NORTHAMPTON — Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra has unveiled a Capital Improvement Plan for the next five fiscal years, previewing some of next year’s upcoming projects like improving public school infrastructure, hybrid police cruisers and a type of outdoor public toilet known as the “Portland Loo.”

The 436-page document outlines the city’s plan to spend $116 million over the five-year timespan, with $36 million allotted for the upcoming 2024 fiscal year, which begins July 1. Sources for the money include the city’s free cash undesignated fund balance, general fund bonds, and enterprise operating budgets for water, sewer and stormwater.

At the hearing held at the City Council’s March 16 meeting, Sciarra said her plan was committed to the principles of sustainability and making city infrastructure carbon neutral.

“Continuing forward, the focus is on making sure that all vehicles and projects are directed toward reducing the city’s carbon footprint,” Sciarra said. “I made a commitment that when an energy-efficient city or fossil fuel-free option is available, we will purchase that, which often does come at a higher cost.”

Sciarra said she remained “stubbornly” committed to that goal, telling department heads to look outside the state for hybrid vehicles when their usual vendors in Massachusetts failed to provide any. She praised Northampton Police Chief Jody Kasper for managing to procure four hybrid vehicles, listed on the 2024 plan for a total cost of $366,000, or $91,500 each. The vehicles will replace existing cruisers on the police force.

“(Chief Kasper) scoured the Eastern Seaboard to find hybrid cruisers, and then used everything that she learned in that process to give tips and tricks to other departments to fulfill their orders for hybrid electric vehicles,” she said. “We are continuing to explore all grant options and assistance for the greening of fleets and are trying to keep that commitment.”

The five-year plan also includes around $16 million for improvements to public school infrastructure, which Sciarra said is currently the city’s largest source of fossil fuel use. One million of that amount is scheduled for next fiscal year, including $600,000 for window replacement at Leeds Elementary School, $150,000 for energy system upgrades at JFK Middle School and other smaller projects.

Councilor Stanley Moulton said that more discussion would be needed for the planned funding, given the age of many of the school buildings.

“A larger conversation needs to happen pretty quickly with this investment,” Moulton said. “It’s not a conversation only about the structural soundness of the building, but through an equity lens, are we convinced that the four elementary schools, the facilities there are providing equitable educational opportunities for all of our students?”

Also listed on the 2024 capital plan is a $141,000 project for the installation of a “Portland Loo,” a single-occupancy public toilet planned to be built in Pulaski Park. Named after the city of Portland, Oregon, where they originated, other cities that have installed the toilets include Cambridge, Seattle and San Diego.

“The goal here is something that is universally available 24 hours a day with minimal city interaction,” said Alan Wolf, the mayor’s chief of staff, during last week’s hearing. “I think annual maintenance will be affordable and worth it to the city, especially for the populations that this will serve — everyone from families downtown that are looking for a place to go to some of our more vulnerable residents who we have not been able to serve after hours when buildings are closed.”

The biggest-ticket capital repair for next fiscal year is $16 million worth of improvements to the wastewater treatment plant and pump station. Other projects on the docket next year include $7.9 million for reservoir construction, as well as $750,000 in waterline replacement; $1.5 million for street resurfacing; $500,000 for improvements to the crossing area in front of Northampton High School, with an additional $3 million the following year; and $300,000 for Fire Department turnout gear replacement.

Sciarra is required to submit the capital plan to the City Council 120 days before the start of the next fiscal year. The council is expected to vote on a resolution in favor of the plan at its next meeting. Authorization for specific spending will come later in the form of individual financial orders.

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