Tree Removal Project

930 Forest Drive
​Portage, MI 49002
shafer-liability-insurance.pdf
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boathouse-agl-estimate.pdf
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tom___danielle_boat_house_damage_proposal.pdf
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Dave Shafer
Mulch Madness
Kalamazoo Consulting Associates
121 W. Cedar Street STE 100-A
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
​pirate4dls@gmail.com
269.365.2936
Danielle Sielatycki
930 Forest Drive
Portage, MI 49002
dsielatycki@prevention-works.org
​269.207.7010
Danielle Sielatycki (Purchaser) and Grace Dehaan (Seller) agreed upon terms to remove trees from the property in April of 2021.  Tom Sielatycki (purchasers partner) negotiated terms with Dave Shafer to remove the trees from the property.  Dave Shafer is the owner of Mulch Madness and Kalamazoo Consulting Associates, LTD.
The estimate of $5200 (Payment by Grace) + 1500 MBE points (from Tom) was agreed upon.  Dave said that he could have all the trees removed by May 25, 2021.  Grace Dehaan paid the initial 50% fee of $2600 to Dave in May with the remaining amount due upon completion. Subsequently, Grace wrote a check to us for $2600 for the eventual completion of the project.
Tom met Dave on-site numerous times in early May to discuss the project and the importance to protect the property, especially the boathouse, which is a valuable "grandfathered" property at the lakes edge.  Tom specifically called attention to the boathouse and Dave promised that his team could do this project safely and without any damage to the property.
List of Issues
Hired on May 5, 2021 with a promise to be done by May 25, 2021
Continuously delayed with numerous excuses
Loud and obnoxious with profane language
Disruptive to the occupants and neighbors
Damage to the boathouse (Twice)
Destroyed the safety railing and damaged the concrete stairs
Damage to the deck and house
Destroyed the landscaping
Destroyed the landscaping tiles on the beach
Damaged the retaining wall
Damaged the lakeside seawall
Damaged the sprinkler system
Saw dust EVERYWHERE and not cleaned up
Debries all over neighbors HVAC to boathouse
Damaged the electrical lines to boathouse
Damaged the plumbing lines to the boathouse
Removed main tree first which was the key to removing the other trees safely
Dave was not able to manage his labor appropriately
Loaded logs on another contractors trailer who was 30 seconds from calling the police
Job still not complete as of July 5, 2021
May 12, 2021 - Dave and his team started the project on-site
May 20, 2021 - Dave said that "we'd have trunks only by Monday (May 24)
May 26, 2021 - House closing date and ownership transfer
May 27-29, 2021 - Significant damage on the boathouse occurred from a falling tree branch
The strike was so significant that the neighbor was startled and concerned for us. Dave said that he would either pay for it or cover it with his insurance.  The focus had to remain on getting the trees out since Dave was already delayed. Dave continues to have excuse after excuse from weather problems, labor issues, grandchildren, and brakes on his truck going bad.
June 5, 2021 - Sielatycki contractor evaluates the damage and says it's very significant and will be expensive. Dave promises to have his contractor Chris Shaffer evaluate the damage.
June 14, 2021 - The second tree branch crashes down on the boathouse.  This strike pierces another hole in the roof and further damages the foundation, stability, and safety of the boathouse.  The refrigerator inside accumulates debris and is soaked from rain.
June 14-30, 2021 - Excuses and not much progress as further damage takes place on the grounds to the lakeside seawall, upper retaining wall, landscaping, deck on the house, concrete stairs, etc.  In all, it's become a war zone and complete disaster. Disruptive to our daily lives and neighbors peace.
June 30, 2021 - Tom sends scathing text and a list of damages to Dave
June 30, 2021 - Tom contacts another tree company to come look at the job and give an estimate to complete the work.  The tree company is appalled by the horrible work and decisions made by Dave.  They said that his process was completely wrong and it created a challenge in removing the final tree.
July 3, 2021 - Tom tells Dave to stop the job, refund all money paid, and claim the damage on his insurance.