This bill proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, Section 412.341, Subdivision 1, to increase the allowable number of members on a statutory city public utility commission.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

1. Increase in Commission Size:

   • The public utility commission may now consist of three, five, or seven members, instead of being restricted to only three members.
     
   • The members are appointed by the city council.
     
   • No more than one member may be a city council member.
     

2. Term Lengths & Staggered Appointments:

   • Each member serves a three-year term unless appointed to an initial commission, in which case terms are staggered to ensure continuity.
     
   • Initial commission terms are assigned as follows:
     • Three-member commission: Terms of one, two, and three years.
     • Five-member commission: One member for one year, two members for two years, two members for three years.
     • Seven-member commission: Two members for one year, two members for two years, and three members for three years.
       

3. Modification of Commission Size by Ordinance:

   • The number of commission members can be increased or decreased within the range of three to seven by ordinance.
     
   • Ordinances changing the number of members must maintain staggered terms for continuity.
     
   • If the size is reduced, the changes must allow current members to serve out their full terms.
     

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to provide greater flexibility for cities in determining the size of their public utility commissions, allowing them to expand or reduce membership based on local needs.