5.3 EMRUSR 12-10-2024Elk River
Municipal Utilities UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:
FROM:
ERMU Commission
Mark Hanson —General Manager
MEETING DATE:
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
December 10, 2024
5.3
SUBJECT:
Energy City Committee
ACTION REQUESTED:
Approve the Formation of the Pilot Energy City Committee
BACKGROUND:
In 1996, the City of Elk River applied to the Minnesota Environmental Initiative (MEI) to become
a program of Energy Alley and officially became Energy City. In June 2005, the City established
the Energy City Commission (ECC) after the State of Minnesota informed the city that MEI was
likely dissolving.
At the Elk River City Council meeting on October 7, 2024, the council held a work session to
discuss the disbandment of the Energy City Commission, effective December 31, 2024. During
this session, the Council directed staff to collaborate with ERMU to explore the possibility of
reorganizing the Committee under ERMU.
During the ERMU commission meetings on October 8, 2024, and November 12, 2024,
discussions took place to assess whether the Commission supported the re-establishment of
the ECC as an ERMU Committee. The Utilities Commission directed staff to present a formal
charter outlining the purpose of the Committee.
City and ERMU staff recently met with the current ECC members to review the history of the
Commission and provide an overview of the discussions that have taken place in recent months
regarding its re-establishment under ERMU. During the meeting, commission members were
given the opportunity to share their thoughts on the transition. Most members felt the change
would have minimal impact, while some expressed concerns about maintaining their voice
within the City.
DISCUSSION:
The re-establishment of the Energy City group as an ERMU Committee reinforces and advances
the mission and vision of Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) as a leader in energy and water
reliability, sustainability, and conservation. Committee members will serve as ambassadors for
ERMU, representing the organization within the community and actively promoting its mission
and vision. As part of their role, members will receive a comprehensive overview of ERMU's
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history, an understanding of the importance of public power, and insights into ERMU's current
position as a leader in the utility industry.
NEXT STEPS:
Approve the one-year pilot program for the Energy City Committee, set to begin on January 1,
2025, with an evaluation at the end of the pilot period to assess its effectiveness and make any
necessary adjustments.
ATTACHMENT:
Proposed Energy City Committee Charter
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