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.
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