ERMU Misc. 09-13-2005 110
Elk River
' Municipal Utilities
13069 Orono Parkway phone: 763.441.2020
Elk River,MN 55330 Fax 763.441.8099
September 9. 2005
To: Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
' Jerry Takle
Jim Tralle
John Dietz •
From: Bryan Adams
Subject: Miscellaneous Issues
Enclosed is the packet for the Tuesday September 13, 2005 commission meeting at 4:00
pm.
With the hot & dry weather in August, the electric and water usage continues to stay up.
The graph in the financial section reflects the increased usage.
Enclosed are the following articles for your review.
' 1) June 2005 article from Green Building titled "Growth Continues in
Minnesota's Energy City". This article showcases Elk River.
' 2) Ap ortion of Pat Klaers' 8/31/05 informational memo addressing the 2005
property tax status.
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•• ■ -P-15-2005 02:5TPM FROM-ERMU + T-276 P.001/005 F-039
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ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
UTILITIES COMMISSION
September 13,2005
Members Present: Jerry Takle,President;John Dietz,Vice Chair;James Tralle,Trustee
Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager; Glenn Sundeen,Line Superintendent;
Dave Berg, Water Superintendent;Theresa Slominski, Office Manager
Others Present: Anthony Hedlof,MCMU;Lori Johnson,City Financial Director
1. Call meeting to order September 13,2005
President Jerry T akle called the September 13,2005 meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
Jim Tralle moved to approve the September 13,2005 Utilities Agenda with
additional items for discussion under Other Business. John Dietz seconded the motion.
Motion caned 3-0. John Dietz added two items to other business.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
Jim Tralles moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
IDAugust Check Register
August 16,2005 Minutes
Financials
John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.1 Staff Up-dates
Bryan Adams shared that the graphs previously discussed showed an increase in electric
and water consumption. Electrical outages were the result of cars hitting poles. Crews are
preparing for projects before the on slot of winter.
Glenn Sundeen affirmed that recent outages were more the result of vehicles than
anything else. The outage in Otsego on Sunday morning was from a car hitting a natural gas
facility causing a pole fire and burning down wires. Recent thunderstorms resulted in small
outages with lightning strikes,tree limbs falling,wind,and a transformer flooding.
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• Page 2
Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
September 13,2005
Dave Berg responded that summer help is finished. Next year we will need 4 people to flush
hydrants in a shorter period of time. They are starting to modify well#8 to increase operating
efficiencies. 12 security systems were sold with 26 contacts being made.
Theresa Slominski reported that the Power Manager Users Group seminar was this week.
Budgets are in full swing. The new front clerk starts 9/19/05 and Judy will be out due to
medical leave until 9/22/05.
5.2 69KV Transformer Bid
Bids were received for one 69KV Translbmmer for the West Substation Upgrade, and an
option to purchase a second identical Transformer for the substation 14 Upgrade Project to
service the proposed Target facility. Two bids were received and staff recommended the
Waukesha Transformer bid with a resistance LTC at a cost of$403,350.
Jim Tralle motioned to accept Waukesha Transformer bid and John Dietz seconded.
Motion carried 3-0.
• 5.3 Target Date Center Facility
Providing that ERMU receives the go ahead for the Target Data Center on September 15
2005,the following items were proposed to proceed:
1) Award contract to purchase another 15MVA substation transformer
2) Award engineering contract to USG for$20,000 to design substation
expansion for Station 14. The physical expansion costs are in the$300,000
range.
3) Award engineering contract to USG for approximately$15,000 for drafting
service to produce construction drawings for the two required feeders.
4) Secure bids and award contract for 120,000 LF Of 1000 KCMIL aluminum
URD conductor. Approximate cost is$720,000. Specifications are completed
and ready for advertising. This will be awarded at the October commission
meeting.
John Dietz motioned and Jim Tralle seconded directing staff to proceed upon
notification from Target/Ryan. Discussions were held concerning possible cancellation
charges of material ordered if Target backs out of project.
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• Page 3
Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
September 13,2005
Proposed Tariff for a Large Demand Electric Customer was discussed with possible
rate study being conducted in spring of 2006.
5.4 2006 Proposed Canital Budget
The second piece of the 2006 budgeting process was presented.The 2006 Capital Budget
for electric, water, and administration departments were presented as follows:
1) Administration Proposed Capital Budget $53,000
2) Electric Proposed Capital Budget
Equipment $288,000
Distribution Construction, Substations&Feeders $4,060,000
Other $915,500
4th Engine at Landfill to be funded Sherburne County $650,000
3) Water Proposed Capital Budget
Water Dept $422,000
Electronic Technologies Dept $97,500
Details of the capital budget were discussed and will be included in final budget
• presented in November.
Jerry Takle moved,Jim Tralle seconded to offer up to $100,000 to purchase 3 acres of
land at Waco and County Road 35 for possible future substation.Motion carried 3-0.
5.5 Review Antennas on Water Towers
Previous requests for installing communication antennas on utility water towers have been
denied due to cost, safety, space,and maintenance issues. Elk River City council has
requested the utilities to reconsider due to zoning issues. At the July 25,2005 City Council
meeting,it was the consensus of the council that we enter into negotiations with the
telecommunications companies to allow antennas on our water towers instead of building
telecommunication towers. Bryan Adams recently met with Nextel and discussed the options
available. Nextel was going to look into the height and location requirements and get back to
us. The concern Elk River Municipal Utilities has is the security issues,the manpower stress
it would put on the water department and what would Nextel be willing to pay for rental. Staff
was directed to present to the commission at a later date conditions of which antennas could
be placed on water towers.
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• Page 4
Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
September 13,2005
5.6 Purchase Digger Derrick Line Truck
The proposed 2006 budget contains a$180,000 item for trade-in on existing and purchase
of a new Digger Derrick Line Truck. Staff is proposing to trade-in a 1996 GMC Digger
Derrick Truck,the last gasoline fueled heavy truck in the fleet. Bids are currently being
solicited and bid results will be presented at the October meeting.
5.7 Joint Boards/Commission/Council Meeting
On October 10,2005 at 6:30 pm at the Lions Park Center,a joint meeting between Elk
River's Board/Commissions and City Council will be held. John Dietz updated the group as
to the council's expectations.
6.1 Proposed EIectric Bond Tssue
The electric bond issue that will be necessary for 2006 infrastructure projects was
revisited. The two options discussed were conventional bonding or MMUA's Midwest
Consortium of Municipal Utilities(MCMU)bond pool. Anthony Hedlof of MCMU made a
presentation. The benefits of utilizing MCMU are the lower costs. Questions arose
concerning comparing conventional bonding to MCMU bonding from a cost perspective,and
• what are the consequences of not drawing down the entire bond issue. Anthony Hedlof will
respond.
6.2 Review 2006 Health Plan Renewal
The Health Insurance Renewal for 2006 with Blue Cross Blue Shield reflects an increase
of 20.6%. Jodi Berge from the David Martin Agency addressed the commission via a letter
stating the increase and providing some information regarding our history with rate increases.
As discussed at earlier meetings,the utilities will be forming a work task group of employees
to look at implementing changes to absorb the increase. The commission discussed that they
would like to look at different options within the BCBS menu of plans,ultimately with a
reduced cost to the utilities. Staff needs to research the necessity to bid the health insurance.
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• Page 5
Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
September 13,2005
6.3 Investment Policy
An investment policy was proposed as there is currently none in place. At the audit,the
suggestion was made that we explore other conservative investments that may offer a
marginally better return. The city's policy was acquired and modified for the utilities' name,
and to include an investment committee instead of sole responsibility with the Finance
Director. John Dietz motioned to adopt the Investment Policy as presented and Jim Tralle
seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
6.4 Electronic Bill Payment Processing Vendor
Due to the continued growth of customers utili-ring bill payment services through their
respective banks, and the processing time currently associated with it,an electronic bill
payment processing vendor was proposed. This would be approximately 1/3 of the current
cost of staff time utilized to process these payments and it could be done much faster. This
would allow staff to have more time to focus on other aspects of customer service. Theresa
Slominski made a presentation on the bill payment process. Questions were asked concerning
the terms of the agreement. Jim Tralle motioned to adopt the electronic bill payment
processing vendor and John Dietz seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
410 Other Business
John Dietz questioned if CIP funds could be used for Energy City activities. Bryan
Adams responded they could if they were measurably energy saving,for instance, energy
saving equipment for Energy House Ill.
John Dietz presented a letter from a former employee which was discussed and a
response will be forthcoming.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities
Commission will be Tuesday,October 11,2005 at 4:00pm.
President Jerry Takle adjourned the regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal
Utilities Commission at 6:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa Slominski
Office Manager
•
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: PAT KLAERS, CITY ADM a T' o R
DATE: AUGUST 31, 2005
' SUBJECT: INFORMATIONAL MEMO
LABOR DAY
' I wish to acknowledge that city offices will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2005 in
observance of Labor Day. The regularly scheduled HRA meeting has been cancelled. The
regularly scheduled City Council meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 6,
' 2005 at City Hall.
FIRE DEPARTMENT AND AMBULANCE SERVICE OPEN HOUSE AND DANCE
Everyone is invited to the Saturday, September 10, 2005 Fire Department and Ambulance
Service Open House and Dance. The open house is scheduled 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Fire
' Station 1, located on Jackson Avenue. The dance, featuring Big Bob and the Highrollers, begins
at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.00. Weather permitting, the Fire Department and Ambulance
Service guarantees a good time for all.
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION EVENT
The Sherburne County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection event is scheduled
' Monday, September 12 through Thursday, September 15, 2005. The actual collection of
household hazardous waste will be at the Sherburne County Fairgrounds Commercial
Building. The HHW will be collected from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Acceptable items include
' fuels, oil based paints and stains, mercury thermometers,weed or bug killers, and other
similar hazardous household items. (It should also be noted that latex paint is being
accepted.) This program is open to all county residents and everyone needs to be prepared
' to show proof of residency. There is no pre-registration required. This is an excellent
opportunity for all homeowners in the county to safely dispose of material that may
otherwise end up in the garbage stream,which ultimately can fmd its way to the RDF Plant
and/or the Elk River Landfill.
THE EDDY
' Attached for your information is the September-October 2005 edition of The Eddy, a
bimonthly publication of the Elk River Area Arts Alliance. Staff interested in looking at The
Eddy can find extra copies in the front reception area of City Hall.
' 2005 PROPERTY TAX STATUS
The League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) annually provides a summary of property tax data
for all Minnesota municipalities. This information is available on the league website at
www.lrnnc.org.
Informational Memo
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August 31, 2005
Page 2
Attached for your information is some of the 2005 property tax data for a few communities
ell
that can reasonable be compared to the City of Elk River. The attached list includes similar
sized and mostly growing metropolitan communities; similar sized non-metropolitan cities;
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and a few neighboring communities.
The City of Elk River has a higher total tax rate than all twelve of the metropolitan
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communities listed in the attachment. In looking at the total tax rate, the city is
approximately 20% above the majority of the cities listed and this is an increase from last
year.
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Regarding non-metropolitan communities, Elk River is right in the middle of the pack. Six
communities have a higher total tax rate then Elk River and five communities have lower tax
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rates. This is identical to our standing last year. Regarding local communities, Elk River is in
a similar position as Big Lake, Rogers, and Zimmerman with the other communities,
including Otsego and St. Michael being lower.
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Tax Capacity Composition
Also available on the LMC website is information related to the tax capacity composition of
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municipalities. With 44 square miles it is not surprising that Elk River still has some property
being used for farming, whereby most of the other listed communities have only a very small
percentage of their land being put to this use. Looking at the chart it is obvious what the
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"other" category refers to for Red Wing and Becker. Overall, it seems that Elk River has a
healthy balance between its residential land use and its commercial/industrial land use.
Having 25% of the property being used for commercial and industrial activities helps make1111
Elk River a balanced community where people can work and live and helps dispel the notion
that we are simply a bedroom commuter community.
Population Update I
The property tax data from LMC also includes 2004 population figures. These population
figures are the same ones that are provided by the Minnesota State Demographer and the
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population is as of April 1, 2004.
2000 I yr 4 yr Population
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Population 2003 2004 % change % change Change
City (Census) Population Population ('03-'04) ('00-`04) (`00-'04) I Albertville 3,621 4,983 5,368 7.7 48.2 1,747
Big Lake 6,063 7,707 8,303 7.7 36.9 2,240
Buffalo 10,097 12,120 12,735 5.1 26.1 2,638
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Otsego 6,389 9,356 9,893 5.7 54.8 3,504
Rogers 3,588 5,580 5,760 3.2 60.5 2,172
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Zimmerman 2,851 3,619 4,098 13.2 43.7 1,247
Elk River 16,447 18,758 20,240 7.9 23.1 3,793
Comparing the one year and four year trends provides some interesting information,
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especially when looking at Rogers and Otsego. Elk River has the lowest growth rate for a '
2005 Property Tax Data
Ill) , , ' _ : - . Average Average .,Average Average '--Average '
7 County 2004 County City. School. .Special' Total Tax
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Metro.. , City Population 'Tax Rate Tait Rate Tax Rate Tax Rate Rate for 2005
Andover 29,262 33.58 31.20 21.27 3.60 89.65
Anoka , . 18,150 . 33.58 -' 37.54 21.49 5.87 98.48
IChamplin 23,659 44.17 32.87 21.49 8.65 107.18
Chanhassen 22,042 44.11 28.10 29.38 5.69 107.28 .
Chaska 21,478 44.11 19.88 33.30 5.23 102.51
I -. Hastings 20,546. . 28.26 50.52 22.12 4.95 105.86
Lino Lakes 18,725 33.58 42.22 30.94 6.17 112.92
I Prior Lake . 21,156 ' ' 35:35 " ' 32.36 27.1'1, ' 6.92 - ''; < 101:75
Ramsey 20,040 33.58 38.50 23.09 4.45 99.62
Rosemount, 17,740 ' 28.27 46.04 25.01 5.21 '104.53 •
111
Savage 24,018 35.36 46.39 22.57 5.66 109.97
Shakopee 28,913 35.36 31.12 24.91 4,89 - . 96.27 ,
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Non :. -
Metro '
I Albert Lea 18,140 59.42 34.03 29.90
22,218 31.14 2.26 125.60
Fairbault " 27,39 25.72 3.72 87,97
Hutchinson 13,616 62.56 59.21 14.35 1.39 137.52
PI ' Marshall-, ' ' 12,874 53.28 . 46.41 34.03 0.55 134.27
New Ulm 13,936 50.27 63.29 19.64 1.46 134.66
N.Mankato. , 12,489 47.98.: 42.46. 12.18 ' 0.65 103.28-
' Northfield 18,584 30.65 36.80 32.42 1.43 101.30
Owatonna • 23,843 50.86 41.28 24.49 0.79 117.42
Red Wing 16,274 53.45 58.34 20.44 2.01 134.24
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Willmar ' 18,659 69.51 25.13 23.69 2.84 121.16
Worthington 11,307 56.44 51.17 26.89 3.67 138.16
ILocal -
Area. ' '
I Albertville 5,368 34.41 31.99 32.92 0.00 99.32
Big Lake 8,303 . 41.98 43.39 39.69 5.26 . 130.31
Buffalo 12,735 34.57 24.46 33.23 1.44 93.70
I Otsego 9,893 34.41 27.56 32.21 2.67 96.84
Rogers 5,760 44.17 42.05 32.85 5.77 124.84
St Michael 13,292 34.41 30.94 32.96 1.07 99.39
IIZimmerman 4,098 41.95 49.06 32.71 2.59 126.30
ELK RIVER 20,240 42.03 43,76 32.85 ' 5.35 123.99
III
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Source: League of Minnesota Cities website: www.lmnc.org S:\ADMIN\CITPOP05 XLS
I 2005 Tax Capacity Composition
p Y p
7 County, '.. ;''' 2004 ' ,, ' Non-Homestead "' . Commercial! " ' '
I Metro ' ` City Population Homestead Residential - Farm Industria! ' 'Other '
Andover 29,262 86.02 4.80 0.87 5.89 2.42
Anoka " - ,18,150 , 51.04 , 17.73 0.00 30.52" 0.71'
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Champlin 23,659 78.83 5.91 0.10 14.25 0.91
Chanhassen 22,042 . 71.58 5.47 0.62 20.97 ; 1.35
Chaska 21,478 60.35 10.1 I 0.89 27.47 I.18
I
`Hastings ,, 20,546 6755 12.13 0.23 - ,: 17.45 ' 244',,
Lino Lakes 18,725 78.71 4.25 1.47 13.79 1.79
I Prior-Lake' - 21,156 81:90 - " 9.860.47 5.84 1;94
Ramsey 20,040 72.30 4.68 0.64 20.12 2.26
Rosemount ' . ' . 17,740 , 67.37 7.33 - ' - 1.67 ', 19,.77 3.86
I Savage 24,018 74.33 4.86 0.15 18.54 2.11
Shakopee 28,913 54.31 7.11 0.79 ' 35.80 1.99
I Non,
Metro
Albert Lea 18,140 59.45 7.71 0.27 28.55 4.02
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Fairbault 22,218 65.23 10.37 0.47 20.49 ,-3.45
Hutchinson 13,616 55.96 10.24 0.21 33.28 0.31
1111 Marshall 12,874 ' ' 44.70 ' 11.79 - 0.66 41.87 0.98 .
New Ulm 13,936 62.30 6.57 0.19 30.51 0.43
N.Mankato 12,489 • 61.59 10.80 0.27 25.50 1.84
I Northfield 18,584 64.81 10.33 0.24 22.68 1.95
Owatonna ' 23,843 61.89 8.52 0.38 28.09 1.1 1
Red Wing 16,274 35.14 5.89 0.72 18.93 39.33
I Willmar 18,659 " 51.48 11.13 0.48 35.02 1.90
Worthington 11,307 49.76 10.62 0.39 37.26 1.97
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Local
Area -
Albertville 5,368 54.82 9.22 0.49 33.61 1.85
IBecker. ' 3,749 10.77 ," 2.16 0.03 7.29 79.75
Big Lake 8,303 73.04 9.91 0.35 13.27 3.43
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Buffalo
Otsego 12,735 63.09 - 11.76 0.57 22.39' 2.19
9,893 75.61 6.02 7.10 8.65 2.62
Rogers , . 5,760 48.55 4.91 0.53 " 44,31 1.69
I St Michael Zimmerman 13,292 75.90 8.45 4.03 9.71 1.91
4,098 6757; ' 12.13 0.29 15.81 4.20
ELK RIVER 20,240 58.15 8.22 3.61 25.05 ' 4.97 ;
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Source: League of Minnesota Cities website: www.lmnc.org S:\ADMIN\TAXCAP05-XLS
II
11110 Green Building BY MICHAEL GRIFFIN
1
1
Growth Continues In Minnesota's
19
1 6 E n e rg y City
1
The city's latest project focuses on green building and energy conservation.
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I
t may seem like plenty of other suburban communi- the outside,but we built a second story loft into what would in the Midwest but Elk River, Minn is unique normally be the roof space From an energy standpoint, we
Ities
due to an innovative approach to energy applications really accomplished something by doing that. It will have
that is helping to put its name on the map these days. 2,200 square feet of living space and lots of storage."
In fact, this town,located 30 miles northwest of Min-
NOneapolis on the banks of the Mississippi River,has actually Efficient options
earned the name"Energy City" designated in 1996 by The A number of options are deliberately being built into
Minnesota Environmental Initiative (a nonprofit associa- the home, says Vance Zehringer, manager of key accounts
I tion). Elk River earned this distinction by demonstrating and special projects for Elk River Municipal Utilities.
renewable and energy efficient technology, services and Zehringer is also an Energy House Committee member
products, and balancing efforts between sound environ- and provides professional insight and guidance about
1 mental and economic building practices. what is possible and what makes sense for the house.
Home to the first fully-decommissioned nuclear power "We'll use electric heat that is affordable " says
plant in the world, Elk River hosts energy product manu- Zehringer. "Natural gas prices aren't expected to decrease,
facturing companies, a landfill gas-to-electricity facility,a so a ground-source heat pump to heat and cool the house
I
utility-scale wind turbine and a refuse-derived fuel renew will be installed instead These units have a coefficient of
able energy power plant. performance (COP) of 3, which means that for every one
This spring, ground was broken in Elk River for its kilowatt-hour of electricity used, you'll receive three kilo-
1 most recent project, Energy House III, which will encom- hours of heat out of it.
pass some of the most innovative products and building "If you compare that to a gas furnace that's rated at 95
techniques to conserve energy, provide a healthy living percent efficiency, the ground-source heat pump is more
1 environment and use recycled products. than three times as efficient,"he adds
Owned by the Suburban Northwest Builder's Associa- heat pumps, provided by Econar work through a
tion(SNBA),this house will also implement the forthcom- ground loop made up of many feet of plastic pipes buried in
ing 2006 building code changes and embody "best the earth.As the heat transfer fluid is circulated through it,
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construction practices."With Minnesota having one of the
most restrictive energy codes in the U.S. Energy House III the earth warms the fluid in the winter,and cools the fluid
in the summer. The heat pump extracts the heat from the
is a "must see" for residential construction professionals, fluid to heat the home in the winter and gives up heat to the
building inspectors,consumers, teachers, engineers, archi II
fluid in the summer to cool the home,explains Zehringer.
tects and consumers, according to Greg Holst, co-owner The type of heat pump selected for this project pro
and president of Northwoods Custom Homes, the con-
tractor for Energy House III
vides hot air and warm water to heat the basement floors.
Warm water is circulated through plastic tubes in the con
Visitors will also appreciate the home's beautiful design trete to provide radiant heat for the entire lower level.
and landscaping.Adds Holst: "It looks like a rambler from Ground-source heat pumps are more expensive to
I26 • June 2005
1
install than a conventional gas furnace and central air con- always obvious,but many manufacturers already use them"
ditioner, but Zehringer notes that for homeowners plan- One of Haug's tasks on this project is researching cab-
ning to stay in a home for several years,it's definitely worth merry,furniture, paint, floorings and plastic decking that
considering, and will pay for itself through reduced heat- are made with lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
I
ing and cooling costs. and recycled products
Appliances with Energy Star ratings will also be installed "That 'new house smell,"' states Haug, "is really prod-
in Energy House III.Area home buyers can receive rebates of ucts like flooring materials degassing those VOCs. You're 1
$50 to $800 per electric appliance (including the ground- breathing that in.The Energy House won't have any of that."
source heat pump)from Elk River Municipal Utilities. Haug says recycled steel roofing and siding, and car-
"These products help the homeowner save three ways," peting made from recycled materials, are definitely
says Hoist. "The up-front rebates decrease the initial cost going to be used. Compost material will be used in land- 1
of upgrading to an Energy Star appliance; the appliances scaping for erosion control and for a beautiful lawn and
continue to pay for themselves through lower operating plants.
costs year after year; and the reduced operating costs and "Some items we install may be more expensive initially, 1
rebates help consumers qualify for their mortgage." but the siding, for example,has a 50-year warranty and the
decking requires no maintenance," she continues. "Min-
Indoor air quality nesota weather is brutal on wood structures, and no mat-
Another of SNBA's aims is for this house to meet the ter how often you stain or paint,they lose their beauty and 1
American Lung Association's(ALA)standards for a"Health
House." Hoist says there is a thorough process of checks
and balances for a builder to pass through to receive this • I
endorsement from ALA, and each house a builder wants Fort1S
certified is charged a fee for the various inspections done to '1 �,—. `.,^�.,
ensure the proper materials and practices are being used - �°\\'',-...,N•
`
. Wr
"It is a commitment and an investment,"admits Hoist1,�,` n eY 1
"but it opens up a whole new gamut of construction gy
opportunities. And having a house like this can really r
improve the quality of life of a family member who has ' 25 years of experience in wind energyII
health issues such as asthma or chemical sensitivities." in the range from 500 Watt up to 30 kW
Criteria for a Health House helps avoid potential prob- -
lems such as wet basements, poor air circulation, mold, 1
and radon and carbon monoxide issues. Hoist says the , Suitable for many =applications, such as:
details of being an endorsed Health House are lengthy,but • Battery charging
notes a few items from Energy House III to help it achieve I
the goal ;'
• Grid tied systems
■ The ground-source heat pump eliminates the poten- • Hybrid systems (wind/solar or wind/diesel)
tial for carbon monoxide poisoning because there is no • Water pumping
furnace combustion. 1
•Since the basement must be moisture-free, new foun- • Heating 1
dation systems to achieve that,as well as maximize insula-
p:FK "?:9'fa'^S„...'.�x'fi:�;'ii;:`���.+�"r+l'•':i',t z„'cwry>Sy z,�:,.n:rsR-'�.�.:,n.,.-o:s;,.hr,._ _o.
tion capabilities,are being evaluated for use. DistrPbutor-" Ca_pada yl',G7,'`' z: .._. , '_.
�.ln US1;:5tteiof;New Yorkl
"e ark%IVla�eletrI` is ` P i, E:.ecgy so ut sK.nc I
•As a precaution, radon mitigation measures are being x ' a:
into the house -el)E D1VO is'141 '�' IMgi!k:` Sit " 'v-.'
built now so that if there is ever a problem, ';e'�•05 76 1 4$%:� .•k,s�•%''?P{riTel 3,14t364"1,9,7-'0`h % `'�'
it can be taken care of immediatelyand cost-effectively. ww €p''ai� '•. ' ww 4r`i,r e '� •, `1,,
. .,. "Uii ;* '`u! t � r Ua, ,, -n1,14:2,rr,', ,• I
Recycled products
Energy House III will showcase some surprising items Distributors, are welcome
that will make it a "green" home and aid the builders' 1
efforts to balance environmental and economic building
practices and further enhance indoor air quality. rt C ,_
"Some of us have the misconception that recycled items . . - . `t7
are still junk - certainly not beautiful carpeting or robust _Fortis Windenergy T !+31 50 534 01 04
steel roof shingles.Yet a lot of things are already made with ''Botanicuslaan 14 M +31 6 204 921 38 '
1111
recycled products and people don't realize it," relates NL-9751 AC Haren E info• or iso tide e e °�,aa''
fr. "; ;
Rebecca Haug,environmental technician for the city of Elk 'The Netherlands a •' for 'p is 4.44q, ,
River. "Even if you look for the symbol or label, it's not ` '`'
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Alternative Energy Retailer • 27
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.;10
Green Building
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eventually rot and need replacement. phasizes that the builders will help keep the project local
"Everything we use will have its own display in the by buying in Minnesota whenever possible.
1 house, and we'll include information about the benefits Many of these types of home building products
of the products and where to buy them for visitors inter- involve costs that may intimidate budget-conscious home
ested in exploring these options," adds Haug, who em- buyers. The good news with Energy House III is that the
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home's finance partner, The Bank of Elk River, has mort-
gage financing especially for energy improvements.
Advertisers Web Index Michelle Edder, assistant vice president and mortgage
loan officer for the bank,says they can finance up to 100%
Alpha Technologies Magnetek of the energy improvements.
"The financing can equal up to 15 percent of an exist-
www alpha.com www.alternatwe-energies.com
ing home's value, or five percent of a new home's value,"
Alternate Energy
www.ticsolar.cc MK Battery
www.dekabatteries.com she says. "Monthly energy savings are added to the bor-
rower's income in the qualification calculation, so their
debt-to-income ratio won't be as high.The maximum qual-
ifying ratio is 41 percent of income-to-debt.
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American Energy Systems
www.hearthdireCt.Com www.nabcep.org "Additionally, energy efficient rebates from govern-
ment agencies, utilities and manufacturers may be applied
American Solar Energy OutBack Power Systems toward the borrower's minimum three percent required
I Society www.outbackpower.com contribution [down payment]," she continues. "In addi-
www.swc2005.org tion, the value of the energy efficient measures is added to
Sherwood Industries the home's appraised value.And finally,the home has to be
PIAprieus www.envirofire.biz an owner-occupied primary residence."
www.apricus-solar.com Work in progress
Simpson Duravent
Blue Sky Energy Inc. www.tluravent.com During construction,Holst says the crews will stop at
www.blueskyenergyinc.com key points and invite member builders and other inter-
Solar Pathfinder ested professionals to view their progress to learn what is
Brand Electronics www.solarpathfinder.com being done and why.
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www.onemeteroneweb.com "We don't want to lose sight of our objective,which is
Solar Power Expo educating the public and construction professionals," he
Butler Sun Solutions www.solarpowerConferenCe.COm says "Letting them see our work-in-progress is a critical
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www.butlersunsolutions.com aspect. Once the walls are sealed up, it's pretty hard for
Solectria Renewables LLC them to envision some of the techniques we've used."
Dansons Marketing www.solren.com Holst admits it will be a challenge to coordinate all the
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Group Inc.www.kentuckykomfort.com
air quality and energy efficient guidelines,
e
www.kntuckykomfort.com Sun Cloud Distributors but the objective is to build a house that has appeal."We are
www.dansons.com www.suncloudinc.com putting our name on it,so we take it very seriously,"he says.
"We want people to see the home's value and appreciate it.
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Direct Power Surrette Battery Company "We are very price-competitive,"continues Holst, "but
www.power-fab.com www.rollsbattery.com we must still convince consumers these products and con-
struction methods have good value. We are dealing with a
Dry Creek Products Wind Turbine much more aware consumer."
www.drycreekproducts.com Industries Corp. To accomplish its education goals, the SNBA will
www windturbine.net make Energy House III easily accessible to people during
Fortis Windenergy regular business hours. So, the SNBA will move its offices
www.fortiswindenergy corn Woodkiln there in September 2005 until March 2008.
www.woodkilnefp.com After that time, the house will be sold. Additionally,
"using" the house allows potential buyers to learn what
Alternative Energy®
real energy costs might be,how the products are function-
ing, and gives them the opportunity to hear from the
SNBA staff about their experiences there. AER
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28 • June 2005