09-15-2010 ECC MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
ENERGY CITY COMMISSION
HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL
ELK RIVER, MN
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2010
Members Present: Vance Zehringer, Tim Steinbeck, Bruce Sayler, Denny Chuba, John Setala,
Mayor Stephanie Klinzing, Ron Touchette
Members Absent: Susie Overholser, Stephen Rohlf, Scott Hagen
Staff Present: Rebecca Haug, Environmental Administrator
Nicola Blake-Bradley, Environmental Technician
Others Present: Todd Berreman, Center Point Energy
1. Call Meeting to Order
The regular meeting of the Energy City Commission was called to order by Chair Zehringer at
1:30 p.m.
2. Consider September 15, 2010 ECC Agenda
MOTION BY MAYOR KLINZING AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER SAYLER TO APPROVE
THE AGENDA WITHOUT CHANGES. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Consider June 16, 2010 ECC Minutes
There was no meeting in July and no quorum for the August meeting so the June minutes are all
that need approval at this time.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER STEINBECK AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CHUBA TO
APPROVE THE MINUTES WITH NO CHANGES. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
4. Energv Expo Update
Environmental Administrator Haug informed the commission that the date has been set for the 5~h
annual Energy Expo to be held on March 5~h at the Elk River High School from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
with keynote speaker Ron Schara (and his dog, Raven). Staff will start advertising with a "Save
the Date" postcard soon. There will be contests for kids (partnering with the school districts) and
for adults regarding recycled material art (hopefully partnering with the Area Arts Alliance).
Dunn Bros., Blink Bonnie, and Caribou will be the food vendors.
Project Conserve Phase II Uodate
Nine people have been trained to be residential energy auditors. Three levels of audits will be
offered at varying costs which will be reimbursed as the participants attend the various workshops.
A cost was implemented because people in the pilot project dropped out once they received the
blower door tests. Pro-rating the reimbursement will help with retention as well.
The first level energy audit (low cost) will be a "walk-through" followed by a "sit-down" session with
the auditor. The middle level will have the "walk-through and sit-down" as well as the participant
being given aKill-a-Watt meter and thermal leak detector for their use to determine phantom loads
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and air leaks. Third level (highest cost) audits will include blower door test and infrared scans
done by the auditor in addition to the previous levels.
The stimulus grant was used to purchase the equipment to be used for the thermal scan and
blower door tests. The tests will be billed on the utility bill and credits will be assessed there as
well.
Approximately 350 households are signed up. Around 600 is desired. An article was placed in the
paper. Chair Zehringer asked for assistance from the commissioners to spread the word and help
increase the number of participants. Residents of Elk River, Dayton, Otsego and Big Lake
Township are eligible to participate.
The first meetings have been scheduled for September 30, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.; October 2, 9 - 11
a.m.; and October 5 from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. in the Elk River High School Little Theater. The school
is not charging the City for the space, although high school staff time must be covered for those
hours that are not regular.
Chair Zehringer added that people can sign up at the door as well. Todd Berreman discussed a
new rebate program that Center Point Energy has implemented. Ryan Setterholm is the program
administrator. There was interest in having the utilities speak about their programs at the
orientation. The Air Sealing rebate is 50% up to $400 total for the rebate.
The City received a Green Corps "intern" for the next 11 months. His name is Steven "Ross"
Pomeroy and he will start on September 27. He is not able to do technical stuff but will be helping
out "behind the scenes".
6. Business Recvclina Event
The City of Elk River will hold an event at Great River Energy on September 30th from 7:30 - 9:30
a.m. to launch the new Business Recycling Program. Local business owner, Jack Mowry
(Metalcraft) will speak as well as Kerry Nichols (Communication Systems, Inc) from Minnetonka
on green initiatives they have implemented in their businesses. Metalcraft received $90,000 in
rebates for the new building (the bulk in the HVAC system). Registration is still open.
7. Energv City Hiah Fives
The Mayor will recognize those businesses which participate in the City's new Business
Recycling Program with a new certificate called an Energy City High Five. The High Five will be
able to be displayed and will give attention to sustainability and likely increase sales, etc. Annie
Deckert, Economic Development Assistant has developed the High Fives for Energy City.
Commissioner Touchette arrived at 2:05 p.m.
A question was raised as to whether a company could apply for recognition for programs already
in place. This would allow the company to be showcased through Energy City.
8. Other
Stimulus Grant Update: The City has received a grant to place solar panels on top of City Hall
from the stimulus grant funds. The panels will function as a supplement for heating. It has a 15 year
payback.
Public Works Compost Site: Commissioner Chuba questioned the new fee on use of the
Compost Site at the Public Works facility. Mayor Klinzing explained that a fee is being implemented
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to see whether it will help pay for the costs of the program. Residents are being charged $10 for the
entire year and commercial businesses will pay $100 for the entire year. Charging for finished
compost was discussed. The City has no desire to end the program.
Project Conserve Audits: Mr. Berreman requested further discussion of the Energy Audits for
Project Conserve. He commented that Center Point Energy's 'freebies' have been expanded
regarding the shower/aerator program. Residents may receive up to 3 shower/aerators (1.5
gallon/minute... down from 2 gallons/minute). All residential accounts, including rentals, are eligible.
Infrared scans: Chair Zehringer questioned whether the Commission would like "classes" to
understand what will be happening with Project Conserve. He hopes to start audits on November 15t
if the weather cooperates. A 20 degree differential in air temperature is needed. The Commission
responded yes.
Transportation Alliance: Mayor Klinzing discussed that members are needed (on a temporary
basis) to attend at the Federal/State levels regarding transportation alliance.
Phantom Loads: Commissioner Chuba questioned having a speaker on Phantom Loads from
Best Buy or someone that can discuss energy use on LCD, LED, etc. monitors. Discussion followed
that the Department of Energy Security did a study on phantom loads. Commissioner Touchette
commented that from the EDA perspective, it would be helpful to reach out to businesses about
conscious purchasing. The next Business Recycling workshop will focus upon lighting and loads.
ERMU already does a lot with this but it is not well known. At the next meeting, Chair Zehringer will
discuss what utilities do for businesses (Commercial/Industrial).
Energy City Title: Mayor Klinzing commented that as a City and Commission, we need to
embrace the title of Energy City. She questioned how to get what Elk River is doing to a higher level
to step up to the designation. Chair Zehringer commented that Energy City is better known
internationally and discussed tours given to international groups from Europe, South and Central
America, and Ireland for example through the U.S. State Department. East Central Energy from
Braham will be touring as well. A group of 18 - 20 year olds from a transitional school will be touring
as well. Perhaps the tours could be featured in the paper. Mayor Klinzing questioned "How do we
serve the State?" adding that "We need to lead". Project Conserve, State Energy Commission, and
setting up meetings with committees at the State level were discussed.
LNG (liquid natural gas) vs, CNG vehicles were mentioned by Mr. Berreman. Discussion of
electric vehicles and charging stations followed. When asked if Elk River is planning a station, Chair
Zehringer commented that it's likely "off in the distance" yet.
Coal Creek Station Tour: Chair Zehringer recently toured the Coal Creek Station and was very
impressed by the size. He will put together a slide show presentation for a future meeting.
Spectrum High School: Spectrum High School is looking at a permanent facility located away
from their current location. Mayor Klinzing offered the expertise of the Energy City Commission.
Discussion followed regarding having a meeting with the builder regarding "green" initiatives. The
school will break ground in a couple of months if given approval. The school found out that they
must lease space because charter schools cannot build and own their own building. The location
they are looking at is in the Business Park by Tractor Supply (behind Walmart). It is not the best fit
but the City wants Spectrum to stay. The building is currently 20,000 square feet and they will add
an additional 30,000 square feet.
Schedule Next ECC Meeting and Identify Agenda Items
The next meeting will be held October 20, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the Elk River City Hall in the
Uppertown Conference Room.
10. Adjournment
Barring no further topics for discussion, Chair Zehringer adjourned the meeting at 2:35 p.m.
Minutes prep re Nicki Blake-Bradley.
Tina Allard
City Glerk
Vance Zehri er e
Energy C' Commi ion Chair