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File #: 0354-2025    Version: 1
Type: Ordinance Status: Second Reading
File created: 1/30/2025 In control: Public Utilities & Sustainability Committee
On agenda: 4/21/2025 Final action:
Title: To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a planned renewal and modification with Ohio Mulch Supply, Inc. and Quasar Energy Group LLC-North Tree Farm for the Deep Row Hybrid Poplar Tree Farm #2 Program; to authorize the expenditure of $3,357,000.00 from the Sanitary Sewerage Operating Fund; ($3,357,000.00)
Attachments: 1. ORD 0354-2025 Financial Coding, 2. ORD 0354-2025 Information, 3. Ohio Mulch Supply_Ohio Secretary of State March_20_2025, 4. Quasar Energy Group Ohio Secretary of State March_20_2025
Explanation
BACKGROUND
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a planned modification and renewal for contracts with Ohio Mulch Supply, Inc. and Quasar Energy Group LLC-North Tree Farm for the Deep Row Hybrid Poplar Tree Farm #2 Program to provide for services for the Compost Facility.

The City of Columbus Department of Public Utilities (DPU), Division of Sewerage and Drainage (DOSD) produces Class B biosolids in accordance with ORC 3745-40 at both Jackson Pike and Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plants. The City has committed to 100% beneficial reuse of its biosolids.

This contract functions as a mechanism to facilitate Class B biosolids disposal via an Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) approved Deep Row Hybrid Poplar (DRHP) or other approved rapid growth tree farm. The selected entity shall demonstrate compliance with all applicable rules and regulations related to biosolids handling and disposal, land development, land reclamation and environmental permitting.

PROCUREMENT
The Department of Public Utilities solicited competitive bids for the Deep Row Hybrid Poplar Tree Farm #2 Program in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 (RFQ022646). Three (3) majority bids were received and two (2) contracts were established.

CONTRACT AMOUNTS / TIMELINE
The contract term was for one (1) year from the date of execution. The contract language allows for six (6) one (1) year renewal options on a year to year basis upon mutual agreement, availability of funds, and approval by Columbus City Council. If unforeseen issues or difficulties are encountered that would require additional funding, a modification would be requested. We will be in the third year of a seven year contract.

This legislation seeks to modify the contracts to add funding to provide for services through the term of the contract. This Ordinance is being submitted in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code pertaining to contract modi...

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