Explanation
BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Finance and Management, on behalf of Sustainable Columbus, to implement the pilot Resilience Hub program in support of the City’s sustainability and community prosperity goals with Maize Manor United Methodist Church, Inc. The Church will undertake actions to effectuate all aspects of a Resilience Hub including incorporation of a clean energy powered microgrid that will allow the Church to serve and meet the needs of the community during extreme weather and potential grid power outages.
Throughout the pilot, Maize Manor United Methodist Church, Inc. will collect data and feedback on Resilience Hub activities to gain insights into effectiveness and make recommendations on how to improve and expand the concept to meet the needs of residents. This will include, but not be limited to, metrics such as number of residents served, number of programs and services offered to residents, microgrid deployment and usage, and deployment as a heating and cooling center.
The City’s sustainability goals include piloting and creating a network of Resilience Hubs across the city and piloting 5 microgrid projects by 2030.
The contract is anticipated to be for 1 year or until funds are expended and will likely begin in or around January of 2026.
These services are unable to be provided by current city staff due to the technical expertise and nature of the microgrid work, as well as limitations and ability to rapidly respond to community needs as they occur during extreme weather scenarios.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes the expenditure of $75,000.00 from the Sustainable Columbus Fund to Maize Manor United Methodist Church, Inc. to implement the pilot Resilience Hub and clean energy powered microgrid program.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: This ordinance is being submitted as an emergency to ensure utilization of the 2025 Federal Tax Credits for the battery backup portion of the project.
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