Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Renewable Energy and Grid Resiliency Program. The Renewable Energy and Grid Resiliency Program is accepting applications for funding to deploy renewable energy technologies and implement energy efficiency improvements. If awarded, the funding will be used to construct a roof-top solar array at the Fran Ryan Center.
The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) is accepting grant applications for the Renewable Energy and Grid Resiliency Program. The grant offers assistance to agencies to complete small scale and micro renewable energy projects that contribute to the use of non-depletable sources of energy. The application requires an ASHRAE level II energy audit. Ameresco, Inc. will complete the energy audit under an existing contract for grant application assistance, per Ordinance 2095-2023.
Grant applications are due June 28, 2024. The notification of grant awards is expected in the fall of 2024. The award is expected to be between $250,000.00 and $500,000.00 and will require a 10% match. If awarded, the installation of the roof-top solar array at the Fran Ryan Center will reduce energy use by at least 15% compared to the projected use.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Department of Development - Office of Energy and Environment
77 South High Street, 29th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Lydia Mihalik, (800) 848-1300
Contract Compliance Number: 006219
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: N/A (State of Ohio Agency)
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is being requested to meet the application deadline of June 28, 2024.
Benefits to the Public: The installation of a solar array will reduce the amount of energy used, helping the City meet its climate goals. This will provide a positive impact on the quality of life for current and future generations.
Community Input/Issues: The community has been extensively involved in the City’s efforts to reduce its energy needs by 45% by 2030.
Area(s) Affected: Near East (56)
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by improving operations and making facilities more efficient.
Fiscal Impact: No fiscal action is required at this time. Future legislation will accept, appropriate, and encumber funding for this project as needed if the grant is awarded.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding through the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) Renewable Energy and Grid Resiliency Program which is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to add a roof-top solar array to the Fran Ryan Center; and to declare an emergency. ($0)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) Renewable Energy and Grid Resiliency Program, which will be used to construct a roof-top solar array at the Fran Ryan Center; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance shows the City of Columbus's support for all application requirements; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to apply for grant funding with the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) to meet the submittal deadline of June 28, 2024, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, and safety; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department be and is hereby authorized and directed to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) Renewable Energy and Grid Resiliency Program which is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This grant, if awarded, will be used to add a roof-top solar array to the Fran Ryan Center.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance authorizes an application for the grant funds only and is not a commitment to expend City funds.
SECTION 3. That future legislation will accept, appropriate, and encumber funding for this project as needed if the grant is awarded.
SECTION 4. That the City of Columbus does agree to obligate the funds required to satisfactorily complete the proposed project and become eligible for reimbursement under the terms and conditions of the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) Renewable Energy and Grid Resiliency Program.
SECTION 5. That this ordinance, for the reasons stated in the preamble, which are made a part of this ordinance and fully incorporated for reference as if rewritten, is declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after this ordinance’s passage and approval by the Mayor or ten (10) days after its adoption if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes this ordinance.