia Mountains
○Antelope Valley
○Cuyama Valley
○Santa Ynez Mountains
○Peaks of Santa Monica Mountains
C-12
~--~lTlf~_, ;·•. Created by : ;-E{...Y--~ The Nationa l Weather Serv ice ........ _..,.,, ·W ' Weather Pred iction Center
~ 0 bD -
•
Potential Winter Storm Im acts Winter Storm Severit Index WSSI Issued: Wed Feb 22 2023 05 AM PT
D Winter D Minor Impacts Moderate Impacts -Major Impacts -Extreme Impacts
Weather
Area
Expect winter
weather.
• W inter driving
conditions.
Drive carefully
Expect a few Expect disruptions
inconveniences to daily to daily life.
life.
• Winter driving
conditions . Use Caution
while driving.
• Hazardous driving
conditions. Use extra
caution while driving.
• Closures and disruptions
to i nfrastructure may
occur.
Expect considerable
disruptions to daily life.
Expect substantial
disruptions to daily life.
• Dangerous or imposs i ble • Extremely dangerous or
driv ing cond itions. Avoid i mpossible driving conditions .
travel if possible. Travel is not advised.
• Widespread c losures and
disruptions to
infrastructure may occur.
• Extensive and w i despread
closures and disruptions
to infrastructure may occur.
• Life -sa vi ng actions may be
Weather Forecast Office
Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, February 22
Wind and Rain Impacts - Friday to Saturday
13
●Strongest SE-S winds on Friday turning SW-W Friday night
○Gusts 30-50 mph for coasts and valleys
○Gusts 60-75 mph for mountains and Antelope Valley foothills
○Airport delays, tree damage, and power outages possible
●Potential flood issues for south Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los
Angeles Counties Friday into Saturday
○Small stream and urban flooding
○Rock falls and mud, especially on canyon roads of the Santa Ynez Range
and Santa Monica Mountains
○Low potential for mainstem river flooding (Santa Clara @ Piru)
○Airport delays due to water on runway and/or flooding (SBA, LAX, BUR)
C-13
Weather Forecast Office
Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, February 22
Additional Storm Late Monday-Wednesday
14
●Uncertainty on timing and strength
○Currently expecting another cold low pressure system
○Much weaker system
○0.50” to 2.0” rainfall totals
○Additional significant mountain snowfall, low snow levels
○Minimal drying or warming between events
C-14
Weather Forecast Office
Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, February 22
weather.gov/losangelesnws.losangeles@noaa.gov (805) 988-6623 WCM
●Lowest snow levels of the season
●Blizzard Warning for southwest CA mountains
○Rare event for the combination of strong winds and high snowfall rates
○Heavy snow loads on structures, trees, powerlines
○Definition for blizzard: >35 mph winds AND ¼ mile visibility for 3-hr duration
●Moderate to heavy rain Friday and Friday night
●Small stream and urban flood potential
○Road impacts due to mud and rocks, especially Santa Monica Mtn area
○Elevated risk of shallow mud and debris flows at recent burn scars
●Thunderstorm potential Friday night and Saturday
○Small hail, gusty winds, plus waterspouts over ocean
●High surf, minor coastal flooding, & additional beach erosion
●Another storm expected late Monday to Wednesday
Summary
C-15