City considers Schneider Electric investment-grade energy audit covering eight facilities; $16,050 exit fee noted

Public Works Director Sarah Kirkland asked the commission to authorize entering an agreement with Schneider Electric for an investment-grade energy audit of eight city facilities totaling 133,762 square feet. She explained the audit would identify energy-conservation measures, estimate guaranteed energy and cost savings, produce a proposed scope and project price for improvements, and present a draft energy and construction services contract.

Kirkland said the authorization would not commit the city to construction spending today. She explained: "If the commission comes back and they decide, okay, sure, we want to take a look at some of these projects, you know, and go forward... At that point is when staff will come back to the commission, say okay, this is the dollar amount to proceed." She also noted that if the city opts not to proceed after the audit, the city would pay Schneider $16,050 as an exit fee because Schneider will have invested time and personnel in producing the audit report. Schneider representatives Ben Thompson and Ally Harris outlined a phased approach, said they pursue local contractors where possible, and noted they look for grant, rebate and incentive opportunities as part of project planning.

Why it matters: an investment-grade audit would produce actionable recommendations and potential funding pathways but could lead to subsequent capital commitments. The transcript includes the quoted $16,050 exit fee and the audit scope but does not include any final decision or contract award during the work session.