ROCHELLE — Two separate proposals involving the purchase of gasoline and diesel fuel for the City of Rochelle were postponed at Monday night’s city council meeting.
Approval of bid proposals for fuel were put on hold after councilman Bil Hayes voiced concern that the city’s equipment — specifically equipment under warranty — could be voided if the wrong type of fuel was used.
Hayes said most of the machines the city is purchasing is requiring a 6 percent or below biofuel grade. Hayes said most places accept up to a 30 percent biofuel blend.
Street department director Tim Isley explained that when the bid was put out, it was specified what the city’s fuel requirements were.
“The issue is not the #1 or #2 [additive] it’s the biodiesel as the blend. Conserv uses no biodiesel…. I just read into it recently,” Hayes said. “I guess what my question is, are we getting exactly what our warranty requirements are for the engines that we buying in our new equipment from both places because it doesn’t say it there and I know that Conserv does it with no biodiesel.”
Delivered fueling bid
Each year, the City of Rochelle purchases approximately 21,500 gallons collectively of unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel. Fuel is purchased from an outside vendor with the ability to deliver, pump and meter fuel to city owned on site above ground storage tanks. Those tanks are located at the street department office and at the golf course.
Bids were opened Dec. 2. Two sealed bids were received from Blake Oil Company and Conserv FS. The bid from Blake Oil was for $0.0985 (unleaded gasoline), $0.1285 (#1 diesel fuel) and $0.1285 (#2 diesel fuel) all per gallon prices. Conserv FS’s bid was for $0.30 per gallon for each.
An annual savings of $3,600 could be expected with the bid from Blake Oil.

On-site fueling bid
The City of Rochelle purchases approximately 50,000 gallons collectively of unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel each year. Fuel is purchased from an outside vendor with the ability to provide diesel and unleaded gasoline fuel pumps in a clean and safe environment.
Three sealed bids were received and publicly opened Dec. 20 the city clerk. The bid summary is as follows:
Benny’s Corner Market $0.10 discount/rebate off pump pricing
Clark $0.09 discount/rebate off pump pricing
Conserv FS $0.05 discount/rebate off pump pricing
Monday’s recommendation was to accept the bid from Benny’s Corner Market as after analysis of the proposals submitted, Benny’s best meets the city’s needs. If approved, the city can expect to save a conservative $3,500 annually with the proposed discounts and rebates.
Council members voted 6-0 on both items to postpone approval until the next meeting when Isley will have more information about fuel effects on engine warranties.
Other items
A conditional use permit for Living Water Community Church, located at 401 to 405 North Main Street, was approved and Donald Geralds was appointed as a voting member of the Golf Course Advisory Committee with a term of Jan. 14, 2020 to July 1, 2022.

Jackee Ohlinger was recognized as the January Remarkable Resident. Amy Hayden nominated Ohlinger for the award, saying since taking the position as executive director of the park district, she has made many impactful decisions that are and will help the quality of life for citizens of Rochelle.
Council members also approved a request from the Clark Gas Station, 1180 North Seventh Street, for a Class P-2 liquor license. This allows for the sale of packaged alcoholic liquor but not consumption on the premises
“The mayor and council approved an ordinance approving a development agreement with Liquor N Wine on June 13, 2016. The agreement included a moratorium on package liquor licenses for a period of three years following the issuance of an occupancy permit to the operator for the property. The occupancy permit was issued on May 2, 2017 so the moratorium will expire on May 2, 2020,” city clerk Sue Messer explained.
The approved request for the Clark Gas Station will go into effect May 3. Council voted 5-1 to approve. Councilman Hayes was the no vote.
Council member Don Burke was not present at Monday’s meeting.