05-17-2017 ECC MIN 0 City of
Elk ^ Meeting of the Elk River
River Energy City Commission
Held at the Elk River City
Hall Wednesday,May 17,2017
Members Present: Chair Tom Sagstetter,Vice Chair Denny Chuba,and Commissioners
Jason Hoskins,Harley Hanson,Glenn Hauck,Jerry Olson,Matt
Herman and Trish Curtis
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Amanda Bednar,Environmental Coordinator
1. 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 8:30 a.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
IIISagstetter led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Consider Agenda
Sagstetter added 3.1 Introductions of new staff member and Herman added item 7.2
GRE Pollinator site update
3.1 Staff introduction of Amanda Bednar, Environmental Coordinator.
Bednar has been working for the city approximately two months and has settled in to
her position here. She's working to get caught up on various projects for the Energy
City Commission.
Moved by Curtis and seconded by Chuba to approve the May 17,2017 Energy
City Commission agenda with the addition of 3.1 and 7.2.
4. Consider Consent Agenda
Moved by Curtis and seconded by Hanson to approve the consent agenda.
5.1 Updates to the 10 Year Action Plan
The Commission discussed the various updates made to the 10 Year Action Plan by
the visionary committee previously. Majority of the members had already seen the
® edits or been part of the committee to make updates. Some items were removed that
were lacking involvement,measurable goals or those that didn't meet the goals of the
Commission. One concern was discussed related to language in Goal 4,D2
• "residential organics collection" to be used rather than"curb-side" collection to
ensure clarification between separate carts which are not used in the city.The group
also discussed goals for increasing commercial recycling participation even though it
is not required within the Action Plan or city ordinance.
Moved by Hoskins and seconded by Herman to approve changes and finalized 10
Year Action Plan. It is scheduled to be presented to City Council at the June 5,2017
meeting.
5.2 Recycle Coach Update
Elk River has launched the Recycle Coach web app to help residents recycle more
and recycle properly.The app provides information about their individual recycling
and trash schedule,alerts them to change in service and allows them to contact
ERMU directly with issues. It also includes a search function for odd items like
paint, furniture and electronics. Herman and Hanson suggested created something to
go out in ERMU bills with frequent problem items like propane tanks and paint that
many residents don't know how to dispose of properly. City staff will be working
with them to create something for residential use.
5.3 FleetCarma Update
Sagstetter provided a brief overview of the FleetCarma program which has been in
• use for a few months. Interesting trends to note included idling time for many city
vehicles,roughly 20-40%on average. Idling may be the result of necessary electrical
equipment,weather conditions or other staff protocol but is still a concern regarding
energy and money wasted in idle. Some information will be updated with more
detail and correct units of measure. This information will continue to be tracked and
monitored to illustrate trends and highlighting areas for improvement.
5.4 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Update
Sagstetter informed the Commission that work is almost complete for the 240V
charging station in downtown Elk River. ERMU has an agreement with the HRA for
the two parking spots. Payment for charging will be taken via Charge Point cards.
Plans for signage are still in the works including a large education sign for the
demonstration site. ERMU will provide 100% renewable energy for the charging
stations.
Sagstetter also provided information about the rebates available to residents
interested in installing charging stations at home. Five residential homes are currently
participating in the program.
5.5 UST Engineering Design
The senior engineering design class presented their final project and were featured in
a story by Karell for their solar powered picnic table.The Commission discussed
• possible funding options for the creation of the picnic table and installation of the
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solar panels and components the group designed. Hanson will be contacting the
Chamber of Commerce to discuss options for sponsorship by local businesses for
the construction and will report back.
5.6 Ordinance change for ECC members
Sagstetter provided a redlined version of the current city ordinance for discussion.
Edits included expanding the scope of the group to include other sustainability
related topics via the Energy City lens. Discussion also included allowing residents
and businesses owners to apply for the Commission and expand beyond energy
related businesses.The required landfill representative was removed. Edits will be
finalized based on discussion and taken to City Council on June 5,2017.
Motion by Herman and seconded by Chuba to approve the edits.
5.7 New member consideration
Anne Anderson of McKinstry has applied to represent ISD 728 and will be going to
City Council for review.
5.8 Climate Smart Municipalities Intern Jonas Scholz
Jonas is working at the waste water treatment plant for his first month with Elk
• River and will continue to learn about city regulations and processes moving
forward.
5.9 SustainER Update
Bednar met with the group twice before the summer break.The group would like to
remove the required letter of recommendation for the application process to
encourage more students to attend and hopefully join the group in the fall.The
Commission was supportive of the change and encouraging the students to focus on
projects of interest to them.
6. Next Meeting Agenda Items (August 16,2018)
6.1 June 5 City Council update
6.2 UST Energy City Branding Discussion
7. Announcements
7.1 None
7.2 GRE Pollinator Update
There was some undesirable growth over the winter which has been taken care of
this spring. The site should be green in the next few weeks.There is an event
scheduled for June 19 to highlight the project and provide more information about
the benefits of the pollinator site.
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7.3 Olson updated the Commission that the Energy City logo is planned to be on the
way finding signage.
8. Adjournment
There being no further business,motion by Herman to adjourn the meeting,
seconded by Chuba.
The meeting adjourned at 10:20 a.m.
Minutes prepar-.• • 'manda Bednar.
Tina Allard,City Clerk Tom S.gstetter, Chair
Energy City Commission
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