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�i <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 />November 12, 2024 <br />5.11 <br />SUBJECT: <br />Energy City Committee Discussion <br />ACTION REQUESTED: <br />Provide Direction on Energy City Committee Purpose and Makeup <br />BACKGROUND: <br />In 1996, the City of Elk River applied to the Minnesota Environmental Initiative (MEI) to become <br />a program of Energy Alley and officially became Energy City. In June 2005, the city established <br />the Energy City Commission (ECC) after the State of Minnesota informed the city that MEI was <br />likely dissolving. <br />In recent years, the City has faced challenges in maintaining membership on the Commission, <br />which can have up to 11 members per ordinance. Additionally, the Commission has had <br />difficulty identifying and budgeting for projects. Given the wealth of information on sustainable <br />energy, including recent legislative developments, city staff have recommended that the <br />Council disband the ECC and reconstitute it as an ERMU committee. <br />For reference, the stated purpose of the ECC is to promote the City of Elk River as a hub of <br />energy technology, energy manufacturing, energy demonstrations, recycling, use of green <br />products and education. Its stated responsibilities include: <br />1. Aid, create, promote, endorse, sponsor, and facilitate energy related demonstrations. <br />2. Work for the continuing education of the public with respect to energy technology, <br />energy manufacturing, energy demonstrations, recycling, use of green products and <br />education. <br />3. Solicit gifts and contributions to be made to the City and assist in the preparation of <br />applications for grant funds for the purpose of energy technology, energy <br />manufacturing, energy demonstrations, recycling, use of green products and education. <br />4. Such other responsibilities as the city council shall assign from time to time. <br />DISCUSSION: <br />ERMU staff support the reassignment of the ECC as an ERMU Committee, but recommend <br />several changes to its structure, purpose, and responsibilities. <br />Page 1 of 2 <br />142 <br />