Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Rooftop Solar topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Kennebunk Select Board accepts $75,000 state grant, authorizes $50,262 from reserves for 19 Park Street solar
Summary
The Kennebunk Select Board voted March 10 to accept a $75,000 Community Action Grant to install rooftop solar on the town-owned food pantry at 19 Park Street and authorized up to $50,262 from the Select Board Capital Reserve Fund to cover the remaining estimated $125,262 project cost.
The Kennebunk Select Board on March 10 voted to accept a $75,000 Community Action Grant and to authorize the Town Manager to spend up to $50,262 from the Select Board Capital Reserve Fund to install rooftop solar on the town-owned food pantry at 19 Park Street.
Community Development Director Chris Osterrieder told the board the project grew from work of the Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Committee and that the building — built in 1960 — had not received a roof replacement when other upgrades occurred in 2021. "It is really about saving money and saving energy," Osterrieder said, describing the installation as likely to reduce the facility’s energy use by 84 percent. He cautioned that roof conditions are not fully known until work begins but said the grant includes funding to structurally enhance the roof if needed and that the program pays upfront for completed work.
Project estimates put the total cost at $125,262, with $75,000 covered by the Community Action Grant and a remaining projected town contribution of $50,262. The Town Manager reported the Select Board Capital Reserve Fund balance at $158,057.87. Osterrieder said the grant timeline allows about three years and staff are aiming to complete the installation by the end of the year if the schedule holds.
The board moved two motions: to authorize the Town Manager to spend up to $50,262 from the Select Board Capital Reserve Fund, and to accept the Community Action Grant for the rooftop solar installation. Both motions were moved by Lisa Pratt and seconded by Karen Plattes and passed on roll-call votes, each recorded as 6 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Therrien).
The board directed staff to verify alternative funding sources for the town share before finalizing the contract. Osterrieder said structural work is budgeted within the grant if unexpected roof repairs are required. The next steps are finalizing procurement and a vendor contract; Osterrieder identified the likely contractor as the same firm that did the Waterhouse Center work and said they have already performed a site review.
