A key topic of discussion was the Solar on Public Buildings Grant, which has been expanded to include public buildings across Minnesota, with a funding pool of approximately $14.5 to $15 million. The utility has submitted a Request for Proposals (RFP) to vendors for potential solar array installations at three sites: the electrical distribution department, the natural gas department shed, and the water filtration plant. The grant aims to support solar installations up to 40 kW, and the utility is leveraging the Minnesota Department of Administration’s bidding process to expedite vendor selection. The urgency for this initiative was underscored by the need to align with the grant’s application timeline, which opened on September 31. Vendors are expected to respond by October 7, with a final selection anticipated by October 13. The commission discussed the potential for site owners to purchase the solar systems in the future, highlighting financing options that could alleviate the need for upfront capital.

The commission also focused on the Local Climate Action Grant, awarded through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, to support energy improvement projects within a designated environmental justice community. The grant, totaling $49,940 with a matching contribution of $2,525 from the utility’s conservation program, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% across 665 dwellings. The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Minnesota Valley Action Council and other local organizations, will conduct energy audits and promote energy efficiency improvements. The targeted area spans west of Broadway to the Cottonwood River, with an emphasis on low-income households. Plans for community outreach include direct mailings and grassroots efforts to encourage participation, leveraging the unique collaboration between city entities and local action councils to enhance energy efficiency.

In a administrative update, the commission addressed the recruitment process for a new utilities director, following the announcement of Director Manerfeld’s retirement at the end of the year. A proposal to engage MGT, an executive recruitment firm specializing in municipal utilities, was accepted. The comprehensive recruitment process includes position assessment, stakeholder input, advertising, and candidate screening, with a timeline of approximately 14 weeks. The commission approved the $26,000 service fee, which includes a 12-month guarantee for candidate placement, opting for the full proposal to avoid issues encountered with previous short-lived hires.

Infrastructure improvements were another focal point of the meeting. The commission approved a proposal for a water and wastewater study, essential for updating cost of service and rate assessments following recent capital improvement evaluations. Dave Berg Consulting was selected to undertake the study for $15,000, having previously delivered satisfactory work for the commission.

Further, the commission authorized a geotechnical evaluation for the 20th Street South Force main and water main crossing. This evaluation is important for the project’s design, particularly if federal funding becomes available in 2026. The commission approved a $25,578 proposal from Bronn Intertech for the evaluation.

Attention was also given to the replacement of a transformer at the Center Street Substation, a componet nearing the end of its 60-year lifespan. The commission agreed to a bid of $1,425,48 for its replacement, emphasizing the urgency to secure favorable pricing amid current lead times.

Additionally, the commission approved a proposal for upgrading the last 69 KV oil-filled breaker, a project crucial for meeting grant requirements. A $50,000 proposal from Power System Engineering Inc. was authorized to develop plans and oversee the replacement.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the report of claims, detailing payments amounting to $3,525,1236. Additionally, a new water district energy supervisor, Paul Tesher, was introduced, expressing enthusiasm for his role within the utility.