Two appointments to Minneapolis' new Clean Energy Partnership with utility companies received unanimous council approval Friday, despite earlier disagreements over who should lead the effort.
Council Members Elizabeth Glidden and Kevin Reich will join Mayor Betsy Hodges and City Coordinator Spencer Cronk as the city's representatives on the partnership board. They'll work with Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy on plans to help the city meet greenhouse gas-reduction goals.
The city signed the partnership with the two companies in October. Council President Barb Johnson first introduced a proposal to name Glidden and Reich to the board on Dec. 11, the day after the council took a contentious vote on the city budget.
Some members had expected Council Member Cam Gordon, a prominent advocate of the partnership, to get a spot. After council members raised objections, Johnson quickly pulled the item off the agenda.
But on Friday, it appeared council members had sorted out their differences on the issue. Gordon was appointed as an alternate to the board.
Council Member Alondra Cano said that after many behind-the-scenes conversations, she and others were glad to see the council move forward with Glidden and Reich on the board.
"We are very happy with moving forward with this slate to try to make sure that folks can continue to shape this discussion in a way that truly elevates Minneapolis," she said.
Council Member Blong Yang hinted at earlier disagreements but didn't elaborate in a short statement.
