02-21-2018 ECC MIN
Meeting of the Elk River
Energy City Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Members Present: Chair Tom Sagstetter, Commissioners Anne Anderson, Paula
Bernard, Harley Hanson, Glenn Hauck, Matt Herman, Jason
Hoskins, Asa Kingsbury and Jerry Olsen
Members Absent: Trish Curtis (called in via phone)
Staff Present: Amanda Bednar, Environmental Coordinator and Colleen Eddy,
Economic Development Specialist
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
Sagstetter led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Consider Agenda
No changes made, agenda approved.
4. Consider Minutes
Moved by Hoskins and seconded by Herman to approve the minutes from the
December 6, 2017 Energy City Commission meeting.
5.1 Commission member update: new members and Council update February 20
All members introduced themselves as this was the first meeting Bernard had
attended. Member Curtin joined the group via phone as she was out of town for
work. Members Hanson and Curtis were reappointed at City Council on February 20
and new Member Henry Griner was appointed and will begin with the Commission
as of March 1.
5.2 Energy Action Plan: Priorities and goals for 2018 including High Five
program, youth program and long term planning
The Commission reviewed the 10 Year Action Plan to begin focusing on priorities
for the year and items to update. Being able to refine the focus will help to
accomplish goals in the future and start planning for the 2019 budget process with
city staff. Members Sagstetter, Bernard and Anderson and city staff will work as a
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subcommittee to gather comments from the entire group and compile some
priorities for the upcoming year. All members will provide comments and will be
revisited at the May meeting. The Commission discussed possible events in the
future including an expo, fix it clinics and partnering with EDA for their planned
event this fall. The youth commission (SustainER) continues to be challenging and
Anderson has had some luck at Elk River High School and plans to continue
reaching out to specific schools for her powerED program. The members will also
review the High Five program. Comments will be sent back to Amanda Bednar and
the subcommittee will meet in April.
5.3 FleetCarma & Electric Vehicle updates – ERMU and City
Member Sagstetter presented the information from the FleetCarma study which
shows the average driving behaviors of city and ERMU staff. This report was
presented to both City Council and the Utilities Board as well. FleetCarma provided
recommendations for hybrid and full electric vehicle options that will meet the needs
of employees. ERMU will be purchasing a Chevy Bolt (EV) and the city will be
leasing a Mitsubishi Outlander (PHEV) in 2018. The Outlander will also have a
vehicle wrap related to Energy City.
5.4 “Climate Smart: Cities Working Together” film now available
The film is now available for public view and information was shared with the
group. The Climate Smart Municipalities program continues to provide great
resources to Elk River especially by highlighting the advances Germany has made in
energy efficiency and waste reduction.
5.5 Existing Energy Conditions Report via GPI and GreenStep Cities
City staff received information from the Great Plains Institute about an existing
energy report they are completing for GreenStep City participants. The Commission
was interested in getting more information that may be beneficial for future energy
planning.
5.6 Update on city ice arena plans
Councilmember Olsen provided an update regarding the status of futures plans for
an ice arena and/or community center. Right now the Council is taking a pause to
further explore options for the overall project. Member Olsen hopes that whatever
direction the project takes, there are aspects of sustainable design incorporated
within the plans. The possibility of district heating options may also be discussed
again in the future due to the location of the ice arena.
5.7 Update from Member Kingsbury
Member Kingsbury presented information to the group regarding solar power basic,
options available and an overview of production potential for Elk River. He also
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included information about a possible solar pump for the splash pad in downtown
Elk River. Although the solar pump could be expensive and difficult to install, it
would provide a great educational display of solar power. Adding an educational
component to any solar in Elk River would also be beneficial to help education
residents and visitors about how solar power works. He also provided information
about the MN Pilot Program for industrial agricultural hemp production.
5.8 School District update from Member Anderson
Member Anderson has been working with ISD 728 on a program called powerED
which works on behavior changes and facility improvements to reduce energy
consumption and educate students. The program has been very successful in
numerous schools and saved the district significant money over the last year. This
information is shared with faculty, staff, students and parents. She’s been successful
with increasing student involvement at the high school and hopes to also get more
student involvement at Salk Middle School.
6. Next Meeting Agenda Items (February 21, 2018)
10 Year Action Plan update
Clean Up Day April 28 and possible future events
Hybrid and Electric Vehicle updates
7. Announcements
None
8. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:28 a.m.
Minutes prepared by Amanda Bednar.
___________________ ____________________
Tina Allard, City Clerk Tom Sagstetter, Chair
Energy City Commission