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DPW seeks $4 million replacement salt barn; bids ready, target substantial completion Oct. 15
Summary
DPW asked the council to approve a $4 million replacement of the city salt barn (CHIPS‑reimbursable), with bid documents ready and a substantial‑completion target of Oct. 15 so winter operations are not interrupted; project includes two buildings for treated and untreated salt.
Ann Fordock, first deputy commissioner of the Department of Public Works, told the council that items 12 and 13 request authorization for a $4 million salt‑barn replacement at the DPW site. Fordock said the city must avoid entering winter without storage capacity and described the project as demolition of the existing structure followed by site work, plumbing and electric for two new buildings: one for treated salt (usable below 20°F) and one for untreated salt.
Ian Rowley from the engineering department said bid documents are prepared and that the city will put the project out to bid once the bond ordinance is approved; he described a substantial‑completion milestone of October 15 to ensure snow operations remain uninterrupted. Fordock and staff stated the project is fully reimbursable through the New York State CHIPS program.
Councilors asked about interim storage and confirmed the city has been using a State‑owned Van Rensselaer facility as temporary capacity; staff confirmed that the city is coordinating to empty current stockpiles before demolition.
Next steps: staff will proceed with bond authorization and bidding; DPW will return with schedule updates and cost reconciliation as procurement progresses.
