10-19-2005 ECC MIN MEETING OF THE ENERGY CITY COMMISSION
OCTOBER 19, 2005 ELK RIVER CITY HALL
Members Present: Susie Overholser-ECONAR Energy Systems Corp., Rachel
Leonard-Sherburne County Commissioner, Bryan Adams-ERMU,
Vance Zehringer-ERMU Consultant, Jeff Gongoll-ER Chamber of
Commerce/ER EDA, Sharon Kampa-NW Builders Association,
Ed Stoutenburg-NRG,Arnie Hendrickson-CenterPoint Energy,
Ron Bratlie-ISD 728, Deb Walters-ER Landfill, Gary Connett-
GRE
Members Absent: Stephanie Klinzing
Staff Present: Mara Anderson, Rebecca Haug
1. Consider October 19, 2005 Agenda
Agenda was approved as submitted with the acknowledgment the name Energy
City Commission will replace Action Committee for Energy on all documents.
Commissioner Overholser adds Drama Club playbill opportunity to end.
2. Consider September 21, 2005 Energy City Commission Minutes
Minutes were approved as submitted.
3. Determination of Chair Terms
Commission terms are two, three, and four years. Chair and Vice Chair terms are
both two years with the Vice Chair moving directly into Chair position and
election being held for a new Vice Chair seat at the end of the term.
4. Energy City Goals and Evaluation Methods
Commissioner Sharon Kampa read from a brochure on Green Communities
thinking it might be a program ECC would like to get involved with. Sponsor a
building to house poor, abused, or otherwise disadvantaged individuals or families
while demonstrating energy efficient, green building technology. Commissioner
Gary Connett thought we could encourage all builders in ER to go green. Chair
Zehringer went over his list of goals for the Commission after which it was
generally decided to have one goal of increased Energy City exposure and a
number of strategies to achieve that goal.
• Increase#of EC demonstrations
• Expand#of groups touring
• Paid transportation for schools (out of landfill abatement money),
presentations in schools,work energy efficiency or resource conservation
into curriculum of local schools
• Update ECC website
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• Develop and host an"Energy Issues" conference targeting: new residential
construction, home improvements, light commercial buildings, architects
and engineers, or other target audiences.
• Build relationship and investigate opportunities with U of M Initiative for
Renewable Energy and the Environment (IREE)
• Develop criteria and awards for people,manufacturers, or businesses
demonstrating energy efficiency-membership program.
• Get city to invest in fuel cell vehicles and equipment.
• Encourage the use of energy efficient and renewable energy by creating
standards and possible ordinance amendment(s).
5. Update on New Elk River School
Commissioner Bratlie said dirt is being moved at East Elk River School. ISD 728
featured on eco-structure.com website. Estimated open to students by fall 2007,
but construction estimated complete by January 2007. There is an opportunity to
lease school space or house organization for short term—maybe the"Energy
Issues" conference.
6. Energy House III Update
Commissioner Kampa said wall panels will be completed this week and the roof
panels will be done by next week.
7. Budget •
Rebecca Haug said she would bring it to the next meeting.
8. Summary of Technical Aspects of Proterra
Chairman Zehringer thought they did a good job and ECC should endorse
although Commissioner Gongoll said Proterra is not a good fit for the incubator
they are looking for a site. Commissioner Overholser was skeptical that the
emissions might be environmentally harmful.
9. Joint Meeting Update
Commissioner Gongoll said it was a good meeting.
10. New Technology Update
Commissioner Connett mentioned GRE has received a DOE grant to study using
waste heat from the power plant to dry lignite increasing the coal BTU and
reducing the amount of toxins released when coal is processed.
11. School Tours
Get more local schools to tour more sites and keep records so follow up surveys
can be sent, and thank yous.
12. ER Drama Club
Fall and spring productions of the Elk River Drama Club have space available in
the program to advertise. Energy City ad to be put together by Commissioner
0 Overholser will be seen in both spring and fall playbills. Motion by
Commissioner Connett and seconded by Commissioner Stoutenburg to pay$85 to
ER Drama Club for the publication space. Motion passed
13. Schedule Next Energy City Commission Meeting
Next scheduled meeting is November 16t1i, 1:00 p.m. Elk River City Hall.
14. Adjourn
Respectfully submitted,
Mara Anderson
Environmental Assistant
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