Tabled to next meeting.

Tabled to next meeting.

Tabled to next meeting.

Ms. Calvert reported that the June projection will reflect the increase in sending districts above foundation rate assessed in March as well as an increase in the food service program based on reimbursements.

Discussion ensued on the process for drawing down federal grant funds. Mr. Romer reported he is working with a grant consultant to streamline the management of supplementing the grant process.

Mr. Romer reported that staff morale is good and the hiring process for staff turnover and filling vacancies is underway.

Mr. Yezekuvich began the discussion on the two options for solar panels: purchase power agreement (PPA) and outright purchase. It was the consensus of the committee that the PPA was the better option with minimal risk for the following reasons:

• No upfront out-of-pocket costs and risk passes to the contractor for maintenance.
• Locks in savings for the twenty-year term of the contract at $.13/pkw, a hedge against rising utility costs.
• After six years, option to buy the contract for approximately $700K.

Mr. Dweik disagreed and expressed concern that the Committee had not done its due diligence on the actual costs involved in the PPA and outright purchase as well as comparing quotes from other vendors.

Mr. Romer noted that leadership's position is grounded in the fact that, with the current uncertainty at the federal level, solar incentives offered in the purchase option may not be available resulting in less savings. Also of concern was using limited surplus funds that may are needed for other ongoing and new long-term capital projects.

Mr. Michelot reported that he had received a copy of the PPA lease, which has been approved by legal counsel. Since the contractor Solect is on the state-approved vendor list, an RFP for additional quotes was not needed. He added that the solar discussion had begun three years ago with consultant Tom Philbin. To address Mr. Dweik's concern that the lease option has been "sugarcoated, he will ask Mr. Philbin to provide a side-by-side comparison of vendor quotes and more detail on the costs of both options. Backup power is included in the contract.

Mr. Yezukevich stated that the vote of the Board is needed next Tuesday if the timeline for the project is to go forward this coming summer. He suggested that a telephone call be scheduled with Mr. Philbin for him to ask direct technical questions about both options and have all his questions and concerned addressed.

In the meantime, the Committee will take its vote on recommendation for the PPA option with the contingency that Mr. Dweik gets all his concerns addressed by Mr. Philbin, and if a change in the Committee's recommendation needs to be re-opened for the purchase option, the Committee will so address before the Tuesday Board meeting. The agenda Board meeting, however, will reflect that a vote is needed on the project.