City Council Meeting Date: May 7, 2024
To: Honorable Mayor & City Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Risi Karim, Assistant to the City Administrator
Title
Consider Resolution Authorizing up to $25,000 from the Carbon Reduction Fund to the Northfield Public School District Efforts to Explore the Feasibility of a Geothermal System at Northfield High School.
Body
Action Requested:
Council consideration of a Resolution Authorizing up to $25,000 from the Carbon Reduction Fund to the Northfield Public School District Efforts to Explore the Feasibility of a Geothermal System at Northfield High School.
Summary Report:
The School District is requesting $25,000 from the City’s Carbon Reduction Fund to assist with the cost of the drilling of wells to test for a geothermal system. Partnering with the school district on geothermal projects further fosters partnerships between different sectors of the community. By working together towards a common goal, the city and the school district can leverage each other's resources, expertise, and networks to maximize the impact of carbon reduction initiatives and accelerate progress towards shared sustainability objectives.
The Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) met on April 17th and offered their recommended support to the City Council to approve a resolution authorizing up to $25,000 for this request.
Additional Background Information
Northfield School Board has approved a bond referendum for the November election to address the issues facing the Northfield high school facility.
The referendum will have three questions on it. The third will ask the voters to consider approving up to seven million dollars to support the installation of a geothermal system at Northfield High School for the purposes of heating and cooling the facility. The passage of question three is contingent upon the passage of both questions one and two.
Northfield Climate Action Plan identifies “switching energy sources from fossil fuel to clean electricity in both buildings and travel” as one of the key strategies to achieving its 100% carbon free by 2040 goal.
The Northfield School District is one of the City’s large energy users, supporting their transition to geothermal systems can significantly contribute to the city's goal of achieving 100% carbon neutrality by 2040. Geothermal systems utilize renewable energy from the Earth's heat, producing significantly fewer carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel-based heating and cooling systems. By installing geothermal systems in local facilities such as Northfield high school, the city can directly reduce its carbon footprint, advancing towards its carbon neutrality goal.
Supporting the school district's initiative demonstrates collaborative efforts between local government entities and educational institutions to address climate change and environmental sustainability. This synergy fosters a sense of shared responsibility and commitment towards achieving common goals, enhancing community engagement and participation in carbon reduction initiatives.
Superintendent Hillmann is not able to be at the meeting and are not other designees working on this information available at the meeting. Staff encourages any questions related to additional details of the school requests to contact staff in advance so we can get the information from Superintendent Hillmann for the meeting.
Alternative Options:
Decline the request for funding.
Financial Impacts:
$25,000 withdrawn from the Carbon Reduction Fund
Tentative Timelines:
April 17th, 2024- Environmental Quality Commission Motion of Support Approval (Completed)
May 7th, 2024 - City Council Meeting for Resolution Approval