09-20-2023 ECC MIN
Meeting of the Elk River
Energy City Commission
Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023
Members Present: Chair Vern Iverson, Cory Grupa, and Tony Miller.
Members Absent: Commissioner Sara Youngs, Reggie Vanlonden, and Mark Peterson
Others Present: Leo Dombrovski, new Commissioner appointment
Staff Present: Suzanne Fischer, Env. Services/Special Projects Director
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 Iverson at 8:30 a.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Council liaison Cory Grupa led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Oath of Office
With Commissioner Vanlonden being absent, this item was moved to the Jan. 2024 meeting.
4. Consider Agenda
Commissioner Vanlonden moved to amend the agenda to include ‘repurposing the old solar
table’ and Chair Iverson added ‘site visits to energy companies.’ Commissioner Aesoph
seconded the motion.
5.1 Consider Minutes
Commissioner Miller moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Grupa. .
6.1 ECC Goals
The top three goals were reviewed. They will be re-formatted at the Jan. 2024 meeting for clarity.
Commissioner Miller agreed to write the quarterly article for the Star News.
6.2 Solar Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Initially planned to occur in Dec., the City Administrator and the Commission members
suggested a spring event, possibly early May. Suzanne will contact Brycen Jones to find out if a
spring event will align with his Eagle Scout project. She will work with Communications on the
language for a metal plaque at the solar table site to explain the partnerships of the project.
Suzanne mentioned that if the ECC is able to secure funds for two more solar tables, they could
be located at the John Weicht Lions Park, and the Plants & Things Event Center. Woodland
Hills was also mentioned as a potential site. Commissioner Grupa asked if we could accept
donations for the tables, and we are able to do that. He will contact the Eagles Club for a
donation.
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6.3 Field Trip Opportunities
Chair Iverson has been working on a list of potential energy-related tours for the Commission
and any interested Council members. They include the Sherco Solar plants in Becker, Big Lake,
and Clear Lake; the Monticello Nuclear Plant, the Becker Coal Fired Power Plant, and the Excel
Energy Center in St. Paul. Chair Iverson will find out what information they require for tours,
including background checks.
6.4 Other Commission Updates
Visitor Leo Dombrovski asked how the Commission could encourage residents to participate in
more conservation efforts. He mentioned that the weekly Elk River newsletter is good, but how
many people take the time to read it. The group agreed that increasing public awareness of
energy efficient practices is needed. Venues and outreach activity will be discussed at a future
meeting.
Suzanne shared the City of Rosemont’s survey on Energy/environmental Commissions. Many
of the cities focus on pollinator gardens, sustainability, recycling, and environmental education.
She also shared an article on the GRE Cambridge gas plant receiving approval from the Public
Utilities Commission to burn diesel as a backup when natural gas is not available.
In the past, Chair Iverson and Tom Sagstetter reviewed the cost of transitioning residents to
100% renewable energy (Clean Energy Choice program). Customers can elect to have 50%,
75%, or 100% of their electricity from renewable sources for only $1 - $3/month. Iverson
suggested bringing this to Council to inquire if the city would consider offering financial
assistance to residents. Elk River has ~ 12,000 accounts, which would result in city aid of
$12,000 - $36,000/per month. The Commission will gain more information on this issue when
Sara is at the next meeting.
Chair Iverson shared information on potential site visits to energy generation/storage venues in
the area. He is in contact with representatives for the Xcel Energy Becker/Big Lake solar
power/storage plant, and the Iron Air Battery plant; the Monticello nuclear plant, Sherco Coal
1, 2 & 3; and the coal fired generating plan in Becker. He also expressed interest in touring the
GRE facility in Maple Grove. Commissioner Peterson offered to arrange that visit.
There being no further business, Commissioner Grupa moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by
Commissioner Miller. The meeting was adjourned at 9:31am.
Suzanne M. Fischer 11.15.2023
Suzanne M. Fischer Date
Environmental Services/Special Projects Director
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