Title
Resolution to Extend Contract with the U.S. Department of Energy for Solar America Cities Project
Memorandum
The attached resolution authorizes a six-month extension through February 2011 to the City of Ann Arbor's two-year grant agreement with the US Department of Energy (DOE) for the Solar America Cities Project. This extension will allow the city to complete a solar energy installation at Veterans Memorial Pool after the pool closes for the season, so as not to disrupt pool operations.
Ann Arbor is 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 $335,003.00 in matching funds and in-kind services. This grant is helping Ann Arbor meet its renewable energy goals and is expected to draw national recognition to Ann Arbor and jobs to Michigan.
This 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. 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 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: 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 with Resolution R-172-5-06;
Whereas, In July 2007, 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 engaged 11 community partners to commit a total of $335,003.00 in matching funds and in-kind services making a project total of $535,003.00;
Whereas, The U.S. Department of Energy has approved a six month grant extension to allow the city to complete a solar energy installation at Veterans Memorial Pool at a time that will not disrupt summer pool operations;
Whereas, The City's Energy Office will continue to provide grant management services for this grant;
RESOLVED, That the City Council authorize a six month no cost time extension to the US Department of Energy Solar America Cities Project grant agreement;
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.