ECC DRAFT MINUTES 07-19-2023 Meeting of the Elk River
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Oty of Elk Energy City Commission
�; Elk River City Hall
River Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Members Present: Chair Casey Mahon, Vice Chair Vern Iverson, Cory Grupa, Mark
Peterson, Levi Aespoh, Reggie Vanlonden, and Sara Youngs.
Members Absent: Commissioners Tony Miller, and Jon Cappaert
Staff Present: Suzanne Fischer, Env. Services/Special Projects Director,
Karen Wingard, Recreation Coordinator
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 8:02 a.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Commissioner Mahon led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Consider Agenda & Minutes
Commissioner Grupa moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Commissioner Aesoph.
4. There were no minutes to approve from the prior meeting. Discussion notes only.
5.1 Elect new Commission Chair
Due to current Chair Mahon moving outside of Elk River, Commissioner Grupa nominated Vice
Chair Iverson as the new Chair, seconded by Commissioner Vanlonden. Election of new Vice-Chair
was tabled to the Sept. 20, 2023,meeting.
5.2 Status of Eagle Scout Project
Karen Wingard stated that the scout has not reached out to any of the contacts provided for
technical assistance and stated that this project may be too overwhelming for him. An alternative
option for him to consider is to assist with the installation of a fabricated solar picnic table instead.
The Commission agreed and directed staff to proceed with providing examples of various models
that would be appropriate for Orono Park. Karen will visit with the scout on this change to confirm
his interest level and participation. The Commission will purchase the selected model with funds in
the 2023 budget. Solar table specs will be shared with ERMU staff for review and consultation. The
3 old solar panels will be listed on govdeals.com.
5.3 Budget
The current budget of the ECC is $49,050, of which 15% is dedicated to staff salary. There is
$20K in Operating Supplies. Some of that will be used for the new solar picnic table. There
have been no expenditures YTD in the line item. The $15K grant from the Initiative
Foundation was a pass through and did not have an impact on the Commission's budget.
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5.4 ECC Goal Status will be discussed at the next meeting since it was mentioned as part
of the Eagle Scout project, the Star News articles, and the ElectriFUNcation event in August.
5.5 ElectriFUNcation Event
The ReCharge MN group is doing a good job organizing this event that will be held at the FTC
on 8.5.2023. The food trucks will be moved outside per MN State Fire Code. The Star News is
interviewing EV drivers for an article which will tied into publicizing the event.
5.6 Pledge with Recharge America
Stephanie Dorman with Recharge America sent an invitation via email to the City of Elk River to
formally pledge with Recharge America. There is no cost for this program. It includes newsletters
with industry updates, provides an opportunity for the city to be featured in their newsletters, places
our logo and link to the city website on the Recharge America website, first access to their annual
symposium,and quarterly participation in round table discussions as desired. The Commission was
in support of the pledge which will be back to the Sept. meeting for action.
5.7 School Representative
The Commission would like to have a school representative on the Commission to encourage
energy efficiency and sustainability with youth. ISD 728 does not have an individual at this time.
Commissioner Grupa will contact Spectrum again, and also reach out to St. Andrews school.
5.8 Other Commissioner Updates
Commissioner Iverson that sustainable building codes have changed over the years, and we should
explore them and perhaps update some of our building codes. He will reach out to his contact,who
is an architect, for information to share at the next meeting.
There being no further business, Commissioner Levi moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by
Commissioner Grupa. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55am.
Suzanne M. Fischer 7.20.2023
Suzanne M. Fischer Date
Environmental Services/Special Projects Director
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