TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Allison Swisher, Director of Public Utilities
SUBJECT:
title
Approval of Biosolids Application Spring Lease Payments to Anderson Farms in the Amount of $24,000.00, to Oram Farms in the Amount of $37,800.00, to Homerding Farms LLC in the Amount of $27,000.00, and to James Fleishman in the Amount of $51,600.00
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BACKGROUND:
On January 6, 2026, the Mayor and City Council authorized the award of the 2026 Biosolids Disposal Contract at the contract price of $2,516,550.00 to New Era Spreading, Inc. In addition to awarding the Disposal Contract, the Mayor and City Council approved the Spring Lease program which provides a $150.00 per acre payment to farmers who accept biosolids in the spring for the additional tillage needed to plant after the spring biosolids application. The agreement also includes a provision to pay a $150.00 per acre reduced yield guarantee.
The Public Service Committee will review this matter.
CONCLUSION:
Anderson Farms provided 80 acres for biosolids application this spring. Per the Spring Lease Agreement, Anderson Farms is owed $150.00 per acre for additional tillage needed to prepare the land to plant a summer crop. In addition to the tillage, Anderson Farms agreed to plant late allowing for the application of biosolids well into June. The City agreed to pay the additional $150.00 per acre reserved for reduced yield. The total amount is $24,000.00 (80 x $300.00).
Oram Farms provided 126 acres for biosolids application this spring. Per the Spring Lease Agreement, Oram Farms is owed $150.00 per acre for additional tillage needed to prepare the land to plant a summer crop. In addition to the tillage, Oram Farms agreed to plant late allowing for the application of biosolids well into June. The City agreed to pay the additional $150.00 per acre reserved for reduced yield. The total amount is $37,800.00 (126 x $300.00).
Homerding Farms LLC., provided 180 acres for biosolids application this spring. Per the Spring Lease Agreement, Homerding Farms LLC., is owed $150.00 per acre for additional tillage needed to prepare the land to plant a summer crop. The total amount is $27,000.00 (180 x $150.00).
James Fleishman provided 172 acres for biosolids application this spring. Per the Spring Lease Agreement, Mr. Fleishman is owed $150.00 per acre for additional tillage needed to prepare the land to plant a summer crop. In addition to the tillage, Mr. Fleishman agreed to plant late allowing for the application of biosolids well into June. The City agreed to pay the additional $150.00 per acre reserved for reduced yield. The total amount is $51,600.00 (172 x $300.00).
Section 2-438 of the City of Joliet Code of Ordinances states that purchases whose estimated cost is in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) may be awarded without written specifications or bidding under certain circumstances. One (1) of these circumstances apply:
(f) Purchases when authorized by a concurring vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Mayor and City Council;
Payments for the spring lease program will be charged to the Water & Sewer Operating Fund / Westside WWTP / Contractual Services (Org 50080803, Object 524200, $51,600.00), Water & Sewer Operating Fund / Aux Sable WWTP / Contractual Services (Org 50080804, Object 524200, $24,000.00), and Water & Sewer Operating Fund / Eastside WWTP / Contractual Services (Org 50080802, Object 524200, $64,800.00).
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council approve the spring lease payments to Anderson Farms for the use of 80 acres for the spring biosolids application in the amount of $24,000.00, Oram Farms for the use of 126 acres for the spring biosolids application in the amount of $37,800.00, Homerding Farms LLC for the use of 180 acres for the spring biosolids application in the amount of $27,000.00, and James Fleishman for the use of 172 acres for the spring biosolids application in the amount of $51,600.00.
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