7.0. EDSR 03-11-1996 ITEM 7.
tyof �
l River TO: MEMORANDUM
Economic Development Authority
FROM: Pat Klaers, City Admi i for
DATE: March 11, 1996
SUBJECT: Sustainable City Showcase
At the last EDA meeting, the Mayor distributed some material on the
Sustainable City Showcase program. This is a project of Energy Alley which
is sponsored by the Minnesota Environmental Initiative.
One of our local businesses in Otsego, SolarAttic, Inc., is owned by Mr. Ed
Palmer. Mr. Palmer is on the Sustainable City Showcase Committee. As the
Energy Alley and Sustainable City theme relates to environmental issues, I
have asked city staff member Steve Rohlf to take the lead in coordinating
this project for Elk River. Steve has contacted Mr. Palmer and Mr. Palmer is
scheduled to be at this 3/11 EDA meeting to discuss the Sustainable City
• Showcase program. Attached for your information is some material on Mr.
Palmer's company, SolarAttic, Inc., and a memo from Building and Zoning
Administrator Steve Rohl£
s:\eda\meetings\susshow.doc
•
13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425
A(
MEMORANDUM
ty of � TO: Mayor and City Council
lk .
River FROM: Stephen Rohlf, Building and
Zoning Administrator
DATE: March 11, 1996 51-.
SUBJECT: Sustainable City Showcase
One of the projects being conducted by the Minnesota Environmental
Initiative, a non profit organization, is Energy Alley. The concept behind
Energy Alley is to make Minnesota internationally known for energy efficient
and renewable energy technologies, similar to Medical Alley. An Energy
Alley brochure is included with this memo.
As part of the Energy Alley project, one city in Minnesota will be designated
a Sustainable City Showcase. The Sustainable City will be a gathering place
for energy related industries in Minnesota. Mr. Edward Palmer will be at
• Monday night's EDA meeting to discuss the concept of Sustainable City
Showcase.
Mr. Palmer owns "SolarAttic" based in Otsego. SolarAttic produces and/or is
researching several products based on renewable energy including a
swimming pool heater, space heater, ventilation system, and water heater.
All of these products use solar energy, but what is unique is that no solar
panels are use. Heat is removed from the attic with the roof acting as a solar
collector.
Mr. Palmer would like to promote Elk River as a candidate to be the
Sustainable City Showcase and is soliciting the support of the EDA. He feels
we are a likely candidate because we have a good base of renewable energy
related businesses. Attached to this memo, is a list of those businesses in the
Elk River area. To that list you can add the Elk River Landfill when they
start producing electricity from their methane gas.
Staff agrees with Mr. Palmer's assessment that Elk River would be a good
candidate for this program. Many of the businesses on the attached list are
big corporate names that would support a city in their territories. It will be
interesting to hear more from Mr. Palmer on Monday night.
•
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13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425
to
�
ENERGY ALLEY
Energy Alley was
Our Vision established top romote
Minnesota will be recognized as a Minnesota's energy efficiency
world center for energy efficiency and and renewable energy
renewable energy(EERE). (EERE) industry.
Our Mission Through education,
marketing and promotion,
• To strengthen Minnesota, Energy Alley will
environmentally and economically... strengthen the economy and
improve the environment.
Our Goals
Energy Alley will
Establish Minnesota's leadership in inform EERE industry
designing and implementing members of new
energy conservation and technologies, regulations,
renewable energy solutions.
financing options and
Improve the environment market opportunities.
and stimulate the economy.
Increase market share for Minnesota Energy Alley will
EERE companies by promoting their demonstrate that using EERE
products and services and is the number one energy choice
• attracting new businesses to Minnesota. for Minnesota.
•
Energy Alley -
I1 " ,�:Alley ' 'tl� Steering Committee ip
John Gordon,Chair
MEI Board of Directors and Faegre&Benson
Sustainable CityShowcase... t Steve Dess
Minnesota Renewable Energy Society
will utilize the most advanced technologies in Bob Dilks
energy resource management. The Sustainable City BossAire,Inc.
I will demonstrate how EERE products and services
I can address environmental concerns and create John Dunlop
local jobs. Minnesota Alternative Energies
David Grimsrud
Minnesota Building Research Center '
Success Story Energy Tour... Anne Hunt
St.Paul Neighborhood Energy Consortium
will offer tours of EERE success stories around the Steve Johnson
state: Interested parties within Minnesota and del- Minnegasco
egations from other states or nations will choose from
a menu of EERE tour sites exemplifying new and Mike Koenig
innovative applications. Andersen Corporation
Kevin Lawless
Northern States Power
I Industry Directory... Ciaran Mannion
Minnesota Environmental Initiative
will serve as a marketing tool for Minnesota energy Alfred Marcus
efficiency and renewable energy businesses. The University of Minnesota
directories will be available to purchasers of EERE - •
products and services domestically and internation-
Jack Nightingale
ally. Honeywell
David Ostlie
Energy Performance Systems
ENFO Center... Dan Ray
The McKnight Foundation
will be an information resource center to be used by
emerging EERE companies and entrepreneurs to Norma Swanson
improve their products and expand their markets. Air for Life
Energy Alley Sponsors
S onsors
Energy Breakfast Briefings... Andersen Corporation
will provide a forum for Ecopreneurs (environmen-, Honeywell
tal entrepreneurs) and other industry professionals Minnegasco
to network, discuss current technologies and inno- Northern States Power
vations, and present their products or services to The McKnight Foundation
industry peers.
- For more information please contact:
Julie Ball,Program Manager,
Annual Minnesota EERE Conference... or Joel Burns,Energy Specialist at:
will provide Minnesota EERE professionals with Minnesota Environmental Initiative
industry information to lead,manage,and innovate. 2420 Rand Tower
527 Marquette Avenue South •
Minneapolis,MN 55402-1324
Phone: (612) 334-3388 Fax: (612) 334-3093
SolerAttle,Inc. River
°el
1 Northern States Power- RDF Plant
I. Manufactures Refuse Derive Fuel for burning in power plants
2. Major energy resource/asset
2. United Power Association - Electric Power Plant for RDF Fuel Pellets
1. Burns NSP's refuse derived fuel pellets to create electricity for distribution
2. An association of 15 electric coops including nearby Wright-Hennepin biectnc
3. Designed electric ott-peak hot water program for use by its coops
4 Major energy resource/asset
3. Anoka Electric Coop Territory
1. Largest Minnesota Electrical Coop supplies power to parts of area
4. Elk River Municipal Power
1 Old hydroelectric plant on I ake Orono fed by Flk River
Hydro generators removed, plant supplies part of city's needs
5. Minnegasco Territory
1. Industrial/Commercial/Residential customers throughout area
6. Established Wind Power Site
1 Historical data available?
2. 10+ years of operation
3. Estimated 3Kw+ wind generator
7. Wind Power Availability
1. Documented by existing wind power generator(s)
8. Geothermal Technology Center
1. Headquarters of Econar Corporation
2. Econar designs& manufactures geothermal heat pump systems
9. Elk River Landfill
1. State of art landfill design & operation
2. Recovery of methane gas from waste deterioration
3. Generation of electricity from recovered methane gas
10. Aggressive &Semi-automated Recycling Operation
1. NSP RDF plant sophisticate sort and recycling of garbage
11. "Small Business" Recycling Facility near RDF plant
1. Recycling that is not a part of RDF Plant
2. Bring bottles, glass, cans, etc.
12. City Participation In Environmental Businesses
1. TIF funding issues
2. MI-Plant Support
3. Landfill Support
4. United Power Association RDF Power Plant Support
5. Funding issues
1. Aggressive developmental team in city
13 City Participation in regulatory& monitoring issues
I. Safe water
So*Attic,Inc.
2. Air pollution monitoring 4(612)441.7174 rii1317i96 X2:46 PM D31,13. Annual renewal of conditional use permits for UPA Power plant; NSP RDF Plant;
411)
Landfill
14 Solar hot water site(s)
1. I or more with 10+years of operation for generating hot water
15. Solar pool heating site(s)
1. 1 or more with xx years of solar panel operation
16 Several established Earth Sheltered Homes
I. Energy efficient house construction techniques
17. Several established Geodesic Homes
1. Energy efficient house construction techniques
18. Substantial building Activity
1. Provides opportunity to"showcase"a variety of technology
2. New building contractors are already showcasing new technologies
19. Eco Systems Water&Septic Technologies
1. Local company specializes in water &septic system design
2. Water testing &analysis
2() SolarAttic Technology Center
1. Headquarters of SolarAttic, Inc.
21. SolarAttic supplementary space heating site- 1996
1. Recovery of attic heat for supplementing space heating
22 SolarAttic pool heating system site- 1996
•
I. Recover of attic heat for pool heating
23. SolarAttic ventilation system site- 1996-1997
1. Ventilation of attic from within with no need for roof vents
2. Cooled attic lowers air conditioning costs
74 SolarAttic hot water heating system site- 1996-1997
I. Recovery of attic heat for hot water heating 5rnos+ of year
2. Lowers the cost of heating hot water with electricity
25. Elk River City Stats
1. Bill Rubin, Economic Development Coordinator
1. P.O. Box 490, blk River, MN 55330
2. Phone 441-4905 Fax 441-7425
7 Flk River wants to he Minnesota's Sustainable City(per Rill Rubin)
3. Population: 12.000 in city limits 20.000 within 5 mile radius of city
4. Regional shopping center area with major banks & facilities
5. Small community resting on scenic Mississippi river
0. Conveniently located at the crossroads of four counties on edge of metro area
7. 31 miles or 35-45 minutes from downtown Minneapolis
0. 50-65 minutes from Minneapolis International Airport
0. METRO phono system; direct dial throughout metro arca
10. Easy access via Interstate 911 and state highway 101
1. State highway 101 being widened to 4 lanes 1996-97
2. Construction is underway
•
Minnesota .
Environmental
Initiative • February 2,1996
Benefactors
•
3M
Briggs&Morgan Mayor Hank Duitsman
Delta Environmental Consultants City of Elk River
Faegre&Benson 13065 Orono Parkway,P.O. Box 490
Fingerhut.Corporation
Heartland.Graphics Elk River,MN 55330
The McKnight Foundation
Northern States Power
Office of Environmental Assistance" -
Oppenheimer Wolff&Donnelly
PACE Incorporated Dear Mayor Duitsmari - :
Sponsors As you are developing your 1996/97 city agenda,please consider partnering with Energy,
Ashland oil,Inc. . Alley. We are looking for a community who is-excited about becoming-a Sustainable City
Barr Engineering
Braun Intertec Showcase. The Showcase will exemplify the latest technology, products and services
Browning,Fetus Industries .
- Cain')Dresser&McKee from lar.ge and small companies such as Andersen Corporation,:Honeywell,3M,Energy
Carill . Solutions International,SolarAttic and many more-
Dorsey&Whitney
DPRA Environmental Consulting
ant Thornton •
424
The Showcase will be a demonstration site of the following energy efficiency and
hard Streetana l)eiaara'
16,Gladrey&Pullen The
energy (EERE) principles:
..
Minnegasco
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources • EERE investments are cost effective '
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency '
• Niagara of Wisconsin Paper corporation • EERE opportunities and technologies.are here and applicable
Padilla.speer•Beardsley • EERE does not mean compromising comfort,performance or quality
Quad Graphics
The Rowland Company . " • EERE improves the environment
RUST Environment and Infrastructure
Time,Inc. •EERE keeps energy dollars in the community,creates value-added.jobs and increases
Waste Management,Inc. competitiveness
Wenck Associates
Woodward-Clyde Consultants -
directors • Energy Alley, an enterprise of the Minnesota Environmental Initiative, is a collaborative
Williamurseth-chair effort of energy, efficiency and renewable energy businesses with.the mission of
U.S.Directives strengthening Minnesota environmentally and economically.
MPGA Citizens Board • '
Paul Goud_rrault Secretary - -'
Delta Environmental Consultants If you wish your city to be considered for the Sustainable City Showcase,please fill out
Michael E elsn
Heartland'Graphics the enclosed response card and return.it in the envelope provided by February 16,1996.
Steve vanderboom Your response will be an indication of initial interest;we.will be scheduling meetings
PACE Incorporated
Pam Graika with prospective cities in March. We look forwardto hearing from you and to discussing
Northern States Power this exciting opportunity_
Lee Paddock
Office of the Attorney General
Tack Van.de North . Sincerely,
Briggs.&Morgan -
'Russ Susag
3M
F
.
•
lohn Gordon u®i / Mi'
aegre&Benson
Don Arnosti ulie Ball - Joel Burns '.
Audubon Society
onNargar,g Program Manager . Energy Specialist
artment of Natural Resources --i
egg Erickson . • _
rickson's Diversified Corporation
Ed Garvey
Office of Environmental Assistance
Dianejensen
Clean Watet,Action
i�J Printed with toy:ink on 100%
.post consumer paper . 2420 Rand Towet 527 Marquette Avenue South Minneapolis,MN 55402-1324 E-Mail met@wintetnet.tom Phone1612)334-3388 Fax(612)334-3093
SolarAtiCr 'M.
15548 95th Circle NE,Elk River,MN 55330
4"*.. (612)441-3440 Fax(612)441-7174
For Immediate Release: Contacts
Mar..1, 1995
Jim Kantorowicz (612) 441-3440
Ed Palmer (612) 441-3440
SolarAttic Announces New Ventilation Technology/Patent Plans
Elk River, Minn. (Mar. 1, 1995) -- SolarAttic, Inc. announced today that it has
developed a revolutionary new ventilation technology. The company plans to apply
for a U.S.Patent by August. Edward G. Palmer, the company's founder, and U of M
Professor Ephraim M. Sparrow invented the new technology. They originally
• conceived the technology as a method of enhancing attic heat collection. However, it
has now expanded into a revolutionary new approach to the ventilation of attics.
Ed Palmer, SolarAttic's President and CEO, said: "Visualize a circular duct, at the
. attic's peak, with holes in it. The holes begin small at one end of the duct and get
progressively bigger as you go down the length of the duct. At the other end, the duct is
capped or sealed. This new duct allows uniform collection of air, heat and moisture
along its entire length. It is flexible and easily adapts to odd shaped attics. The company
can design it for any length, size or ventilation application. When attached to any p Y
of
the company's attic-based heat exchange systems, heat transfer becomes more efficient.
As an alternative, the duct attaches to a simple fan and exhaust port, with temperature
and humidity controls. This creates a new ventilation product. The duct then becomes
an efficient means of ventilating the attic from within the structure itself. The
company calls this new product the 'SolarAttic Ridge Ventilator.'
•
— MORE --
SOLAR Without PANELSTM
SolarAttic Announces New Ventilation Technology / Patent Plans, page 2
The 'SolarAttic Ridge Ventilator' brings the building and energy industries a new
ventilation strategy. It removes the need for roof vents by venting the attic from the
inside. The company notes that attic ventilation as it now exists is highly unreliable
and that a controlled method for ventilation is desirable. Building codes may require
controlled ventilation of attics soon as ventilation is a serious concern. For example,
Minnesota attics need ventilation in the winter to prevent moisture damage. They
need ventilation in the summer to prevent heat damage. Summer ventilation also
reduces air conditioning costs. The company's product focus remains on using this attic
heat productively. However, the company now also has a more reliable ventilation
method. SolarAttic owns 100% of the patent rights to the new technology. The Ill
company expects that the 'SolarAttic Ridge Ventilator' technology will enhance its
growth and revenue opportunities." •
SolarAttic, Inc., manufactures proprietary and patented solar heating devices.
These devices use the solar energy contained in hot attic air. The company's solar
technology removes the need for roof-mounted solar collector panels. The company's
products now heat residential swimming pools and provide auxiliary heat for homes.
In addition, SolarAttic successfully tested a prototype of its water heating system at the
1994 Minnesota State Fair.
Based in Elk River, Minn., SolarAttic has been in business for nine years. Its
pool heaters are already serving customers in 24 states. Its space heaters are serving
customers in 6 states. Ed Palmer is the company's President and CEO. •
# # # #
ITEM 7.
•� EDA RESOLUTION 96 - 1
A RESOLUTION FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
A RESOLUTION IN STRONG SUPPORT OF THE CITY OF ELK
RIVER BECOMING THE MINNESOTA ENVIRONMENTAL
INITIATIVE'S ENERGY ALLEY SUSTAINABLE CITY SHOWCASE
WHEREAS, the Elk River Economic Development Authority (EDA) for
the City of Elk River considered information regarding the
Minnesota Environmental Initiative's "Energy Alley" project
at their March 11th, 1996 meeting, and;
WHEREAS, the EDA, for the good of the environment and the expansion
of jobs in Minnesota, is supportive of Energy Alley's industry
effort, and;
WHEREAS, The City of Elk River is alreadyaggressively m support of
EERE and environmental technologies, and;
WHEREAS, the members of the EDA were in unanimous agreement that
it would be of great benefit to the City of Elk River to be
designated the "Sustainable City Showcase".
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Economic Development
Authority for the City of Elk River that:
1. The EDA desires that Elk River be designated Energy Alley's
Sustainable City Showcase
2. If so designated, the EDA will support the project by
whatever means are appropriate including city staff time.
•
• Passed and adopted by the Economic Development Authority for the City of
Elk River this 11th day of March, 1996.
l tO
4e'I.e�+ . •gull, Pr6i'.sent
Elk •Iver Economic Development Authority
ATTEST:
Stephen Rohlf, Building a d Zoning Administrator
City of Elk River
•
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