6.1f ERMUSR 12-11-2018 Elk River
Municipal Utilities UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO: FROM:
ERMU Commission Tom Sagstetter—Conservation&Key Accounts Manager
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
December 11, 2018 6.1f
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
• In the last month, the level two charger downtown had 3 sessions, and provided
customers with 19 kWh of green energy. The level two charger in the ERMU/City Hall
parking lot had 10 sessions and provided customers with 208 kWh of green energy. The
DC fast charger at the Coborn's fuel station had 11 sessions and provided 176 kWh of
green energy to customers.
• Participated in Frontline Supervision Leadership Training that is sponsored by Minnesota
Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA). This was my third session of four in the
course. There were two very interesting topics of discussion. The first was, followers
become leaders and leaders become followers. The discussion focused on the fact that as
employees learn and grow,they will become leaders (subject matter experts)within the
organization. Once this occurs the leader(Supervisor) should recognize this and value the
employees input. The second interesting topic was organizations that are having success
in retaining employees and improving customer satisfaction are focusing on feelings and
perceptions not just logic.
• Energy City Commission(ECC)Update—The ECC welcomed new Commissioner
Aaron Brixius. Aaron is an Elk River resident and also works at Xcel Energy. The
commission talked about the recent developments with solid waste and organics. The
commission also worked through the 10 year action plan, and Amanda Othoudt will be
working with City and Utility staff to update achievements in 2018. There was a great
deal of discussion about the builder/developer process for applications for city and utility
services. This was Council Member Jerry Olsen's last meeting. The City Council will
have a liaison in 2019.
• MMUA did their annual inspection of the ERMU generation facilities. The diesel power
plant had an awesome walk through and only had a couple of items to work on. The
landfill gas plant did equally well. In 2019 the circuit breakers and relays will need to be
inspected at both of the facilities.
• There has been a lot of activity at the landfill gas plant. The engine#1 replacement was
moved to January 2 or 3, as Waste Management is unable to change it out before the end
of the year.
• Working with Economic Development(EDA) staff to develop a new incentive program
to help attract businesses to Elk River.
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• Delivered low-income conservation kits to Tri-Cap who helps to distribute them to
eligible ERMU customers. The kits contain energy and water efficiency materials to help
them save money on their monthly bills. Some of the items in the kit include: window
film, caulking, weather stripping, LED lights, shower heads,pipe wrap, and smart power
strips. ERMU staff has also worked to complete the 2019 contract for Tri-Cap to provide
services to customers in need. The contracted services include weatherization, appliance
replacements, and health and safety equipment.
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