4.1 ECC DRAFT MINUTES 03-15-2023 Meeting of the Elk River
Energy City Commission
Elk River City Hall
cEtY°11 •�.. Wednesday,January 18,2023
River
Members Present Commissioners Casey Mahon,Vern Iverson, Mark Peterson,
Tony Miller,Levi Aespoh,and,Tom Sagstetter.
Members Absent Commissioners Becky Herbert,Reggie Vanlonden, and Jon Cappaert.
Staff Present Suzanne Fischer,Environmental Services/Special Projects Director
Others Present Council member Cory Grupa,Recreation Coordinator,Karen Wingard.
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 Mahon at 8:30 a.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Commissioner Mahon led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Oath of Office
Coundlmember Cory Grupa accepted and signed his oath of office.
4. ConsiderAgenda
Chair Mahon added the draft edition of talking points for the City Council update in March.
Commissioner Peterson,approved the amended agenda, seconded by Commissioner Aespoh.
5. Consider Minutes
Consider minutes from the Nov. 16, 2022,meeting. Minutes approved, motion by
Commissioner Sagstetter,second by Commissioner Aespoh.
Commission members introduced themselves to Councilmember Cory Grupa.
6.1 Status of Energy City Goals
Commission members discussed revision of Goal#3. It was changed from`Integrate energy
efficient/sustainable standards in project Request for Proposals (RFP's)which save life-cycle
costs,' to, `Advocate to City Council that all RFPs or capital expenditures dearly identify and
quantify the long-term environmental and energy efficiency attributes for projects or equipment
exceeding$50,000 in cost.'
Item 6.4 Eagle Scout Solar Table Project was addressed after the goal revision since the
first goal of the ECC for 2023 is installation of the solar picnic table at Orono Park.
Ms. Wingard mentioned Bryson Jones,an Eagle Scout, has accepted the project In the future,
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Ms. Wingard stated that they would like to see scout projects involve more city department's
than just Parks.The solar table has been sitting for —7 years but we are ready to proceed.
Bryson presented his project to the Parks Commission,and it was approved.The scout needs
to take the initiate the`drive'in the project. Ms. Wingard is there to assist as needed but serves
in a more hands-off role.
Tim Sevcik,Public Works Superintendent,told Ms. Wingard that the $2000 budget (provided
by Economic Development),may not be adequate and to plan for securing additional funds.
Due to the number of years,this project was stalled, the city funds were not retained in the
Environmental budget. Commissioner Sagstetter was able to find funds in his budget to pay for
the slab and conduit already installed. Unfortunately,this item was not included in the
renovation of Orono Park. Commission members discussed the additional funding needs and
will mention this to the Council in March.
Ms. Wingard stated that the roof on this structure needs to be consistent with the style and
color of other Park shelters, as well as the cedar tone of stain. She also mentioned that there are
challenges with outdated technology and new batteries are needed.The scout will provide a
sketch of his project along with a materials list.The scout plans to have it complete before the
new school year starts in the fall.
Ms. Fischer mentioned that Jon Cappaert(via email),offered to help the scout by sharing his
tools and helping with the construction. Commissioner Miller said he would also help with the
project, as well as Commissioner Iverson,who has worked with the STEM program at high
schools,and,also Chair Mahon. Ms. Wingard will send the scout an email along with the
Commissioners that he can contact. Chair Mahon thanked Ms.Wingard for her update on the
project.
6.2 Amend ECC By-Laws to Align with Revised Meeting Schedule.
City Council approved the amended Administration ordinance for Boards &Commissions at their
Dec. 19''meeting.With that action,the ECC was able to amend their by-laws for consistency in
meeting schedules.Commissioner Miller,motioned to approve the amended by-laws, seconded by
Commissioner Iverson.
6.3 Quarterly Star News Article Assignments
Chair Mahon submitted the 1"qtr. article on the New P1k River Landfill Agreement which was
published in a Jan.issue of the Star News. Members shared various topics that could be shared
with the public this year and agreed on the following 2"a qtr. topics are Earth Day,Spring
(April) Clean-Up event, and Citywide Garage Sales (May) -Commissioner Peterson. 3rd qtr.
topics: EV's and Scooters—Commissioner Iverson. e`qtr. topic is the solar table at Lake
Orono &recognition of Bryson Jones—Commissioners Cappaert and Miller.
6.5 Work Session Topics for March
Chair Mahon shared his draft notes for the March update to City Council. It included Commission
member introductions,a summary of ECC's history,initiatives,the mission,vision,and value
statements.The goals created and prioritized by the Commission,collaboration with the Initiative
Foundation and Rechange MN. Other issues mentioned included thanking the Council for past
actions,allowing Communication staff to attend ECC meetings as needed,appointing an ISD728
representative to the commission,review,and approval of the ECC goal to include energy and
sustainability criteria in RFP's,and understanding the need of funding for projects and marketing
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purposes.
Commission Sagstetter suggested adding specific successes,including:ECC support has helped city
operations achieve 100%renewable energy,the city purchases 80%of kWh as part of the Clean
Energy Choice program for business owners,and,that ERMU currently has 20%renewable energy
in the generation portfolio and contracts to purchase the remaining 80%from renewable sources.
Chair Mahon,Vice Chair Iverson,Commissioner Sagstetter,and Suzanne will review the work
session power point in early February.
There being no further business,Commissioner Sagstetter motioned to adjourn the meeting at
10:06a.m,seconded by Commissioner Iverson.
Suzanne M.Fischer Date
Environmental Services/Special Projects Director
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