HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/18/2008 (2)November 18, 2008
SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL DISTRICT
The Board of Commissioners of the Solid Waste Disposal District met at the County
Commission Chambers, 1801 27th Street, Vero Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, November 18, 2008,
2008. Present were Chairman Wesley S. Davis, Vice Chairman Joseph E. Flescher, and
Commissioners Bob Solari, Peter D. O'Bryan, and Gary C. Wheeler. Also present were County
Administrator Joseph A. Baird, County Attorney William Collins II, and Deputy Clerk Maureen
Gelfo.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 2:22 p.m.
15. B. SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL DISTRICT
15. B.1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23.2008
The Chairman asked if there were any corrections or additions to the Minutes of the
Regular Meeting of September 23, 2008. There were none.
ON MOTION by Commissioner Wheeler, SECONDED by
Commissioner O'Bryan, the Board unanimously approved
the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 23, 2008,
as written.
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15.B.2. RFP No. 2008052 WASTE TO ENERGY PROJECT — SELECTION
COMMITTEE REPORT
Erik Olson, Director of Utilities, reviewed the backup memorandum of November 10,
2008, to provide details of the Waste To Energy Project — Selection Committee Report. He
thereafter presented staff's analysis and his recommendation to enter into negotiations with New
Planet Energy (NPE), which intends to purchase property with an existing plant in the County
and to construct the facility to produce ethanol and electricity. They intend to establish a joint
venture agreement with the third largest chemical company in the world, INEOS; who holds the
patent to produce ethanol. Director Olson defined the projected benefits to SWDD to be
approximately $2.0 million per year, over the twenty-year life of the project. Provided the joint
venture is established by December 31, 2008, and showing financial capability, and negotiations
to acquire the facility has begun, Director Olson requested approval to then enter into
negotiations with NPE. He added that if negotiations with NPE/INEOS joint venture were not
satisfactory, staff would recommend entering into negotiations with Ameresco, another firm
interviewed by the Committee, who proposed to install a power generation plant fueled by the
Landfill methane gas.
Chairman Davis suggested a representative visit the pilot program in Indiana, and
expressed concern of what would be the best way for SWDD to make this type of transition.
Director Olson plans to see if NPE can finalize on the first three hurdles by the end of December
2008, before they start any negotiations, or the County would go back to their tried and true
method of gas to electricity.
Ray Crabbs, New Planet Energy, spoke regarding financing, and remarked that they do
not anticipate a problem in a joint venture with the third largest chemical company in the world,
that had $45 billion sales in 2007. He urged sensitivity to the possibility that there may need to
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be a parallel track between the final closing on the facility, because they need waste material for
production.
Commissioner Solari thought it was a great concept.
Mr. Crabbs was happy to invite the Board to see the pilot operation in Fayetteville,
Arkansas.
Commissioner O'Bryan felt if NPE met the first two criteria, they could start negotiating
with SWDD upon closing the contract to purchase the facility.
There was a CONSENSUS and NPE was directed to come
back to the Board to negotiate a contract with SWDD prior
to the closing of the contract to purchase the facility, once
they have established (1) joint venture with INESO, and
(2) financial capability.
ALL BACKUP DOCUMENTATION, RESOLUTIONS, AND ORDINANCES ARE ON FILE IN THE OFFICE
OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD AND ARE HEREBY MADE A PART OF THESE MINUTES
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting adjourned at 2:48
p.m.
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ATTEST:
Jeffrey K. Barton, Clerk
Minutes Approved: JAN 13 2009
MG/SWDD Minutes
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S.W.D.D.
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Wesley S. Davis, Chairman
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