HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report_model contract for chloride reduction
August 21, 2018
Mayor and City Council
Jessica V. Wilson, Water Resources Coordinator
Development of model winter maintenance contract for chloride reduction
Information / Background:
At their February 7, 2018 meeting, City Council passed a resolution in support of a state law to
limit liability for private commercial salt applicators, and was the first city to do so. Unfortunately,
the bill ultimately failed. Development of this model winter maintenance contract for chloride
reduction is another opportunity for the City of Edina to lead in addressing chloride pollution.
Staff is working with Fortin Consulting, Inc. and Smith Partners to develop a model winter
maintenance contract to reduce chloride pollution. The document would be used by private
businesses, commercial property owners, multi-family residential property managers, churches,
schools, and organizations to hire winter maintenance professionals with an emphasis on service
instead of being based on pounds of salt put down, which would incentivize over-salting.
Through discussions with property managers, industry professionals, and master water stewards,
we’ve discovered that conventional contracts may be barriers to reducing salt use. Often, those
who perform the hiring may have a desire to use the least amount of chloride possible on behalf of
the environment, but don’t have the background to know what to ask for in a contract. The
template contract will help those who hire winter maintenance professionals to meet their snow
and ice management goals while aligning with chloride reduction best management practices.
Fortin Consulting, Inc. and Smith Partners have previously developed a model snow and ice policy
which would sync with this project.
Nine Mile Creek Watershed District has committed to contributing $2000 toward the project.