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Environmental Board <br />December 17, 2025 <br />Page 2 <br /> <br />5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES <br /> <br />Chair Schwartz took a motion to set the November 25, 2025 minutes. Ms. Holmes <br />motioned to approve the meeting minutes. Motion was seconded by Chair Schwartz. <br />Motion carried 7 0. <br /> <br />6. ACTION ITEMS <br />A. Metropolitan Council Water Efficiency Grant Update <br />The City received grant funding from the Metropolitan Council for water conservation <br />programs. The funding is part of the clean water fund grant and is valid through June 30, <br />2026. The City has been purchasing Smart Irrigation controllers as part of the program <br />and distributing them to residents at a cost of $45.00. The City covers $115.00 of the <br />cost of the controllers. Over the past year and a half, the program has efficiently <br />distributed controllers to eligible residents. We have seen a decrease in participation <br />recently along with a dwindling supply of controllers. Rather than purchase new <br />controllers to have in stock staff is looking into starting a rebate program. <br />As part of the original grant agreement, rebates for eligible purchases were covered <br />under eligible expenses. Lino Lakes staff have recommend starting the rebate program <br />on January 1, 2026. The program will allow residents to choose the controller that works <br />best for them and still receive the same portion of funding the City was providing. <br />Outside of the irrigation program, staff is working to create rebates for different <br />appliances as well. Rebates for dishwashers, washing machines, and toilets would be <br />included as part of the program. WaterSense and Energy Star approved purchases will <br />be eligible for the rebate program. <br />Staff believes more residents will be able to benefit from the program by expanding the <br />options on what is allowed for rebates. Reaching more residents will ultimately have a <br />greater impact on water conservation within the City. <br />Tom Hoffman, Environmental Coordinator for the City of Lino Lakes, presented the <br />Metropolitan Council Water Efficiency Grant Update and was available for questions. <br /> <br />Ms. Nelson asked how someone would prove that they purchased an energy-saving <br />item. <br />Mr. Hoffman said that it would be on their eligibility requirement sheet located on the <br />website. He noted that one of the items for rebate would be to send in a picture of the <br />item installed. <br />Ms. Nelson wants to know if it applies to new construction homes as well. <br />APPROVED MINUTES <br /> <br /> <br />