HomeMy WebLinkAboutExhibit 1 - Agenda Information SheetCity of Denton
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AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
DEPARTMENT: Procurement
ACM: Christine Taylor
DATE: September 15, 2026
SUBJECT
Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, a Texas home-rule municipal corporation,
authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Airgas USA, LLC, for the purchase of various
chemicals for the Water Production, Fire, Denton Municipal Electric, Solid Waste and Recycling, and
Municipal Lab Departments, providing for the expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an effective
date (RFP 9049 – awarded to Airgas USA, LLC, for three (3) years, with the option for two (2) additional
one (1) year extensions, in the total five (5) year not-to-exceed amount of $1,875,500.00). The Public
Utilities Board recommends approval (6 - 0).
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
This action supports Key Focus Area: Support Healthy and Safe Communities.
INFORMATION/BACKGROUND
This solicitation is for the purchase of water treatment chemicals essential to the Water Production
Department’s processes, ensuring the continued delivery of safe, potable water and effective treatment for
the City of Denton and surrounding communities. These chemicals each serve a specific operational purpose
critical to regulatory compliance and service reliability, including liquid oxygen, which supports ozone
generation as a key disinfectant in the water treatment process and ensures uninterrupted operations at both
water production facilities. The agreement will support uninterrupted operations at both Ray Roberts Water
Treatment Plant and Lake Lewisville Water Treatment Plant.
The Municipal Lab will use argon because it is essential for ICP-MS analysis, forming the plasma that
ionizes elements and serving as the nebulizer and auxiliary gas to maintain stable operating conditions. A
consistent supply of high-purity argon is critical for achieving accurate and precise trace-metal
measurements.
The Fire Department also relies on oxygen in various forms to meet medical treatment needs within the
community. The additional gases purchased for the Fire Department are used at the training facility to
support firefighter training activities. They are also carried on certain Fire Department vehicles, where they
support rescue operations and the use of specialized equipment.
In addition, Denton Municipal Electric uses nitrogen in all power transformers at its substations to maintain
a dry, stable internal environment, prevent moisture intrusion, protect insulating components, and improve
long-term equipment reliability.
City Hall
215 E. McKinney Street
Denton, Texas
www.cityofdenton.com
The Solid Waste & Recycling Department relies on acetylene, argon, and oxygen to safely and effectively
repair and refurbish compactor containers used by City of Denton commercial customers. These gases are
essential for welding, cutting, and metal fabrication tasks that allow staff to fix structural damage, reinforce
weakened areas, and extend the service life of heavy-duty containers. In addition to compactors, the
department also uses these supplies to repair and restore front-load containers that would otherwise need to
be replaced. By having the proper welding gases and repair materials available in-house, the department
can perform timely maintenance and restore containers to full functionality without outsourcing the work
or purchasing new units. Without these supplies, the City would incur significant replacement costs—
estimated at more than $500,000—due to the need to purchase new compactor and front-load containers.
Maintaining access to acetylene, argon, and oxygen directly supports cost-effective operations, reduces
downtime for commercial customers, and helps the City of Denton protect valuable assets while avoiding
unnecessary expenses.
Department Five (5) Year Spend
Water Production $760,000.00
Fire Department 600,000.00
Municipal Lab 65,000.00
Solid Waste 30,000.00
Denton Municipal Electric 250,000.00
Contingency - 10% 170,500.00
Total $1,875,500.00
Request for Proposals was sent to 270 prospective suppliers, including five (5) Denton firms. In addition,
specifications were placed on the Procurement website for prospective suppliers to download and advertised
in the local newspaper. One (1) proposal was received, and references were checked to ensure the vendor
can provide the services requested in the Scope of Work. The proposal was evaluated based upon published
criteria, compliance with specifications, probable performance, and price. Best and Final Offer (BAFO)
was requested from the firm. The department is awarding the contract to Airgas USA, LLC.
NIGP Code Used for Solicitation:
430 - Gases, Containers, Equipment:
Laboratory, Medical, and Welding &
885 – Water and Wastewater Treating
Chemicals
Notifications sent for Solicitation sent in IonWave: 270
Number of Suppliers that viewed Solicitation in IonWave: 14
HUB-Historically Underutilized Business Invitations sent out: 23
SBE-Small Business Enterprise Invitations sent out: 100
Responses from Solicitation: 1
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On August 24, 2026, the Public Utilities Board (PUB) recommended this item to the City Council for
consideration.
RECOMMENDATION
Award a contract with Airgas USA, LLC, for the purchase of various chemicals for the Water Production,
Fire, Denton Municipal Electric, Solid Waste and Recycling, and Municipal Lab Departments, in a three
(3) year, with the option for two (2) additional one (1) year extensions, in the total five (5) year not-to-
exceed amount of $1,875,500.
PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS
Airgas USA, LLC
Denton, TX
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
This is an initial three (3) year contract with options to extend the contract for two (2) additional one (1)
year periods, with all terms and conditions remaining the same.
FISCAL INFORMATION
These items/services will be funded from the following accounts.
Department Account Number Current Year Budget
Water Production 630100.6334.06399901 and 630100.6344.06399902 $152,000
DME 600400.6528.5880 $50,000
Fire Department 320100.6336.392753 $120,000
Municipal Lab 890200.6364 and 890200.7802 $14,756
Solid Waste 660200.6510 $5,200
Requisitions will be entered on an as-needed basis. The remaining amounts will be budgeted in future fiscal
years to align with the contract terms and expenditures. These products and services will be utilized on an
as-needed basis. The City will only pay for items purchased and is not obligated to pay the full contract
amount unless needed.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1: Agenda Information Sheet
Exhibit 2: Ordinance and Contract
Respectfully submitted:
Lori Hewell, 940-349-7100
Purchasing Manager
For information concerning this acquisition, contact: Trever Heskett, 940-349-7627.
Legal point of contact: Leah Bush at 940-349-8333.