SF3131 Summary

• Reduces the biomass electric energy mandate from 125 megawatts to 110 megawatts and approves a power purchase agreement amendment allowing project size reduction from 50 to 35 megawatts with a maximum energy price of $104 per megawatt-hour.

• Authorizes reimbursable fuel costs including loading, transportation, storage facility depreciation, and unloading expenses exceeding $3.40 per million metric British thermal units (MMBTU), with annual reconciliation of actual versus estimated costs.

• Increases Hibbing's Public Utility Commission from three members to five members, with the existing three members continuing until their terms expire and two additional members appointed for two-year and three-year terms respectively.

• Abolishes the existing ward system for Hibbing established by the 1979 Stuntz annexation order and adopts Optional Plan A form of government with a mayor and six council members (two at-large, four by ward) serving staggered four-year terms.

• Changes Hibbing's city clerk-treasurer position from elected to appointed when the current term expires, effective after local government compliance procedures are completed.