Morris City Council approves state grant to buy electric truck for community‑center backup power

The Morris City Council voted to approve a microgrid lifeline facilities grant contract with the state of Minnesota to buy a Ford F‑150 Lightning and the necessary charging and backup equipment to support the city’s community center during emergencies. Titha, who presented the proposal, said the vehicle’s battery (about 130 kWh) could power the center for roughly eight to 10 hours depending on demand.

“This would be used in an emergency as a backup power system for the community center,” Titha said, adding the grant also covers the charger and associated installation work. Blaine said the project is a demonstration funded through a U.S. Department of Energy grant administered via the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

Council members asked about costs and timing. Titha told the council the grant estimate is about $97,350 to cover the truck, charger and electrician work; she said the truck model under consideration is roughly in the $55,000 range and that the city has budgeted sufficient funds. She estimated the truck could be in the city fleet by May and that the full installation and reporting schedule makes the project likely to be complete by late in the year.

Supporters said the vehicle would let the city keep the community kitchen and device‑charging services available to residents during outages. The council approved the resolution by roll call.

The next steps are contract execution and an RFP for electrician work to support charger installation; project staff said they will monitor purchasing lead times and federal reporting requirements attached to the grant.