TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Allison Swisher, Director of Public Utilities
SUBJECT:
title
Approval of Biosolids Application Spring Lease Payments to Jackie Stunkel in the Amount of $71,400.00, to Homerding Family Farms LLC in the Amount of $57,000.00, and to James Fleishman in the Amount of $51,600.00
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BACKGROUND:
On January 7, 2025, the Mayor and City Council authorized the award of the 2025 Biosolids Disposal Contract, at the contract price of $2,425,240.00, to New Era Spreading, Inc. In addition to awarding the Disposal Contract, the Mayor and City Council also approved the Spring Lease program which provides a $150.00 per acre payment to the farmer for the right to apply biosolids and the additional tillage needed to plant after application. The Spring Lease program also includes the provision to pay a $150.00 per acre reduced yield guarantee.
The Public Service Committee will review this matter.
CONCLUSION:
Jackie Stunkel provided 238 acres for biosolids application this spring. Per the Spring Lease Agreement, Jackie Stunkel is owed $150.00 per acre for additional tillage needed to prepare the land to plant a summer crop. In addition to the tillage, Jackie Stunkel 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. Therefore, the total amount owed to Jackie Stunkel is $71,400.00 (238 x $300.00).
Homerding Family Farms, LLC provided 190 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. In addition to the tillage, Homerding Farms, LLC 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. Therefore, the total amount owed to Homerding Family Farms, LLC is $57,000.00 (190 x $300.00).
James Fleishman provided 172 acres for biosolids application this spring. Per the Spring Lease Agreement, James 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, James 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. Therefore, the total amount owed to James Fleishman 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 of these circumstances apply:
(f) Purchases when authorized by a concurring vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Mayor and City Council.
Funding for the spring lease program payments will be charged to the Water / Sewer Operating Fund / WSTP - Sludge Removal (Org 50080803, Object 524200, $51,600.00), Water / Sewer Operating Fund / Aux Sable - Sludge Removal (Org 50080804, Object 524200, $57,000.00), and Water / Sewer Operating Fund / Eastside - Sludge Removal (Org 50080802, Object 524200, $71,400.00).
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council approve the spring lease payments to Jackie Stunkel for the use of 238 acres for the spring biosoilds application in the amount of $71,400.00, Homerding Family Farms, LLC. for the use of 190 acres for the spring biosoilds application in the amount of $57,000.00, and James Fleishman for the use of 172 acres for the spring biosoilds application in the amount of $51,600.00.
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