Follow-up to Charlotte Observer Article on Landscaping Costs
Staff Resource: John Lojko, 704-336-5056
On February 13, the Charlotte Observer ran an article titled "Charlotte to Spend $1 Million on Trees" about landscaping and trees that would be planted this year for City landscape projects. The City will spend approximately $2.3 million on all landscaping included in the capital and operating budget. This landscaping includes soil amendment, drainage, shrubs, groundcovers, and tree planting on about 25 capital projects, mainly landscaping on roadway projects.
Of the $2.3 million, it is estimated that about 2000 trees will be planted with an approximate cost of $1 million. Examples of the types of landscaping projects include Albemarle Road streetscape, Park Road landscaping, Johnston Road widening, Wilkinson Boulevard Gateway, Central Avenue streetscape, Beatties Ford widening, Nations Ford widening, and Merry Oaks Neighborhood Improvement project. About 10 of these landscaping projects were to be planted last year. They were delayed due to the extreme drought conditions. Those projects are being installed this year along with the 15 projects scheduled to be planted this year.
Within the Landscape Management operating budget, about 500 to 700 trees are planted or replaced annually. This cost is about $120,000. Landscape Management typically removes about 200 to 300 trees each year throughout the city.
CATS Light Rail Vehicle Purchase
Staff Resource: Ron Tober, 704-336-7245
On Wednesday, February 25, the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) is scheduled to act on the CATS staff recommendation to award a contract to Siemens Transportation Systems Inc. for $52.5 million to manufacture the light rail vehicles that will operate along the South Corridor Light Rail Line. The MTC's action will be subject to receipt of a Letter of No Prejudice from the Federal Transit Administration authorizing the award of the contract. Receipt of the letter is expected in March.
The selection of Siemens was based on price, technical requirements and compliance with other qualifying criteria. Siemens also submitted the lowest price quote for this purchase. The purchase includes 16 low-floor light rail vehicles with the option to buy up to an additional 25 vehicles over a four- year period. The contract would also include manuals, training, special tools, test equipment, spare parts and associated engineering and support activities. The $52.5 million proposal is under the $52.9 million cost originally estimated for the purchase of only 15 vehicles. Attached are renderings of the vehicle's modern design in a new light rail color scheme.
Siemens Transportation Systems Inc. is a leading supplier of light rail cars in the United States. Currently, Siemens has light rail vehicles (LRV's) operating in several U.S. cities including Portland, San Diego, Houston, Denver, Sacramento, Pittsburgh and St. Louis. The Charlotte LRV's will be similar in design to Houston and San Diego's new low-floor vehicles.
The Transportation Committee is scheduled to review this purchase on March 1 and City Council will be asked to approve this contract at its March 22 meeting.
