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Alpena approves $25,000 transfer and buys liquid anti‑icing supplies and sprayer for winter operations
Summary
The council approved a $25,000 budget transfer and purchase orders for 16,000 gallons of calcium chloride (not to exceed $25,000) and a 1,065‑gallon brine sprayer for roughly $17,500 to expand liquid anti‑icing capabilities.
City Engineer Steve Shultz presented winter maintenance findings and recommended adding liquid anti‑icing (calcium chloride with a 'boost' additive) to the city's snow‑control toolbox. Shultz said liquid application "if applied prior to a snow event, the liquid could prevent the snow from adhering to the asphalt," and that the practice is common statewide.
Staff proposed three related actions: a $25,000 transfer from the equipment fund to the major streets fund to support the purchase; a purchase order for 16,000 gallons of calcium chloride (not to exceed $25,000) through the state purchasing contract; and procurement of a rear-mounted tank/sprayer and a 1,065‑gallon one‑lane brine sprayer with a flow meter for $17,500. Council approved the transfer and both procurement motions. Staff said the liquid is less corrosive than road salt and could extend equipment life, and that heavy rain and repeated plowing affect longevity of applications.
Next steps: Public Works will outfit one truck to test liquid application and monitor effectiveness, environmental impacts and costs before deciding on broader adoption.
