Title
Authorizing subgrant to Ramsey County to install a solar thermal system on the rooftop of the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center to study how solar energy can be integrated into the building's existing energy system.
Body
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul City Council and Mayor Chris Coleman are committed to opportunities to make Saint Paul one of the most sustainable cities in the United States; and
WHEREAS, in 2008 the Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis received a two year grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and were declared Solar America Cities; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota legislature authorized and the City Council accepted (City Council Resolution 10-656) $1.5 million in grant funds from the Minnesota Department of Commerce Division of Energy Resources for grants to local units of government in the Solar Cities program for the installation of large and small-scale solar electric or thermal projects, including innovative energy storage technology, in a geographically-concentrated area along and near the light rail corridor; and
WHEREAS, the City Council authorized (City Council Resolution 11-1372) accepting an additional $398,775 in rebates from Xcel Energy; and
WHEREAS, the City is interested in partnering with Ramsey County and District Energy St. Paul to install a solar thermal system on the rooftop of the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center to study how solar energy can be integrated into the building's existing energy system and will subgrant funds to Ramsey County to complete the solar thermal project; and
WHEREAS, the City has received authorization from the Minnesota Department of Commerce Division of Energy Resources to work with Ramsey County to complete a solar thermal project; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Saint Paul that the appropriate city officials are hereby authorized and directed to execute a contract with Ramsey County to complete a solar thermal installation as described herein.