HomeMy WebLinkAbout6. MANAGERS REPORT 11/05/2008
Mount Prospect
Mount Prospect Public Works Department
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
FROM:
SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS & BUILDINGS
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TO:
VILLAGE MANAGER MICHAEL E. JANONIS
DATE: OCTOBER 30, 2008
SUBJECT: ACCEPT BID FOR THE PURCHASE OF GEOMEL T 55 (A P
WETTING AGENT FOR SALT) CONTRACT ($37,500)
BACKGROUND
During the last snow season, we experimented with a new pre-wetting agent to add to our
rock salt. Pre-wetting agents are used as accelerants to lower the temperature at which the
rock salt works in melting snow and ice. They are typically applied when temperatures go
below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The trade name of the product is GE055 and it is a natural
agricultural product (beet juice) blended with potassium acetate liquid. Previously we
have used calcium chloride as our accelerant. GE055, or Geomelt as it is referred to, is a
much more environmentally friendly product than calcium chloride. It is also less
corrosive, thus extending the life of our vehicles and equipment.
The outward negative side of using Geomelt is the cost, approximately four times the cost
per gallon as calcium chloride. However during our experiment, the use of Geomelt as
an accelerator instead of calcium chloride resulted in a 30% reduction in the amount of
salt being applied per salting pass. This savings of using 30% less salt more than offsets
the cost of the more expense Geomelt product, especially with the increase pricing of
road salt.
The savings realized, while achieving the same results as with calcium chloride, coupled
with the reduced environmental impact proved our experiment to be a success.
BID RESULTS
Sealed bids were opened at 10:00 A. M. on October 27, 2008 for the proposed Geomelt
contract. Bid prices were based on estimated quantities of 15,000 gallons, our average
annual usage. Three invitational bids were mailed, and a bid notice was placed in the
local paper.
Page two
ACCEPT BID FOR THE PURCHASE OF GEOMEL T 55
OCTOBER 30, 2008
One bid was received with results as follows:
Bidder
WellSpring Management
Oak Park, IL
Bid Price/e:al
$2.49/gal
Total Bid Price
$37,343.00
DISCUSSION
WellSpring Management had no exceptions to the specification requirements and was the
sole bidder. I contacted SNI Solutions, the company that makes the Geomelt product and
they sent a letter stating WellSpring Management has exclusive rights to Geomelt sales in
Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. WellSpring Management provided several
loads of Geomelt last season and all deliveries were made on a timely basis.
RECOMMENDATION
I recommend acceptance of the lowest qualified bid of $2.49/gal as submitted by
WellSpring Management for the procurement of Geomelt road salt pre-wetting agent in
an amount of $37,500. Purchases for the remainder of 2008 are estimated at $11,500.
No funds are currently available in the 2008 budget for this procurement. A budget
amendment in the amount of $11,500 will be necessary to facilitate our initial delivery of
4,500 gallons. The remainder of this award will be expended from available funds in the
2009 budget.
9~ 67WWJ
Paul Bures
Superintendent of Streets &
Buildings
I concur:
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Glen-lt Andler
Director of Public Works
PB
c: Director of Public Works Glen R. Andler
Deputy Director of Pubh.: Works Sean P. Dorsey
file
H:\Administration\BIDS\RESUL TS\GEOMEL T.2008.RES.doc