RESOLUTION NO. 107-03

 

A RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY TO DISCUSS OPTIONS THAT WOULD ALLOW THE LAB AT THE DOE COMPOUND TO REMAIN OPEN

 

 

WHEREAS, in 2001, Mesa County and the City of Grand Junction created Riverview Technology Corporation, as a non profit corporation for the purpose of taking ownership of the Department of Energy compound located at 2691 B ¾ Road, Grand Junction. The purpose of this transaction was to decrease the occupancy costs for the Department of Energy and thereby encourage the Department of Energy to maintain its presence in Grand Junction; and

 

WHEREAS, on September 19, 2001, the transition of the site to ownership by RTC was successfully completed, and since that date, the RTC has continually worked to improve and upgrade the site. The property is now owned by Riverview Technology Corporation and leased by RTC to the Department; and

 

WHEREAS, one of the functions at the site is the sampling laboratory, which is currently operated by Teledyne Brown Corporation as subcontractor to Stoller Corporation, the Department’s general contractor; and

 

WHEREAS, this laboratory is recognized as an important economic driver for Mesa County; and

 

WHEREAS, both the City of Grand Junction and Mesa County are concerned that the Department of Energy may make a decision to close the laboratory. As part of the Deed conveying the site to Riverview Technology Corporation, the Department is obligated to remove the lab and remediate the site upon termination of activities in the lab; and

 

WHEREAS, the City of Grand Junction is advised that there have been proposals and discussions regarding the privatization of the laboratory and other opportunities for continuing the operation of the lab, either under auspices of Teledyne Brown Corporation or a new contractor; and

WHEREAS, the City of Grand Junction and Mesa County have been assured that Riverview Technology Corporation is willing to defer the substantial remediation obligation of the Department if a privatization proposal can be negotiated, and that Riverview Technology Corporation is willing to make appropriate adjustments to the existing lease and allow Teledyne Brown or a new operator to assume that portion of the lease that applies to ongoing rent and operational costs for the laboratory.

 

 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND JUNCTION THAT the City Council strongly encourages the Department of Energy to enter into meaningful discussions with Riverview Technology Corporation, the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, as well as the City of Grand Junction and Mesa County in order to preserve the jobs and related economic activity generated by the operation of the laboratory. Mesa County and the City of Grand Junction have both devoted substantial time and resources towards working in partnership with the Department of Energy to reduce operating and occupancy costs. To close the laboratory without exploring all potential options would be a repudiation of the efforts Mesa County and the City of Grand Junction has made in developing a successful partnership with the Department.

 

Adopted this 12th day of November, 2003.

 

 

 

 

           /s/: Jim Spehar

           President of the Council

 

 

 

ATTEST:

 

 

/s/: Stephanie Tuin

City Clerk