The council discussed the engineering and financial details for solar panel installations at municipal parking lots and the wastewater treatment facility. Walt Jordan from D.J. Energy Partners provided a comprehensive presentation on the solar energy projects, emphasizing the importance of integrating the installations with existing infrastructure. Council members engaged actively, inquiring about the design, dimensions, and snow management capabilities of the proposed solar arrays. Jordan assured that the solar panels would be engineered to manage significant snow loads, with heights varying between 14 feet in the front to 9 feet in the back, designed for efficient snow removal.

Financially, the proposed solar projects are estimated to have an upfront cost of $8.9 million, with funding sourced through the Department of Treasury via the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The financial model projects a generation capacity of 1.8 million kilowatt-hours annually from the parking lots alone. The council discussed the potential for cost savings over time, considering the expected increase in energy prices and the availability of federal tax credits through a direct pay model, allowing the city to receive a check from the Treasury.

Concerns about the New Jersey T-Rex credits were addressed, with discussions on how these might be replaced by the new SRA 2 formula, impacting the project’s financials. The anticipated financial incentives for the two-megawatt system are projected at around $7 million.

In addition to financial considerations, the environmental impact and long-term sustainability of the solar systems were highlighted. The council reviewed roofing technologies integral to the installations, such as the GF cool series shingled roof for the community center, which is Energy Star rated and compliant with California’s Title 24. The cool series shingles reflect 70 to 80 percent of UV rays. The bifacial solar module design, capturing sunlight from both the front and back, was also discussed.

The council explored the end-of-life considerations for solar systems, with a presentation on the recycling value of solar materials, noting that the racking systems are primarily aluminum and the solar modules contain substantial amounts of recyclable glass. The estimated cost for complete removal of solar systems is approximately 5% of the original installation cost.

Attention turned to the potential advancement of a Fieldhouse project and associated facilities, with discussions on the logistical challenges of sewer line installations and the need for timely authorization to proceed into the design phase. The council emphasized the importance of making the project “shovel ready” to qualify for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Concerns about the placement of bathrooms, snack bars, and the feasibility of connecting to existing sewer lines were discussed, with a consensus on the importance of adhering to stormwater management requirements.

Public comments played a vital role in the meeting, with residents expressing their views on various topics. Mr. Vessa suggested a community project to paint street poles in various colors, which the mayor acknowledged as a potentially engaging initiative, pending legal verification. Another resident, Cory Shore, expressed support for the field improvements and the need for a sound policy for field usage. Concerns about noise levels and the impact of a PA system on nearby homes were voiced by residents like Lauren and Sarah O’Farrell, who emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and adhering to existing noise regulations.

The council also addressed the adoption of Ordinance Number 2024-28, amending standards in the C2 Professional Office and Business Zone District to allow assisted living facilities as a permitted use. The ordinance received unanimous support from council members.