Title
Resolution to Amend Contracts with the U.S. Department of Energy ($575,008.00) and Clean Energy Coalition ($152,900.00) for Solar America Cities Project, Accept and Appropriate Additional Funds (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
The attached resolution authorizes acceptance of an additional $20,000.00 in federal funds and an extension through April 30, 2012 to the City of Ann Arbor's grant agreement with the US Department of Energy (DOE) for the Solar America Cities Project. This grant period extension will allow the City to complete a solar energy shade structure at Veterans Memorial Pool, and continue support for the community solar program, XSeed Energy, run by Solar Cities grant partner Clean Energy Coalition (CEC).
The resolution also authorizes a $17,500.00 amendment to the grant sub-grantee agreement with the Clean Energy Coalition to support the XSeed Energy community solar program. This $17,500.00 is part of the $20,000.00 in federal funds awarded as part of this extension, with the remaining $2,500.00 being utilized by the City for grant administration and oversight.
Ann Arbor was one of 25 cities in the United States designated by the DOE as a Solar America City. This federal program has a goal of establishing a core group of cities to serve as examples to the rest of the nation on how to implement successful solar energy programs at the municipal level. For this grant, the City engaged 11 partners who, along with the City, committed to provide a total of $355,008.00 in matching funds and in-kind services.
The grant continues to be an important component of the City's efforts to reach the renewable energy goals set by City Council on May 1, 2006 and updated on April 19, 2011. It has brought together a strong, extensive public-private partnership in the Ann Arbor community and demonstrates a true commitment by this community to lead the way to a clean, sustainable energy future.
Grant funds will continue to be available for the life of the project regardless of fiscal year, and the City's Energy Office will continue to provide grant management services.
Staff
Prepared By: Andrew Brix, Energy Programs Manager
Reviewed By: Sue F. McCormick, Public Services Administrator
Approved By: Steven D. Powers, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, In July 2007, the US Department of Energy awarded the City of Ann Arbor a $200,000.00 Solar America Cities Project grant to lead an effort to integrate solar energy throughout the Ann Arbor community by 2015;
Whereas, This grant brought together a strong, extensive public-private partnership in the Ann Arbor community and demonstrates a true commitment by this community to move to clean, sustainable energy for our future;
Whereas, The City engaged 11 community partners to commit a total of $355,008.00 in matching funds and in-kind services making a project total of $555,008.00;
Whereas, The U.S. Department of Energy has approved an extension of the grant through April 30, 2012 to allow time for the City to complete a solar shade structure at Veterans Memorial Pool and further support the XSeed Energy community solar program;
Whereas, The U.S. Department of Energy has approved an additional $20,000.00 in federal funding to continue the Ann Arbor Solar America Cities program;
Whereas, The Clean Energy Coalition, a key partner on the project that was awarded a sub-grantee agreement approved in Resolution R-07-498, will continue to lead the XSeed Energy Program, which supports non-profit institutions in the community seeking to install highly visible solar installations through collective donations and targeted fundraising;
Whereas, New grant funds approved by the U.S. Department of Energy are available to fund an amendment to the Clean Energy Coalition sub-grantee agreement to perform these tasks;
Whereas, The Clean Energy Coalition received Human Rights approval on September 7, 2011 and Living Wage approval on April 30, 2011; and
Whereas, The City's Energy Office will continue to provide grant management services for this grant;
RESOLVED, That the City Council authorize an extension to the US Department of Energy Solar America Cities Project grant agreement and accept an additional $20,000.00 in grant funding bringing the total project to $575,008.00;
RESOLVED, That the $20,000.00 in grant funding be appropriated to Fund 00MG (Major Grant Programs);
RESOLVED, That the City Council authorizes an amendment to the sub-grant agreement with Clean Energy Coalition in the amount of $17,500.00 to continue to lead the XSeed Energy Program;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to sign the amended contracts after approval as to substance by the City Administrator and approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take the necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.