Fremont council approves purchase of ~20.9 acres near substation for future generation; vote 7–1

The Fremont City Council voted 7–1 to authorize the purchase of a roughly 20.9‑acre parcel (PID 270139527) adjacent to the municipal substation and a natural gas main, a site staff considers well‑suited for future local generation, possible water storage and gas pressure‑control installations.

Jeff Shanahan, the city’s utility general manager (speaker 15), said the parcel’s proximity to 69 kV primary transmission, an on‑site natural gas line and a 12‑inch water main made it an attractive option that would reduce the cost and complexity of later construction. "This parcel checked all the boxes that we were looking for," Shanahan told the council, citing interconnection advantages and reduced need to extend transmission or gas lines long distances.

Staff told council they plan to issue a request for proposals (RFP) once the property is secured and to solicit proposals for possible technologies, including multiple reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE) in the 9–12 MW range or aeroderivative turbines, depending on budget and specifications. The RFP and subsequent engineering work would return to council for contract approvals.

One council member questioned the per‑acre price ($50,000) and whether cheaper sites plus additional transmission/gas work might have been a better alternative; staff responded that acquiring a well‑situated parcel can reduce total program cost because of the existing adjacent infrastructure. The motion authorizing the purchase passed with seven votes in favor and one no vote.

Council directed staff to proceed with closing documents and to return with RFP materials and proposed procurement steps for council review.