05-15-2024 ECC MIN
Meeting of the Elk River
Energy City Commission
Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Members Present: Chair Vern Iverson, Commissioners Grupa, Burandt,
Dombrovski, Fomby, and Youngs.
Members Absent: Vice Chair Miller, and Commissioner Peterson
Others Present: Suzanne Fischer, Env. Services/Special Projects Director
Mike Enfield, ECC candidate
1. Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Energy City Commission
was called to order by Chair Iverson at 8:30 a.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Iverson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Oath of Office
Chair Iverson administrated the Oath of Office for Mike Enfield.
4. Consider Agenda
Commissioner Youngs motioned to approve the agenda, seconded by Commissioner Fomby.
5.1 Consider Consent Agenda
Commissioner Dombrovski moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner
Fomby.
6.1 Monticello Nuclear Plant – Commission members shared their thoughts and take-aways
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from the April 25 tour coordinated by Chair Iverson. The commission believed this was a
beneficial tour and all gained a better understanding of their operations. Chair Iverson’s contact
indicated that a summer tour of the new solar project is also an option to consider.
6.2 Review Draft Goals – Commission members reviewed the summary of goals discussed at
the March meeting. Members will work on the goals and bring back their recommendations at
the next meeting. The draft goals will require action steps, timelines, and budgets before the
ECC goes to Council for their presentation.
6.3 Solar Table Ribbon Cutting – This event is on Weds., May 22 (4pm), at Orono Park.
Commissioners Burandt and Dombrovski are helping coordinate the event. Invitations were sent
out and the Star News has been notified. Mayor Dietz, Chair Iverson, and Brycen James (scout) will
be the speakers.
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6.4 ERMU Presentation – Commissioner Youngs gave a presentation on the history and
current operations of the utility. ERMU has 13,200 electric customers, 5000 water users, 1200
hydrants, and 4 water towers. The utility tests residential water quality annually. Commercial
customers are required to have their water tested annually and submit the results to ERMU.
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The utility provides a robust 4 grade education program for area elementary schools. They
also partner with MMPA (electrical supplier), on public outreach efforts. ERMU has partnered
with Frontier Electric on their Conservation Improvement Program (CIP). Residential and
commercial rebates can be found at https://www.ermumn.com/programs-rebates, as well as
information on other programs and work safety.
6.5 Farmers Market Schedule – The Commission chose Thursday, August 22, to be
present at the FM. In addition to energy and sustainability issues, the Commission requested
an ECC informational brochure, possible games/candy, and a poster to showcase one of the
ECC’s goals to install solar lights along city walking trails.
6.6 Other Commission Updates - No other Commissioner updates.
6.7 Healthy Homes Webinar – Commissioner Dombrovski shared information about the online
seminar he participated in last week. Although informative, it focused more on housing
inspections and those needing assistance from the State Health & Human Services agency.
There being no further business, Commissioner Dombrovski moved to adjourn the meeting,
seconded by Commissioner Youngs. The meeting was adjourned at 9:33am.
Suzanne M. Fischer 5.160.2024
Suzanne M. Fischer Date
Environmental Services/Special Projects Director
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