ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works with a Request to Adopt an ORDINANCE Amending the City of Peoria BUDGET for Fiscal Year 2014 Relating to the Use of General Fund Balance, in the Amount of $80,000.00, and Reprogramming of Certain Operating Accounts, in the Amount of $160,000.00, to Increase the 2014 ROCK SALT BUDGET and REPLENISH DEPLETED STOCK Through Open Bids. [City Wide] (Requires 2/3 Affirmative Votes of Those Voting for the Budget Amendment.)
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BACKGROUND:
Due to the record breaking snowfall this winter season, which began in December 2013, the City of Peoria's rock salt usage was correspondingly significant. With a total of 23 snow event callouts, the salt usage for this season is estimated at 9,360 tons. Salt usage for the past 14 winter seasons are depicted in the following chart:
The City of Peoria will entertain competitive bids for the purchase of rock salt and calcium chloride, once an increased budget has been approved. The current bid award through the State Joint Purchasing Program, which has expired, allowed us to purchase rock salt at $52.50 per ton.
The 2014 rock salt budget of $1,000 was determined under a vastly different set of assumptions. The first assumption was that Peoria would continue to experience mild winters with few snow events, and the second assumption was that the diminished stock from the snow dome would allow for the space needed to make repairs to it. The reality is the City has experienced the snowiest winter on record and the repairs to the dome have been postponed.
Either reprogramming the operating account line items of $80,000 each from 101-3120-542.36-24 (Street Overlay Maintenance) and 101-3124-542-36.33 (Tree Replacement), or an alternative funding source, to the Rock Salt line item 101-3120-542.44-22, with the request for use of General Fund Balance in the amount of $80,000 for the additional amount needed would increase the budget by $240,000.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The City of Peoria's budget for snow removal and ice control, like many cities throughout the country has been severely impacted by this winter's weather. Our projected need to implement the City of Peoria's snow removal and ice control exceeds the amount that is currently in the 2014 and 2015 budgets. Restoring the rock salt budget will allow the City to maintain the City of Peoria's Snow Plan.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Effective snow removal and the use of ice control materials help avoid potential hazardous conditions for citizens on city streets.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: The City's will be proactive and responsive to the Citizens of Peoria to ensure that we maintain the City of Peoria's Snow Plan of efficient snow and ice removal by maintaining adequate levels of anti-icing materials at cost-effective price.
IMPACT IF DENIED: The City of Peoria's Snow Plan will not provide an efficient snow and ice removal level of service, due to possible limited availability and higher market price.
ALTERNATIVES: N/A.
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: N/A.
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL'S 2014 - 2029 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Financially Sound City Government, Effective City Organization
2. Attractive Neighborhoods with Character: Safe and Livable
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Invest in our infrastructure and transportation.
2. Keep taxes and fees competitive.
3. Have an efficient government.
DEPARTMENT: Public Works