Title
Resolution to Amend Contract with the US Department of Energy for Solar America Cities Project ($200,000.00 Federal Funds)
Memorandum
The attached resolution will approve an amendment to an existing agreement with the US Department of Energy (DOE) that accepted a $200,000.00 two-year grant for the City of Ann Arbor to lead an effort to integrate solar energy throughout the Ann Arbor community by 2015 (R-07-498, October 15, 2007). This amendment adds $100,000.00 from the Downtown Development Authority (accepted May 5, 2008 by R-08-209) to the local match for this grant, providing the Ann Arbor Solar America Partnership with a new matching fund total of $335,245.00. The amendment also identifies a new DOE Project Officer, who will be working with the Ann Arbor Partnership. All other terms and conditions remain the same.
This $100,000.00 in additional matching funds increases the City's financial responsibility to the project to $335,245.00 while also building a "cushion" above DOE's statutory requirement of 50% cost share for the $200,000.00 in federal funds the City is receiving. The Farmers Market Solar Project funded by these funds is already substantially complete, and will be a flagship installation for the Solar America Cities project. An educational exhibit, using $6,000.00 in grant funds from the Michigan Energy Office, is being designed with the Hands-On Museum for installation at the Farmers Market this fall.
The chart below of match commitments for this grant reflects the Downtown Development Authority's increase from $3,000.00 to $103,000.00.
SOLAR AMERCA CITIES FUNDING
City of Ann Arbor Funding
City of Ann Arbor - Solar Project $ 60,000.00
City of Ann Arbor - Energy Office $ 24,992.00
City of Ann Arbor - Emergency Preparedness $ 1,861.00
City of Ann Arbor - Community Development $ 6,150.00
Total City Commitment $ 93,003.00
Solar Cities Grant Partners
Downtown Development Authority $103,000.00
Next Energy $ 50,000.00
United Solar Ovonic $ 25,000.00
U of M Phoenix Energy Center $ 15,000.00
Washtenaw County $ 13,755.00
Clean Energy Coalition $ 10,400.00
Michigan Energy Office $ 10,000.00
Great Lakes Renewable Energy Coalition $ 6,800.00
Hands on Museum $ 3,287.00
Ecology Center $ 3,000.00
Ann Arbor District Library $ 2,000.00
Total Partner Commitment $242,242.00
TOTAL LOCAL FUNDS $335,245.00
FEDERAL FUNDS $200,000.00
TOTAL PROJECT FUNDS $535,245.00
This grant represents a major step in the City's efforts to reach the renewable energy goals set by City Council on May 1, 2006. 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. The Energy Office will continue to provide grant manager services.
Staff
Prepared By: Andrew Brix, Energy Office Assistant
Reviewed By: Sue F. McCormick, Public Services Administrator
Approved By: Roger W. Fraser, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor set ambitious renewable energy goals at the May 1, 2006 City Council meeting;
Whereas, The US Department of Energy awarded the City of Ann Arbor a two-year, $200,000.00 Solar America Cites 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 originally engaged 11 community partners to commit a total of $235,245.00 in matching funds and in-kind services making a project total of $435,245.00; and
Whereas, The Downtown Development Authority has agreed to provide an additional $100,000.00 to fund a solar electric installation at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, bringing the matching funds total to $335,245.00 and the project total to $535,245.00;
Whereas, The Energy Office will continue to provide grant management services for this grant;
RESOLVED, That the City authorize this amendment to the US Department of Energy agreement of $200,000.00 to increase the City's matching fund total to $335,245.00;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to sign the amendment 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.