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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Bob Leible, Assistant Superintendent of Water Production
DATE: November 5, 2014
SUBJECT:
Resolution Awarding Contracts to Supply Process Chemicals for the Water Production Division.
PURPOSE:
To obtain City Council approval for the execution of contracts with suppliers of various process chemicals for the Water Production Division.
BACKGROUND:
Each year the Water Production Division solicits bids for process chemicals to be used at the Water Treatment Plant. These chemicals are essential and necessary to the operation of the various water treatment processes such as softening, disinfection, fluoridation, and taste & odor control, as well as regulatory compliance with drinking water standards. Sealed bids for this purpose were opened on October 22, 2014.
DISCUSSION:
Most contracts are awarded to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder for a period of one-year, which may be renewable for a second year when mutually agreed upon by the City of Aurora and the supplier. Certain chemicals are occasionally bid on a trial basis because the chemical's performance in the treatment process has not yet been determined. The chemicals bid for this solicitation are all offered for a two-year period.
It should be noted that Mississippi Lime Co. (ML) is not the lowest bidder when solely considering unit cost (2nd low bid). However, ML is the only bidder who meets the minimum bid specification for 93% Available Calcium Oxide (Av CaO), the actual percent of reactive material in the bulk product. As such, more raw bulk CaO from Graymont/Western Lime (low bidder) must be purchased in order to receive the same quantity of actual reactive material. The estimated annual total costs per supplier for Av CaO are as follows:
Estimated AV Bulk Cost of Cost
CaO (tons) Tons Bulk Tons Difference
Graymont/Western Lime: 5,076 5,554 $921,899 -$7,225 (0.8%)
Mississippi Lime: 5,076 5,400 $929,124 ---
The cost difference is less than 1% on an annual basis for Av CaO. Furthermore, because more Graymont raw bulk CaO would be required in the treatment process due to its lower percentage of Av CaO, an increase in lime sludge production, and associated lime sludge disposal costs would occur. The ultimate disposal of this material is estimated at $17K - $18K annually. Lastly, and most importantly, the calcium oxide supplied by Mississippi Lime has proven to be a consistent, reliable, and successful product as utilized by the Aurora Water Treatment Plant over many years.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
None.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the attached resolution be submitted to the City Council for their approval so that contracts may be executed for two-year periods as indicated therein.
cc: Alderman O'Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Peters, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution Awarding Contracts to Supply Process Chemicals for the Water Production Division.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, bids were requested for process chemicals to be used in the treatment of the City's water supply for a two-year period (2015 - 2016); and
WHEREAS, listed on the attachment, "WPD Recommended Chemical Bidders 2015 - 2016", are the lowest responsive, responsible bidders for each process chemical, at the bid amount shown, for a two-year period:
WHEREAS, Mississippi Lime Co. is recommended as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder able to supply calcium oxide (lime) which meets the minimum specification for Available Calcium Oxide (the reactive material in the bulk product); and
WHEREAS, the 2015 City budget tentatively provides $1,600,503.00 in funds for process chemicals in Account No. 510-4058-511-65-36;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the Purchasing Director is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with the lowest responsive, responsible bidder for each process chemical, as recommended above, for the Water Production Division.
PASSED AND APPROVED on ______________.
AYES ____ NAYS ____ NOT VOTING ____ ABSENT ____
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Bohman, Ward 1 Alderman Garza, Ward 2
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Mesiacos, Ward 3 Alderman Donnell, Ward 4
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Peters, Ward 5 Alderman Saville, Ward 6
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Hart-Burns, Ward 7 Alderman Mervine, Ward 8
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Bugg, Ward 9 Alderman Johnson, Ward 10
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Irvin, At Large Alderman O'Connor, At Large
ATTEST:
____________________________ __________________________
City Clerk Mayor
Chemical Bid Tab 2015
WPD Recommended Chemical Bidders 2015 - 2016