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Austin OKs Waste-to-Energy Project & Contracts

Tuesday, November 24, 1987 special called
  • Waste-to-Energy Project Approved:

    After a public hearing and a split vote (5-2), the city council decided to move forward with the controversial waste-to-energy plant.
  • Millions in Contracts Awarded:

    Over $2.3 million in new contracts were approved for essential equipment, including cranes, condensers, and cooling towers, vital for the plant's development.
  • Major Project Cost Increase & Permit Seek:

    An additional $1.8 million (an 8.6% increase) was approved for the plant's primary contractor, Babcock & Wilcox, alongside a resolution to seek an operating permit from the Texas Department of Health.

Full Transcript

FOURDID JA Austin City Council MINUTES For SPECIAL CALLED MEETING Council Chambers, 307 West Second Street, Austin, Texas - November 24, 1987 - 4:00 Ρ.Μ. Mayor Cooksey called to order the meeting of the Council, noting the presence of all Councilmembers. PUBLIC HEARING - WASTE TO ENERGY PLANT Mayor Cooksey opened the public hearing on the waste-to-energy plant and alternatives. Cards signed by people who spoke are on file in the City Clerk's office. Recess Council recessed during the public hearing, at 6:10 p.m., to discuss an item continued from the the morning meeting. They resumed their recessed meeting and the public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Motion Council Carl-Mitchell made a motion, seconded by Mayor Cooksey, to close the public hearing, and approve continuing the waste-toenergy plant, and adopting resolutions approving the following contracts: a. LANDEL, INC. 7300 CHIPPEWA Houston, Texas b. HOLTEC INTERNATIONAL 139-A Gaither Drive Mount Laurel, New Jersey - - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM Design, manufacture, delivery and provide assistance during installation, testing and start-up of Cranes for the Waste-to-Energy Project, Electric Utility Department Total $1,442,552.00 C.I.P. No. 85/12-05 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM Design, manufacture, delivery and provide assistance during - Council Memo 2 c. HAMON COOLING TOWERS 245 U.S. Highway 22 West Bridgewater, New Jersey - 11/24/87 installation, testing and start-up of Condensers, Feedwater Heaters, Auxiliary Heat Exchangers, and Accessories for the Waste-to-Energy Project, Electric Utility Department Total $567,900.00 C.I.P. No. 85/12-05 - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM Design, fabrication and delivery of the Cooling Towers for the Waste- to-Energy Project, Electric Utility Department Total $346,234.00 C.I.P. No. 85/12-05 Approve the following Change Order by adopting a resolution: a. In the amount of $1,759,777.00 to Babcock & Wilcox Company for the Waste-to-Energy Project. (8.6% increase of the orginal contract amount of $20,462,615.00) C.I.Ρ. No. 85/12-04. --- ------ Adopt a resolution to submit a Texas Department of Health Operating Permit Application for the Waste-to-Energy Project. Substitute Motion - FAILED Motion by Councilmember Humphrey, seconded by Councilmember Carl-Mitchell to not approve continuing the waste-to-energy plant, and not adopting the proposed resolutions, FAILED BY A VOTE OF 2-5 with Mayor Cooksey, Mayor Pro Tem Trevino, Councilmembers Carl-Mitchell, Shipman and Urdy voting NO. RECESS & ADJOURNMENT Roll Call on Main Motion 5-2 Vote, Councilmembers Humphrey and Nofziger voting NO. Council recessed its meeting at 12:20 am. to discuss an item from the special called meeting held on the morning of 11/24/87, and then adjourned both meetings at 12:30 a.m. on November 25, 1987.