Committee on Administration, Finance and Law and Public Services Public Hearing and Special Meeting - January 21, 2025

The Committee on Administration, Finance and Law and Public Services held a public hearing and special meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 6:01 PM in the Common Council Chambers. The meeting addressed two agenda items: a tax modification agreement for a solar facility at 250 Stanley Street and the minutes of Common Council committee meetings.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public hearing. Attorney Michael Carrier (representing the developer) introduced himself and indicated they would speak during the special meeting.

Discussion Items

• Tax Modification Agreement with Ellis Stanley Land LLC (Item 36666): The committee considered a proposed tax modification agreement for a solar photovoltaic facility to be built on a 3-acre parcel at 250 Stanley Street. The project is part of the Ellis Block redevelopment (321 Ellis Street), which is approximately 95% complete and will provide 154 units of affordable housing. The solar facility, owned by Stanley Street Solar LLC (a Wind Companies entity), is designed to generate approximately $92,787 in annual savings (about $600 per unit per year) for residents through Eversource’s community solar program. The developer requested a 25-year tax exemption on the personal property (solar equipment) while the land would continue to be taxed. The city assessor estimated the tax break over 25 years at approximately $461,000 based on a projected equipment cost of $1.625 million and depreciation schedules. Key discussion points included: the need for a pilot agreement to secure financing, the fixed 20-year power purchase agreement with Eversource, the 0.5% annual degradation in production, decommissioning requirements, and mechanisms to ensure savings are passed to residents. The committee amended the resolution to reduce the exemption period from 25 years to 10 years with an option to renew, and to change the savings language from "approximately" to "up to." The committee then voted to refer the resolution as amended to the full Common Council with a favorable recommendation (all in favor).
• Minutes of Common Council Committee Meetings (Item 36686): Alderwoman Beloin-Savage introduced a resolution to amend the standing rules to require committee approval of minutes before posting. Discussion focused on balancing state law requiring minutes to be posted within seven days with the desire for committee affirmation. Corporation counsel clarified that minutes could be posted as draft and later amended. The committee voted to refer the resolution to the full Common Council with a neutral recommendation (all in favor).

Key Outcomes

• Tax Modification Agreement: The committee voted unanimously to approve the resolution as amended (10-year term with option to renew, savings described as "up to $92,787") and referred it to the full Common Council for final action.
• Minutes of Common Council Committee Meetings: The committee voted unanimously to refer the resolution (requiring committee approval of minutes) to the full Common Council with a neutral recommendation.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:00 PM.