6.1a EMRUSR 07-09-2024Ji
Elk River =-.
Municipal Utilities UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:
FROM:
ERMU Commission
Mark Hanson —General Manager
MEETING DATE:
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
July 9, 2024
6.1a
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
• As reported earlier, Engineering Manager Chris Kerzman has submitted his notice of
resignation after 5+ years of service with ERMU. In addition to his many engineering
contributions, I'd like to personally thank Chris for his support, counsel, and
resourcefulness in meeting the needs of our stakeholders. Chris's last day will be Friday,
July 12. Prior to making decisions on next steps, we'll be taking the necessary time to
evaluate the engineering manager position and the future needs of the organization.
• As reported earlier, I've been working with Connexus Energy and representatives of the
Northfork Homeowners Association (HOA) in Ramsey for an easement to run an
underground tie line across their property. I started working with the HOA after learning
the lack of an agreement held up construction for nearly two years. Connexus had even
started pursuing an alternate route. I am happy to report an easement agreement with
the HOA is now in place allowing construction to start this summer. Since ERMU is
responsible for the construction costs, had an agreement not been reached, the
alternate route could have cost ERMU an additional $150K to construct.
• The Board of Directors of the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA) met on June
25, 2024, at Chaska City Hall in Chaska, Minnesota and via videoconference.
Commissioner Stewart and I attended. The public summary is below:
• The Board reviewed the Agency's operating & financial performance for May 2024.
• Clean Energy Choice program participation remained at 5.5%.
• The Board discussed the status of renewable projects the Agency is pursuing.
• The Board discussed the upcoming MMPA annual dinner meeting with city officials.
I'm happy to report that ERMU led the way at last month's operational update during
the MMPA Board Meeting with 17 additions to our Clean Energy Choice program. Kudos
to our customer service staff for hitting our highest single -month increase!
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