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Ji <br />Elk River =-. <br />Municipal Utilities UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING <br />TO: <br />FROM: <br />ERMU Commission <br />Mark Hanson —General Manager <br />MEETING DATE: <br />AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: <br />July 9, 2024 <br />6.1a <br />SUBJECT: <br />Staff Update <br />ACTION REQUESTED: <br />None <br />DISCUSSION: <br />• As reported earlier, Engineering Manager Chris Kerzman has submitted his notice of <br />resignation after 5+ years of service with ERMU. In addition to his many engineering <br />contributions, I'd like to personally thank Chris for his support, counsel, and <br />resourcefulness in meeting the needs of our stakeholders. Chris's last day will be Friday, <br />July 12. Prior to making decisions on next steps, we'll be taking the necessary time to <br />evaluate the engineering manager position and the future needs of the organization. <br />• As reported earlier, I've been working with Connexus Energy and representatives of the <br />Northfork Homeowners Association (HOA) in Ramsey for an easement to run an <br />underground tie line across their property. I started working with the HOA after learning <br />the lack of an agreement held up construction for nearly two years. Connexus had even <br />started pursuing an alternate route. I am happy to report an easement agreement with <br />the HOA is now in place allowing construction to start this summer. Since ERMU is <br />responsible for the construction costs, had an agreement not been reached, the <br />alternate route could have cost ERMU an additional $150K to construct. <br />• The Board of Directors of the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA) met on June <br />25, 2024, at Chaska City Hall in Chaska, Minnesota and via videoconference. <br />Commissioner Stewart and I attended. The public summary is below: <br />• The Board reviewed the Agency's operating & financial performance for May 2024. <br />• Clean Energy Choice program participation remained at 5.5%. <br />• The Board discussed the status of renewable projects the Agency is pursuing. <br />• The Board discussed the upcoming MMPA annual dinner meeting with city officials. <br />I'm happy to report that ERMU led the way at last month's operational update during <br />the MMPA Board Meeting with 17 additions to our Clean Energy Choice program. Kudos <br />to our customer service staff for hitting our highest single -month increase! <br />Page 1 of 1 <br />