Ypsilanti City Hall Solar Project Update

From Dave Strenski, master of all things cool: The project needs $3800 to move forward. The next step in the project is getting the current design approved by a licensed structure engineer. I have received a not-to-exceed quote from Fitzpatrick Structural Engineering of $3800. To move this project forward we need citizens of Ypsilanti to write a check to the "City of Ypsilanti" and put in the memo area "Ypsilanti Solar Project". Once we have collected the $3800, we can engage Fitzpatrick Structural Engineering and obtain the final design for the project. With this final design, we will be able to get HDC's final approval, and start the formal fund raising to purchase the materials and start the project. I would also like to remind everyone that I am available to present solar power to any organization interested in learning about the solar photovoltaic installed at the Ypsilanti Food Cooperative and/or the system proposed for the back of City Hall. Send me an email to schedule a presentation for your next community meeting. Thank you for you support. Send your check to: City of Ypsilanti One South Huron Street Ypsilanti 48197 And write "Ypsilanti Solar Project" in the memo area. Dave Strenski 734-383-9077 Dave@Strenski.com Dave's recitation of the project history follows: The current design for the back of City Hall can be found here. Recall that last spring I met with the Mayor and first proposed placing solar panels on the back of City Hall. The location is idea and the visibility would inspire people to visit our town and residents to establist their own renewable energy systems. The Mayor gave his support and I went before the Ypsilanti Historic Commision (HDC) asking for permission to hang panel on the back of City Hall, a historic structure. The summer months went by as they thought about the project, and came up with an alterative energy fact sheet for the historic district. While our project seems to meet the guidelines, the HDC would not approve the project without a permit for the project. August brought me before City Council to present how solar power works and show pictures of the photovoltaic system installed at the Ypsilanti Food Cooperative. I also ask for formal premission for installing 12 photovoltaic panels on the back of City Hall and got unanmious approval. See Resolution No. 2007-175. With the building permit filed, Bill Bohlen (soon-to-be-former Director of DPW) and myself went before HDC again to formally ask for permission. The HDC continues to support the project but harbors some reservations about the level of damage that would happen to the brick wall. Though the current design states that the brick anchors will be placed in the mortor joints, HDC would like to see the final, licensed structural engineer's design before rendering their decision. Bill Bohlen introduced me to Tom Fitzpatrick, P.E. of Fitzpatrick Structural Engineering which is the engineering firm that the City typically uses on projects. The HDC also recognizes Fitzpatrick Structural Engineering as a very qualified firm and respects their opions. I met with Tom Fitzpatrick, and gave him all the design information I had for the project and asked for a quote on a final design. They have given me a not-to-exceed quote of $3,800 which, while reasonable, outside my personal budget. I presented the status of the Ypsilanti Solar project to the Mayor in December, and he continues to support the project. To finance the the engineering work by Fitzpatrick Structural Engineering, The Mayor and City Manager have set up a "Solar Project Fund". I'm sending in the $50 I've pledged. If you pledged, please do the same. We need your fifty bucks now. If you haven't pledged, send in whatever you can spare. This can be a great project, and a magnificent example of what our community can do. If you do send in a check, leave a comment encouraging others.