AUGUSTA — A proposal to harness energy from the sun and other alternative sources to power or heat some city and school buildings is back before city councilors.

Councilors meet 6:30 p.m. Thursday for the non-voting informational meeting in the council chambers at Augusta City Center.

In October, city councilors authorized a $52,000 contract with New Hampshire-based renewable energy development firm Revolution Energy to study the feasibility of installing solar panels, a biomass boiler and other alternative energy systems at City Center, Augusta Civic Center, Buker Community Center and the Cony High School/Capital Area Technical Center campus.

Under the proposal, the energy systems would remain owned by Revolution Energy even though they would be installed at the city and school buildings.

If the city agrees to a long-term contract to purchase the energy that’s produced — a study would recommend exactly how much — the $52,000 cost would be wrapped into the energy purchase contract.

That would mean no upfront costs to the city, unless officials decide not to ink a long-term energy purchase agreement, City Manager William Bridgeo said. If they don’t, the city will still owe $52,000 for the study.

Bridgeo said Tuesday that the company’s proposals are being evaluated by Ralph St. Pierre, finance director and assistant city manager, and Bob LaBreck, facilities and systems manager, whom he anticipated would have some recommendations by Thursday’s council meeting.

“They gave us a proposal for various things they could do in our buildings,” Bridgeo said of the energy firm. “Some of it makes financial sense for us, while for others the payback wouldn’t be enough to justify.”

Councilors are also scheduled to:

* hear to a presentation on Augusta Trails’ work at Bond Brook Recreation Area from Michael Seitzinger, president of Augusta Trails;

* hear a presentation on the new Maine French Heritage Language Program from Chelsea Ray, assistant professor of French and comparative literature at University of Maine at Augusta;

* discuss the latest version of a proposed ordinance banning tobacco use in most city parks and other grounds;

* consider adopting the revised Kennebec County Hazard Mitigation Plan; and

* discuss a Planning Board recommendation on rezoning the Riggs Brook Village area, reducing a frontage requirement in part of the district from 400 to 200 feet.

Keith Edwards — 621-5647

kedwards@centralmaine.com

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