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Long Beach authorizes solicitation for new salt barn, caps project at $180,000
Summary
Council authorized soliciting quotes for a new salt storage building and demolition of the existing structure with a not-to-exceed budget of $180,000 to increase on-site salt capacity and avoid higher market prices during shortages; the motion passed with one member recorded opposed.
The Long Beach Town Council on March 9 authorized the street department to solicit quotes to replace the town's aging salt storage structure and to demolish the existing building, approving a not-to-exceed project budget of $180,000.
Town staff described geotechnical constraints under the current site—fill material that makes traditional footing excavation impractical—and proposed a fabric hoop-style structure mounted on pre-cast concrete bins to avoid deep foundations. The recommended design reduces foundational excavation and is similar to structures used elsewhere in the region.
Town officials cited operational risk and cost volatility for salt as the principal justification. The administrator said the town currently holds about 200 tons of salt and aims to store 400–450 tons; if the town had exhausted contract quantities this winter it could have faced market prices as high as $250–$400 per ton compared with roughly $90 per ton on contract. "If we don't have the capacity, we will end up paying more in the long run for either paying more for the salt or having to pay Cargill to store the salt," the administrator said.
Council authorized moving the project to the quoting stage and requested that quotes be returned for council review at the April meeting. The motion passed with one recorded opposition; the council directed that any expenditure beyond solicitation would require a subsequent approval after quotes are reviewed.
Next steps: Town staff will solicit quotes, review with the town engineer, and present comparative bids to the council for a final selection and award.
