01-19-2011 ECC MINMEETING NOTES OF THE ELK RIVER
ENERGY CITY COMMISSION
HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL
ELK RIVER, MN
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2011
Members Present: Bruce Sayler John Setala, Ron Touchette, Vance Zehringer
Members Absent: Scott Hagen, Stephen Rohlf, Susie Overholser, Tim Steinbeck, Dennis Chuba
Staff Present: Rebecca Haug, Environmental Administrator
Ross Pomeroy, GreenCorps, City of Elk River
Tim Simon, Finance Director
Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary
Others Present: Ryan Setterholm, Center Point Energy
Rick Peterson, Spectrum School Representative
Councilmember Westgaard
Call Meetinca to Order
Chair Zehringer noted that since there was not a quorum of Energy City Commissioners present,
the agenda items would be discussed, but no formal action could be taken.
2. Consider January 19. 2011 ECC Agenda
The following items were added to the agenda:
2011 Energy City Commission Meeting Schedule
Energy City High Fives
3. Consider December 15. 2010 Minutes
The December 15, 2010 ECC minutes will be considered at the February meeting.
4. 2011Energy Ezpo Update
Ms. Haug stated that there are 14 exhibitors registered for the 2011 Energy Expo to date. She
noted that staff will be "cold calling" a list of businesses that may be interested in participating.
She noted that they have very few sponsors at this time, but with the $5,000 contribution from the
EDA, there should be enough funding for expenses associated with the event. Ms. Haug reported
that art students from Spectrum School will be painting advertising for the Expo in the windows of
the HRA-owned 720 Main Street building. Also, Living Green will be providing advertising.
Ms. Haug stated that three energy audits will be given away as prizes. She noted that recipients
must be a resident or an ERMU customer. More items are needed for the spinning wheel.
Ms. Haug stated that four 15-minute mini-presentations will be offered between 11 am -noon.
The presentations will have an energy or recycling theme. Ms. Haug asked the Commission for
ideas for the mini-presentations.
Chair Zehringer provided a sample of a new LED flood light made by a company in Brooklyn
Center. He noted that the new bulb uses have the energy of CFL's and has a life of 100,000
Page 2
E~eihry Ciry Commission Minutes
]anuary~19, 3011
hours. More information can be found at: thelifetimeled.com. Commissioner Sayler noted that
there is a lot of competition for Tungsten which is used in LED bulbs
5. Phase II Proiect Conserve Uodate
Chair Zehringer provided a PowerPoint presentation reviewing the energy audits conducted by
city inspectors and ERMU staff. He highlighted issues with dirty refrigerator coils, dryer vents, roof
vents, attic insulation, ice dams, attic hatches, bath vents, windows, furnaces, sump baskets,
radiant barriers, etc. Chair Zehringer stated that the energy audits are done by four of the city's
building inspectors and four utilities staff members.
6. Business Recvcling Event
Ms. Haug noted that the business recycling event, Trim Your Waste Line, will be held at GRE on
Thursday, January 27tH
7. Ordinance Amendment Discussion
The ECC Commissioners and staff discussed the proposed ordinance amendment and how
representation on the Commission is determined. Councilmember Westgaard asked which
organizations are currently represented. Ms. Haug explained. Mr. Pomeroy suggested that the
Commission should be opened up residents, as well.
8. 2011 Energv Citv Commission Meeting Schedule
Discussion followed regarding meeting times. Changing the meeting time from 1:30 to 8:30 am or
2:30 pm was discussed. The majority seemed to favor 8:30 am. Commissioner Touchette
suggested splitting the agenda into action items and informational items, in case a member could
not be present for the full meeting. Adoption of the 2011 Energy City Commission Meeting
Schedule will be placed on the February agenda for action.
9. Business Energv City High Fives
Ross Pomeroy reviewed the proposed criteria for Energy City High Five Awards. He asked for
other ideas from the Commission. Commissioner Touchette stated that some of the criteria are
not practical for a small business. Ms. Haug suggested have a different structure for small and
larger businesses. Commissioner Touchette suggested using the word "encourage" rather than
require, since it would be difficult for an employer to monitor compliance. He suggested turning
down thermostats, turning off computer monitors when not in use, and installing light sensors, as
additional criteria that could be added. Ms. Haug asked the Commissioners to email any other.
ideas they may have.
10.
The next meeting will be held February 16, 2011at the Elk River City Hall in the Uppertown
Conference Room. Chair Zehringer noted that he will not be present. Items for the agenda
include:
• Energy Expo
• Approval of December 15, 2010 Minutes
• Phase II Project Conserve Update
• Ordinance Amendment
• Meeting Schedule
Page 3
Eoergv CiN Commission Mimics
~anuazc 19, 2011
Ross Pomeroy noted that the ice arena retrofit has been completed. A savings of 23% from
October 2009 to October 2010 has been reported, and a savings of 15% from November 2009 to
November 2010, with a total of $2,300 in cost savings.
Councilmember Westgaard stated that they are looking at energy-saving technology for the future
public works buildings. RFP's have been received, but no decisions have been made at this time.
Chair Zehringer stated that the architect for the Public Safety Facility/City Hall Remodel project
was not very receptive to their request to incorporate energy-saving design. Ms. Haug noted that
KKE was the architect for the library project and they were very willing to listen to their ideas.
Councilmember Westgaard stated he felt it was important that the city convey their commitment to
energy efficient design for the upcoming project.
13. Adjournment
Since there were no further topics for discussion, Chair Zehringer adjourned the meeting at 2:57
p.m.
Minutes prepared Debbie Huebner.
~_
Tina Allard
City Clerk
6
Vance Zehr ger
Energy Ci Com ' sion Chair