08-20-2014 ECC MIN�--� Meeting of the Elk River
VeY` Energy City Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Members Present: Chair Tom Sagstetter, Vice Chair Denny Chuba, Councilman Matt
Westgaard, and Commissioners Tim Steinbeck, Jason Hoskins, Bruce
Sayler, Chris Tanaka
Members Absent: Commissioners Jim Hamann, Scott Hagen, and Steve Rohlf
Staff Present: Jeremy Barnhart, Deputy Director CODD; Kristin Mroz,
Environmental Technician; and Brian Beeman, Economic
Development Director
I . Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Energy City
Commission was called to order by Sagstetter at 8:31 a.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Sagstetter .led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Consider Agenda
Moved by Westgaard and seconded by Sayler to approve the August 20, 2014
Energy City Commission agenda, as written.
4. Consider June 18, 2014 Minutes
Moved by Westgaard and seconded by Hoskins to approve the June 18, 2014
Energy City Commission minutes.
5.1 Regional Indicators Initiative
Mroz gave the staff report.
Tanaka asked how long the report would take and noted that the report will provide
information that is favorable but also information that is unfavorable. Mroz stated
that she did not know how long the report would take but guessed a few months
would be needed to gather information and a few more to have the report written.
Sagstetter and Sayler requested to have a timeline for the report.
A discussion between all commissioners involving the Energy City Budget and the
Commissions budget to spend $1000 or $1500 ensued.
Moved by Westgaard and seconded by Sagstetter to amend budget for
additional $500 funds possibly required for involvement in the Regional
Indicator Initiative. Motion carried 7 -0
Moved by Westgaard and seconded by Sagstetter to accept the $2000
Regional Indicators Initiative scholarship from the Great Plains Institute and
proceed with the Initiative. Motion carried 7 -0
5.2 Review High 5 Program
Mroz gave the staff report.
Sayler questioned whether the program related to the Energy City mission. Barnhart
replied that it was included in three tasks within the newly approved 10 -year Action
Plan.
Tanaka suggested using contractors as a tool for the education and starting with a
Contractor Kick -Off. Tanaka also suggested advertising the "seven things you
should always be doing" in order to promote the easiest actions.
Steinbeck noted that this program can potentially help Elk River advance in the
GreenStep Cities program. Steinbeck suggested that we promote the program to the
Chamber of Commerce. Beeman stated that the Economic Development
Department and Economic Development Authority would be on board to help with
promoting the program.
Westgaard suggested that staff review the program to make sure that the actions
were cross referenced with the Energy Efficiency Improvement Micro Loan
program. Beeman will provide a copy of the program.
Sagstetter stated he was in favor of resurrecting the program and noted it's similarity
to Project Conserve. Because staff do not have the hours to work on Project
Conserve as they once did, Sagstetter recommended focusing our energy on the
High 5 Program instead and including a residential program as well. Sagstetter
mentioned that the MN State Conservation Improvement Plan (CIP) requires
ERMU to provide education and this program should qualify for that requirement.
Funding may be available.
By consensus, the ECC directed staff to review and update the program, including
actions specific to individuals. No motion was necessary.
5.3 Future Tours
Mroz gave the staff report.
Westgaard suggested the Waste Water Treatment Plant for a possible tour and
leachate update. Barnhart suggested waiting until the plant had more under
construction before we toured so that the ECC could see the updates.
Sagstetter suggested the Library, Twin Lakes Elementary, Haubenschild Farms, and
gravel mine. Mroz stated that the gravel mine would be difficult to relate to Energy
City.
Sayler suggested touring ACE Solid Waste Inc's compressed natural gas system and
usage in Ramsey. Sayler also mentioned that Connexus Energy will be installing
Level 1, 2, and 3 electric vehicle charging stations at their offices shortly. A solar
installation is also located at the offices.
5.4 Future Speakers/ Presentations
Sayler agreed to check into a presentation on Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations
at the September 17, 2014 meeting.
6. Next Meeting Agenda Items (September 17, 2014)
6.1 Regional Indicators Initiative Update
6.2 High 5 Program update
6.3 (Tentative) Electric Vehicle and Charging Station presentation by Sayler
7. Announcements
7.1 Mroz reviewed the Action Plan changes and approval by EDA and City Council
on July 21, 2014.
7.2 Mroz gave a brief description of the Special Meeting held July 16 in which staff
and Energy Commissioners toured the Environmental Education Center, Landfill
gas -to- energy plant, and Great River Energy's Resource Processing Plant and Energy
Recovery Station.
7.3 Mroz gave a review of the Library Ground Improvements to be made, including
the removal of a parking lot island rain garden. Mroz stated she was impressed with
the Library board's understanding in the review of the plans and Mroz is content
with the final arrangements.
7.4 Mroz stated that the Energy City Commission has an applicant currently going
through the approval process to join the Commission as the School Representative.
7.5 Beeman gave a review of the FAM tour and National Site Selector. Beeman
stated that there is currently an alternative energy manufacturing company in the
preliminary stages of locating a site in Elk River.
8. Adjournment
There being no further business, MOTION BY WESTGAARD TO ADJOURN
THE MEETING.
The meeting adjourned at 9:56 a.m.
Minutes repare Kristin Mroz.
Tina Allard, City Clerk
7z-
Tom Sag etter, air
Energy ( ity Commission