Loading...
11-17-2010 ECC MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER ENERGY CITY COMMISSION HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL ELK RIVER, MN WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2010 Members Present: Tim Steinbeck, Scott Hagen, John Setala, Vance Zehringer and Denny Chuba Ron Touchette arrived at 1:50 p.m. Members Absent: Mayor Stephanie Klinzing, Stephen Rohlf, Susie Overholser, and Bruce Sayler Staff Present: Rebecca Haug, Environmental Administrator Annie Deckert, Economic Development Assistant Ross Pomeroy, GreenCorps, City of Elk River Tim Simon, Finance Director Gary Lore, Building Maintenance Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary Others Present: Ryan Setterholm, Center Point Energy Rick Peterson, Spectrum School Representative 1. Call Meeting to Order The regular meeting of the Energy City Commission was called to order by Chair Zehringer. o. Phase II Project Conserve Uadate Commissioner Touchette arrived at 1:50 pm. Ms. Haug noted that approximately 300 residents have signed up for Phase II. Chair Zehrinq~er noted that the two hour-long presentations held on October 30th and December November 4t will be available on the city's cable channel as well as on DVD's. Chair Zehringer discussed the Level 1, 2 and 3 energy auditing. He noted that the cost is being funded by using the remainder of the $50,000 stimulus funding. He noted that these audits are comparable to the ones done by CenterPoint Energy for $100. Ross Pomeroy stated that of the 311 families, a total of 150 attended the two sessions; 162 at the first session, 115 at the second; and 34 watched online. 7. Green Sten Cities Ross noted that the city is currently awaiting instruction from the MPCA (MN. Pollution Control Agency) before they begin inputting our best practice data into the program website. He stated that once this is complete, Elk River will be recognized as a Step 3 GreenStep city, the top tier of recognition in the program. He explained that financial awards will be offered to cities. He explained that the city's department heads were interviewed and they came up with 40 steps of 20 initiatives for implementation of the program. Ms. Deckert asked if the business recycling program would be included. Ross stated yes, it would. Page 2 Energy City Commission 7vfinutes November 17, 2010 8. Upcoming Business Recvcling Event and Update from Previous Meeting Ms. Deckert noted that the first Business Recycling event was well attended. The second event is scheduled for January 25, 2011. She stated that staff is looking to involve MNTAP (MN Technical Assistance Program), but they have not responded yet. The GRE (Great River Energy) boardroom has once again been reserved for the upcoming event. Ms. Deckert stated that the actual building owners need to be involved, since the business owners (tenants) do not have control over the issue. Ms. Deckert stated that there are non-profit agencies that offer free energy design and technical assistance. She noted that a number of reoccurring events have been scheduled. Ms. Haug stated that the Energy City Business Conservation Series will consist of three events. She asked for input on changes/topics that may be beneficial to businesses. Ms. Deckert stated that they have received positive feedback on the Energy City High Fives and staff will continue to develop this program. 4. Discuss City Vision & Goals Ms. Haug explained that the City Council has adopted the Elk River Vision and Goals developed by the management team staff and Councilmember Westgaard. All of the city's boards and commissions are encouraged to consider actions they can take to further the goals. Commissioner Touchette stated that the overall goal of the EDA (Economic Development Authority) is to market Elk River. The goal is to attract people, businesses, jobs and improve the overall quality of life. He stated the city needs to sell the Elk River "brand". Ms. Deckert stated that the issue of branding for the entire city will be discussed by the EDA in December. Commissioner Chuba stated he felt the city needs to get behind the Arts Alliance in developing a new site. Chair Zehringer stated that Arts Alliance is considering the former First National Bank building. He noted that the lighting needs to be upgraded, and there are issues with the generator and HVAC (Heat, Ventilation, Air Conditioning). He added that there may be rebate dollars available. Commissioner Chuba stated that there would be an opportunity to speak on it on December 14 at the Arts Alliance Meeting. Ms. Haug stated that the Management team staff will be meeting on December 8 to discuss ideas to implement the adopted goals. Commissioner Touchette stated he felt staff can voice the Energy City Commission's goals and provide input on how their goals fit with the vision goals. Discussion followed regarding possible assistance to the Arts Alliance. Commissioner Touchette stated he felt the only way the ECC (Energy City Commission) could help is if the site were to become a demonstration site. Chair Zehringer stated that the site may be ideal for a solar system. Page 3 Energy City Commission ndivutes November 17, ?010 Ms. Deckert explained that the guidelines for revolving loans are being revised to include energy efficiency. She stated that a low interest loan (2% interest) may be available to the Arts Alliance. Commissioner Chuba asked if there were any grants available. Ms. Deckert stated not to her knowledge. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER SETALA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STEINBECK TO SUPPORT THE ARTS ALLIANCE ACQUISITION OF THE FORMER FIRST NATIONAL BANK SITE AT 716 MAIN STREET FOR A REGIONAL ART CENTER, AS AN ENERGY EFFICIENCY DEMONSTRATION SITE. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED. Commissioners Touchette and Chuba abstained from voting on the motion due to a conflict of interest. 5. 2011Energv Expo Update Ms. Haug informed the commission that staff has received confirmation by keynote speaker Ron Schara (and his dog, Raven), and four exhibitors have signed up. She noted that the Expo will be in competition on that day with the Minneapolis Home Show. Ms. Haug stated that they will be giving away free energy audits, instead of the Energy Star rebates. KBOB has offered nine 90- second slots for advertising businesses that will exhibit at the Expo. January 22 is the cutoff for exhibitors. Requests will be accepted to exhibit after the deadline, but their business will not be on the advertising for the Expo. Chair Zehringer noted there will be 15 minute-workshops for participants to come and learn about different energy efficiency topics. Ms. Haug stated that KBOB will be offering prizes. Ms. Deckert stated that prizes include tickets to Moon Dance, We Fest, etc. Ms. Haug stated that businesses such as MetalCraft will be sponsoring prizes. Ms. Deckert stated that prizes include tickets to Moon Dance, WeFest, etc. Discussion followed regarding ways to get exhibitors to participate. Ms. Haug will check with the school to see if an electric car could be displayed. Commissioner Steinbeck noted that GRE has an electric care. Denny Chuba suggested checking with Volt to see if they would be interested in displaying an electric car. 10. Consider EDAM Membership Staff discussed the possibility of a being a bronze medalist sponsor with the EDA for EDAM. She noted that Ms. Haug and Chair Zehringer spoke at the last EDAM (Economic Development Authority, MN) conference. Ms. Deckert asked if the Commission was interested in the bronze sponsorship, which would be split with the EDA. She stated that as a member, they would receive recognition on EDAM's newsletter and emails, as well as at conferences. She noted that other cities and utilities are sponsoring members of EDAM, as well. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TOUCHETTE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CHUBA TO PARTNER WITH THE EDA IN A SPONSORSHIP WITH EDAM AT A COST OF $375 WHICH WOULD BE SHARED WITH THE EDA. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED. 11a. GRE Rebates Update Page 4 Energy City Commission Minutes November 17.2010 Chair Zehringer stated that GRE had recently decided to no longer reimburse for the commercial/residential rebates. He explained the Elk River Municipal Utilities had planned to pay for the rebates themselves, but they have since learned that GRE will be refunding them for the rebates. 11 b. Bright Ideas Update Ms. Haug noted that this year's expanded Project Conserve will likely be submitted for the Innovations in Government Award through the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the Harvard Kennedy School. 11c. Radiant Barriers Information Chair Zehringer reviewed information from the State of Minnesota regarding radiant barriers. He provided samples of the materials used and discussed claims made by the manufacturers. He stated that he would be happy to provide this information to anyone who wants to read the state's information. Chair Zehringer noted that the product may make sense to use in the sun belt states, but he estimates that the payback period would be 50 years, at best. Commissioner Touchette asked if an updated letter from the State could be obtained for distribution in some sort of press release form. Chair Zehringer will try to obtain more information for the December meeting. 12. Schedule Next ECC Meetinu and Identify Agenda Items The next meeting will be held December 15, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the Elk River City Hall in the Uppertown Conference Room. Items for the agenda include Cymbet Corporation Representative presentation on microscopic batteries, Project Conserve, Energy Expo, and radiant barriers. Commissioner Touchette asked for clarification on the application and appointment process for new Energy Commission representatives. Ms. Haug explained that they need to make application and then would be interviewed by the City Council, where they will be asked some questions. 13. Adjournment Barring no further topics for discussion, Chair Zehringer adjourned the meeting at 2:53 p.m. Minutes prep red by D~ ie ebner Tina Allard City erk / v Vance Zehrin r Energy Ci ommiss on Chair