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A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of 2,000 Tons of Rock Salt from Morton Salt, Inc. at $63.61 Per Ton For the 2025/2026 Snow Season in an Amount Not to Exceed $200,000.00
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Introduction
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Rock salt is used as the principal deicer for snow and ice control in an effort to mitigate hazardous road conditions. The Village participates in the State of Illinois Joint Purchasing Program for materials and equipment commonly used by municipalities such as rock salt.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Village Board has approved this Resolution in prior years.
Background
Rock salt is the most readily available and cost-effective de-icing material. Salt is used to keep snow and ice from bonding to the pavement, thereby allowing snow plows to remove accumulated snow and ice quickly and efficiently and to keep the roads open and safe.
The Village has previously participated in the State of Illinois Joint Purchasing Program for materials and equipment commonly used by municipalities. The State of Illinois bids on the pricing and makes the material available to local governments. The Village is allowed to make such a purchase under the Governmental Joint Purchasing Act. 30 ILCS 525/2
The State notified the Village that the contract for salt would be awarded to Morton Salt Inc., at the price of $63.61 per ton for the 2025/2026 winter season.
The salt purchase contract allows the Village to order a minimum of 80% and up to 120% of the requested amount of salt. This season’s requested amount of salt is 2,000 tons. Therefore, the minimum required purchase is 1,600 tons, and the maximum is 2,400 tons in case of a particularly harsh winter. The salt will be delivered by truck to the Public Works Center at 201 South Boulevard.
In an average winter, the Village uses approximately 2,500 - 4,000 tons of rock salt for snow and ice control. The Village currently has approximately 1,000 tons of salt in storage at the Public Works Center, 700 tons in the salt dome at the storage area at the Cook County Forest Preserve maintenance yard.
Timing Considerations
Adoption of the Resolution at this time will allow for the purchase of salt for the 2026 Winter season.
Budget Impact
The Fiscal Year 2025 budget provides funds for the purchase of roadway salt materials in the Public Works, Motor Fuel Tax Fund, account no. 2038-43740-765-560633, Roadway Maintenance. Currently $174,839.33 in funds remain in that account for salt. A portion of those funds will be used towards the purchase of salt to replenish any usage before December 31, 2025.
In Fiscal Year 2026, salt needed for the portion of the winter season after January 1, 2026 will be funded from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund, account no. 2038-43740-765-560633, Roadway Maintenance. The Fiscal Year 2026 budget for salt is proposed to be $350,000.00.
Staffing Impact
There is no staffing impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
There is no DEI impact associated with this item.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution
Advantages:
• Snow Mitigation is a Village Core Service. Adoption of the resolution will enable the purchase of rock salt, a primary tool for mitigating snow and ice.
Disadvantages:
• Staff will need to explore alternative means of procuring salt, likely at a higher price.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
Table the item for additional information or discussion.
Advantages:
• The Village Board would be provided with the requested information.
Disadvantages:
• This action could delay or impact the Village’s supply of salt.
Alternative 2:
The Board can elect to vote down the Resolution
Advantages:
• There are no advantages to this alternative
Disadvantages:
• Sourcing an alternative supplier of salt may impact the Village’s salt supply and increase cost.
Anticipated Future Actions
It is anticipated that the Public Works Department will be bringing this contract to the Village Board annually.
Prepared By: Rob Sproule, Public Works Director
Reviewed By: Jack Malec, Assistant to the Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution
2. Supporting Documents