Commission approves road salt purchase for 2526 winter season; city plans to limit salt use with technology

The Kentwood City Commission on Aug. 11 authorized the purchase of road salt for the 2526 winter season. City staff said the contract allows a committed quantity of 3,000 tons, with a maximum potential quantity of 3,900 tons and contract flexibility of 80 percent to 130 percent of the committed amount. Public Works staff described how equipment and application practices reduce salt usage, saying they typically apply about "400 pounds per lane mile" during heavy snow events and reduce that rate for lighter events. The presenter added that as truck speed increases, the spread rate increases and staff use that technology to calibrate applications and reduce waste. On pricing, staff said the city saw about a 3.5 percent increase over last season. The presenter said prices had been around $68–$69 per ton the prior two years and this year ranged between $71 and $82 per ton depending on the contract terms. A commissioner praised the public works crew for timely winter operations. The motion to approve the salt purchase carried by voice vote. Staff said the salt barn will be replenished to maintain readiness and that they consider lane miles and usage history when setting committed quantities. No special funding sources or contract dollar totals were recorded in the transcript.