05-16-2012 ECC MIN • MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
ENERGY CITIY COMMISSION
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2012
Members Present: Chair Setala,Commissioners Dennis Chuba,Scott Hagen,Stephen Rohlf
Tim Rybak,Ryan Setterholm
Members Absent: Bruce Sayler,Tim Steinbeck,Matt Westgaard and Vance Zehringer
Staff Present: Environmental Administrator Rebecca Haug,Assistant Director of
Economic Development Clay Wilfahrt,Tom Sagstetter Elk River Municipal
Utilities
1. Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Energy City
Commission was called to order at 8:35 a.m. by John Setala.
2. Consider May 16.2012.Energy City Commission Agenda
Chair Setala added item 1 to the agenda.
• LED lights for parking lots.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER SETTERHOLM AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER CHUBA TO APPROVE THE AGENDA WITH THE
ADDITION OF ITEM 1. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
3. Consider April 18.2012 Energy City Commission Minutes
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER CHUBA AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER SETTERHOLM TO APPROVE THE APRIL 18,2012
MINUTES WITH NO CHANGES.ALL IN FAVOR MOTION CARRIED.
4.1 Silent Power Presentation
Speaker James Darabi gave a presentation on Silent Power-undistributed leadership in
"behind the meter"utility controlled energy storage application. Silent Power provides
energy storage and help with peak demands. Wright-Hennepin is working on a pilot
project with seventeen homes. There are two sizes available and three different
battery choices. The life cycles of the batteries vary depending on type and use.
Costs for the units also vary depending on size and rebate options.
4.2 SWOT Analysis Tasks
a. Standard Energy City Presentation
• Ms. Haug gave an example of a power point presentation she uses when giving tours.
Energy City Commission Minutes Page 2
May 16,2012
•
b. Guest Speaker Invite Discussion
Chair Setala recommended we set up guest speakers ahead of time so there is the ability
to do some research before the meeting. Setterholm suggested we have 1 speaker per
month at the scheduled meetings, taking turns setting up a speaker with each member.
Chair Setala asked Chuba what was new in the business trade. Chuba talked about using
restaurant grease for energy.
Commissioner Rybak is going to try and schedule Josh Wolf to speak for the June 20,
2012 meeting. Clay Wilfarht will talk to Tescom about speaking at the August 15
meeting and Commissioner Rohlf will find a speaker for the September 19, 2012 ECC
meeting.
c. Website Strategy and Content
Chair Setala talked about the website to help educate the community. He suggested
adding an area for frequently asked questions to be added to the website. Setterholm
suggested hiring someone to design the website to help make it interesting and
attractive. It was discussed that the budget be looked at to determine if a technical
writer could be hired.
4.3 Business &Energy Expo Recap •
The Commission discussed the pros and cons of having a joint meeting with the chamber
and energy expo and how to approach this in the future. It was decided that Energy City
should still have a booth at the Business Expo but not try and combine the two events.
4.4 Energy Awareness Month-October
Setterholm talked about having the City Council declare an Energy City day/week in October. It was
discussed the Energy City Subcommittee could meet to brainstorm ideas and determine if it would
be appropriate to have an Expo or have incentives such as bike to X restaurant for a free ice cream
cone or discount. Another idea was continue having the students create recycled art projects and
display them at participating businesses.
5. Other Business
Ms. Haug gave staff updates about Project Conserve and asked for topics to be put on the
website and in the newsletters such as summer energy tips Ms. Haug also reminded the
commissioners of the business recycling event to be held at the Elk River library on
Wednesday,May 23,2012 from noon—1:30.
Commissioner Rohlf talked about the LED lighting in the parking lot of the car lot in
Plymouth. He explained that the LED allows 120,000 hours of light and is a cheaper way to •
go. The light gives a more directional approach. LED gives more of a sunlight appearance.
Energy City Commission Minutes Page 3
May 16,2012
• He asked if this could be included as a demonstration. Staff asked that he provide them with
information for the website to be added.
Commissioner Rybak provided some suggestions for showing businesses the value of
Energy City. His suggestions were:
• Conduit to grants
• Create Energy TIF District
• Utility Defeiiuient
• Help with regulations
• Help with permits
• Expertise
• Strong Attachment
• Low or No Interest Loans
Mr.Wilfarht informed the Commission that creating a TIF District probably won't be feasible since
they are project specific. Also,Economic Development already has a loan program which has been
used by some businesses.
Chair Setala suggested the EDA give a presentation at our next meeting June 20, 2012. Clay
Wilfahrt agreed to do that presentation.
6. June 20,2012 Meeting Agenda Items
• The next meeting will be held June 20,2012 at the Elk River City Hall in the Upper Town
Conference Room at 8:30 a.m. Items for the agenda include:
• Approval of the May 16,2012 Minutes
• Energy City Budget
• EDA presentation
• Project Conserve Discussion
• Commissioner Rybak's invited speaker—Josh Wolf
8. Adjournment
There being no further business,Chair Setala adjourned the meeting of the Elk River City
Council at 10:30 a.m.
Minutes Prepared by Lisa Kelleher.
rte _
John Setala, hair
Or
'yan etter olm,Vice-Chair
Tina Allard, City Clerk