Title
Annual Road Salt Purchase and Annual Contract Snow Removal - Board Approval
History
The Public Works Department budgets for the road salt used on all Village roadways as well as the Metra and Village parking lots. Over the last several years, our road salt usage has been consistent at around 4,000 tons and Public Works has budgeted accordingly. During this winter season, we have experienced a dramatic increase in our weather-related callouts. Since almost every callout requires some salting of the roadways, this winter season’s salt usage will be the highest in the last fifteen years. As a result, the Public Works Department is requesting a budget adjustment for purchased Road Salt.
Also, for your information, the Village has received the maximum tonnage of road rock salt allowed by contract through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services. No additional road salt is available at the contract price of $37.46 per ton. Public Works has investigated several options outside of the State’s contract. The best option available at this time is from American Rock Salt of Cleveland, Ohio at $95.61 per ton delivered. Therefore, if necessary, Public Works is requesting permission to purchase road rock salt on an as-needed basis.
Additionally, the need for independent contractors to assist Village staff with snowplowing operations has also increased. In a normal winter season, we utilize independent contractors four to five times and funds are budgeted accordingly. So far this season, we have already required their assistance for six separate events due to the significant snowfall amounts which has exhausted our annual budget.
Finally, the snow storm of February 1 and 2, 2008, necessitated Public Works engaging the services of Airy’s, Inc. of Tinley Park, Illinois, for manpower and equipment (front-end loaders) to remove snow from cul-de-sacs and dead-end streets. The cost of this service was approximately $9,000.
On February 11, 2008, this item was reviewed and approved by the Public Works and Engineering Committee and referred to the Board for approval.
Financial Impact
The 2007/2008 Fiscal Year Budget has a Board approved line item (Account #010-5002-431.62-60) for the purchase of Road Salt and Calcium Chloride in the amount of $150,000. A budget adjustment in the amount of $100,000 is necessary for the additional road salt that has already been purchased. There is also a possibility that additional funds may be required for salt not yet purchased.
In addition, the 2007/2008 Fiscal Year Budget has a Board approved line item (Account #010-5002-431.42-20) for Contract Snow Removal in the amount of $40,000. A budget adjustment in the amount of $60,000 is necessary for additional Contract Snow Removal.
Also required, were the services of Airy’s, Inc. for labor and equipment for snow removal at an approximate cost of $9,000.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve a budget adjustment in the amount of $100,000 for the purchase of additional Road Salt and Calcium Chloride;
And
Approve a budget adjustment in an amount up to $60,000 for additional Contracted Snow Removal;
And
Approve payment to Airy’s, Inc. of Tinley Park, Illinois, for the February 1 and 2, 2008, snow removal services in an amount not to exceed $9,000;
And
Approve authorizing the Public Works Director to purchase road rock salt, if needed, at the best possible price.