2016 Minutes June through December

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NMI V the cil r that works /or � ori Council Worksession June 28. 2016 5:00 pm Present: Mayor Valerie Johnson Councilnleniber Gina Bauman COUncilmember Brian Strub CoUncilmember Paul .Jacobsen Councilniember Mary Burg Absent: Staff in Attendance: Joe Hatch, Sandy Brueur, Jason Hicks, Bill Bach., Craig Schlichting, Janice Gundlach Guests in Attendance: Charlie and Brian with TRANS. Scott NBCC Solar Options Discussion Hicks discussed the solar options available to the Council for the New Brighton Corllnlunity Center (NBCC). He recalled the Council's previous discussion held in February regarding solar light and solar power. He provided a further definition of solar lighting noting this option NVrould allow natural daylight into the building. The pros and cons of solar lighting were ftrn-ther discussed. He then provided further comment on the solar poNver options available for NBCC. The three options available were lease to own. community solar subscription and the last option was to install solar panels on the NBCC. Councilnleniber Strub questioned how solar power would be brought to the NBCC through a solar subscription. Charlie Holt described how solar subscriptions worked in detail with the Council. Councilniember Burg asked how popular solar barns were. Charlie Holt indicated solar barns were on the rise and the number of subscribers was increasing. He believed that the City could save $150,000 to $250,000 with the lease to own solar option depending on solar credits. Councilmeniber Jacobsen inquired what maintenance would be required from the City. Charlie Holt indicated the maintenance was pretty minimal. He provided further comment on the value of the lease to own solar options and noted now the value could be communicated to the public. Councilniember Bauman commented on the hazardous materials found in solar panels. She questioned the life expectancy of solar panels. Charlie explained this would be 20 to 25 years. He stated after 25 years the panels would still be 90% efficient. Hicks appreciated the questions fi•om the Council and stated staff was looking for direction from the Council on how to proceed. Charlie stated he values the partnership lie has with the City and needed direction fi•oni the City before beginning the engineering aspect behind the solar panels as this Would become intellectual property that would have to be paid for by the City. He estimated it would take him 60 days to prepare documents for the City on its solar options.