2025-01-22 WS & CC Meeting Minutes - (Approved)

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City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes January 22, 2025 Mayor Golden thanked the Chair for her time and stated that because the whole community lost so much with the Ash trees, could the city partner with a nursery or group purchasing if residents wanted to purchase trees as this would be a benefit for so many. Chairperson Errickson-Grahek stated that it was a possibility, the committee would talk about it and attempt to lay out a plan for such a program. Council Member Rios thanked the committee for their time and commitment associated with the decision around a Fiore Tree. She asked what had inspired the committee about the tree or what makes it feel like it is the thing for Centerville (e.g. placemaking) and what was the inspiration behind making the decision. Chair Errickson-Grahek stated that there were several factors that led the committee: gardens need improvement in CornerStone Park, continuation of the park’s beautification, the park being very visible, summer event/location, it being a show piece and attractive along with something people would enjoy. She stated that the park monument flower beds have been well received and are tended to by volunteers. She stated that she no feel that as people have been very positive with the monument flower beds that people would respond and differently with the installation of the tree. She did state that she understood the concern of funding. Mayor Golden ask that the committee bring back quotes for startup and routine maintenance as it would be helpful for planning purposes. Mayor Golden thanked the Chair for all her assistance on this item. Administrator Statz requested that Item #5 be addressed at this time as there were representatives of My Solar Pod in the audience who wanted to address the item. 4. Brian Drive Storm Pond Project Administrator Statz stated that this was an Ordinance to approve the rezoning with waiving the requirement of the second reading and rezoning the property P-1 (Public). 5. Solar on Public Buildings Grant – Suspension of Work Due to Federal Executive Order Administrator Statz stated that before members was information regarding the solar grant and he gave some background regarding obtaining a grant to install solar panels on the City Hall building which includes the Fire Hall. He stated that the panels were designed to provide the amount of electricity that is needed during the day, that there was no battery associated with the system and if there was excess power, then the power goes into the grid with the intention that it will reduce our grid costs as there will be limited electricity usage/costs. He stated that the grant is being made possible by the State of Minnesota for approximately 60% of the cost of the project and the city’s cost initially was 10% of the total cost ($11,750). Administrator Statz reviewed the grant agreement stating that the grant was $70,500 with $35,250 coming through as a federal tax credit and $11,750 being the city’s portion as matching funds. He stated that the city was all set to go with a pre-construction meeting arranged for the following day and two days ago the Presidential inauguration was, and he signed an Executive Order. He stated that contained in the informational handout was an email to My Solar Pod, the vendor, regarding “Unleashing American Energy Executive Order” which contained the language “Section 4 says revocation and revisions to certain presidential and regulatory actions, the following are revoked”. He stated that President Trump is revoking the Executive Orders from President Biden and the order is dated September 12, 2022, which is the implementation of the energy infrastructure provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act. He stated that this was an attempt to jump start the economy and complete some green energy type work with federal tax credits to allow for installation of solar panels on buildings. He stated that the program used to be available to taxpayers and then was extended to people who did not pay taxes/government agencies/cities, etc. He explained that it allowed the city to take in 30% of the project Page 8 of 16