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Defiance City Council approves easement for Ralston roundabouts, 29-month electricity aggregation and two purchase orders
Summary
The council adopted an ordinance acquiring easement interests for the Ralston Avenue roundabouts project, approved a 29-month electric aggregation agreement that staff said would lock a retail rate near 8.54¢/kWh, and authorized purchase orders for building and street repairs.
The Defiance City Council on Aug. 26 adopted an ordinance authorizing acquisition of easement interests needed for the Ralston Avenue roundabouts project, approved a 29-month electric aggregation services agreement and authorized two purchase orders for building and street repairs.
Councilmember Tordell said the easement covers a perpetual sidewalk/shared-use path of 0.0007 acres, with a payment of $2,765 to the property owner and an additional $165 for a temporary construction easement. “This is for the Ralston project,” Tordell said while reading the caption and identifying the permanent and temporary easement areas.
City staff member O'Donnell presented the electricity aggregation contract, saying the proposed agreement would run 29 months through May 2028 and that the most recent retail price for the city’s load that afternoon was 8.54¢ per kilowatt-hour. O'Donnell said the previous contract's rate was about 6.3¢ per kilowatt-hour and described the aggregation program’s goal as providing a stable, predictable retail rate residents and businesses can use for budgeting.
Council also authorized two purchase orders: $19,943 to replace first-floor windows at 102 Washington (budgeted in 2025) and $25,000 for pavement repair work on Clinton Street. The council’s finance director had circulated bills and financial reports in advance; with no objections the council approved payment of bills as presented.
Votes at a glance
- Ordinance: Acquisition of easement interests for the Ralston Avenue roundabouts project (emergency) — adopted; council approved the purchase amounts cited by Tordell ($2,765 for permanent easement, $165 for temporary easement).
- Ordinance: 29-month electric aggregation services agreement with Dientiane Energy Service LLC (through May 2028) — adopted; staff reported a published retail price of 8.54¢/kWh the afternoon of Aug. 26 and said the prior contract’s rate was about 6.3¢/kWh.
- Purchase Order: 2025-01384, window replacement at 102 Washington — $19,943 — approved.
- Purchase Order: 2025-01378, asphalt repair on Clinton Street — $25,000 — approved.
Council procedure and vote recording
Each ordinance was read by caption and approved following motions to suspend the rules and adopt. No councilmember registered a “no” vote on the adopted items during the recorded voice votes. The meeting minutes will contain the formal roll-call record.
Why it matters
The easement ordinance secures land rights needed for the Ralston Avenue roundabouts construction. The electricity aggregation agreement is intended to lock a multi-year retail electricity price for customers participating under the city’s aggregation program, affecting resident and municipal budgeting. The purchase orders fund maintenance and small capital repairs paid from the 2025 budget.
What’s next
Staff indicated the electricity aggregation rate would be locked on or near Jan. 1 following the council action, and the Ralston Avenue project remains in the acquisition phase as the city completes remaining property agreements.
