11-17-2021 ECC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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all 4`h graders in the district, however this hasn't been possible during the last year and a half. Ideally additional education is part of the long-range planning. Commission Herbert shared the school district is piloting new curriculum next fall for middle school students and was interested in supporting the smart energy designation. There have been many challenges this year in the school district related to staffing and bussing issues, making it difficult to do anything additional at this time. Chair Sagstetter also shared that ERMU will be increasing utility rates in 2022 due to market changes and inflation. This is not uncommon with other utilities either given changes throughout the state. 5.2 Sustainability Survey The Sustainability Survey has been finalized but unfortunately has only been completed by a small number of individuals. The commission is hopeful that some additional promotion and marketing could result in more submissions. Commissioners recommended boosting the posts on social media at a low cost. Additionally, city staff may create a press release to share with the local newspaper. Staff will also work to connect with local Chamber of Commerce staff. 5.3 ERMU Smart Energy Provider designation Chair Sagstetter explained that ERMU received the Smart Energy Provider designation for the second time, which is valid for two years. This designation highlights how the utility and city work well together on sustainability initiatives such as stormwater management, recycling and organics, providing energy efficiency info welcome bags to new homes, etc. ERMU is one of 70 in the county that received this designation with only a few others in Minnesota. It is a big honor and required a lot of time and effort to receive the designation. One area that ERMU could improve on is surveys and customer interactions, which is specified as important in the program. City staff plans to use this topic for the November Energy City Insight post to highlight ERMU's achievement. 5.4 ERMU rebates and efficiency programs for 2022 ERMU continues to work on rebate and efficiency programs in 2021, which has been difficult. Chair Sagstetter shared there are some larger rebate programs at the end of 2021, which is encouraging. ERMU will likely fall short of their energy savings goals for this year. It has been a common trend that efficiency programs are less popular this year, as organizations don't have capacity or funds. ERMU is hopeful that 2022 is a better year for rebates and efficiency programs. 5.5 Solar picnic table update The concrete slab will be poured this fall along with the trail reconstruction at Orono Park. Staff is hopeful the structure will be built next year, unfortunately project 2