Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution amends the existing service contract with RENEW Wisconsin for the expansion of the MadiSUN solar purchasing program. The current total contract amount is $89,500. The proposed resolution would increase the contract by $30,000 to expand the program to offer solar grants for community organizations or affordable housing providers. Funding for the contract is included in the Sustainability Improvements program in the Engineering-Facilities Management capital budget which is funded by GO Borrowing in the adopted 2019 capital budget.
The original resolution approving this non-competitive service contract with RENEW Wisconsin can be found in Legistar file #54718.
MUNIS:
12237-401-200
Title
Amending a non-competitive service contract with RENEW Wisconsin, Inc. for the MadiSUN Program expansion in 2019. (City Wide AD)
Body
Whereas, the City of Madison has been a Solar America City since 2007, a SolSmart Gold Community since 2016 and is committed to promoting solar technology adoption at the local level;
Whereas, in March of 2017, the Common Council adopted RES-17-00213 which called on the City to establish a goal for City of Madison operations and community to reach a goal of 100% renewable energy and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions; and,
Whereas, the successful 2016, 2017, and 2018 MadiSUN residential programs, consisting of education, outreach and technical assistance and administered by RENEW Wisconsin, enabled 101 households to install 500 kilowatts of solar energy, investing over $1.3 million into the local clean energy economy and creating jobs; and,
Whereas, in 2018, the City of Madison recognized the need to build awareness about how and why solar electric systems can save businesses money and helped six businesses install 99 kilowatts of solar, and a continued expert-led and business- to-business education approach would help to overcome market barriers and expand solar on Madison’s commercial buildings; and,
Whereas, a favorable combination of Focus on Energy renewable energy incentives, a 30% federal investment tax credit that will start to phase out in 2020, and relatively low installation costs will make 2019 another excellent year to expand solar energy throughout Madison homes and businesses; and,
Whereas, city- and state- funded solar rebates have been proven to increase solar installations in markets across the U.S., and,
Whereas, the City of Madison has established a priority of advancing racial equity and social justice in the community through a series of resolutions, reports and initiatives; and,
Whereas, access to clean renewable energy should be available to all Madison residents regardless of race, housing type, gender or economic status; and,
Whereas, access to solar power generation remains a practical and financial challenge for renters, low-income families and residents living in multi-family properties; and there is a need for increased outreach efforts with residents, landlords, and housing agencies to better understand the needs of these families and neighborhoods and help them get access to cost-saving solar energy; and,
Whereas, the 2019 MadiSUN program, as proposed, would incorporate new activities to provide additional access to solar power for these previously underserved families and neighborhoods; and,
Whereas, the solar grant program for community organizations and affordable housing providers is intended to serve diverse, low-income residents and neighborhoods; and,
WHEREAS, MGO 4.26 requires Common Council approval of service contracts exceeding $50,000 if the contractor was not selected through a competitive selection process, and the reasons for selecting this contractor are set forth above and in the attached Noncompetitive Selection Request Form; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Facilities and Sustainability Manager is authorized to amend the Contract for Purchase of Services with RENEW Wisconsin, Inc., or member(s) thereof, to increase by $30,000 to assist with the expansion of the 2019 MadiSUN solar grant program for community organizations and affordable housing providers.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Purchasing Agent is hereby authorized to sign a POS contract and issue a Purchase Order to RENEW Wisconsin, Inc for the services listed above; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to execute, deliver, accept and record any and all documents and take such other actions as shall be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purpose of this resolution in a form approved by the City Attorney.