07-17-2024 ECC MIN
Meeting of the Elk River
Energy City Commission
Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Members Present: Vice-Chair Tony Miller, Commissioners Grupa, Dombrovski,
Peterson, Field, Fomby, and Youngs.
Members Absent: Chair Iverson, Commissioner Burandt
Others 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 Vice-Chair Miller at 8:30 a.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Vice-Chair Miller led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Consider Agenda
Commissioner Youngs motioned to approve the agenda, seconded by Commissioner
Dombrovski.
4. Consider Consent Agenda
Commissioner Dombrovski moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner
Fomby.
4.1 Consider Minutes
Commissioner Fomby moved to approve the May 15, 2024, meeting minutes, seconded by
Commissioner Enfield.
5.1 Review Draft Goals – Commissioners reviewed the goals which will require action steps,
timelines, and budgets, prior to a Council presentation. Other Goals Sub-committee members
are Chair Iverson and Commissioner Burandt. Commissioner Fomby will visit with Park
Commission members re’ the feasibility of solar lighted park trail project and bring his findings
to the next meeting. If approved, Commissioner Fomby strongly supports doing this project in
cooperation with the local boy scouts.
5.2 Revised Commission Bylaws – Commission members compared the old ECC Bylaws
with the new version. They agreed to repeal the old bylaws and adopt the new ones providing
the ‘shall’ under Sec. 2-352 be changed to ‘may’ to provide greater flexibility in obtaining
commission members. Motion made by Commissioner Fomby and seconded by Commissioner
Enfield.
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5.3 ECC Project Ideas - In addition to the solar park trail project, Commissioners discussed other
projects to consider, including initiating a zero-waste program at the FTC to reduce the amount of
trash, recyclables, and organics. Project determination will be discussed at the next meeting.
Commissioner Enfield mentioned Xeriscaping as an alternative to grass lawns to reduce the
amount of water used and the herbicides entering our waters. Many HOA’s have stringent rules
about yard maintenance/appearance that prevents homeowners from installing more water-
resistant landscapes. However, residents who are not in HOA’s may want to consider
alternative landscaping designs to conserve water and reduce maintenance.
5.4 Farmers Market – Recreation Coordinator, Karen Wingard joined the meeting at 8:55
a.m. to discuss the ECC’s booth and set-up needs at the 8.22.2024 Farmer Market. ECC
members will share the commission’s purpose and encourage visitors to participate in more
energy saving practices at home and at work. In addition to energy and sustainability issues, the
Commission will distribute informational brochures, have a game, candy, and give aways. Staff
will work with Communications to design an ECC banner and possibly a poster showing
which trails would be priority for a solar lighting project.
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5.5 3 Quarter News Article – Commissioner Burandt is up for this quarter’s article. The
group thought that ‘yard waste’ would be an appropriate subject for this time of year.
5.6 Other Commission Updates – Commissioner Enfield asked if a recycling tour could be
set up for the Commission to gain a better understanding of the processes utilized. Suzanne
will inquire with Republic about potential tour dates/locations.
There being no further business, Commissioner Dombrovski moved to adjourn the meeting,
seconded by Commissioner Fomby. The meeting was adjourned at 9:25am.
Suzanne M. Fischer 7.22.2024
Suzanne M. Fischer Date
Environmental Services/Special Projects Director
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