St. Peter’s Squirrel Problem Solved With Underground Electrical System

In recent years, St. Peter has faced an unexpected culprit behind most of its power outages: squirrels. These animals caused 82% of the city’s outages over the past three years by chewing through electrical wiring, according to the St. Peter Herald.

To tackle this issue, the city recently completed a $1.6 million project to move its electrical system fully underground. The effort culminated with the replacement of the aging Front Street substation, the final piece of St. Peter’s old overhead infrastructure. This milestone makes St. Peter one of the few Minnesota cities with a completely underground system, which is much less susceptible to outages than above ground systems. Aside from being safe from squirrels, it’s protected from storms, falling trees, and similar emergency situations.

In February, city officials celebrated the accomplishment with a lighthearted ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring cardboard squirrel cutouts.

The underground transformation, initiated after a devastating tornado in 1998, was largely funded through utility user fees and completed under budget. With a more resilient system in place, St. Peter residents and businesses experience some of the fewest power outages and fastest restoration times in the nation, according to City Administrator Todd Prafke.

Bayport Fire Department To Go Solar

The Bayport Fire Department is set to harness clean energy with the installation of a 36-kW solar array panel, according to the Stillwater Gazette.

The project will be fully funded by a state grant from the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Division of Energy Resources, and through federal tax credits, including the Made in the USA Tax Credit, so there will be no cost to the city or taxpayers.

The solar array panel will generate enough energy to power approximately five and a half homes each year, significantly reducing the fire station’s energy expenses. Over time, the city could save hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The Bayport City Council recently approved the final contract, marking the last step before implementation. Wolf River Electric will manage the installation and ongoing maintenance. Xcel Energy has also confirmed no infrastructure issues. The city is now one step closer to a more sustainable future.

LMCIT’s Dan Greensweig Honored With International AGRiP Leadership Award

On March 18, League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) Administrator Dan Greensweig received the prestigious Award for Excellence in Leadership from the Association of Governmental Risk Pools (AGRiP). This international honor recognizes his transformational leadership, particularly in addressing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among first responders.

Since 2017, Greensweig has led LMCIT, a self-insurance trust managing $150 million in annual premiums for over 1,200 Minnesota cities and local government entities. LMCIT initiatives led by Greensweig include the PTSD and Mental Health Toolkit, the “Accept, Prevent, Treat” campaign, and the Peer Support Advisory Board, have reshaped mental health support for first responders.

Greensweig’s leadership extends to cutting-edge research — such as collaborations with Benchmark Analytics — that aims to improve policing practices through data-driven insights. He also fosters professional development through university teaching, internships, and industry mentorship programs.

Greensweig’s award highlights his commitment to public safety, innovation, and mentorship, making a lasting impact on Minnesota communities and beyond. Congratulations, Dan!

Apprenticeship Programs Strengthen Water Workforce

The cities of Chaska and Plymouth are leading efforts to address workforce shortages in the water sector through innovative apprenticeship programs. These programs aim to create accessible, well-paying career opportunities in water management, from wastewater treatment to natural resource management. With about one-third of the water workforce nearing retirement in the next decade, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, initiatives like these are crucial. Through partnerships with the American Water Works Association and Freshwater’s Water Workforce Pathways program, municipalities are tackling labor shortages by offering hands-on training and reducing entry barriers.

Chaska’s program, launched in 2022, has already seen success, with its first apprentice transitioning to full-time employment. Plymouth introduced a tri-division maintenance apprenticeship in 2024, providing experience across streets, utilities, and parks departments. Both cities prioritize on-the-job training over formal qualifications, requiring only a high school diploma and a valid driver’s license.

These efforts highlight how local governments can collaboratively build a water workforce and support clean water access for the future.

LMC 2025 Annual Conference Mobile Tours

LMC’s Annual Conference, taking place June 25-27, features three mobile tours, offering attendees the chance to explore innovative community projects, housing developments, and climate resilience initiatives in the Duluth area.

On June 25, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Hermantown Essentia Wellness Center tour will showcase the multipurpose facility that combines child care, health care, fitness, and community spaces. Learn about the city’s successful partnerships and funding strategies. Cost: $65 (includes lunch).

Also on June 25, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Duluth Residential Development Showcase tour will explore two major housing projects — Incline Village and Riverwest. Hear how the city has approached the projects from a needs assessment as well as community and design perspectives. Cost: $65 (includes lunch).

On June 26, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Climate Resilience along Lake Superior tour will take you through Canal Park, the Lakewalk, and Brighton Beach to see how Duluth is rebuilding its shoreline to withstand future storms and adapt to climate challenges. Cost: $45.

Pre-registration for all mobile tours is required. Add a tour when registering for the LMC Annual Conference or contact [email protected] if already registered. For more conference details, visit lmc.org/ac25.