HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-04/08/2019COUNCIL WORK SESSION
April 8, 2019
4:40 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Morrissey, Klein, Amos, Schmitt, and Juon. Absent: Feuss.
joined via facetime. Mr. Jacobs arrived at 4:47 p.m.
Moved by Juon seconded by Schmitt that the Agenda, as proposed, be approv
Ayes: Five. Motion carried.
Objective: Update on Waste Management facility and biogas plans.
Mr. Morrissey
ed. Voice -vote
Steve Hoambrecker, Waste Management Director, provided an overview of the facility changes
that are needed at the Waste Water Treatment Plant.
Randy Wirtz, Strand Associates, explained that the facility has a high capacity but that the design
of the plant prevents the full capacity to be utilized. The plan focuses on merging the plants
together to increase the plant capacity. He explained that $100 million worth of capital
improvements are needed to make improvements to the aging equipment. The same
improvements can be utilized to benefit the city and save the environment.
Steve Hoambrecker explained that the Lagoon expansion option has more volume but less value.
The potential value of this option would be $16.23 per MMBTU. The Plant expansion option
would create less volume but more value. The potential value of this option would be $33.82 per
MMBTU.
Brad Pleima, Ecoengineers, explained that they are renewable energy consultants and their sole
purpose is to help guide entities through regulations to make good decisions.
Mr. Amos clarified that the revenue becomes more uncertain after year seven.
Brad Pleima explained that there are longer contracts out there but the finances are more at the
breakeven point for the 10 to 15 year contracts. The risk in the seven-year period is higher but
that they believe there would be demand once that contract ends.
Steve Hoambrecker explained that the recommended next step is to look for long term contracts
for this project, and moving the project out of the conceptualization phase.
Mr. Morrissey questioned what happens if the facility plan is not approved by council.
Steve Hoambrecker confirmed that it can be piecemealed.
Mr. Morrissey questioned if consideration has been made to if Waterloo had its own utility and
was not relying on outside contractors.
Steve Hoambrecker stated it has to do with a return on the investment, and that it would take 12
years to pay back the cost, with upgrades needed at that point as well.
Objective: Update on Brownfields.
Jennifer Morris and Whitney Bynum, EPA Region 7, explained that they have enjoyed visiting
renewed Brownfield sites in Waterloo.
Rose Amundson, HR Green, provided an overview of the EPA Brownfields Program, the grant -
funded projects that have occurred in Waterloo and projects that are currently underway.
Steve Prideaux, HR Green, provided an overview of completed projects that have had a positive
economic and community impact.
With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Amos seconded by Jacobs that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:07 p.m. Voice -vote Ayes: Six. Motion carried.
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elley Fele
City Clerk