02-19-2020 ECC MIN
Meeting of the Elk River
Energy City Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Members Present: Chair Tom Sagstetter, Commissioners Aaron Brixius, Garrett
Christianson, Trish Curtis, Harley Hanson, Becky Herbert, Amy
Lord, Alec Plaisted and Tim Steinbeck
Members Absent: Commissioners Henry Griner and Jason Hoskins
Staff Present: Amanda Erickson, 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 Chair Sagstetter at 8:00 a.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Sagstetter led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Consider Agenda
Chair Sagstetter added item 5.9 Commission Vacancies to the agenda. The amended
agenda was approved, motion by Brixius, second by Lord.
4. Consider Minutes
Consider minutes from the November 20, 2019 meetings. Minutes approved, motion
by Curtis, second by Brixius.
5.1 Member Updates
Commissioner Steinbeck provided a brief update (later in the meeting) about the
land along the Mississippi River across Highway 10 from the GRE plant that will be
decommissioned and demolished in the next year. GRE staff is working with Elk
River Park & Recreation staff to create access at this site for fishing and recreation
for residents. GRE’s goal would be to incorporate Energy City into a site and the
legacy of GRE’s facility that was a significant factor in the Energy City designation.
Additional review is needed for these plans but more information to come.
5.2 Energy City Insights
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As discussed in the last meeting, the Commission has decided to have monthly
postings via the various city electronic media outlets related to energy and
sustainability related topics – called Energy City Insights. The first Energy City Insight was
posted in January focusing on recycling and hard to manage items, specifically
batteries. February’s topic will be smart salting and the negative effects chlorine can
have on natural resources. Topics suggested for March were storm drains and
keeping streets clean as snow begins to melt. April topics could focus on Earth Day
and the city’s clean up event.
ERMU has access to energy and efficiency related articles via their online database
that is also used for their quarterly publications. These topics could be included in
relevant Insights in the future as well.
In discussion about how to promote and educate about Energy City, the commission
discussed getting involved at the Elk River Famers Market this summer. City staff
will follow up with options for participating at the events and promoting Energy
City. This could also be coordinate with Minnesota Drive Electric Week.
5.3 CSM – Call for Videos
The Climate Smart Municipalities program is again encouraging students to create
videos related to energy, efficiency and climate as part of the international video
competition. City staff has not had any interest from teachers yet this year but
encouraged the Commissions to reach out to teachers that might be interested in
participating.
Commissioner Herbert is new to Energy City but explained some potential changes
to curriculum which will include conservation and sustainability in science education
standards. There is a possibility for partnership and discuss with city staff, especially
given opportunities for visiting demonstration sites in Elk River.
The next CSM event will be a retreat at Camp Ripley for Minnesota participants in
early April. Commissioners are encouraged to attend if interested and welcome to
become more involved with the CSM program if they like. The delegation will likely
visit Germany in mid-June again this year.
5.4 E- Bike funding for 2020 - $1,500
Funding was approved in the 2020 budget for an electric bike (E-Bike) and ERMU
may provide some additional funding for branding and other accessories for the
bike. Staff is looking into the best option to purchase. The goal is for many city
departments to utilize the bike, potentially including the Police Department.
5.5 Wind Turbine demonstration location
ERMU, in partnership with MMPA, will be installing a small wind turbine in Elk
River. The location has been approved at the Youth Athletic Complex (YAC) which
is highly utilized by kdis and families and will provide a great educational
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opportunity. The power generation will be tracked and available for view online, like
the solar array at City Hall. A kiosk will also be on the site for education.
5.6 ERPD Hybrid update
Elk River Police Department have purchased two hybrid vehicle (Ford Explorers)
which will be outfitted with all the necessary accessories for police officers. The
company that is outfitting the vehicles have not done so in a hybrid before and are
excited to share their experience. Councilmember Christianson was going to follow
up with the Police Chief regarding incorporating Energy City into the wrap of the
vehicle and promotion if possible.
5.7 Legislative update
Chair Sagstetter provided a brief update about legislative bills related to energy.
There are three of focus for ERMU: 100% renewable energy requirement, carbon
free by 2050 and conservation optimization. These are goals of the Governor but
there have been discussions about flexibility, especially related to mandates.
Commissioner Steinbeck has also been involved in some legislative hearings
specifically related to resource recovery being defined as a renewable energy source.
The commission discussed the changes in the energy sector, challenges with
mandates and changing markets based on demand. Renewable energy continues to
be a quickly changing technology as well. Councilmember Christianson mentioned
potentially setting up a meeting with Representative Paul Novotny and members of
the Energy City Commission in the future.
5.8 Earth Day Event? Wednesday, April 22nd - 50th Anniversary of Earth Day
The Commission spent some time discussing possible events or promotion for Earth
Day on April 22nd. Many local businesses including GRE and Plaisted Companies do
their own events or clean up projects during this time of year. Additionally, the city’s
spring clean up day is planning for April 18th. The group discussed options for
highlighting all the various events under the umbrella of Earth Day and encouraging
other businesses and residents to participate. Members plan to coordinate further
and perhaps include school groups and other local businesses.
5.9 Commission Vacancies
Chair Sagstetter mentioned that the Energy City Commission currently has two
vacancies and encouraged members to reach out to individuals they feel would be a
good fit for the commission. It was also discussed to promote those opportunities
during the farmers market if applicable at that time.
6. Next Meeting Agenda Items (Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 8:00 a.m.)