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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
REQUEST FOR GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT AUTHORITY TO APPROVE AND EXECUTE UTILITY AGREEMENTS
WHEREAS, on 10/20/2020, the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners approved the Forest Preserves entering into a contract with Ameresco, Inc. to provide energy consultant, procurement, bill payment and data management services for the procurement of and budgeting for electricity, natural gas, and renewable energy for Forest Preserves facilities (Agenda No. 20-0363) (the “Contract”); and
WHEREAS, the Contract is due to expire on 9/30/2023 and has one (1) two-year renewal option; and
WHEREAS, in order to lock in best rates, the Forest Preserves must approve rates and enter into corresponding energy agreements on a timeframe that is shorter than thirty (30) days; and
WHEREAS, under the Contract, Ameresco is tasked with soliciting quotes, recommending energy suppliers, and administering agreements with energy providers; and
WHEREAS, over the last three (3) years, the Forest Preserves has spent approximately $800,000.00 annually for electricity and natural gas to operate its facilities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that President Toni Preckwinkle and the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby authorize the Forest Preserves General Superintendent or designee, to approve and execute any agreements for energy providers recommended by Ameresco, Inc., pursuant to the Contract; provided, however, that (1) any such agreements do not exceed a duration of twenty-four (24) months, and (2) the annual aggregate spend on such agreements will not exceed Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars ($900,000.00) (collectively, the “Energy Contracts”).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that on an annual basis, no later than the first Committee on Finance meeting after March 1st, the General Superintendent shall submit to the Committee a report covering all payments made pursuant to such Energy Contracts during the prior calendar year.
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