10-15-2014 ECC MIN City of
'41p.,
Elk
Meeting of the Elk River
River Energy City Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Members Present: Chair Tom Sagstetter,Vice Chair Denny Chuba,and Commissioners
Jim Hamann, Scott Hagen,Tim Steinbeck, Chris Tanaka,Bruce
Sayler,TA Flatland
Members Absent: Councilmember Matt Westgaard,Commissioner Jason Hoskins
Staff Present: Kristin Mroz, Environmental Technician;Colleen Eddy,Economic
Development Specialist
. 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 8:32 a.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Sagstetter led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Consider Agenda
Moved by Tanaka and seconded by Steinbeck to approve the October 15,2014
Energy City Commission agenda,with the addition of introductions and the
oath of TA Flatland.
3.1 Oath of Office
Sagstetter presented the Oath of Office to Teri Ann (TA) Flatland. Flatland took the
oath.
3.2 Introduction
Members and staff gave introductions.
4. Consider September 17, 2014 Minutes
Moved by Hamann and seconded by Steinbeck to approve the September 17,
2014 Energy City Commission minutes,without change.
5.1 "The Emerging Electric Vehicle Market" Presentation by Bruce Sayler
— Connexus Energy
Sayler gave a presentation on electric vehicles and charging stations. Connexus
Energy will be implementing a demonstration site with Type 1,2,and 3 charging
stations in the next month.
Connexus Energy and Great River Energy will be hosting a test drive workshop for
Plug-in electric vehicles. The workshop will be open to the public.
The presentation is available in Dropbox or request a copy from Mroz.
Commissioners discussed a possible trip to the demonstration site once
implemented.
5.2 Review High 5 Program
Mroz gave the staff report.
Tanaka suggested creating a philanthropic angle that may incentive businesses in a
way other than financially.That is, to relate the cost/benefits in a way that impacts
associates. For example, determining the CO2 impact to relate to climate change.
Sagstetter suggested sending out the High 5 packets to commissions and giving a due
date for comments.
Mroz will update the residential packet and send to commissioners.
Sagstetter suggested asking Westgaard to work with City Council on finding a way to
incentivize participation. For example,reduce permit fees for construction recycling,
etc.
5.3 Fleet Committee Vehicle List
Mroz gave the staff report and presented Suzanne Fischer, Community Operations
&Development Director and Mark Thompson, Street Superintendent both of the
Fleet Committee.
Fischer and Thompson gave the history of the Fleet Committee which started in
2007.At that time,the committee discussed the use of electric vehicles (EV) but
determined that the costs did not outweigh the benefits.
Sayler suggested that the GE Innovative Center has resources for alternative
vehicles. Sayler will get contact information.
Fischer accepts that the initial costs will be expensive but that the long term benefits
may be in place.
Thompson asked if it was still true that if you charge an EV during peak, that it will
actually draw from the EV into the grid. Sayler stated that that is possible but very
rare. However, some EV owners actually charge for cheap during off peak hours and
sell back to the grid during peak hours.
Thompson noted that there are some mechanical differences with EVs and
additional training may be required for city mechanics.
Mroz will look into possible grants and funding.
Sagstetter will look into possible locations for an EV charging station at city facilities.
Sagstetter also suggested adding the 480 location to the Design Committee's
checklist for building permits.
Hamann suggested looking into an incentive or mandate for new development with
480 transformers to be located in an ideal location for possible charging stations in
the future.
Flatland suggested promoting the 480 transformers as a first step.
At this time, the Fleet Committee is receptive of a pilot project with EV and
alternative fuel vehicles. Fischer and Thompson will take the discussion back to the
Fleet Committee and continue researching options.
5.4 Chamber of Commerce Commissioner
Mroz gave the staff report.
Sagstetter suggested a commissioner with a marketing background.
Tanaka suggested a commissioner that is active with and connected to the Chamber.
6. Next Meeting Agenda Items (November 19, 2014)
6.1 High 5 Program
6.2 City Alternative Fuels and Electric Vehicle recommendation to Fleet Committee
7. Announcements
7.1 Commissioner Updates
Sagstetter mentioned that Mroz and Sagstetter have a meeting with the Chamber of
Commerce that afternoon to go over updates and discuss a possible new
Commissioner.
7.2 Staff Updates
8. Adjournment
There being no further business, MOTION BY WESTGAARD TO ADJOURN
THE MEETING.
The meeting adjourned at 9:49 a.m.
Minutes repared b 'stin Mroz.
9/sd JK
Tina Allard, City Clerk Tom Sa:.t er, Ch.',
Energy ty Commission