Council hears energy‑savings proposals for street lighting; decision on vendor selection tabled

The council received three qualifications/proposals for an energy‑savings/guaranteed‑savings procurement (street lighting and related efficiency projects) and discussed a staff recommendation to select Energy Systems Group (ESG) as the most qualified firm to begin project scoping.

City staff explained the procurement follows Indiana Code 36‑1‑12.5 and is a two‑stage selection: the council is to select a most‑qualified energy service company based on qualifications, after which the selected firm will be assigned a scope of work (for example, a citywide streetlight retrofit) and will later provide guaranteed savings and a construction price for a specific package. Three firms submitted statements of qualifications: Vergy (which emphasized solar), Energy Systems Group (ESG) and Schneider Electric. Staff said all three are qualified but recommended ESG because that firm appeared more focused on street‑lighting analysis and turnkey implementation.

Council members asked whether the electric/utility department had been consulted. City staff said the utilities would necessarily be part of any implementation and that the selection is intended to identify a qualified partner to perform the project‑level analysis and turnkey work; the procurement does not appropriate any funds. One councilor asked for more time to review the responses and to obtain feedback from the electric/utility department. After discussion the council voted to table the selection to the next meeting to allow additional review and input from utilities staff.

Staff emphasized that tabling does not preclude awarding a contract later; it delays selecting which qualified firm will begin the analysis and design work. When the council does select a vendor, that firm will return recommended project scope, guaranteed‑savings calculations and a proposed contract for council action.