PR - 1-2-13 Fertilizer1
Fertilizer Cost per 50# bag
0
10
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30
20052006200720082009201020112012
Year
Cost per 50# bag
A3 Problem Solving
Use this form when solving a specific problem
Use the Process Review Report to identify waste and update processes
Concern/Problem
Reduce the cost of fertilizer and application in city parks
Identify those
processes that may be
impacted
Golf Course and Park Division purchasing and application of fertilizers.
Record the date the
problem was identified
November 2012
Originator
Mark Lytle and Bob Ash
Contacts
Mark Lytle, Dan Sauber, Bob Ash and Fertilizer Vendors
Problem Solving Team
Mark Lytle, Dan Sauber and Bob Ash
Describe Current
Situation
In the past the Parks Division has used a slow release urea based fertilizer that
required two applications, one in the summer and one in the fall to achieve the
required amount of nitrogen per acre on 60 acres of turf.
Analyze
Over the past eight years the cost of fertilizer has more than tripled, from $7.51 to
$25.74. In order to stay within budget limitations the amount of fertilizer has been
reduced, resulting in lower quality turf. By switching to Nitroform fertilizer we can
apply more nitrogen per acre and eliminate one application. Also by purchasing
with the Golf Course we can reduce cost and standardize the product. Below is a
chart showing the rise of fertilizer cost over eight years.
Make Recommendation
We recommend that the Parks Division purchase nitroform fertilizer in conjunction
with the Golf Course for the next year for the following reasons:
1. Reduce cost of product
2. Eliminate one application of fertilizer
3. Improve the quality of the turf
4. Standardize product
Labor and Cost Savings XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Annual dollar savings: $932, reduced cost of Fertilizer, $51 reduced cost of fuel
Total savings: $983
2
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Annual hours of increased capacity: 40 hours
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Implementation Plan
For 2013 the Parks Division and the Golf Course will jointly purchase nitro form
fertilizer.
Attachments
(include current and proposed process documentation forms, or before and after
photos, or other before and after descriptions as appropriate)
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Approval Process
See next page for approval process
Supervisor’s Review
and others in the Chain of
Command
Instructions: This form is submitted through the chain of command to the Director
Date:
Name:
Comments:
Director’s Approval
Instructions: Approval authority is delegated to each Director for all
recommendations that results in $5,000 or less in annual savings, or 250 hours or
less of annual increased capacity. This form is sent to the Process Improvement
Director for his approval.
Date: 1-2-13
Name: Dion Louthan
Approved/Denied: Good thoughts on leveraging purchasing power and utilization of
a product that improves turf quality. All of this accomplished with fewer dollars and
manhours.
Process Improvement
Director’s Approval
Instructions: Upon approval this form is sent to the CMO Executive Assistant, who
forwards a copy to members of the Executive Support Team. They determine how to
convert hours into budgetary savings.
Date: 1-2-13
Approved/Denied:
City Manager’s
Approval
Instructions: Final sign off for all recommendations that exceed $5,000 in annual
savings, or 250 hours of annual increased functional capacity is by the City
Manager, who also signs off on any plans to convert hours to budgetary savings. The
CMO Executive Assistant converts the approved form into a pdf file that is saved on
the P drive and in Laserfiche.
Date:
Approved/Denied: