4.1 ECC DRAFT MINUTES 02-16-2022 C=ty of
Elk ,'—. Meeting of the Elk River
River Energy City Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall- Outdoors
Wednesday,November 17, 2021
Members Present: Chair Tom Sagstetter,Commissioners Aaron Brixius,Becky Herbert,
Vern Iverson,Mike Kavanaugh, Casey Mahon,Alec Plaisted,Tim
Steinbeck,and Jennifer Wagner
Members Absent: Commissioners Trish Curtis and Travis Leigh
Staff Present: Amanda Erickson, Environmental 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 Sagstetter at 8:03 a.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Sagstetter led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Consider Agenda
Agenda updated to move Smart Energy Provided Item 5.3 up in the agenda as Chair
Sagstetter needs to leave early. Commissioner Iverson motioned approval and
seconded by Commissioner Plaisted.
4. Consider Minutes
Consider minutes from the August 18,2021 meeting. Minutes approved,motion by
Commissioner Plaisted, second by Commissioner Steinbeck.
5.1 Member updates
Commissioner Steinbeck provided a brief update about GRE's demolition and
deconstruction at the Elk River site,which has taken place over the last two years.
GRE was able to recover or recycle approximately 93% of the material on site during
the demolition. Most of the material was concrete,all of which was reclaimed. Much
of the equipment on site was sold or reused as well.The hillside along the highway
has been seeded with native plants again and the river side also has native plants and
grasses. There are still approximately 100 GRE staff members working at this facility.
Chair Sagstetter expressed interest in connecting with Commissioner Herbert
regarding school curriculum related to the Smart Energy Provider and ERMU's
relationship with MMPA. In the past,MMPA provided educational presentations to
all 4th graders in the district,however this hasn't been possible during the last year
and a half. Ideally additional education is part of the long-range planning.
Commission Herbert shared the school district is piloting new curriculum next fall
for middle school students and was interested in supporting the smart energy
designation. There have been many challenges this year in the school district related
to staffing and bussing issues,making it difficult to do anything additional at this
time.
Chair Sagstetter also shared that ERMU will be increasing utility rates in 2022 due to
market changes and inflation. This is not uncommon with other utilities either given
changes throughout the state.
5.2 Sustainability Survey
The Sustainability Survey has been finalized but unfortunately has only been
completed by a small number of individuals. The commission is hopeful that some
additional promotion and marketing could result in more submissions.
Commissioners recommended boosting the posts on social media at a low cost.
Additionally,city staff may create a press release to share with the local newspaper.
Staff will also work to connect with local Chamber of Commerce staff.
5.3 ERMU Smart Energy Provider designation
Chair Sagstetter explained that ERMU received the Smart Energy Provider
designation for the second time,which is valid for two years. This designation
highlights how the utility and city work well together on sustainability initiatives such
as stormwater management,recycling and organics,providing energy efficiency info
welcome bags to new homes,etc. ERMU is one of 70 in the county that received this
designation with only a few others in Minnesota. It is a big honor and required a lot
of time and effort to receive the designation. One area that ERMU could improve
on is surveys and customer interactions,which is specified as important in the
program. City staff plans to use this topic for the November Energy City Insight
post to highlight ERMU's achievement.
5.4 ERMU rebates and efficiency programs for 2022
ERMU continues to work on rebate and efficiency programs in 2021,which has
been difficult. Chair Sagstetter shared there are some larger rebate programs at the
end of 2021,which is encouraging. ERMU will likely fall short of their energy
savings goals for this year. It has been a common trend that efficiency programs are
less popular this year,as organizations don't have capacity or funds. ERMU is
hopeful that 2022 is a better year for rebates and efficiency programs.
5.5 Solar picnic table update
The concrete slab will be poured this fall along with the trail reconstruction at Orono
Park. Staff is hopeful the structure will be built next year, unfortunately project
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delays and supply chain issues have been problematic this year. More to come on this
in the future.
6. Next Meeting Agenda Items (Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 8:00 a.m.)
Commissioner Brixius to provide update about Xcel Energy's Sherco Power Plant.
Commission Steinbeck to provide update about GRE's battery storage project.
7. Announcements
Commissioner Iverson shared about a recent article he read regarding land bank
areas where farmers are paid to not plant crops and use that for solar panels on site.
This creates local jobs and long-term energy production for the community.This
project specifically is in Indiana and is quite a large site and solar production.
8. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:50 a.m.
Minutes prepared by Amanda Erickson.
Tina Allard, City Clerk Tom Sagstetter, Chair
Energy City Commission
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