Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Rooftop Solar North End Community Center topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Saint Paul approves $72,000 for rooftop solar at North End Community Center; soft opening set next week
Summary
Council adopted a resolution to accept $72,000 for rooftop solar at the North End Community Center and heard staff announce a soft opening next week and regular hours starting March 31. The council closed the public hearing and approved the spending plan by voice vote (6-0).
The Saint Paul City Council approved a resolution to amend the Parks and Recreation financing and spending plans to reflect $72,000 received for rooftop solar installations at the North End Community Center.
Director Rodriguez of Parks and Recreation told the council the North End facility will include both rooftop solar and geothermal systems. Rodriguez announced a soft opening next week (with a conversion to regular business hours starting March 31) and said a formal grand opening is planned for April. Staff from the North End — including community recreation coordinator Yur Chang, community recreation specialist Alyssa LaSauer (also spoken as LaSauer/LaSauer), and recreation program supervisor Gina Stokes — were introduced in the chambers.
Vice President Kim and other councilmembers praised the staff and neighborhood partnership and highlighted the facility as an investment in the North End. The council moved to close the public hearing and approve the resolution; the public hearing was closed and the resolution adopted on a voice vote recorded as “6 in favor, no 1 opposed.”
Why it matters: The $72,000 appropriation covers rooftop solar installations and complements the center’s geothermal systems, supporting the city’s efforts to install renewable energy in public facilities and reduce operating costs. Councilmembers framed the center as a neighborhood anchor and highlighted the staff who will run programs there.
Next steps: Parks and Recreation will proceed with rooftop solar installation using the funds accepted by the council; staff invited councilmembers and the public to visit during the center’s soft opening and subsequent grand opening events.
