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Sept. 20, 2023 ECC PacketElk -- River I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. OATH OF OFFICE — Chair Iverson 4. CONSIDER AGENDA Energy City Commission Regular Meeting Agenda Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023 8:30 a.m. Elk River City Hall Meeting Protocol ■ No sidebar discussions ■ No interruptions • State your concern ■ Ensure you understand ■ Don't take things personally ■ Adhere to time limits ■ Come prepared ■ Ensure all are heard 5. CONSENT AGENDA Considered to be routine and noncontroversial by the Energy City Commission and will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a commission member, staff member, or citizen so requests, in which case the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered under the regular agenda. 5.1 Minutes ■ July 19, 2023, Minutes 6. GENERAL BUSINESS 6.1 Elect Co -Chair 6.2 ECC Goals Status 6.3 Apex Facility Solutions — System Improvements Overview 6.4 Pledge with Recharge America (Identify & prioritize alliances) 6.5 Other Commissioner updates 6. ANNOUNCEMENTS ■ Next meeting Nov. 15, 2023, 8:30am. ■ 4rh Qtr Star News Article — Levi 7. MOTION TO ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING 5,1 Meeting of the Elk River Energy City Commission Elk River City Hall 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. ConsiderAgenda & 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. 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. Sutianne M. Fischer 7.20.2023 Suzanne M. Fischer Date Environmental Services/Special Projects Director 2 ECC Gpals Updated 7.20.2023 -L 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 1- --2- 3 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% 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 re-6ew/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. Compost -able, 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/altematives-single- use-plastic-bags https://corporate.tafget.com/afticle/2020/07/plastic- consortium Gather 3 years public building energy data —Create a Schedule a City buildings/projects tour to see what public dashboard to communicate how city bldgs, & 6 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, HHW, 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%. 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 9 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 Possible resources: State and Lacal Energy Elmeng Action 10 businesses, non -profits, and individuals, that Network, CenterforEnergy and Enzimnment, Minnesota's exemplify high standards in energy & sustainability. Consenation 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. 12 Present ECC activity to CC at least 3X/year, and as 1st mtg: Present ECC Annual Goals. 2nd mtg: Establish Budget needed. 3rd mtg: Status Report on Annual Goals 65 https:Hapex-co.us/about Apex 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 C A RECHARGE A M E R I C A PARTICIPANT PROFILE City of El k. .- River 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. The City of Elk River offers many amenities to its residents, offering a small-town fee/ but close enough to the Twin Cities 3 3 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 Recharge•America.org RECHARGE 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. 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 Instaagramram, 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.