Spring is just beginning to break through, but Prairie Township is already preparing for next winter.
Township trustees approved a cooperative purchase agreement for salt with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) in preparation for 2010 winter weather road conditions and to replenish the supply used for the 2009 road treatment.
The contract contains a minimum and a maximum tonnage provision. Last year, according to Township Administrator Tracy Hatmaker, Prairie made a cooperative purchase agreement for 400 tons of salt. Road superintendent, Dave McAninch said the township used approximately 150 tons of salt in the last months of 2009, and 300 tons so far in 2010.
Currently, the township has leftover salt stockpiled.
“It turned out he (McAninch) ended up with more than he expected. We had been coming off a salt shortage (from 2008) at the time. So, we had a pretty good supply at the end of last year,” said Hatmaker.
“We have approximately 100 tons of salt in our salt barn,” said McAninch.
This year, an agreement for 300 tons was approved.
According the contract, the township is required to pay for 80 percent of the 300 tons at minimum and a maximum of 120 percent of the salt supply may be used and paid for if necessary. The extra 20 percent is in the event that addition rock salt supply is needed for road treatment.
Hatmaker said the price of the salt will be determined through a bidding process to be carried out later this year.
Hatmaker said the amount was decreased by 100 tons from the previous contract due to recommendations from McAninich. He explained more was purchased in 2009 due to a salt shortage the year prior.
This year, McAninch hopes for the full percentage of salt if possible.
“I certainly hope so we can buy up to 120 percent of the 300 tons. I would imagine as long as they are not having a shortage they would sell us more if we need it and I am confident that the Franklin County Engineers or the City of Columbus would sell us some if we get in a bind,” said McAninch.
