Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Renewable Energy Study topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Myrtle Creek council directs staff to rebid renewable energy study after cost dispute
Summary
Councilors debated a $50,000 renewable-energy study proposal; motions to deny and to approve the contract both failed and council ultimately voted to direct staff to issue a new RFP so the city can attempt to get better proposals or pricing.
The Myrtle Creek City Council on March 18 declined to accept a $50,000 contract from Sharpe Energy Solutions and instead directed staff to issue a new request for proposals for a renewable-energy study funded by a State General Fund grant.
City Administrator Lonnie Rainville told council the grant comes from the State General Fund and "is not affected by any federal freezes." He said Sharpe Energy Solutions had raised its project quote from an earlier $40,000 to $50,000; Sharpe’s scope would have assessed city buildings and infrastructure for potential renewable-energy projects, though the city planned only to complete the study’s first phase if approved.
Council debate centered on cost and future intent. Councilor Rick Held questioned the higher price and asked why the city would complete phase one if there was not an intent to proceed to phase two; he said he felt the expenditure would be a poor use of taxpayer funds. Councilor Luke Dillon said because the funds were already designated for such work he preferred the city capture the work rather than letting the funds go to another jurisdiction.
A motion to deny the contract (moved by Councilor Rick Held) recorded votes split between supporters and opponents and did not result in awarding the contract. A subsequent motion to approve the $50,000 contract also failed. Councilor Robert Chaney then moved to redirect staff to issue a new RFP for the study; that motion passed with support from all councilors present.
Council members discussed that rebidding would require staff to contact the Oregon Department of Energy to request an extension to allow for a new procurement process and would keep the grant funding available for the city if a successful proposal is identified.
