05-15-2019 ECC MIN City of
Elk ,, Meeting of the Elk River
River Energy City Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Members Present: Chair Tom Sagstetter,Commissioners Aaron Brixius,Trish Curtis,
Henry Griner,Harley Hanson,Alec Plaisted and Tim Steinbeck
Members Absent: Paula Bernard, Garrett Christianson,Jason Hoskins and Amy Lord
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 8:31 a.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Sagstetter led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Consider Agenda
Motion to approve agenda,moved by Curtis, second by Griner.
4. Consider Minutes
Consider minutes from both the November 2018 and February 2019 meetings.
Motion to approve agenda,moved by Griner and seconded by Brixius to approve.
5.1 New member introduction and member updates
The Commission has a few new members since the last meeting. Amy Lord is the
school representative and works in workforce development for students at ISD 728.
Tim Steinbeck works for GRE and was on the Commission many years ago and
helped create the 10-year Action Plan. He gave a brief update regarding the GRE site
in Elk River and background about his connection to the city and ECC.Alec Plaisted
was also newly appointed to the Commission and works for Plaisted Companies and
grew up in Elk River. He shared about the green roof mixes and iron-enhanced sand
mixes that Plaisted Companies has created for stormwater management. Other
members provided information about their backgrounds and connection to Energy
City.
5.2 Elections of Office
Motion by member Curtis, second by Hanson to appoint Tom Sagstetter as Chair
—
again. Motion by Sagstetter, second by Brixius to appoint Henry Griner as Co-Chair.
Both motions passed unanimously.
5.3 10-year Action Plan
Commission members discussed various items within the Action Plan that are
priorities and goals for the future of the group. Members asked for an update on
what has been accomplished and any metrics that can be included for each year or
action item. Options for possible community education classes were discussed and
potential partnerships with ISD 728. Member Hanson discussed the need and
demand for better recycling education especially for hard to manage items that his
local business has the ability to recycle.The proximity of the landfill is also a visual
representation of how waste management affects our community as well. Public
outreach and education on this topic could include videos in partnership with the
City in the future too. The group also discussed how photos could help educate
residents about waste in parks,along roads and within ponds in the city. Member
Plaisted shared some information about the green roof and raingarden mixes his
company has created for local residents. He will share an update when the project is
completed. Other topics discussed included a survey to residents (about what topics
are important to them related to sustainability),micro dams,defused solar array
programs, carbon from air liquid fuel at the landfill and other new technologies. The
Action Plan calls for many items to be done in the next year or few years,there was
some discussion whether or not that's realistic for some items.A detailed update of
progress will be sent to the group soon.
5.4 Hometown Solar Grant Update
The City has begun working with MMPA for the installation for a 5 kW solar array
to be built at City Hall.This grant opportunity will allow the city to educate the
public about how solar energy works and allow them to see it up close. The
installation will include a dashboard;the group suggested adding this to the City Hall
cable television and other areas to show live updates of solar production and
consumption. The array is very small and will only produce about 2% of the energy
needed for City Hall's consumption. The group then spent some time discussion
solar options for residential application,paybacks,production and the role of tax
incentives. ERMU provides the option to purchase renewable energy through Clean
Energy Choice which can be a better option economically for residents. At home EV
chargers are also becoming more popular in Elk River.Wind in Minnesota is not
very efficient and not always the best option for power generation.
The distributed energy contract as part of the Hometown Solar installation was
approved by the Utility Commission. This system is very small and won't have any
issues with connection or production.
5.5 CSM update/video program
2
.411)
T Climate Smart Municipalities program was discussed in detail for the new
members. Our German colleagues will be in Minnesota midJune and the
Commission members will likely be invited to a kick-off dinner on Monday,June
10th The delegation will travel to Germany in September 2019 and again in 2020.
The goal continues to be to expand discussion and projects related to climate
protection and other sustainability topics.The discussions with our Minnesota
partners during the CSM retreat this spring was very beneficial too. Sabine asked all
the communities to screen the TPT documentary about the program, staff will look
into the best option for doing that in Elk River. The Commission also discussed how
to incorporate Energy City into other city events such as Night to Unite,the farmers
market, etc.
5.6Clean Energy Communities
The City of Elk River will be featured at the Eco Experience during the Minnesota
State Fair as a Clean Energy Community. Staff is working to finalize the information
that will be shared with the public and still looking for suggestions and additional
info to include. Commission members discussed possibilities of including local
businesses and partnerships that may fit with the goals of the Eco Experience
display.The Commission members were also invited to participate if interested.
6. Next Meeting Agenda Items (Wednesday,August 21, 2019)
Clean Energy Communities and member updates.
7. Announcements
None
8. Adjournment
There being no further business,the meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
Minutes prepared by Amanda Bednar.
Tina Allard, City Clerk Tom Sagstette , Cha'
Energy City ommission
3