Minneapolis City Council Climate & Infrastructure Committee Meeting Summary

Meeting Information

• Date: February 6, 2025
• Title: Regular Meeting of the Climate and Infrastructure Committee
• Present: Cashman (Chair), Vetaw, Osman, Chavez, Chowdhury, Koski (Vice Chair)
• Absent: None noted
• Guests: Jocelyn (Senior City Attorney), Luke (Program Manager, Health Department), Director Sexton
• Votes: 2 (Consent agenda items 3-7, George Floyd Square concept layout)

Highlights

• Approval of new franchise agreements and memoranda of understanding with Xcel Energy and Centerpoint Energy, including new emissions reduction targets and service quality metrics
• Motion to place George Floyd Square concept layout on file while exploring pedestrian plaza design
• Subordinate funding agreement for Blue Line Rail Extension
• Grant application for Municipal Investment Fund Planning Grant for geothermal planning
• Staff directive to research financial hardship programs and policies for utility infrastructure

Discussion

Utility Franchise Agreements and Clean Energy Partnership

The committee reviewed new 10-year franchise agreements with Xcel Energy and Centerpoint Energy, along with updated Clean Energy Partnership memoranda of understanding. Key improvements include:

• First-ever Minneapolis-specific emissions reduction commitments from both utilities
• New service quality and equity metrics
• $100,000 annual permit fees from each utility
• Enhanced coordination and communication requirements

While the agreements represent progress, several council members expressed concern that the commitments fall short of the city’s climate goals, particularly Centerpoint’s 20-30% emissions reduction target versus the city’s more ambitious targets.

Council Member Chowdhury noted: “I refuse to be frustrated as I am today about the failure to meet the climate action goals that have been set…it’s unacceptable to enrich oneself through pollution and the destruction of the environment.”

The agreements received strong public support despite acknowledged limitations, with many speakers urging approval while maintaining pressure for stronger action.

Vote: Passed unanimously

George Floyd Square Concept Layout

The committee considered a motion to place the concept layout on file while exploring a pedestrian plaza design. This sparked significant debate about the project’s timeline and community engagement process.

Council Member Jenkins strongly opposed the delay: “We are literally saying to hundreds and hundreds of constituents who have showed up over hours and hours and hours over many years that we don’t care what you think.”

Council Member Chavez defended the motion: “We are choosing a pathway forward…We’re not trying to stop construction. We are saying if we move forward with a pedestrian mall plan and we work together, we can get this done.”

Vice Chair Koski requested a comprehensive review of the project’s timeline, spending, and integration with other initiatives.

Vote: 4-2 (Vetaw, Koski opposed)

Public Comments

The majority of public comments focused on the utility franchise agreements:

Environmental/Climate Advocates:

• Patrice (Ward 2), Julie Doherty (Ward 12), Dan Turner (Ward 2), and several others supported the agreements while emphasizing the need for continued pressure on utilities
• Multiple speakers stressed the importance of accountability measures and stronger emissions targets

Utility Representatives:

• Kat Knudson (Centerpoint) and John Marshall (Xcel) expressed appreciation for the partnership and commitment to meeting goals

Infrastructure/Technical Comments:

• Leslie Jackson raised concerns about grid reliability and emissions from specific facilities
• John Purdy discussed utility rate classification issues affecting multi-unit residential buildings
• Lee Samuelson highlighted concerns about Clean Energy Partnership website functionality and implementation

Community Impact:

• Rev. Nathan Roberts shared personal impacts of climate change on his family
• Multiple speakers emphasized the connection between climate goals and equity considerations
• Several speakers stressed the importance of including renters in energy programs