TO:                  Mayor Edward “Bud” Caulfield

                                    And

                        Members of the Lowell City Council

FROM:            Bernard F. Lynch, City Manager

DATE:             February  15, 2008

In response to Councilor Elliott’s request on salt use this winter, I requested a report from T.J. McCarthy, Assistant City Manager/Operations. 

As of January 31^st, the City has received 6775 tons of road salt, with a bid cost of 50.00 per ton ($333,750).  The frequency and storm pattern at the beginning of the winter; typically only a few days a part, made the restocking of salt very challenging.  This has been a regional issue, and at times Lowell has needed to utilize more sand in order to ensure the supply for additional storms.

Over the past month Lowell’s total supply has been gradually increased, due to an increase in the amount of salt delivered combined with a lower rate of storm frequency.

If you have any questions regarding this information, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Thank you.