Board OKs Services Pact on Energy Loan

By Keith E. Domke St. Clair Missourian Editor | Posted: Saturday, February 28, 2015, 10:00 am

St. Clair’s aldermen approved a professional services contract last week between the city and Cochran Engineering regarding energy loan improvements at three locations. The board unanimously approved the ordinance centering on the agreement with Cochran Engineering for $24,350. “This was part of the energy loan discussions we’ve had,” Assistant City Administrator Travis Dierker told the aldermen.

The amount of the contract came in under the budgeted amount of $28,000, Dierker said. Under terms of the deal, Cochran will provide mechanical, electrical and plumbing design services for heating, air conditioning and lighting upgrades at city hall and improved lighting at the senior center and wastewater treatment plant. Last month, the city found out it had been approved for an energy loan through the Missouri Department of Economic Development to make the improvements.

The loan totals $259,180. A resolution passed by the board last month authorized the city’s participation in the energy loan program. Payments will be made through the energy savings the city will receive through the upgrades. The energy loan program is separate from the solar project the city is working on through SunVest Solar. According to information presented, capital expenditures on top of the loan are $122,166.29, according to Cochran documentation. Estimates were that through the loan and energy program, the city will be getting the upgrades for about 20 cents on the dollar.