HomeMy WebLinkAbout5I - Grant Money for Purchase of Anti-icing Equipment
MEETING DATE:
AGENDA #:
PREPARED BY:
AGENDA ITEM:
DISCUSSION:
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
AUGUST 4,2008
51
JOE WIITA, STREET AND UTILITIES MAINTANANCE FOREMAN
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING GRANT MONEY
($1,500) FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA FOR THE PURCHASE OF
ANTI-ICING EQUIPMENT
Introduction
The purpose of this agenda item is to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to
accept a check in the amount of $1 ,500.00 from the University of Minnesota Local
Road Research Board and to direct staff to purchase anti-icing equipment and the
chemicals needed to complete the research for the basis of the grant.
Historv
In the 2003-2004 winter season, maintenance staff started applying straight salt
and Clearlane (Clearlane at that time was salt treated with cane molasses and
magnesium chloride) instead of the regular sand/salt mixture used in previous
years.
Staff enhanced operations in the 2004-2005 winter season by taking a proactive
approach to winter storms with an anti-icing program. By anti-icing city streets prior
to winter storms crews were able to prevent the bond of snow and ice to the pave-
ment, thus greatly reducing the amount of salt and labor needed to de-ice streets.
In 2007-2008 winter season staff began blending different chemicals, which are
more environmentally friendly and less corrosive for anti-icing and pre-wetting.
These different chemical mixtures allowed staff to lower the working temperatures
of the liquid de-icers; however, staff believes that by introducing cane molasses
into the formula it would lower the working temperature even more, increase prod-
uct longevity and further reduce costs.
Current Circumstances
City Staff submitted a grant application to fund the purchase of equipment to allow
for the use of a cane molasses de-icing liquid. The University of Minnesota has
awarded the Cit-y $1,500.00 for the purchase of a tank and molasses to evaluate
this option.
Conclusion
Staff is recommending the following purchases in accordance with the City Pur-
chasing Policy:
1 Equipment/Supplies
11,550 gallon bulk tank
11,000 gallons of cane molasses
Cost
$ 500.00
$1,000.00
R:\Council\2008 Agenda Reports\08 04 08\anti icicng grant agenda report. DOC
www.cityofpriorlake.com
Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245
ISSUES:
Considering the cost of some of the chemicals we currently use, the introduction of
cane molasses could reduce costs and the City would also benefit from the cane
molasses being more environmentally friendly and less corrosive.
FINANCIAL
IMPACT:
All materials will be paid for by the grant funds. City Staff will have some additional
time completing the evaluation of the de-icing performance. This time is expected
to be minimal.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve a resolution accepting grant money from the University of Minnesota for
the purchase of anti-icing equipment.
2. Table this agenda item for a specific reason.
3. Deny this agenda item for a specific reason and provide staff with direction.
RECOMMENDED
MOTION:
Alternative # 1 .
R:\Council\2008 Agenda Reports\08 04 08\anti icicng grant agenda report. DOC
A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING GRANT MONEY ($1,500) FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
FOR THE PURCHASE OF ANTI-ICING EQUIPMENT
Motion By:
Second By:
WHEREAS, The City has had an anti-icing program since the winter season of 2003 - 2004; and
WHEREAS, The University of Minnesota has provided a grant fund to assist the City's anti-icing
program; and
WHEREAS, The University has issued a grant of $1500.00 for the City of Prior Lake to use towards
its anti-icing program; and
WHEREAS, City staff is seeking approval to make the following purchases with the grant monies:
I EquipmentlSuppiies
I 1,550 gallon bulk tank
I 1,000 gallons of cane molasses
Cost
$ 500.00
$1,000.00
WHEREAS, The cane molasses which will be used in the anti-icing program is environmentally
friendly and much less corrosive than the regular sand/salt mixture; and
WHEREAS, The benefits to the City include better de-icing longevity and lower costs.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PRIOR LAKE,
MINNESOTA as follows:
1. The recitals set forth above are incorporated herein.
2. Staff is authorized to accept the $1,500.00 grant from the University of Minnesota and deposit it in
account #101-33422.
3. City staff is hereby authorized to purchase the equipment and supplies necessary to complete the
research for the basis of the grant for a total price not to exceed $1,500.00 from account #43100-
580.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 4th DAY OF AUGUST 2008.
YES
NO
HaLigen
Erickson
Hedber9
LeMair
Millar
Haugen
Erickson
Hedberg
LeMair
Millar
Frank Boyles, City Manager
R:\Council\2008 Agenda Reports\08 04 08\anti icing grant resolution.doc
www.cityofpriorlake.com
Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245