05-18-2005 ECC MIN Action Committee for Energy Page 1
April 20,2005
4110 MEETING OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE FOR ENERGY
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, May 18th, 2005
Members Present: Mark Kennedy,Susie Overholser,E. B. Stoutenburg-NRG,Vance Zehringer-
ERMU,Albert Swintek—CenterPoint Energy,Sharon Kampa—SBNA,Stephanie
Klinzing—Mayor of Elk River,Gary Connett- GRE,and Bryan Adams-ERMU
Staff Present: Mara Anderson,Stephen Rohlf
1. Consider May 18th,2005 ACE Agenda
Agenda was approved as submitted.
2. Consider April 20th,2005 Minutes
Minutes were approved as submitted.
3. Energy City Commission Protocol and Timing
Edits made by the city attorney to the Energy City Commission membership ordinance were
considered and approved with understanding that future changes may be necessary.The purpose of
the Commission was discussed to make sure it was inclusive enough and the Committee agreed that
it is. The membership was talked about again because of concerns with conflicts of interest if a
Commission member is hired to do consultant work. The related businesses that will provide up to
five representatives are determined by the City Council and the exception in part B referring to the
hiring of a commission member for consultation work was taken out.A maximum of three
unexcused absences was agreed upon so Commission members would be held accountable for
• attendance. The powers and duties of creating,promoting,and sponsoring demonstrations was
discussed to be most effective if executed in cooperation with local and regional groups especially
schools. Creating a related curriculum to be implemented in area schools would be an effective tool
to educate the present and future population as well as promote Energy City. Everyone thought it
might be a good idea for the City Council to take a tour of the landfill or Energy House III among
other projects Energy City is associated with.There was discussion about getting legislative
designation of"Energy City"and the significance of the designating body. Trade marking the label
might also be advantageous to increase significance but might be more complicated and/or
expensive. Method of evaluation to determine if goals were being met will have to be determined
once the Commission is officially established. Several ideas were tossed around as means to which
success could be measured all based on goals and overall mission of the Commission. The most
essential step is to keep track of demonstrations and promotional events.
4. Energy City Budget and Procedure
Budget and procedure should be discussed at the next work session (6/13/05) or at the first meeting.
Last year's budget will serve as a general starting point for negotiation. Money coming from the City
Council as well as Economic Development Association should be utilized. Take advantage whenever
possible of donations from interested companies to demonstrate with certain products,keeping in
mind economic viability and technological innovation of the product.
5. Energy House III Update
Sharon Kampa said Energy House III is close to securing the construction loan from the bank,
looking to save money using Conservation Improvement Program money,Landfill Abatement
Funds,and donations from suppliers. Marketing for the project will be supplemented by groups with
products in use in the House. High performance technologies such as radiant floor heating, state-of-
the-art vinyl windows,and insulated concrete walls will bring attention to the project and
unintentionally promote the project. Energy House III will undoubtedly bring exposure to Energy
Action Committee for Energy Page 2
April 20,2005
City. Monitoring methods need to be identified as well as data collected to compare energy •
efficiency of this project to typical residences built in the area. Important to note that Energy House
III will not be in habited like an average residence but will be staffed five days a week by three people
until sometime in 2008 after which the house will be available for purchase. The hope is to meet and
exceed 2006 energy efficiency standards determined by monitoring devices and methods to be
decided on at a later date.
6. Elk River School Update
Ron didn't make it to the meeting but the school is expected to be a great success in demonstrating
"green","sustainable",energy efficient technologies.
Vance Zehringer brought up the fact that he was offered the opportunity to speak about Energy
House III and Energy City and wondered if he could go ahead and accept and what if any
reimbursement he was allowed under the current statue for the Commission. Policy will need to
address this circumstance when the Commission is officially functioning.
Al Swintek,CenterPoint Energy suggested involving an interested Sherburne County Commissioner
to participate in the Metropolitan Counties Energy Task Force. Although not technically within the
boundary of the metro area,Sherburne County is directly affected by decision made by the metro
area government. Beneficial relationships could develop among other speculated outcomes.
7. Schedule Next ACE Meeting and Identify Agenda Items
It was decided that the next ACE working session would be on Monday,June 13th 2005 at 6:30
p.m. at Elk River City Hall.The items to be discussed include the Energy City goals and evaluation
methods,"job description"of the members,and specific policy for Commission operation and
budgeting. The next City Council meeting on Monday,June 20th 2005 at 6:30 p.m.at Elk River •
City Hall should include an Energy City update to the Council and community.
Respectfully submitted,
Mara Anderson
Environmental Technician
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