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