2015.09.21 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for September 21,2015 Page 4 of 6 Discussion on Solar Garden Subscriptions City Administrator Bryan Bear updated council on a previous discussion on SolarStones's request for construction of a solar garden in Hugo and for the City to be a subscriber for electricity for a 25 year period, which would reduce the cost of electricity for the City. The solar garden did not develop due to wetlands on the property. Staff recently responded to a request by the Met Council soliciting interest in subscribing to solar power. The City sent a letter of intent to become a part of their Request for Proposals for Community Solar Garden Subscription Agreements. Thirty one other cities also responded to the RFP with 224 million watts of capacity requested; the City of Hugo signed up for 1,000,000. Bear informed Council that all proposals can be rejected, and the City is under no obligation. Staff recently met with the Met Council to learn more about the Community Solar Garden Subscription Agreements. The RFP process will continue, and staff will simultaneously work with SolarStone. Met council will be ranking providers, which will make it easier for the City to make comparisons to determine if SolarStone is our best bet. The process will likely run as a lottery with other cities interested in subscribing to solar power. Bear informed Council they should be prepared to act quickly as there will be a 15-day turnaround time. Draft subscription agreements are available for review, and staff expects to bring results back for Council vote in late October or early November. The Council agreed the City needed to embrace the new technology in solar and be proactive. Yellow Ribbon Network Report Council Member Chuck Haas and Council Member Phil Klein reported on the Yellow Ribbon Network activities held recently. Haas thanked Xcel Energy for sponsoring last month's Hamburger Night. This month's sponsor is the Hugo Lions Club on Wednesday, September 23. YRN volunteers helped staff the suicide run. The YRN network helped a service member with car repairs. The Hugo YRN is now a 5013C non-profit organization. There are currently 75 soldiers registered for the upcoming pheasant hunt. Introduction of Congressman Tom Emmer Mayor Weidt welcomed Congressman Tom Emmer to the Council meeting. Emmer introduced himself and shared with Council how he began his political career on a City Council and stated that he likes visiting with communities. Emmer said that he wants to be closely connected to Hugo and know how he can help us. He can be easily reached at www.emmer.house.eov. and will respond as quick as possible. Council discussed with the Congressman items relating to maintaining the vitality of the railroad, funding to expand broadband to all areas of the City, funding for water reuse projects, and the importance of continuing support of our military. Emmer talked about his support of internships at the Capital for those who can't afford it,and he spoke to students from the White Bear Lake School District who were in attendance as part of a school assignment.