HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Actin Form dated May 26, 2026ITEM #:28
DATE:05-26-26
DEPT:W&PC
SUBJECT:LIQUID SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE PURCHASE FOR WATER TREATMENT
PLANT AND POWER PLANT
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Water Treatment Plant and the Power Plant each use large quantities of chemicals in their
operations. This contract is for the purchase of sodium hypochlorite during FY 2026/27,
which is used for disinfection in the water treatment process at the Water Plant and
treatment of cooling tower water at the Power Plant.
The following bids were received on May 8, 2026 for the purchase of sodium hypochlorite:
Bidder FY 2026/27
Price per Gallon
Optional FY
2027/28
Price per Gallon
Rowell Chemical Corp., Hinsdale, IL $1.72 $1.80
Hawkins, Inc., Roseville, MN $1.89 No Bid
Brenntag Great Lakes, LLC $2.10 No Bid
Staff is recommending an award for FY 2026/27 to Rowell Chemical Corp. with a unit
price of $1.72 per gallon, which is a $0.11 per gallon decrease compared to the current
contract of $1.83 per gallon. Actual usage of sodium hypochlorite will depend on water
quality and customer demand.
The FY 2026/27 Water Plant operating budget estimates 68,000 gallons for a total of
$116,960 based on the bid cost from Rowell Chemical. The budget includes $136,000 for
sodium hypochlorite. The Power Plant operating budget estimates 20,000 gallons for a total of
$34,400, with $50,000 budgeted for sodium hypochlorite.
Bidders were given the option to provide a bid for FY 2027/28. Rowell Chemical Corp.
included a bid of $1.80 per gallon for the optional second year. City staff will evaluate
next spring whether to recommend that the Council award the second year of the
contract or seek new bids.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Award a contract for the purchase of sodium hypochlorite to Rowell Chemical Corp. of
Hinsdale, IL at $1.72 per gallon for FY 2026/27.
2. Determine that a different bid is in the best interests of the City and award a contract to
that bidder.
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3. Reject all bids and attempt to obtain the required supplies on an as-needed basis.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Liquid sodium hypochlorite is an essential treatment chemical, as it provides the final
disinfectant barrier that keeps drinking water and cooling tower water safe from
microbial contaminants. Competitive bids were solicited, and the low bid will allow both
the Water and Electric utilities to remain within their respective budgets for this
chemical. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as described above.
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