Title
Authorizing the acceptance of $66,027.29 from the MN Department of Commerce’s Solar on Public Buildings Grant Program for solar installation at the Solid Waste & Recycling Facility and authorizing the execution of a grant agreement.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan adopted in 2019 established a goal to achieve carbon neutrality in municipal operations, and the 2026 Climate Plan Update includes a target to increase onsite solar energy at City buildings; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Legislature established the Solar on Public Buildings Grant Program in 2023 to provide grants to stimulate the installation of solar energy systems on public buildings; and
WHEREAS, the City Council previously approved the submission of a Solar on Public Buildings grant application for the Public Works Solid Waste & Recycling Facility under Resolution 26-1047; and
WHEREAS, grant funding of $66,027.29 was awarded in August 2026, which will cover approximately 56% of the costs to install a 30-kWdc ground-mounted solar system at the building, and the remainder of the project costs will be paid for with funds allocated in the Solid Waste & Recycling Division’s 2026 operating budget; and
WHEREAS, by this Resolution, the Council authorizes the acceptance of the Solar on Public Buildings Grant for the Solid Waste & Recycling Facility and authorizes the execution of a grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Commerce; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council authorize the Office of Financial Services-Real Estate and Department of Public Works to accept a grant and execute a grant agreement for $66,027.29 for the Solar on Public Buildings Program.