TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Ian Wade, Capital Projects Manager
DATE: October 23, 2018
SUBJECT:
A Resolution authorizing the execution of a Project Development Agreement with Ameresco, Inc., 111 Speen Street, Suite 410, Framingham, MA, 01710 for the development and construction of one or more solar photovoltaic generation facilities.
PURPOSE:
To enter into a Project Development Agreement for the installation of solar photovoltaic generation facilities at City-owned properties.
BACKGROUND:
In an effort to implement clean energy initiatives and take advantage of state renewable energy credit (REC's) programs, the City issued a Request for Proposals to provide site evaluation, design and construction of one or more solar photovoltaic generation facilities (commonly known as "solar farms") on City-owned properties.
Following a review of qualifications and proposals submitted by seven firms, the City and the City's airport consultant CMT, selected Ameresco, Inc. based on their well stated understanding of the project and necessary financials, extensive experience working on very similar projects (including at landfills and airports (including Rockford International Airport)), and thoroughness of response to the specific items requested in the City's RFP.
The selection resulted in the authorization of Ameresco to initiate an evaluation of City-owned parcels (generally larger than 2 acres) to be leased to Ameresco and host these facilities. This evaluation was performed at no cost to the City and confirmed that the Aurora Municipal Airport and the landfill located at the northeast corner of Sullivan Road and Illinois Route 25 are feasible locations. Now that the proposed sites have been identified, Ameresco plans to, upon execution of the subject Project Development Agreement (Exhibit A), initiate the remaining services necessary to secure renewable energy credits, design, and eventually construct and manage these solar farms at no cost to the City.
Ameresc...
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