County Eyes Generator At Crest Haven Complex

CREST HAVEN — A natural gas-powered central utility plant that would provide hot water and electricity for county buildings in the Crest Haven complex was discussed by freeholders Tue., Jan. 10.
Contained in the county’s energy master plan, written by Voorhees-based Concord Engineering Group, the plant would cut an estimated $869,000, or 47 percent of the county’s energy cost.
As envisioned by Robert “Budd” Springer, Facilities and Services director, the plant would be built and operated by a private concern, alleviating the county of the construction cost and operational burden.
According to the plan, the installation could be situated on the parcel behind the county administration building. It would be a four-pipe network that would distribute hot water and chilled water as well as electricity to the jail, nursing and rehabilitation center as well as other county facilities including the Special Services and Technical schools.
Since Concord performed the energy audit, it has detailed information about each county building. Part of the discussion at the caucus meeting centered on how the county could retain Concord to embark on the next phase of the project.
If the county opted to follow that path, Concord’s would be considered an “unfair and open contract” under “Pay to Play” legislation.
County Purchasing Agent Kim Allen told the board it presently has three such contracts with values over $17,500, in place.
The county has a contract in place with Concord, she said. If the county were to start the process from the beginning with five qualified vendors, time would be against a September deadline.
She told the board Concord could be awarded the contract. For its part, Concord would have to sign financial disclosure forms to proceed.
County Counsel Barbara Bakley-Marino assured the board she had conferred with state officials and was told it would be “perfectly legal.”
The audit done by Concord was for $86,000. The second lowest bid for the service was $124,000, the next $130,000 and the last $319,000.
Freeholder M. Susan Sheppard asked Allen if any other southern New Jersey counties had sought bids for a similar project.
No, replied Allen. She conferred with purchasing agents throughout the region, and asked several in North Jersey. They reported they would not have a problem with such a contract.
Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton concluded the board would await the proposal from Concord before taking any further action.