Climate Smart Kingston members were given printed copies of a municipal renewable energy implementation plan and an update on municipal solar projects during the May 28 meeting.

The plan: Staff provided printed copies and a link to the plan on the city website; they said the document is iterative, has been shared with the county and is not an adopted policy. Staff thanked Brad and Phil for significant work on the plan and encouraged members to read it and suggest glaring edits if necessary. The plan was described as a comprehensive technical municipal energy plan rather than a prescriptive ordinance at this stage.

Municipal solar installations: Staff reported two specific municipal solar projects — the Rhinehart Neighborhood Center and the pool — for which designs are complete and procurement funds have been provided to purchase major equipment. However, solar developers have not yet committed to installation timelines, and staff said tariff concerns in the marketplace are contributing to developer hesitancy. Staff said they had given designs and initial payments to developers but were awaiting firm scheduling and mobilization. No construction start dates were provided.

Next steps: Staff will continue to push developers for schedules, monitor market factors such as tariffs that affect procurement timelines, and use the municipal renewable energy implementation plan as a basis for future zoning or procurement recommendations. Commissioners suggested coordinating with the zoning update committee (CAC) to make sure solar-related zoning changes receive review and return to the commission before formal referrals to the Common Council.