11.0. EDSR 04-08-1996 J —\ ITEM 11.
MEMORANDUM
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TO: Economic Development Authority
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River FROM: Stephen Rohlf, B & Z Administrator
DATE: April 4, 1996
SUBJECT: Update on Sustainable City Showcase
The following is a brief update on the Sustainable City Showcase selection
process:
1. The selection of the Sustainable City Showcase could be as early as
this month, and it is unlikely that it would be later than June.
2. UPA is graciously writing a letter supporting the City of Elk River's
nomination as the Sustainable City Showcase. By 1997 or 1998 UPA
hopes to have a fuel cell power plant operational at their Elk River
station. Apparently this is the power source of the future and makes
Elk River's selection as the Showcase City more likely. Staff will
update the Council on the fuel cell power plant more in the future
when we know more about it.
3. Staff has provided the McKnight Foundation with all of the data they
requested for the grant they are trying to get from the Department of
Energy. Having Elk River's demographics used in this grant certainly
will not hurt our chances of being selected as the Sustainable City and,
hopefully, will help.
4. Staff still has to attempt to get a letter of support for our nomination
as the Sustainable City from Anoka Electric.
5. Ed Palmer thought it would be a real plus for Elk River's nomination
as the Sustainable City if we could also get a letter of support from
NSP. Apparently the staff person from NSP, who is working with the
Minnesota Environmental Initiative, is reluctant to support a city that
NSP does not provide electricity to. Staff feels this is faulty thinking
because NSP has their RDF plant here, which is more to the point
behind the Energy Alley concept (energy efficient and renewable
energy technologies) than just providing electricity. Staff will be
approaching NSP regarding this and hopefully will be successful at
obtaining a letter of support from them.
• If you have any questions regarding this subject please feel free to call me as
I will not be in attendance at Monday's meeting
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13065 (5rono Paray • P. . Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425