Council approves $4,000 for consultants to pursue OEI energy resilience grants

The Verona Common Council voted to approve $4,000 for professional services to support two applications to the Office of Energy Innovation (OEI).

Alder Helmke said the funding will be used for grant development and technical support for (1) a solar PV and battery storage project at the Verona Community Center and (2) a comprehensive feasibility study assessing solar, geothermal and microgrid opportunities at city hall, the fire department, the senior center, the community center and the public works facility.

City staff explained the amount is an unbudgeted expense and recommended using community center replacement funds to cover the consultant services so the city can produce competitive applications by the June 30 OEI deadline. The consultant scope includes application preparation, data analysis, narrative development, partner coordination and potential grant administration support.

Councilors noted there is no guarantee the grants will be awarded and that technical materials generated will be reusable for future applications if the city is not funded this cycle. The motion passed by voice vote.