4.1. ECCSR DRAFT MINUTES 05-18-2016 CJty of
Ek Meeting of the Elk River
River Energy City Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Members Present: Chair Tom Sagstetter,Vice Chair Denny Chuba, and Commissioners
Tim Stembeck,TA Flatland,Jason Hoskins,Jim Hamann and Trish
Curtis
Members Absent: Councilmember Matt Westgaard, Commissioner Bruce Sayler
Staff Present: Kristin Mroz, Environmental Technician
Others Present: Debbi Rydberg, Harley Hanson, Glenn Hauck,Matt Herman, FLL
Minions Team and Beth Balmanno,Melanie Waite-Altringer, Roger
Freeman
Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Energy City
Commission was called to order by Sagstetter at 8:31 a.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Sagstetter led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Consider Agenda
Mroz added 5.8 —Entrepreneurship Club—UST and 5.9 —Community Center to the
agenda. Mroz deleted 6.1 —Cedar Creek—Jake Spiess from the agenda.
Moved by Chuba and seconded by Hoskins to approve the February 17, 2016
Energy City Commission agenda.
4. Consider Consent Agenda
Moved by Chuba and seconded by Flatland to approve the consent agenda.
5.1 Appointed Commissioner Update
Mroz informed the commission of the newly appointed commissioners (Glenn
Hauck,Matt Herman, and Rudy Thibodeau and introduced those that were present.
5.2 Election of Officers
Mroz requested the current chair and vice chair to state their interest in remaining in
those positions. Both Sagstetter and Chuba agreed to remain. No other nominations
were presented.
Moved by Curtis and seconded by Chuba to approve Tom Sagstetter as Chair.
Moved by Curtis and seconded by Sagstetter to approve Dennis Chuba as
Vice Chair.
5.3 Special Meeting
Mroz stated that most new commissioners were present and that a special meeting is
no longer suggested. Sagstetter suggested skype/webinar meetings for the monthly
updates. Mroz will look into the feasibility of this option.
5.4 Membership Representatives
Mroz suggested reviewing the ordinance requiring specific types of commissioners
(i.e. ERMU representative, 6 energy-related business representatives, etc.) Currently,
no at-large position is available. Additionally,interest has been expressed for a youth
commissioner position.
Sagstetter agreed with the youth commissioner position and adding a position for
residents/community members who may not be associated with an energy-related
business or other position.
Flatland suggested if a youth were added that the commitment for that position
change from 3 years to 1 year and follow the school year. Rydberg recommended
that the student be under 18 years of age. Sagstetter questioned if a minor could
officially vote. Mroz would look into it.
Flatland suggested that we start with a pilot student grade 5-12 and correlate with the
curriculum if possible. Sagstetter suggested tying in a research/science project.
Herman recommended a junior energy committee which could meet after school.
One member of the committee could then attend the Energy City Commission as a
liaison.
Mroz and Flatland will coordinate with Beth Balmanno to discuss logistics of such a
group. Balmanno suggested reaching out to 4-H for interest along with area schools.
Hoskins recommended recruiting prior to the end of the 2016 spring semester and
start the group at the start of the 2016 fall semester.
Curtis suggested that residents have a voice in the Energy City Commission. Some
current commissioners are not Elk River residents so if a residential at-large position
is added, they should be required to have Elk River residency.
Mroz recommended waiting on the resident at-large position to see if all of the
current empty positions are filled. The ordinance should be updated prior to
February 2017 and the idea will be re-assessed at a later meeting.
5.5 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Sagstetter have a staff update on ERMU's interest in installing a charging station(s).
Staff will meet with Zef Energy on 2-24-16. Curtis mentioned partnering with a
college technical program on maintenance. Any comments or questions form the
commission can be directed to staff.
5.6 Green Corps
Mroz informed commissioners of the opportunity for a MN Green Corps member.
This member could work in the green transportation sector and include work with
electric vehicles,green city fleet,bike lanes,bike share program,Tri-Cap
communications, Safe Routes to School, and Complete Streets. The commission
agreed that Mroz should apply for a member.
5.7 Energy City Signage
Will be moved to the next meeting.
5.8 Entrepreneurship Club - UST
Mroz reported that the University of St. Thomas Entrepreneurship Club is interested
in partnering with energy efficiency/sustainability projects in Elk River. They are
interested in research and recommendation proposals. Mroz informed them of the
FLL Minions Team reusable pizza box initiative which could be a possible
partnership.
Rydberg suggested the Annoka-Ramsey Biodigester project and making the project
cash-flow. She also suggested asking the Deklan group for ideas or the Chamber of
Commerce could send out a notice to all members. Mroz will continue to work with
the club on a possible partnership.
5.9 Community Center
Mroz informed the commission that there is an open house on 2-18-16 for the
feasibility of a new community center. Energy efficiency and other Energy Action
Plan goals should be considered in planning and implementation. Mroz will organize
the goals subject to this project and will distribute to commissioners via email.
6.2 BioDigester- Melanie Waite-Altringer-Anoka-Ramsey Community
College
Waite-Altringer and Freemen provided a presentation about a grant opportunity for
a biodigester. However, the ARCC does not have the land available to house the
project and they are seeking a partnership with a community or business.
The biodigester would use 1,000 tons/year of household organics,yard waste, and
other organic material to produce methane for electricity generation,waste heat, and
compost. The unit would be 35 kw but could potentially add more in the future. The
project can be monitored remotely but would require some maintenance from staff
daily.
The project would need a solid waste facility license and possible an air permit but
will not require a flare. The location does not require a concrete pad but would need
to be close to an electrical and heat need. Possible locations discussed include the
compost site,WWTP,Elk River Landfill, and Great River Energy.
The city,ARCC staff, ERL, and GRE will set up a meeting to discuss logistics
further.
7. Next Meeting Agenda Items (May 18, 2016)
7.1 Energy City Action Plan Review and Updates
7.2 Energy City Signage
7.3 Community Center Action Plan Items
8. Announcements
8.1 Nothing
8.2 Staff Updates
The Recognition Dinner will be held February 25
The UST Sustainable Communities Partnership is going very well and
deliverables are starting to arrive. Updates will continue to be given.
Mroz attended the Climate Adaption Conference. See the memo for
information.
First Lego League (FLL) Minions team Reusable pizza boxes
FLL Minions team was in attendance and provided a short overview of their
project which includes reusable,recyclable food-grade plastic pizza boxes as
an alternative to cardboard boxes. The team has worked with a local
manufacturer and talked with local pizza businesses to gauge interest. Their
project will be going to the state competition 2-20-2016 but their hope is to
see the idea implanted in the community. The team met with Mroz on an
earlier date and discusses regulations,incentives, and education from the city.
Mroz will continue to work with the group on feasibility of the project.
8. Adjournment
There being no further business, MOTION BY CHUBA TO ADJOURN THE
MEETING.
The meeting adjourned at 10:36 a.m.
Minutes prepared by Kristin Mroz.
Tina Allard, City Clerk Tom Sagstetter, Chair
Energy City Commission