07-19-2023 ECC MIN Meeting of the Elk River
Elk Energy City Commission
ti, 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.
1
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.
Si, anne M. Fischer 7.20.2023
Suzanne M. Fischer Date
Environmental Services/Special Projects Director
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ECC Gpals Updated 7.20.2023 6721
"
ECC Consolidated Goals 6.15.2022 Process Progress
ECC supported purchase of fabricated
1 Complete the solar array and battery Locate a contractor,a corporate sponsor,or pursue solar table rather than using the 8 yr old
demonstration project in Orono Park. assistance from an Eagle Scout for installation. model.Eagle Scout no longer interested
in participating.
Create consistent signage on energy&sustainability >Qtrly Star News articles 4
project details,community benefits and the ECC Mission Completed Facility Energy Cons.Fact
Statement.Event center lighting,ice sheet Sheet w/QR code.
Raise public awareness of ECC initiatives refrigeration methods&environmental benefits,electric Proceed w/sign campaign
2 undertaken throughout the community via a Zamboni,storm water pond clean up(Adopt A
sign campaign w/QR codes. Highway),Orono Park splash pad,COER buying 100°/o
renewable energy,PD hybrid vehicles,public EV
chargers,LED lights on Woodland trail cross walks,WM
landfill leachate treated @ WWTP,etc.
Advocate to City Council that all RFPs or Revise RFP to require energy&sustainability Sub-committee of Commissioners to
capital expenditures clearly identify and expenditures(point system),in capital projects.Present research sustainable building practices
3 quantify the long-term environmental and to CC for review/approval. that c/be incorporated into city
energy efficiency attributes for projects or Create ECC Dashboard for monthly updates to CC buildign code. ECC review&proposal
equipment exceeding$50,000 in cost. (Wagner)&online posting. to City Council.
Provide input to depts on comprehensive energy Notice ECC on plans submitted that would benefit from
and/or sustainability issues.Consistently include energy&sustainability practices.Explain the benefits,
4 building alternatives that are EE&sustainable for and operational cost savings.Provide fact sheets,online
residents,builders,and developers as part of the resources,rebate information,cost benefit analysis,etc.
permitting process. w/permit files.
Compostable,paper,reusable,woven&non-woven
polypropylene,jute,etc.Draft potential Alternative
Plastic Bag policy for CC review/approval.Seek grants to
Identify&promote alternatives to single use plastic help retailers offset higher cost of environmental
5 bags used by retailers to reduce tonnage going to alternatives.
the landfill. https://www.ebpsupply.com/blog/alternatives-single-
use-plastic-bags
https://corporate.target.com/article/2020/07/plastic-
consortium
Gather 3 years public building energy data--Create a
6 Schedule a City buildings/projects tour to see what public dashboard to communicate how city bldgs,&
we are collectively. services reduce energy.(Should already be in the B3
benchmarking database)
Research model programs already in use.Include key
Develop a sustainability and safety demonstration issues(i.e.call b4 you dig,avoid downed power lines,
7 for local schools with information and practices for natural gas dangers,etc.,as well as sustainability(water
use at work and home. conservation,organics,recycling,HEW,energy
efficiency,etc.).Coordinate w/CenterPoint as feasible.
Send annual mailings to customers showing what their
Push social media information and programs to current applicable payments are,and what they could be
8 increase public awareness of ECC and raise the if they implemented energy&sustainability practices into
number of followers by 50°i°. their everyday lives.Promote best practices for proven
environmental measures and benefits to the public.
Partner with local businesses and contractors on Identify efficient heating&cooling systems for
energy&sustainability programs(one stop shop), customers.Perform a comprehensive review of rebate
that reduce their carbon footprint and provide programs for new appliances and HVAC components.
benefits to their businesses and the community. Smart thermostat&LED promotion-give away.
Develop a city-wide recognition program to honor
businesses,non-profits,and individuals,that Possible resources:State and Local Energy EfficienfyAction
10 Network,Center for Energy and Environment,Minnesota's
exemplify high standards in energy&sustainability. Conservation Improvement Program,etc.
Presentation&plaque @ CC meetings.
Gather data from waste hauler on solid waste vs
11 recycled.#s per household,commercial and Reference monthly reports from Republic.
community wide.
Present ECC activity to CC at least 3X/year,and as 1st mtg: Present ECC Annual Goals.
12 2nd mtg:Establish Budget
needed. g
3rd mtg: Status Report on Annual Goals
63
https://a pex-co.us/about
Aix
Apex is a family of separate businesses, each focused on a specific market, but united by our vision
of making the world a better place through environmental stewardship, fiscal stewardship, and
generosity. The Apex family is made up of Apex Arena Solutions, LLC; Apex Facility Solutions,
LLC; Apex Water Solutions, LLC, and the Apex Foundation - 501(c)(3).
What Sets Us Apart?
We set a new standard in the industry by not just telling our clients what should be done, but
instead involving our client in the entire process. The facility staff knows the unique operating
conditions that exist and are a valuable resources in the establishment of the optimal solution set.
It is this collaborative process that sets us apart in the industry.
Ultimately, we believe very strongly in two important facts. First the project is the client's project,
not ours. Second, open communication and transparency is what successful relationships and
projects are built upon. We work side-by-side with our clients to ensure that all of the expectations
are being met. This focus on customer satisfaction and teaming is one of the items that separates
us from the rest of the industry. Other items include;
• Performance Contracting
• Private-Equity Financing to enhance financial return to the client
• History of working with both demand and supply side of building power, which allows us to
reduce energy consumption and further improve the return to our clients
• Leveraging state energy procurement laws to maximize financial benefits to our clients
• Having in insatiable appetite for customer service
• Focusing on more than just Apex Companies' profits
Our Mission
To provide creative solutions to difficult problems resulting in projects that meet our client's goals
and that reduce operating costs, lower energy consumption, and protect and conserve the
environment while also serving the communities in which we live and work.
The Apex Companies:
Apex Facility Solutions, LLC I Apex Water Solutions, LLC I Apex Arena Solutions, LLC
The Apex Foundation - 501(c)(3)
3495 Northdale Blvd. NW, Suite 230
Coon Rapids, MN 55448
763-201-8950
lQ A
RICHARGE city of
Elk -�-,
AMERICA River
PARTICIPANT PROFILE
City of Elk River The City of Elk River, MN,was named "Energy City" in 1997 by the
Minnesota Environmental Initiative. It's a badge the city wears proudly, as it has
successfully converted what was once the first rural nuclear power plant in the U.S.to a
refuse-burning power plant run by Great River Energy. Environmental efforts take
priority in the city,which has been one of the fastest-growing suburbs of the Twin Cities.
The city itself takes the lead in promoting sustainability efforts for its residents. In the
past several years, Elk River has achieved step 5—the highest level possible—in
Minnesota's Green Step Cities certification program and held EV days at the local
farmer's market.The city maintains a fleet of more than 100 vehicles,which currently
includes 11 EVs, and they are actively exploring the possibility of transitioning to electric
school buses. In the summer of 2023, Elk River held an ElectriFUNcation event with
Recharge America,which drew hundreds of attendees and offered test drives of both
e-bikes and EVs.
C ( The Cityof Elk River offers manyamenities to its residents,de ts,
offering a small-town feel but close enough to the Twin Cities "
and St. Cloud.
—Vern Iverson, Chair, Energy City Commission
As Elk River continues to work toward its sustainability goals,they have already learned
lessons along the way.They have installed 2 EV charging stations so far, but the cost of
installation and the rapidly-changing technology for charging stations presents a
challenge to further investment.
The city is currently drafting sustainability building requirements for review and
approval by the City Council. Demonstrating their commitment to environmental
justice,the city has also been working with Elk River Municipal Utilities to facilitate
access to alternative power opportunities for all residents across the city's 44 square
miles.
For more information,visit r
Recharge-America.org 'L3
Fischer, Suzanne M.
From: Erin Rathe <erinrathe@recharge-america.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 9:17 AM
To: Fischer, Suzanne M.; Sorheim, Starr
Cc: Vern Iverson
Subject: Re: Participant profile
Good morning all!
Thank you for submitting your Participant form for Recharge America! I have used the information you provided to
create your Participant Profile, which you can view and comment on as a Google doc. Please let me know of any
changes or corrections by September 19; if we don't hear from you by then, we'll post this to our website as is.
What You Can Expect Next
1. Your Participant Profile will be added to our website and linked to your website. As we revamp our
website this fall, all Participants will be listed in a searchable directory, so visitors to our site can find you
by industry, location, and more. We hope this will be a tool for directing visitors to your site.
2. We'll officially welcome you in our next newsletter (September) and on our social media! Please share
those with your networks to let people know you've joined and encourage them to follow your work and
ours.
3. Once per year, we'll ask you to review and update your Profile information to make sure it accurately
reflects your ongoing efforts in electrification.
Get Involved to Get the Most Out of Our Programs
• Follow us on social media! We're very active on Facebook, Linkedln, and lnstaqram, and that's where
we share details of all of our upcoming events.
• Tell us your news so we can share it! We'd love to add your announcements, successes, awards, and
more to our social media and our monthly newsletter.
• Attend events! We would love to see you at any of our community events, and you'll also be invited to
our yearly recognition ceremony and symposium. Watch for a Save the Date from us early next year for
our September 2024 symposium.
• Network! One of the benefits of being a Recharge Participant is having access to people across the
country who work in the same or adjacent industry as you do. If you ever need an introduction, please let
us know! We're always happy to facilitate networking for Participants.
• Join a working group! In early 2024 we'll be introducing working groups — meetings of stakeholders
convening quarterly around specific topics and challenges in electrification. Watch for more information
about joining or leading a working group that interests you.
• Refer others! If you know of other companies or organizations doing great work in electrification, please
either introduce them to us, or just let us know and we'll reach out to them.
• Reach out! If we can help you in any way, we are always here to do so. Plus, we just like talking to you!
Welcome again to Recharge America! I look forward to working with you and to championing the hard
but vital work you do to advance a clean energy future.
i