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City seeks one-year use of salt dome property from Susquehanna Township School District, to remove stored solar panels
Summary
Resolution 14 of 2025 would allow the city to continue using a salt dome storage facility on property recently transferred to Susquehanna Township School District for one year, with a possible second-year extension; the city must remove stored solar panels by April 30, 2025, and the agreement includes a nominal $100 fee for the first year.
The administration committee reviewed Resolution 14 of 2025, which would authorize the City of Harrisburg to negotiate a memorandum of understanding with the Susquehanna Township School District for continued use of a salt dome storage facility and the removal of solar panels stored on the property.
Solicitor Grover summarized the site's history: the parcel had belonged to the Harrisburg School District for decades and was transferred to the Susquehanna Township School District on Jan. 30. The city has stored a salt dome and stacked wrapped solar panels on the site for several years. Under the proposed agreement, the city would be authorized to remain on the property for one year — with a possible one-year extension subject to the school district’s approval — provided the city removes the solar panels from the property no later than April 30, 2025. The resolution specifies a $100 fee for the initial one-year license period upon execution and invoicing.
Councilmembers asked whether the panels were the same ones previously contracted for removal and whether city crews could remove them. Grover said the panels are the same units disassembled and moved to the site previously and that city Public Works crews could manage removal and disposal; he also said the panels have some salvage value, though internal components may have degraded. He added the city may later return to council with a resolution for disposal of public property if removal or disposal requires formal action.
Council moved to add Resolution 14 of 2025 to the next legislative-session agenda for a vote; the transcript does not show a recorded roll-call vote on that motion.
Why it matters: The storage site and the solar panels present an operational and liability question for the city. The MOU would provide the city short-term continuity for salt storage while requiring removal of panels within a specific deadline.
What’s next: Public Works will assess removal and disposal or salvage options and return recommendations and any required disposal resolution to council.
