08-17-2005 ECC MIN Action Committee for Energy Page 1
August 17,2005
4110 MEETING OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE FOR ENERGY
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY,August 17, 2005
Members Present: Susie Overholser—ECONAR,E. B. Stoutenburg-NRG,Vance Zehringer-
ERMU,Arne Hendrickson—CenterPoint Energy,Stephanie Klinzing—Mayor of
Elk River,Jeff Gongoll—Chamber&EDA,Rachel Leonard—Sherburne County
Commissioner,Ron Bratlie,School District 728,and Bryan Adams-ERMU
Staff Present: Heidi Steinmetz,Rebecca Haug,Mara Anderson,&Stephen Rohlf
1. Consider August 17th,2005 ACE Agenda
Agenda was approved as submitted with the addition of an FYI from Gongoll and moving Bratlie's
item up.
2. Consider May 18th.2005 Minutes
Minutes were approved as submitted.
3a. Energy City Commission Ordinance Amendments
It was discussed that the ordinance should be changed from"... consist of fifteen members..."to
"... consist of up to fifteen members..." This change should be done the same night as the
Commission is appointed by the City Council in September.
7. Update on New Elk River School
Bratlie informed the Committee that the closing is scheduled for next week. This has been a long
process and if the closing doesn't go through,plans and bids will need to be redone. Discussion of
• using recycled materials in the school was discussed. Bratlie informed the group that he needs help
researching and Klinzing informed him that the City could help with funding. The School District is
going for the"Gold"Certification with this school. He also informed the group that there will be a
green roof and they will be receiving rebates through the utilities. He also informed the group that
the Department of Energy will be touring Westwood on August 23,2005 from 10:30—12:00 and
everyone is welcome. This item will be put on the next agenda.
3. Energy City Goals/Measuring Success
This item will be discussed once the Commission is formed.
4. Energy City Budget
Steve informed the group that he has allocated money for the Commission and increased the school,
publishing and advertising budget to improve the website. The Mayor stated that the increase in
marketing dollars is important because the main focus of the Energy City Commission is marketing.
She also mentioned that the budget includes staff time.
5. Legislative Strategy
It was discussed that the designation of having Elk River named as "Energy City"will be brought to
the legislature.
6. Energy City Commission Job Description
Packets will be sent out to everyone prior to the first Commission meeting. The responsibilities of
the Commission fall under the Powers and Duties of the ordinance.
• 8. Energy House III Update
Action Committee for Energy Page 2
August 17,2005
Sharon was not able to attend the meeting so Vance gave an update on Energy House III. The
footings and walls have been installed and Kristin Thomas,the City's cable producer,has been
filming the construction.
9. Other
Proterra
Jeff updated the group about a potential energy related technology business looking at coming to Elk
River through the Incubator program.
GRE Update
Heidi informed the group that the City put together a package for Great River Energy(GRE),
offering 60 acres of land for$1 including services. It was made clear to the City that GRE is
considering Maple Grove but that the maintenance facility would remain in Elk River. The final
decision has not been made.
10. Schedule Next ACE Meeting and Identify Agenda Items
It was decided that the next ACE meeting would be on Wednesday, September 21st,2005 at 1:00
p.m. at Elk River City Hall.The items to be discussed include the Energy City goals and evaluation
methods,website,update on new Elk River school,and Energy House III. The City Council will
appoint Energy City Commission members and approve the ordinance amendment on September
6th,2005 at 6:30 p.m. and the Elk River City Hall. It is not a requirement to attend the meeting to
become a commissioner.
Respectfully submitted,
Rebecca Haug
Environmental Technician
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