Forest Park council authorizes natural gas aggregation agreement; motion passes 4–1

The Forest Park City Council on May 4 adopted Resolution No. 17-2026 authorizing the city manager to enter into a natural gas aggregation agreement with the supplier recommended by Energy Alliance Inc., at a price at or below Duke Energy's gas cost at the time of execution. The measure passed 4–1.

Councilwoman Clark, who moved adoption, said the authorization gives the city manager flexibility to execute a favorable contract without returning to council. "This just allows for us to evaluate options at a lot sooner or faster pace," Clark said, adding the intent is to share any cost savings with residents. Council member Adams cast the sole no vote; no further justification for his vote was recorded on the transcript.

The resolution, read in full by Clerk of Council Kaye Bailey, recites that Ohio law permits municipal aggregation of retail natural gas loads and that Forest Park previously obtained voter approval to aggregate. The measure says qualifying residents and businesses may opt out or switch suppliers at any time and without cost by contacting Energy Alliance Inc. or the chosen supplier.

The council's action authorizes the city manager to sign a supplier agreement when the manager determines the price meets the resolution's criteria; the resolution takes effect on passage. The council did not specify a named supplier in the resolution.

The council voted: Clark — yes; Holt — yes; Moore — yes; Sylvester — yes; Adams — no. The resolution passed 4–1.