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,~ <br />Commissioner Gordon said that there was a presentation from a consultant awhile back <br />on this. She requested that when staff comes back to report on the conversation between <br />Orange County and UNC, including the pros and cons of this type of project. <br />Laura Blackmon said that part of the reason that this is vague is because if this is put <br />out to bid, the bids are submitted as sealed. She said that part of the discussion with the <br />University and the reason that staff decided that it would not be in the best interest to discuss <br />this is that specifics would be discussed that would be included in a bid. She does not think it <br />is in the County's best interest to meet with various people that might be interested in doing <br />this for the County. <br />Commissioner Gordon asked for pros and cons of all options, with no proprietary <br />information. <br />Commissioner Nelson said that having pros and cons is always helpful, but will be a <br />little harder because the State Legislature passed a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard, <br />which is forcing utilities to start buying power from renewable energy sources. This has <br />created a marketplace and companies are aggressively searching out opportunities. <br />Carolyn Elfland said that there seems to be the perception that the University is not <br />interested in purchasing gas, and this is not accurate. The University realizes that the County <br />wants a revenue stream. She said that there are some legal concerns about the University <br />responding to an RFP. Even if the issues were resolved, it is not what the University does. If <br />this were put out to bid, the University would not respond. <br />Chair Jacobs said that a fair market value has arisen and a consultant could give some <br />estimate of a reasonable amount of revenue and there could be a determination of pros and <br />cons. <br />Laura Blackmon said that maybe a market value for the last year could be ascertained, <br />but there have been changes in the last year. <br />Chair Jacobs suggested that the Manager talk with the consultant as she puts together <br />pros and cons. <br />Commissioner Gordon said that the County's consultant recommended option #2 and <br />she asked why. Bob Selig said that, in looking at various options, the primary reason to go <br />with an RFP is to establish a fair market value. He said that the intent of an RFP would not be <br />to exclude anyone but it would be an open process. <br />Commissioner Carey suggested proceeding with discussions to be held with the <br />University. He said that with an RFP, the private sector will look at its economic interests, but <br />the County also has some broader interests. He would like to achieve the economic and <br />broader interests, if possible. <br />Commissioner Nelson agreed with Commissioner Carey. He said that he is very <br />interested in working with the University. He is concerned about the University with regard to <br />flaring off the gas for a number of years until Carolina North comes on board. He would like to <br />see other options for the gas until that time. <br />PUBLIC COMMENT: <br />None. <br />Chair Jacobs said that the Board would defer this item until the December 11th meeting. <br />He said that the Board of County Commissioners values the relations with the University. <br />d. Amendment -Additional Services - to Professional Services Agreement for <br />Design of Northern Human Services Center to Include Work on Septic System <br />