Ann Arbor logo
File #: 09-0515    Version: 1 Name: 7/6/09 - Hydrofluorosilicic Acid
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 7/6/2009 In control: City Council
On agenda: 7/6/2009 Final action: 7/6/2009
Enactment date: 7/6/2009 Enactment #: R-09-263
Title: Resolution to Approve Purchase of Hydrofluorosilicic Acid for Water Treatment from PVS Nolwood Chemicals, Bid No. ITB-4027 (estimated $72,000.00/yr)
Attachments: 1. bidsheet-4027.pdf
Title
Resolution to Approve Purchase of Hydrofluorosilicic Acid for Water Treatment from PVS Nolwood Chemicals, Bid No. ITB-4027 (estimated $72,000.00/yr)
Memorandum
Your approval is requested to authorize the purchase of hydrofluorosilicic acid for the Water Treatment Services Unit.  The estimated cost of this chemical for FY10 is $72,000.00.
 
The CDC has established that 0.7mg/L - 1.2mg/L of fluoride in the drinking water is safe, healthy and effective for preventing tooth decay.  Fluoride in the drinking water supplied from the City's water treatment plant is about 1.0 mg/L.  The City's source water normally has about 0.3mg/L - 0.5mg/L of fluoride.  The Water Treatment Services Unit uses hydrofluorosilicic acid to bring the fluoride level to about 1.0mg/L.
 
The EPA neither endorses nor opposes the addition of fluoride to drinking water, the decision to add fluoride in the drinking water is made at the local level.  However, the EPA has set the maximum level of fluoride to be 4.0mg/L in drinking water.  A resolution passed by City Council in 1950 directed City staff to fluoridate water.
 
The following bids were received:
 
PVS Nolwood Chemicals            $0.345/lb
Alexander Chemical            $0.373/lb + $30/ton during Frost Law
Thatcher Co                        $0.3815/lb
Pencco, Inc                        $0.3825/lb
LCI, LTD                        No Bid
Solvay Fluorides                  No Bid
 
It is recommended that the resolution be approved to satisfy the Water Treatment Services Unit's requirement of hydrofluorosilicic acid from PVS Nolwood Chemicals, as the lowest responsible bidder.
 
It is also recommended that the purchasing agreement be extended for up to three additional one-year extensions at no increase in cost if the vendor is agreeable, and if the City deems it to be in its best interest.
 
In the event PVS Nolwood Chemicals is unable to furnish the chemical, it is requested that the City Administrator be authorized to accept the next lowest responsible bidder for the fluoride purchase.
 
Funds are specifically budgeted for this purchase in the approved FY10 Operations and Maintenance Budget for the Water Supply System.
Staff
Prepared by:  Larry Sanford, Assistant Manager, Water Treatment Services
Reviewed by:  Sue F. McCormick, Public Services Administrator
Approved by:  Roger W. Fraser, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Water Treatment Services Unit adds hydrofluorosilicic acid to the water supply for the prevention of tooth decay;
 
Whereas, Contracts for supplying estimated requirements are the most stable and cost-effective way of meeting water treatment needs;
 
Whereas, PVS Nolwood Chemicals submitted the lowest responsible bid for the supply of hydrofluorosilicic acid per Bid No. ITB-4027; and
 
Whereas, PVS Nolwood Chemicals received Human Rights approval on May 28, 2009;
 
RESOLVED, That Council accept the PVS Nolwood Chemicals bid of $0.345/lb for hydrofluorosilic acid in accordance with the terms of Bid No. ITB-4027;
 
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be directed to enter into a purchasing agreement with PVS Nolwood Chemicals for the purchase of hydrofluorosilicic acid in accordance with this resolution at a projected cost of approximately $72,000.00 for FY10;
 
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to renew the purchasing agreement for up to three one-year periods provided both parties agree to an extension and subject to the annual appropriation of funds in FY11, FY12 and FY13;
 
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be directed to accept the next lowest responsible bidder if PVS Nolwood Chemicals is unable to furnish adequate supplies;
 
RESOLVED, That the purchase of hydrofluorosilicic acid be funded from the approved FY10 Operation and Maintenance Budget of the Water Supply System; and
 
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take all necessary actions to implement this resolution.