Brine is a product made by combining salt and water and used by City staff performing snow and ice control during the winter months. Brine is applied to the City streets in advance of winter storms and greatly reduces the time required to clear the roads from ice build-up.

The use of brine significantly reduces the amount of sand that the City uses to ensure the safety of its citizens during a winter storm event. Reducing the amount of sand applied during a winter storm saves money on the materials cost, reduces the expense of having to sweep up the sand after an event, reduces the amount of cleaning in the storm drain system, and reduces the air pollution caused by pulverized sand in the atmosphere.

Since the inception of brine usage in the City of Sparks, brine has been shown to be an effective and economical product in reducing issues during winter storm events. The Maintenance Department and City growth have both increased the areas, (lane miles, etc.) where brine is applied prior to storm events. A need for greater storage capacity was identified and this purchase will satisfy the current need. The purchase of the additional 25,000-gallon tanks will increase our storage capacity to 43,000 gallons. One complete application in the City consumes 24,000 gallons of brine.

The City will be utilizing the joinder provision allowed under NRS 332.115. Specifically, the City will be using contract #P1903158 for these materials that was issued by the City of Roseville, California, to Harrington Industrial Plastics. The City of Roseville’s bid represented a high-quality product and the City is able to join this contract and leverage those prices to our benefit. Utilizing the “joinder” provision allows the City to precisely define the equipment needed while foregoing the need to formally bid the item.

This $50,660.67 expenditure will allow staff to purchase the appropriate equipment needed for our snow and ice control program.

1. City Council could approve the purchase as outlined by Staff.
2. City Council could reject the purchase and provide direction to the City Manager.

I move to approve the purchase of two brine storage tanks from Harrington Industrial Plastics in the amount of $50,660.67.