7.3. EDSR 12-18-2023
Request for Action
To Item Number
Economic Development Authority 7.3
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
General Business December 18, 2023 Brent O’Neil, Economic Development Director
Item Description Reviewed by
Electric Vehicle Charger Stations Mark Hanson, General Manager - ERMU
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Action Requested
Item presented for information and discussion purposes.
Background/Discussion
For several years Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) has owned and operated multiple charging stations in Elk
River which provide options to charge an electric vehicle (EV). Since their installation in Elk River, technology
has advanced, new chargers have increasingly been installed and provided by other entities, and home charging is
more prevalent. As more charging options are available, ERMU has determined it will reduce the number of
chargers it provides in Elk River, including the two chargers present in the King Avenue parking lot downtown.
Prior to their removal from service ERMU has inquired whether the EDA has an interest in taking possession of
the downtown chargers and continuing to operate them. Among financial considerations for the EDA would be
the monthly communication connectivity charge, cost of actual electricity used, and factors such as maintenance
and insurance. The fee charged to use the stations is set by the owner and offers a revenue component as well.
The current license agreement runs through 2025.
A representative of ERMU will be present to discuss further. If the EDA is interested, staff would work further
on a transfer and operation plan with ERMU and bring it to the EDA for consideration at a future meeting. If the
EDA is uninterested, ERMU intends to remove the stations in the coming weeks.
Financial Impact
N/A
Mission/Policy/Goal
Support energy-related initiatives and innovation.
Attachments
Exhibit of Downtown Parking Lot Charging Stations
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity.
Updated: January 2023
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