5.3 EMRUSR 12-10-2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk River Municipal Utilities UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING TO: FROM: ERMU Commission Mark Hanson —General Manager MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: December 10, 2024 5.3 SUBJECT: Energy City Committee ACTION REQUESTED: Approve the Formation of the Pilot Energy City Committee BACKGROUND: In 1996, the City of Elk River applied to the Minnesota Environmental Initiative (MEI) to become a program of Energy Alley and officially became Energy City. In June 2005, the City established the Energy City Commission (ECC) after the State of Minnesota informed the city that MEI was likely dissolving. At the Elk River City Council meeting on October 7, 2024, the council held a work session to discuss the disbandment of the Energy City Commission, effective December 31, 2024. During this session, the Council directed staff to collaborate with ERMU to explore the possibility of reorganizing the Committee under ERMU. During the ERMU commission meetings on October 8, 2024, and November 12, 2024, discussions took place to assess whether the Commission supported the re-establishment of the ECC as an ERMU Committee. The Utilities Commission directed staff to present a formal charter outlining the purpose of the Committee. City and ERMU staff recently met with the current ECC members to review the history of the Commission and provide an overview of the discussions that have taken place in recent months regarding its re-establishment under ERMU. During the meeting, commission members were given the opportunity to share their thoughts on the transition. Most members felt the change would have minimal impact, while some expressed concerns about maintaining their voice within the City. DISCUSSION: The re-establishment of the Energy City group as an ERMU Committee reinforces and advances the mission and vision of Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) as a leader in energy and water reliability, sustainability, and conservation. Committee members will serve as ambassadors for ERMU, representing the organization within the community and actively promoting its mission and vision. As part of their role, members will receive a comprehensive overview of ERMU's Page Iof2 131