2014-03-25_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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At the request of Member Gjerdingen, Mr. Schwartz responded that, at this point and depending on what happened to the price of salt and other ice control materials, the City would not need to seek additional revenue sources from the City Council. Mr. Schwartz advised that one of the reasons for this was that the winter season was spread over two budget cycles, with purchases of sale made in the fall for the preceding year, which fell in the next year's budget cycle for snow and ice control dollars. Mr. Schwartz opined that he didn't see the need for additional funding at this point; however, he anticipated typical price increases, with actual bids done annually in June, at which time staff would know the numbers needed for the next budget cycle. At the request of Chair Vanderwall, Mr. Schwartz advised that the bid documents were just being prepared, so at this time he was not aware if they would include a request for increased overage percentages. Chair Vanderwall opined that he wouldn't necessarily want Roseville to purchase additional salt for next year, but would support the State Bid seeking a larger cushion statewide to be prepared for extreme winter weather, as the potential for weather instability may continue. Chair Vanderwall spoke in support of one source available for salt storage by the state, without building larger salt piles at individual cities. Member DeBenedet noted that salt had a limited shelf life; with Mr. Schwartz agreeing, noting that humidity affected with caking occurring. Member DeBenedet opined that typically, sever winters tended to run in cycles of 2-3 years, and a clustering of events may occur; making it prudent to purchase an extra 10% for the upcoming year and the year after that, and then adjusting purchases after that cycle. Member DeBenedet opined that the cost of the material itself was not as great of an expense as the extra costs for salaries, overtime, vehicle and equipment operations, and fuel. Mr. Culver noted that contracts with vendors were negotiated, putting them at risk to move up to an additional 30% overage as well, which had the potential to increases costs as they tried to cover those unknowns and reduce their additional risk. Chair Vanderwall expressed his appreciation to staff for hearing about this from their perspective. 9. Recognition of Outgoing Commission Members Member DeBenedet noted that he had the pleasure of serving on the PWETC for almost eight years, originally filling an unexpired term, and subsequently serving for an additional two full terms. Member DeBenedet thanked the City Council for appointing and reappointing him; noting that he had stressed at the time of his Page 12 of 14