Minutes - Public Works Committee - 04/18/2006

Home

Public Works Supervisor Riemer stated the City of Ramsey has listed in the current CII' a salt storage building, Project #04-BLDG-005 with a budget of $150,000.00. The building would consist of a fabric cover stretched over a steel super structure and would be placed on an asphalt pad. The pad would be constructed with in house labor. The pad is needed to keep the salt from leaching into the soil. One advantage of this type of building is that it can be disassembled in the future and moved to a different site as needed. Additional sections can also be added to increase capacity if the need arises in the future The size that staff is recommending is 70'x 100' and is capable of storing approximately 3,300 tons of material. It would allow for inside loading and unloading of material, plus the ability to store different types of de-icing material, including a salt brine tank for future pre-wetting systems. The current salt storage building holds approximately 200 tons. Public Works Supervisor Riemer explained the City's main de-icing material at this time is crushed rock salt, which is effective when pavement temperatures are at 20 degrees and rising. With the new building they would be able to keep a supply of treated salt for times when pavement drops below 20 degrees. The advantages of treated salt and pre-wetting are their ability to work in much colder temperatures and the need for less material to do the same job. Some estimates are as much as 20-30% less. Pre-wetting works on the principal that salt needs moisture to work; by adding moisture on the truck they can get the salt into the solution much faster, so it can start melting snow faster. It also sticks to the road better and less salt is lost to "bounce and scatter." Mr. Riemer stated everyone is trying to lower environmental impacts due to the use of chlorides. The City already incorporates much of the new technology such as ground speed controlled spinners and truck mounted pavement temperature sensors. Proper storage is an important step in the overall equation as it would offer additional space to store the new de-icing chemicals, plus offer covered loading and unloading and the ability to order all of the salt at the beginning of the season. Mr. Riemer advised staff estimates the cost of the storage building, plus bituminous pad would be approximately $160,000.00. Staff recommends Committee approval to move forward with CIl' project 04-BLDG-005 and to work with the Finance Department to secure necessary funding sources. Councilmember Olson inquired about the longevity of the structure. Public Works Supervisor Riemer replied the structure is guaranteed for ten years. Chairperson Elvig inquired about the funding source. Public Works Director Olson replied the funding would likely be from the Equipment Revolving Loan Fund; this will be determined prior to ratification at City Council. Chairperson Elvig inquired if there are similar expenditures coming up in the CIP. Public Works Supervisor Riemer replied there will be an expenditure coming up for fencing. Fire Chief Kapler indicated there is the feasibility of a fueling station for the Police and Fire Departments. Public Works Committee /April 18, 2006 Page 2 of 10