Will the City of Gridley invest in bio mass or solar was the topic of discussion when Councilman Dan Boeger asked that council reconsider the appointment of Councilman Owen Stiles as representative for the bio mass project.
Boeger asked to help out by representing the City in the bio mass project research and application which is due this month.
Stiles expressed umbrage for Boeger’s opinion expressing his desire to take over after Council had voted Stiles in.
Boeger had asked that the matter be placed on the agenda as “Council reconsideration of Committee Assignment,” but began the discussion by explaining that he was disturbed by an anonymous email he had received, accusing him of being in favor of a bio mass energy plant for his own gain as a rice farmer.
Boeger explained that he has not farmed rice in years and therefore, has nothing to gain personally, along with his son, Matt, who works for rice farmers in Colusa County, but would have no bearing on what Gridley decides to do for energy. He further explained that his son manages 2,500 acres that is now a duck habitat.
“Eight years ago I did own the ranch with my two sons doing most of the work,” he stated.
Boeger continued, “Owen has demonstrated he wants to spend time on a solar project. I want to spend time for a bio mass project. We can have solar farm and bio mass to benefit Gridley financially and provide green jobs. Can we do bio mass and solar in Gridley?”
Boeger handed a large packet of papers down to Stiles, stating that Tom (Sanford) and Brad (Wilkie) are gone, “Gridley’s obligation is due this month containing legal and financial matters figuring out different jobs involved. I’d like to take on the responsibility in addition to other responsibilities,” he stated.
Mayor Jerry Fichter asked, “You would like to be the principal investigator that Gridley has the responsibility to have?”
Boeger answered it would involve several trips a month and phone calls to fulfill the City’s financial responsibility.
“Our responsibility is to work with McClellan and Toledo and bring Gridley resident’s concerns, such as the location by the high school. We need to bring valid objections to them now rather than wait,” Boeger stated.
Stiles explained he had recently spent four hours in meetings with REII and expressed his concerns about the location north of the high school and Fairview Avenue, the concern of pollution.
“They stated, ‘Oh!’ Like no consideration of the site had been discussed or alternative locations,” Stiles said. He continued, “During the four hour discussions, with Rob Hickey and me, I had the impression from them they are in infancy in whether the process will work. I don’t see any rush for conclusion. I think I can handle it as adequately as the previous person.”
Stiles stated, “Yes I am about solar. My article in the newspaper summed it up. Which one is most economic benefit for the citizens of Gridley? Bio diesel, I think personally, is five years out. I think I can handle any questions. No, I’m not an expert, but I taught students 20 years, not an expert at that either.
“I feel a personal affront to me after council gave me the responsibility,” he said.
Boeger stated Stiles, first contact with bio energy was three or four months ago.
“I disagree Owen. The Department of Energy grant is in for $26 million,” Boeger said.
Owen agreed the grant was sent in last week, stating, “The quarterly report has been completed.”
Councilman Dave Garner stated, “We need to keep opportunities open. I sense a drumbeat to get us to do this quickly. I don’t think we need to be scientific evaluators. We are here to make decisions for the people of Gridley.”
Stiles said he had arranged for REII to bring a working prototype of the project to Gridley.
“It can’t be up and running, but they are agreeable to bring storyboards and video, so the citizens can see it. After it is sent to Toledo, ramp it up to see if it can handle full capacity.
“Last year it was rice hulls, this year its rice straw. The previous salemen said 300 tons of rice straw per day was needed. I’m not convinced we have 300 tons available per day, maybe 150.”
Councilman Bruce Johnson asked, “What is reasonable? We are doing renewable energy, looking for a clean way of energy. You know my feelings on bio diesel. It’s never going to be clean. All the reactions I’ve heard – If it’s not noise, it’s smell. I’ve been saying this for two years, not picking on you (Boeger). Solar is only green means.”
Boeger answered, “The difference is, solar will cost us 13 cents per kw and this project would be 7.2 cents.”
As Garner began to state, “We don’t have to resolve this now,” Mayor Fichter was using the gavel to end the discussion, as she asked Boeger if he wished to make a change. “Are we going to change the way we are represented?” she asked.
Boeger answered he would be happy to take care of the ‘stepchild’ to fulfill the City’s responsibility.
“This is the chance where the City can make millions of dollars and it ought to be somebody who understands and is willing to spend the hours,” Boeger said.
Garner stated, “I see Councilman Stiles doing his job, no problem. We don’t need to vote. I am confident with the way things are now.”
He made the motion to leave Stiles as representative for the City on the bio fuel project with Johnson and Stiles voting yes, Boeger and Mayor Fichter voting no.
Mayor Fichter wished to make a statement as she cast her vote, “My thought before, was it could be shared with Dan as Department of Energy representative and Owen NCPA and exchange alternates.”
With City Attorney Brant Bordsen weighing in on legalities, Mayor Fichter made a second motion to reconsider the men sharing the responsibilities, but the vote remained the same 3-2, so no change was made and Stiles remains as representative.
