FOLEY — The Forward City should soon become more energy efficient, thanks to the latest action of the Foley City Council.

During a special-called meeting Monday, the Council approved a contract with Schneider Electric for energy services designed to ultimately save the city $166,000 per year in energy costs.

According to Todd Smith of Schneider Electric, the contract provides that the city would pay $35,000 per year over the next 10 years for a number of upgrades to city facilities, part of which is anticipated to be funded with a grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

According to the contract documentation, the project includes a new climate-control system will be installed in Foley City Hall, the Community Development Center, Fire Station, Foley Public Library, Public Works Department, Senior Center, Train Depot, Parks and Recreation Building.

In addition, lighting and controls retrofits will be installed at the Foley Municipal Airport, Chamber Building, Foley City Hall, Community Development Center, Fire Station, Justice Center, Foley Public Library, Parks and Recreation Department, Public Works Department, Rose Trail, Foley Senior Center, Train Depot, Max Griffin Park, Aaronville Park, Mel Roberts Park and Foley Sports Complex and Soccer Park. Plus, such mechanical improvements as new restroom exhaust and fan boxes or ductwork are planned for the Chamber Building, Foley City Hall, the Community Development Center and the Justice Center.

“It’s really going to change how the city of Foley is perceived at night,” Smith told the Council.

But that’s not all. The project also includes the addition of solar panels and converters to Foley City Hall, which was questioned by Foley City Councilman Ralph Hellmich.

“Do you feel comfortable with this portion of the project?” he asked during Monday’s meeting, expressing concern over the feasibility of the panels in Foley’s climate.

“These have to be hurricane-wind rated to withstand a typical storm,” a Schneider associate replied.

The project also addresses water efficiency, with water retrofits and improvements planned for the Chamber Building, Foley City Hall, Community Development Center, Fire Station, Justice Center, Foley Public Library, Public Works Department, Foley Senior Center, Train Depot, Aaronville Park, Beulah Park, Heritage and John Foley Parks, Foley Sports Complex and Soccer Fields, Max Griffin Park and Mel Roberts Park.

In addition, a rain-water harvesting system is slated for the Chamber Building, an irrigation well is planned for Foley Sports Complex and Soccer Park, weather-irrigation controllers are in the works for the city, as is buried-fiber installation.

The project includes a three-year contract in which Schneider will make installments and train city employees in the use and maintenance of new systems. While the cost and work seem substantial, Smith said the savings in utility costs should compensate for the initial expense.

“It should more than pay for itself,” he told the Council.

Smith and his associates approached the council earlier in the fall about the collaboration. The council subsequently approved a feasibility study of the benefits of such a project. With Monday’s action, the council gave Foley Mayor John Koniar the authority to sign the contract, pending the approval of legal council. With that approval, Smith said work was set to begin shortly.