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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-11 16-149 RESOLVECOUNCIL ACTION Item No. 16-149 Date: April 11, 2016 Item/Subject: Resolve, Supporting the Greater Bangor Solarize Project Responsible Department: Finance Commentary: Initiated in Portland, Oregon in 2009, Solarize is a collective purchasing program to facilitate implementation of solar power for homes and businesses. The process has spread across the country and currently there are three other projects in Maine (Freeport, Mid Maine and Midcoast Maine). If approved, this order will support efforts of Greater Bangor Solarize Project to promote the installation of distributed solar power and reduce the installation costs by bundling solar projects in the region. Currently, the group is working to obtain support from a number of local governments including Bangor, Brewer, Hampden, Veazie and Orono. In addition, Eastern Maine Development Corporation has pledged staff support for the effort. If the Council supports the Greater Bangor Solarize Project, the City will be named as a partner in the project and will assist with outreach to potential purchases through our established networks and tools. This item was reviewed and recommended for adoption by the Finance Committee on April 4, 2016. Manager's Comments: Associated Information: Budget Approval: Legal Approval: Introduced for Passage First Reading Referral Department Head City Manager Finance Director Page _ of _ City Solicitor 16-149 APRIL 11, 2016 Assigned to Councilor Plourde CITY OF BANGOR (TITLE.) Resolve, Supporting the Greater Bangor Solarize Project BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BANGOR: Whereas; the idea for a Solarize project for the Bangor atea grew out of a"'Solar Powering your Community" workshop sponsored by the cities of Bangor and Brewer and the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, held at the Cross Center in May 2015; and Whereas; the goal of Solarize is to promote the installation of distributed solar power by bringing together interested home and business owners to contract for solar installation at a reduced rate; and Whereas; purchasers have been shown to save up to 10% of their installation costs through similar efforts; and Whereas; solar can become a more affordable option due to federal tax credits; NOW BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Bangor hereby supports the efforts of Greater Bangor Solarize and will work collaboratively with the group in their efforts. IN CITY COUNCIL APRIL 11, 2016 MOTION MADE AND SECONDED FOR PASSAGE PASSED CITY CLERK