Laserfiche WebLink
Regular City Council Meeting <br /> Monday,January 26,2015 <br /> Page 19 <br /> Mr. McNamara advised that Western Bank supported the dates established by the <br /> HRA, and was interested in staying involved in the project, and opined that the <br /> bank could have information available for those dates, as well as meeting the tim- <br /> ing of the subsequent February 23, 2015 City Council meeting. <br /> Willmus moved, Laliberte seconded, TABLING discussion and any potential ac- <br /> tion on this item until the February 23, 2015 City Council meeting. <br /> Roll Call <br /> Ayes: Willmus, Laliberte, Etten, McGehee, and Roe. <br /> Nays: None. <br /> Community Development Director Bilotta clarified that the outstanding infor- <br /> mation still needed from GMHC was basically updating or massaging documents <br /> and/or information and did not mean that any documentation was missing. <br /> Speaking on behalf of HRA members, Mayor Roe asked that the City Council <br /> continue to receive periodic updates as this project moves forward. <br /> Mr. Bilotta duly noted that request; and noted that GMHC had also committed to <br /> attending upcoming meetings as well. <br /> Recess <br /> Mayor Roe recessed the meeting at approximately 8:07 p.m., and reconvened at approximately <br /> 8:16 p.m. <br /> 15. Business Items—Presentations/Discussions <br /> a. Discuss Solar Projects and Authorize Applications <br /> City Engineer Marc Culver and Public Works Director Duane Schwartz presented <br /> updated information on solar projects and recommendations to-date by the Public <br /> Works, Environment, and Transportation Commission (PWETC). Mr. Culver <br /> displayed a map showing the civic campus and flat roofs available and suitable <br /> for solar installations; and addressed current electrical usage on the campus. <br /> Mr. Culver's presentation included three viable options that had been found: <br /> • The best from a financial standpoint was for a "Made in Minnesota" grant <br /> over ten years based on actual production, requiring use of solar panels made <br /> in Minnesota, with two manufacturers qualifying for that designation. <br /> • The direct purchase option with financing directly with the St. Paul Port Au- <br /> thority (SPPA), creating upfront costs for the City and/or a much longer loan <br /> payoff. <br /> • A power purchase agreement with the system owned by a third party to re- <br /> ceive federal tax incentives thereby lowering the cost of the overall system <br /> and upfront costs for the City; with the third party selling solar generated <br /> power back to the City at 85% of the rate charged by Xcel Energy. <br />