Council approves $28,018 Buildx rock purchase for chip-seal; staff flags material-size trade-offs

The Marysville City Council approved a purchase of crushed rock from Buildx for use in this season's chip-and-seal program after staff explained the vendor offered a different (larger) stone size than the city typically orders.

Staff told the council the preferred smaller rock size had already sold out for the year and that the larger material was less expensive than the city's usual product. Because the stone differs from previous years, the crew plans to mix sizes — roughly a half-and-half ratio was discussed — and to use fewer total cubic yards than in prior seasons (staff said the city typically orders about 500 cubic yards but will order less this year). Councilors asked whether the larger material would affect adhesion to the oil surface; staff said adherence to the oil was the main concern and that performance would be reviewed after the chip-and-seal season.

A motion to approve the Buildx purchase in the amount of $28,018 was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote; the meeting recorded the tally as 6–0 in favor.

Council members and staff also discussed operational sequencing: ordering earlier to reserve preferred sizing in future years and whether some cities pre-order to lock supply. Staff said they and 'Sammy' would look into procurement timing to ensure compliance with fund-specific budget rules while securing the needed material.

The city did not discuss any contract amendments or long-term vendor commitments at the meeting; staff will proceed with the single-season purchase and report back if material performance requires changes to future procurement plans.