Council approves seeking proposals for solar project on airport‑adjacent parcel

Council members voted to seek proposals for a solar purchase agreement for a 12–13 acre parcel near the airport that staff said is no longer suitable for aviation development because the taxiway linking it to the runway was not renewed. Staff recommended technical and installer qualifications, including North American Board certified energy practitioners (NABCEP) certification, to ensure proposals come from qualified contractors rather than solely from investors.

Staff noted FAA coordination will be necessary and that prior iterations of the project considered alternate sites closer to utility infrastructure; the council discussed sequencing relative to other sewer and infrastructure projects the city must complete first. A council member said he supported the renewed push to site a solar project at the airport parcel, citing energy savings for the city.

The council moved and approved seeking proposals; staff said the procurement will include detailed technical requirements and bidder qualifications. No contract award was made at the meeting; the council authorized staff to begin seeking proposals.