Committee weighs permanent generator, grants and battery options for Commons
Summary
The Yachats Community Spaces Committee discussed repairing an automatic transfer switch, moving the electrical panel into protected space and whether to borrow Public Works’ 200 kW generator or buy a smaller permanent unit; staff highlighted grant options including EMPG and BRIC.
The Yachats Community Spaces Committee on Sept. 1 reviewed recent repairs to the Commons’ automatic transfer switch and outlined plans to move the building’s electrical panel into a storage room to protect it from the elements. Chair opened the work session by placing the generator and transfer switch first on the agenda; Rosa confirmed the switch had been fixed but said more work is needed to reposition the panel so it meets required clearances.
Committee members debated whether to use a portable unit Public Works currently has or to buy a smaller, permanent generator sized for the Commons. "The one that Public Works has, it's 200 kilowatts, which is way more than we need," a staff member said, noting that using a large unit only at a small fraction of capacity can increase maintenance requirements. Members observed the Commons’ existing generator is around 20 kW and would not power the whole building; the group discussed sizing in the 40–50 kW range if the committee decides to buy.
The committee discussed phasing the work: first move the panel and control systems so the site is ready, then procure and install a generator. Rosa said she has been in touch with the Oregon State mitigation officer and that federal‑ and state‑level grants could help: "the EMPG could cover part of it," she said, and BRIC (Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities) was identified as another possible source to fund building resilience and enclosures. Members noted the city budget includes roughly $200,000 for resiliency projects but discussed breaking the generator work into smaller, more manageable phases.
The committee also weighed battery storage as a future addition. Staff cautioned that indoor batteries require upgraded fire‑rated walls and suggested an outbuilding or enclosure that could later accommodate batteries. Next steps include moving equipment into Room 7 to clear space for the panel, developing a phased budget, and tracking upcoming grant application webinars.
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