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