HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 10 - Solar PanelsMEMO TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BRUNO RUMBELOW, CITY MANAGER
MEETING DATE: APRIL 16, 2024
SUBJECT: LIBRARY SOLAR PANELS AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND
CONSERVATION BLOCK GRANT (EECBG) PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION: City Council to consider the approval of a contract for the installation of
solar panels at the Grapevine Public Library with Axium Solar, approve
the submittal of an Equipment Voucher as part of the Energy Efficiency
and Conservation Block Grant Program through the U.S. Department of
Energy, and an ordinance to increase the estimated receipts in the Grant
Fund, and take any other necessary action.
FUNDING SOURCE: Upon approval of the attached appropriation ordinance, funds will be
available in the Grants Fund.
BACKGROUND: The City of Grapevine has been awarded $122,650 in funding as part of
the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. This funding can be
used for the purchase and installation of energy -related equipment which
can span a wide array of technologies deployed for the purpose of
lowering fossil fuel use and increasing energy efficiency. The renewable
energy technology of the installation solar panels was selected. Solar
panels will be installed on the northeast section of the Library's roof. The
solar panels will power 25% of the Library's energy needs to reduce the
need for purchased power and realize a cost savings on energy. Library
staff is excited to participate in this project. In addition to the EECBG, the
City is investigating the additional funding incentives which would reduce
the City required funding.
Axium Solar has submitted a proposal for the installation of the panels for
$186,500. The cost for the solar panels, inverter, electrical balance,
engineering and design, and labor is estimated at $200,000. With the
EECBG funding of $122,650, that would leave $77,350 to fund through
the City or additional incentives. The City has decided to apply for an
equipment rebate voucher to streamline the application and reporting
requirements.
This purchase will be made in accordance with an existing interlocal
agreement with the Region VIII Education Service Center known as The
Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) in Texas as allowed by Texas Local
Government Code, Chapter 271 and Texas Government Code, Chapter
791.
Bids were taken by the cooperative and a contract was awarded to Axium
Solar. The Public Works and Purchasing staff reviewed the contract for
departmental specification compliance and pricing and determined that
the contract would provide the best product and pricing for meeting the
needs of the City.
Staff recommends approval.
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-031
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GRAPEVINE, TEXAS, INCREASING ESTIMATED RECEIPTS IN
THE AMOUNT OF $122,650 IN THE GRANTS FUND TO BE
RECEIVED FROM THE US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY;
TRANSFERRING $77,350 FROM THE CAPITAL PROJECTS —
GENERAL FACILITIES FUND TO THE GRANTS FUND; AND
AUTHORIZING THE APPROPRIATION OF $2007000 IN THE
GRANT FUND; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AND PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE
WHEREAS, the City of Grapevine anticipates receipt of $122,650 from the US
Department of Energy as part of an approved grant, and
WHEREAS, the City has $77,350 available in the Capital Projects — General
Facilities Fund, and
WHEREAS, the City wishes to utilize those funds to apply for an Energy Efficiency
and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program equipment voucher, and
WHEREAS, all constitutional and statutory prerequisites for the approval of this
ordinance have been met, including but not limited to the Open Meetings Act and Chapter
211 of the Local Government Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council deems the adoption of this ordinance to be in the best
interests of the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF GRAPEVINE, TEXAS:
Section 1. That all matters stated hereinabove are found to be true and correct
and are incorporated herein by reference as if copied in their entirety.
Section 2. That the City Council hereby authorizes an increase in estimated
receipts in the amount of $122,650 in the Grant Fund resulting from the approval of
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program equipment voucher
application.
Section 3. That the City Council hereby authorizes a transfer of $77,350 from
the Capital Projects — Facilities Fund to the Grants Fund.
Section 4. That the City Council hereby authorizes an amount of $200,000 be
appropriated in the Grants Fund for the purpose of submitting an Energy Efficiency and
Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program equipment voucher.
Section 5. That the terms and provisions of this ordinance shall be deemed to
be severable, and that if the validity of any section, subsection, word, sentence or phrase
shall be held to be invalid, it shall not affect the remaining part of this ordinance.
Section 6. That the fact that the present ordinances and regulations of the City
of Grapevine, Texas, are inadequate to properly safeguard the health, safety, morals,
peace and general welfare of the inhabitants of the City of Grapevine, Texas, creates an
emergency for the immediate preservation of the public business, property, health, safety
and general welfare of the public which requires that this ordinance shall become effective
from and after the date of its final passage, and it is accordingly so ordained.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAPEVINE,
TEXAS on this the 16th day of April, 2024.
APPROVED:
William D. Tate
Mayor
ATTEST:
Tara Brooks
City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Matthew C.G. Boyle
City Attorney
Ordinance No. 2024-031 2