HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 11970:PURCHASE POLYMERS MEMORANDUM
CITY OF PORT ARTHUR
UTILITY OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Steve Fitzgibbons, City Manager
Daniel Shepherd, Director of Utility Operations
October 9, 2002
Proposed Resolution No. 11970
COMMENTS
RECOMMENDATION:
We recommend the approval of Proposed Resolution No. 11970 authorizing the purchase of sole serx ice
polymers by the Utility Operations Department.
BACKGROUND:
The Utility purchases polymers for the treating of drinking water. Each polymer is unique and available
only from the respective companies. Normally, one of the listed polymers is required to properly treat the
water. However, when ra~v water conditions change, a different product may produce the most cost
effective treatment scheme. On occasion, multiple products may be necessary to provide the best results.
This resolution authorizes the purchase of each of these products as needed so that our treatment personnel
may detcm~ine the most cost effective treatment scheme at any given time. It further provides that all other
chemical purchases will continue to be in accordance with existing, well-established bid procedures. This
resolution is updated and presented to Council at least once annually.
BUDGET/FISCAL EFFECT:
It is estimated that polymer purchases this year xvill total approximately $485,000. These polymer
purchases are made on an as-needed basis and charged to the Water Purification Division account no. 410-
1252-532.29-02.
STAFF/EMPLOYEE EFFECT:
These polymers and all water treatment chemicals are administered by trained employees who are certified
by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
SUMMARY:
.,\pproval o f Proposed Resolution No. 11970 will allow staffto determine and utilize the most cost effectix e
treatment schemes and is recommended for approval.
P. R. No. 11970
DS/Id 10-07-02
RESOLUTION NO.
A Resolution Authorizing The Director of Utility
Operations to Purchase Polymers and Delineating
Procedures For The Purchase of Other Chemicals.
WHEREAS, the Director of Utilities is responsible for the water treatment plant; and,
WHEREAS, this plant takes raw water from the LNVA canal, clarifies, disinfects, stabilizes, and treats
the water so that it can be distributed as drinking water for the citizens; and,
WHEREAS, most of the chemicals used for treatment are common commodities of standard chemical
composition which are sold by numerous distributors and the City can obtain the chemicals through the bid
process; and,
WHEREAS, these types of common commodities include but are not limited to: sodium hydroxide,
liquid chlorine, anhydrous ammonia, hydrofiorusilicic acid, sodium chlorite, and phosphate; and,
WHEREAS, other chemicals are not of standard chenfical composition and are available only from
one source because of patents, copyrights, secret processes or natural monopolies; and,
WHEREAS, these chemicals are usually polymers used at the water treatment plant For coagulation:
and,
WHEREAS, these proprietary chemicals have to be tested at the plant to determine if they can
properly coagulate and not create adverse conditions to the plant or to the water; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR:
Section 1. That the facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct.
Section 2. That the Director of Utility Operations shall present to the City Council for approxal thc
purchase of common commodities that are expected to cost more than $15,000 per year after advertising ~b~'
bids.
P. R. No. 11970
Page 2 of 3
Section 3. That the Director of Utility Operations shall present to the City Council for approval the
purchase of proprietary chemicals that are expected to cost more than $15,000 per year without advertising for
bids.
Section 4. That the Director of Utilities shall have the discretion to choose the amount of proprietary
chemicals-polymers so long as he does not exceed his yearly budget for this item, the chemicals are approved
by the EPA and National Sanitation Foundation, are successfully tested at the plant, and that the manufacturer
thereof is financially stable and has liability insurance and is on the list attached hereto in Exhibit "A' which
also includes the maximum price to be charged therefore. If through testing, the Director of Utilities discovers
other proprietary chemicals that he desires to purchase in excess of $5,000 per year; he shall submit that
chemical to the City Council for adding to the approved list.
Section 5. That a copy of the caption of this Resolution shall be spread upon the Minutes of the
Meeting of the City Council.
READ, ADOPTED, AND APPROVED this da)' of ,2002, at
a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor
Councilmembers
NOES:
Oscar G. Ortiz
Mayor
P. R. No. 11970
Page 3 of 3
ATTEST:
Evangeline Green
City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Mark Sokolow
City Attorney
APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION:
Steve Fitzgibbons
City Manager
Director of Utility ~
P. R. No. 11970
Page 1 of 1
Polymer Vendors &
Name
Altiva
Advance Oxidation Services
.Polymer Research Corp.
CyTec (toters only)
Nalco
Polydyne Inc.
Bulk Price
$ .30
.36
.335
N/A
.350
N/A
Maximum Prices
Tote Price
$ .480
.890
.92
.900
.550
N/A
Drum Price
N/A
$ 1.25
N/A
1.00
N/A
1.00