Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Michigan City council approves $65,000 transfer to replenish road salt
Summary
The council unanimously approved a $65,000 transfer to buy roughly 600 tons of road salt to restore the city’s supply to full capacity after recent winter weather reduced reserves to about 50 percent.
The Michigan City Common Council on Nov. 18 approved a $65,000 transfer to replenish the city’s road salt supply, a move city street director Sean Smith said will bring inventory to full capacity and get the city through the winter season.
"We currently we're a little bit over 50%. If we get this purchase, this will put us at full capacity to get us through until 2026," Smith told the council, describing a purchase of roughly 600 tons of rock salt at about $104 per ton with delivery. Smith said treated salt that works at lower temperatures can cost $120–$130 per ton.
Councilman Coulter moved the measure, Councilman Dabney seconded it, and the transfer passed on a 6–0 voice vote. The action was presented as a transfer from the local road and street fund; Smith said the city had dipped into salt after a recent snow event but was not depleted.
The discussion included questions about sand as an alternative for traction in beachfront areas, with Smith and council members noting sand can cause drainage problems and is mainly used only in critical icing conditions. The council did not attach additional restrictions to the appropriation.
