The council’s decision to accept the MPCA grant marks a step in addressing potential environmental concerns related to PAS, a group of chemicals found in various household items and industrial products. The city plans to use the funds to conduct 12 to 15 tests of sludge and other samples to better understand the presence and impact of these substances in the local sewage system. While previous tests have shown no concerning levels of PAS in the city’s drinking water, the council emphasized the necessity of ongoing monitoring due to the evolving nature of testing technology and scientific understanding of these chemicals. The goal is to gather comprehensive data to inform future actions and ensure environmental safety.

In addition to environmental testing, the council reviewed the city’s solar interconnection process, which has been in place for several years. The discussion aimed to familiarize council members with the current system and address any potential scenarios that solar customers might face. The process involves several steps, including engineering reviews and inspections, to ensure that solar installations meet state and local requirements. The city is working with Star Engineering for technical evaluations and uses the Nova Power Portal to manage applications and customer interactions. The council noted that the solar industry is experiencing growth, with an increase in applications for solar installations in recent years. However, concerns were raised about the financial implications of compensating solar customers at retail rates, which could affect the city’s ability to invest in infrastructure and maintain fair pricing for non-solar customers.