2022.04.12 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Ms. Hawkins for coming in and applying for this position. She noted City Clerk Spangrud would be in touch with further information on how the Council was moving forward. Massopust reported if the Council supported Ms. Hawkins being appointed to PREC, staff can update the Resolution and this would be approved by the Council on the Consent Agenda. The Council supported Ms. Hawkins being appointed to PREC. Further discussion ensued regarding the open seats on the City’s Commissions. Partners in Energy from Xcel Energy Presentation Fink reported Center for Energy and Environment will share a brief overview about the Partners in Energy Program through Xcel Energy. She noted PREC discussed this matter and recommended the Council review it further. She explained Xcel Energy Partners in Energy provides communities in Colorado, Minnesota, and Wisconsin services to develop an energy plan and assistance with implementing that plan. Each community has its own unique energy needs and priorities, and Partners in Energy tailors its services to complement each community’s vision. Applications are open and have two deadlines per year. The next is in July. The service is free. The goal is to create a plan for energy use reduction for both the City and its residents and businesses. Mike Wilhelmi, Community Relations Manager for Xcel Energy, introduced himself to the Council noting he was the representative for New Brighton. Tammy Gunderzick, Xcel Energy, noted she managed the Partners in Energy program for Xcel Energy. She explained this program was targeted at helping put together and implement energy action plans. She noted cities and counties generally take advantage of this program. She reported this program generally takes place over two years and discussed the three phases of this program which included developing a plan, implementation of the plan with Partners in Energy, and continued implementation. After that point, the city would become a graduate of the program, and the City would be in a full implementation mode and special projects could be pursued. The objectives of Xcel Energy for this program were further reviewed. A map of the cities Xcel works with in Minnesota and Wisconsin was discussed. Marisa Beyer, Center for Energy and Environment, described how Partners in Energy works with communities. She reported this involved community planning, implementation support and data analysis. She commented on the process that would be followed to develop an energy action plan. She described how Partners in Energy assists cities with creating flyers and marketing materials to promote energy assessments and implementation activities. The support provided during the implementation phase was reviewed. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas asked if assistance with benchmarking from other cities was provided through this program. Ms. Beyer reported this assistance was provided. Councilmember Axberg questioned if this was a framework that would address concerns in the City. Massopust reported the City has been following the Minnesota Green Steps framework in regards to sustainability and environmental issues. He commented on the steps the City has taken and explained the Partners in Energy program would be another step the City can take to provide community based energy efficiencies. Councilmember Axberg stated she understood this was a free program but inquired what resources would be required from staff. Massopust reported staff does not have dedicated staff allotted to sustainability. He indicated staff capacity would have to be considered based on the recommendations that come from this. Fink noted she spoke with other communities regarding this matter and understood a Green Corp intern may be a