October 14, 2010
Ohio

Avon officials have concerns with wind turbine contract

Cody Peck, Sun News, cleveland.com 13 October 2010

AVON After months of discussion about possible installation of wind turbines on city property, city officials are still reviewing the idea.

Renivus, a Cleveland-based energy solutions company, presented council with a proposal last month. The proposal includes installing two wind turbines, one at All Pro Freight Stadium and the other at the French Creek YMCA.

The turbines, which would be leased for 20 years from a third-party owner, could save the city more than $3.1 million in energy costs at the facilities during that time period, according to estimates.

Renivus officials are hoping to get started this month in order to obtain federal grants that are set to expire at the end of this year.

However, there might be a change in plans.

City Council members tentatively placed the issue on the agenda for their Oct. 12 regular session meeting; however, it was removed from the Oct. 4 work session agenda after city officials raised some concerns about the contract they would enter into with Renivus.

“When we reviewed, there appeared to be some significant negotiations,” said Law Director John Gasior. “We didn’t feel there was adequate time to discuss those issues.”

Gasior said the issue may not appear back on the agenda until next month, if at all. He said it all depends on how the negotiations go.

“We know there are grants that have to be applied for,” Gasior continued. “Given the lateness of time, that deal may not be done in time. It may be too late to do anything for 2010.”

Kristopher McCrone, Renivus’ president and chief executive officer, said he and other Renivus representatives would meet with city officials on Wednesday.

McCrone felt confident that both sides would come to an agreement.

“We’ve had plenty of discussion,” he said. “I don’t anticipate any obstacles.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/10/14/avon-officials-have-concerns-with-wind-turbine-contract/