06-14-2005 ERMU MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 3 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission June 14,2005 allow the expansion of this substation. John Dietz asked if staff has discussed the possibility of sharing Otsego substation with Wright-Hennepin Cooperative,staff responded that they were in favor of it. Motion by John Dietz to continue the CUP process with the City of Otsego. Jerry Takle seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0. 6.1 Review& Consider Public Expenditure Policy The City is looking at adopting a Public Purpose Expenditure Policy. This proposed policy addresses proper expenditures of public funds for employee training and development programs,and volunteer recognition. Staff recommends adopting this policy after the City adopts their policy so we can include any changes they make. Lori Johnson handed out the revised policy to be adopted. Discussion followed regarding what is not allowed with the new policy,a few of the policies that effect us are flowers for memorials,and employee years of service anniversary gifts. Lori Johnson recommends we adopt the same policy as the City. John Dietz suggests we adopt the City policy. Jerry Takle feels we should have our own policy identical to the City. Commissioners would like the Public Expenditure Policy changed to reflect the City policy and it will be reviewed at the next Commission meeting. 6.2 Review Proposed Energy City Commission The City of Elk River applied to the Minnesota Environmental Initiative(MEI)in 1996 to be a program of Energy Alley(organization under MEI). The City was then chosen to become an Energy City to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy industry through demonstrations and consumer education. Recently the City was informed by MEI that Energy Alley may not exist in the near future. The Action Committee for Energy(ACE)is the local committee that runs Energy City. Because of the positive results of this committee,ACE is recommending Energy City become a city commission. Bryan Adams discussed the need and expectations of the committee. He also discussed what the criteria was of who would be on the Energy City Commission. John Dietz voiced his concern over this being a City Committee yet not following standard City Committee make-up. Jerry Takle commented the current focus is just electricity and recycling,why not other areas like transportation. John Dietz asked if there were any public interest in the Energy houses. Bryan Adams said there is an interest out there. No action taken. 6.3 Review GRE Generation&Transmission Capacity Staff has had several discussions recently with Connexus and GRE concerning electric generation resource planning. Bryan Adams discussed the generation capacity requirements versus the actual capacity on hand. Concern over the need for additional capacity is an issue. John Dietz questioned how big an area could we supply if there was a blackout. Glenn Sundeen responded that we could only support 1/4 of the town but we would rotate that power if the need arose. No action taken.