6.1f ERMUSR 03-13-2017 Elk River ,�
Municipal Utilities UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO: FROM:
Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Tom Sagstetter - Conservation and Key Accounts
John Dietz—Chair Manager
Al Nadeau—Vice Chair
Daryl Thompson—Trustee
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
March 13th, 2017 6.1f
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
DISCUSSION:
• Working with city staff on a number of Energy City initiatives including but limited to:
documentation and planning for an intern to come from Germany to assist in the
environmental area; possible ordinance change to expand representation on Energy City
Commission to residents, non-profit organizations, and youth organizations.
• Provided a tour of the GRE facilities for the University of St. Thomas graduate student
partners that are working on a research project that has a goal to establish a clear brand
identity and image for Elk River as Energy City.
• Attended APPA Legislative Rally with represenatives from MMUA. Attended in person
meetings with legislators that included: Representative Tom Emmer, Senators Al Franken
and Amy Klobuchar. The key issues we discussed included: tax exempt municipal bonds;
small cell wireless communication companies attaching to municipal utility poles; and
changes to the Federal Power Act that could change how power generated from federal
hydroelectric projects could be sold into the market and change existing lease agreements
with members that receive power from WAPA. The legislators were understanding of our
positions on each topic and the meetings were very beneficial. Illustrating how the
proposed changes impact local residents and businesses is critical to keeping policies in
place that provide for stable affordable electric service and rates.
• MMPA met with four area elementary schools to educate them on electricity and how it's
created and delivered to their homes. The discussion emphasizes the generation portfolio
including renewables and the importance of efficiency and conservation by residential
and commercial businesses.
• Worked with a newly acquired customer from Connexus on energy use and billing
concerns. The situation was resolved and the customer was satisfied.
• The Elk River Chamber of Commerce has cancelled the Business Expo for 2017. The
reasons for the cancelation included: decreasing attendance;vendors having difficulty
with the Sunday schedule and staffing of booths; and vendors not seeing benefit from the
event.
El
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