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03-16-2011 ECC MINMEETING MINUTES OF THE ELK RIVER ENERGY CITY COMMISSION HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL ELK RIVER, MN WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2011 Members Present: Tim Steinbeck, Scott Hagen, Dennis Chuba, John Setala, Ryan Setterholm, Vance Zehringer Members Absent: Bruce Sayler, Ron Touchette, Stephen Rohlf, and Susie Overholser Staff Present: Rebecca Haug, Environmental Administrator Ross Pomeroy, GreenCorps, City of Elk River Annie Deckert, Marketing and Business Development Administrator Tim Simon, Finance Director Rodney Schreifels, Parks and Recreation Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary Others Present: Don Horvath of Andy's Electric Sudhir Singh of Lightinghouse USA 1. Call Meeting to Order Chair Zehringer called the meeting to order at 1:35 p.m. 2. Consider March 16. 2011 ECC Agenda The following items were added to the agenda: 2.a. -Oath of Office 2.b. -Energy City Commission 2011 Meeting Schedule 11. - YAC (Youth Athletic Complex) Grant 2.a. Oath of Office Commissioners Ryan Setterholm and John Setala were administered the oath of office of Energy City Commissioners for their new terms beginning March 1, 2011 through February 28, 2014. 2.b. Energv City Commission 2011 Meeting Schedule MOTION TO APPROVE 2011 ENERGY CITY COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULE BY COMMISSIONER SETTERHOLM AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CHUBA. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED. 3. Consider February 16. 2011 Minutes MOTION TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 16, 2011 MINUTES BY COMMSSIONER STEINBECK AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER SETALA WITH NO CHANGES. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED. 4. Presentation by Don Horvath. Andv's Electric Mr. Horvath explained that The Energy Detective (TED) is a home energy monitor that allows homeowners to see their electric usage in real time. Mr. Horvath provided information regarding how the device works and how energy savings are realized. He reviewed the models that are Page 2 Energv Citv Commission ,vlinutes March 16, 3011 available, software available for various models, installation, and accuracy. For details, information can be found on TED's website at: theeneroydetective.com 5. Presentation by 5uanir Sman ~tv, uantinanouse vav, Mr. Singh provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding his business and products. He explained that Lightinghouse USA manufactures LED luminaries to replace the traditional lamps such as incandescent, High pressure Sodium, Metal Halide, halogen and fluorescent lighting with up to 90% saving of electricity. He stated that their LED Light Engine (over 100 Lumens/watt) retrofits into traditional street & parking lights and provides a fast payback with significantly reduced maintenance costs. He noted that the solar division designs and implements off-grid/on-grid solar power systems for residential, commercial and industrial customers with high-efficiency output and optimized performance. Mr. Singh explained that the LEDs can be adjusted from very white light to more yellow, as well as a blue/red light used to expedite photosynthesis in growing plants. He explained that they have found poultry to be less aggressive when LED lighting is used. Also, documentation is available to show 60- 90% energy savings with LED street lighting. Mr. Singh stated he will provide ERMU a 4-foot light for display purposes. 6. Energy Efficient Improvement Programs Tim Simon provided information on the following programs: a. Northbound Liquor lighting project - Mr. Simon stated that 18 bulbs have been changed out at Northbound with the 10-year life plasma magnetic induction lighting, at a cost of $8,000. Mr. Simon estimates payback in 2 years, including labor and equipment rental savings. Chair Zehringer noted that usage is cut in half and employees have commented that the lighting is much better. An $80 per bulb rebate will be given by ERMU. Great Northern Trail solar lights - Mr. Simon noted that with a grant from the Legacy fund, they were able to purchase solar thermal panel lights and battery packs for two locations on the Great Northern Trail; one at the trail intersection with 2215 Avenue, and the other, at County Rd 33. The purpose of the lighting is to warn trail users of intersections with vehicle traffic. He noted that the battery packs are expected to last 5 - 7 years. The lights will only be on for a few hours a day. The lights will be installed in summer 2011. c. YAC lighting projects -The city is applying for a DNR Grant for lighting at YAC. Mr. Schreifels stated they will be studying the tournament fee schedule to make sure that fees are covering the costs. The current utility cost at YAC is $15,000 a year. Mr. Schreifels stated that after one year of use they should be able to figure out what the costs are and build into the fee schedule. He noted that the lighting is 90% efficient. Chair Zehringer noted that the proposed lighting is more neighborhood-friendly, since the lighting is more direct and there is less "spill". MOTION BY COMMISSIONER SETALA AND SECONDED COMMISSIONER STEINBECK TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO PREPARE A LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR THE YAC LIGHTING GRANT SUBMISSION. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED. Commissioner Setterholm questions what ECUs letter of support would add to the grant submission. Chair Zehringer explained that the more support the project has, the more Page 3 Fncrgp Clro Commission Minutes Dlarch 76, 3071 points they earn toward approval. Commissioner Setterholm asked if LED or induction lighting should be considered for the project. Chair Zehringer stated that the technology is not available yet for LED lighting that would be suitable at that distance above ground. He continued that the metal halide is the most current technology available in this application. He explained how the lighting works. Mr. Schreifels stated that the proposed lighting will allow them to use fewer fixtures, and therefore, fewer bulbs. He noted that the lighting would be better and yet have less light spill. d. Solar thermal project, City Hall - Mr. Simon stated that based on bids received, only a 24 percent energy savings would realized in the summer months, and no cost savings in the winter. A decision has been made to reallocate these funds toward improving the efficiency of the current system. Ms. Haug noted that they will be researching the Retired Engineers Technical Assistance Program (RETAP) to assist in this effort. Organics Grant - Ms. Haug stated that the Organics Recycling Grant was received from the MPCA to expand the program. She stated that the city will be offering the first 3 months of organics recycling free to those customers who downsize their garbage container. Ms. Haug stated that they are in the planning stages for commercial organics recycling. She stated that staff met with the first commercial property owner and they were very excited about organics recycling. Ms. Deckert noted that the manager at one of the Elk River Caribou Coffee locations is taking home organics from work and recycling in their household organics. Ms. Haug stated that this is also happening at CAER; volunteers are taking home organics recycling. 2011 Enerpv Expo Recap Ms. Haug provided arevenue/expenditure report for the March 5, 2011 Energy Expo. She reviewed comments she had received regarding the expo. Ms. Haug stated that she did not feel the expo should be repeated next year unless they are able to secure a good speaker. She noted that staff has contacted Governor Dayton to speak next year, but she has not had a response. Chair Zehringer suggested holding off on making a decision on next year's expo at this time. Ms. Haug noted that the funds could be invested in other projects such as Project Conserve. Commissioner Steinbeck suggested that if the expo is continued next year, some type of audio system is needed in order to make announcements regarding speakers, activities and prizes. He noted that there was a concern that one vendor selling coffee was not aware there was going to be another coffee vendor giving away free coffee. 8. Phase II Proiect Conserve Update & Phase II Proiect Conserve Ross Pomeroy stated that the next Project Conserve meetings will be held on April 5m 7m and 91n Fuel efficiency will be a topic. Mr. Pomeroy noted that they have completed the 1001h energy audit and amid-year progress report will be provided. Page 4 Energ}~ City Commission Minutes March 16, 3071 Mr. Pomeroy noted that Randy's Sanitation has suggested an "energy ambassadors" program in which neighborhoods would have a leader (ambassador) to encourage energy conservation. Chair Zehringer stated that he would like to encourage renter participation in Project Conserve, as well as the apartment owners and commercial businesses. He noted that staff met with their first apartment owner regarding organics recycling. Ms. Deckert explained that information can be provided to apartment owners who attend the Crime Prevention meetings offered by the police department. Chair Zehringer stated that he plans to meet with the Dunwoody group regarding what training they offer for use of the infrared camera. 9. Wind Turbine Ordinance Chair Zehringer discussed possible amendment to the city's wind turbine ordinance. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER STEINBECK AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CHUBA TO TABLE DISCUSSION OF THE WIND TURBINE ORDINANCE TO THE APRIL 20, 2011 ECC MEETING. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED. 10. Ordinance Amendments Ordinance amendments will be discussed at the April ECC meeting. Ms. Deckert distributed the draft Energy Efficiency Improvement Program. She explained the program and asked that the ECC provide comments to Ms. Mehelich or to her. 11. Other Business Chair Zehringer noted that Earth Day is April 22"d. He stated that Brooklyn Center has asked to borrow the bicycles at ERMU for an April 16th event they are planning. Since there are no local organizations requesting the bicycles, he will advise Brooklyn Center approval of the request. 12. Schedule Next ECC Meeting (April 20) and Identify Agenda Items The next meeting will be held April 20, 2011 at the Elk River City Hall in the Upper Town Conference Room. Chair Zehringer noted that he would be willing to provide presentations on the following two items: 1) Lighting 101 2) Nuclear Power . Other items for the agenda include: Ordinance Amendments Wind Turbine Ordinance Approval of March 16, 2010 Minutes Phase II & Phase III Project Conserve Updates • Energy Expo for 2012 -Governor's response to speaking Energy Expo survey Meeting Schedule Page 5 Enezgp City Commission Minutes :~4uch 16. ?011 13. Adjournment Since there were no further topics for discussion, Chair Zehringer adjourned the meeting at 3:30 p.m. Minutes prepared by Debbie Huebner. Tina`` Allar City Clerk l/ ° Vance Ze ~ ger Energy ity Commission Chair