ECC Nov. 15, 2023 Meeting PacketEnergy City
Commission
Regular Meeting
Agenda
I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. OATH OF OFFICE — Vice -Chair Vanlonden
4. CONSIDER AGENDA
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 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
a Sept. 20, 2023, Minutes
6. GENERAL BUSINESS
6.1 Review ECC Goals
6.2 Solar Table Ribbon Cutting discussion
6.3 Field Trip Opportunities
6.4 City of Rosemount Commission Survey
6.5 Other Commissioner updates
6. ANNOUNCEMENTS
0 Next meeting Jan. 17, 2024, 8:30am.
■ 2024 Advisory Board/Commission Mtg Calendar
■ 1" Qtr 2024 Star News Article —
7. MOTION TO ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING
611
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Others Present:
Staff Present:
Meeting of the Elk River
Energy City Commission
Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023
Commissioners Vern Iverson, Cory Grupa, Mark Peterson, Levi
Aespoh, Reggie Vanlonden, and Tony Miller.
Commissioner Sara Youngs
Cody Capra, Apex Facility Solutions
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 Commissioner Iverson at 8:30 a.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Commissioner Iverson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Oath of Office
Commissioner Grupa administered the Oath of Office for Commissioner Iverson as the new Chair
of the Commission.
4. ConsiderAgenda
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 Iverson moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Grupa.
6.1 Elect new Commission Vice -Chair
Chair Iverson nominated Commissioner Vanlonden as Vice -Chair, seconded by Commissioner
Peterson. Motion passed. Commissioner Vanlonden will take his Oath of Office at the next meeting.
Commissioner Grupa thanked Commissioner Vanlonden for accepting this position.
6.2 ECC Goals
The goals will be reviewed/revised at the next meeting.
6.3 Apex Facility Solutions
Cody Capra shared a presentation on `Sustainable Opportunities for the City of Elk River', of
which a copy is included with these minutes. He shared information on new funding
opportunities with the Inflation Reduction Act that the city could utilize for upcoming facility
projects. Chair Iverson asked if the city has a timeline of upcoming projects (i.e., 2025, 2030,
2035, etc.). Suzanne will inquire with the Building Superintendent.
6.4 Pledge with Recharge America
Chair Iverson read the pledge prepared by Recharge America. Commissioner Peterson
suggested that the language on the GRE plant be struck since the plant has closed. The
Commission agreed. Suzanne to notify Recharge America of the revision before publication.
Commissioner Vanlonden suggested that a list of sustainable businesses be drafted for review at
the next meeting to discuss feasible alliances for the Commission. Suzanne will generate a list
and send to the Commission prior to the next meeting.
6.5 Other Commission Updates
Chair Iverson shared information on potential site visits to energy generation/storage venues in
the area. He is in contact with representatives for the Zcel 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 Vanlonden. The meeting was adjourned at 9:37am.
Su.Zanne M. Fischer 9.22.2023
Suzanne M. Fischer Date
Environmental Services/Special Projects Director
2
ECC Gpals Updated 7.20.2023
J
Consolidated Goals 6.15.2022
1 'Complete the solar array and battery
,demonstration project in Orono Park.
Raise public awareness of ECC initiatives
2 undertaken throughout the community via a
(sign campaign w/QR codes.
Process I Progress
ECC supported purchase of fabricated
Locate a contractor, a corporate sponsor, or pursue solar table rather than using the 8 yr old
assistance from an Eagle Scout for installation. model. Eagle Scout no longer interested
in participating.
Create consistent signage on energy & sustainability
>Qtdy Star News articles 1 -;,L 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.
refrigeration methods & environmental benefits, electric > Proceed w/sign campaign
Zambo4 storm water pond dean up (Adopt A
Highway), Orono Park splash pad, COER buying 1006
renewable energy. PD hybrid vehicles, public EV
chargers, LED lights on Woodland trail cross walks, VIM
landfill leachate treated Q WWTP, etc
Advocate to City Council that all RPPs 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 renew/approval. that c/be incorporated into city
energy efficiency attributes for projects or Create ECC Dashboard for monthly updates to CC buik* 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,
C building alternatives that are EE & sustainable for J 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, pape , reusable, woven & nonwoven
polypropylene, jute, etc. Draft potential Alternative
Plastic Bag pokey 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/altemativea-singlt-
use-plastic-bags
https://corporate.target.com/amide/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 M you dig, avoid downed power fines,
7 for local schools with information and practices for natural gas dangers, etc, as well as sustainsbility (water
use at work and home. conservation, organics, recycling, H14W, energy
efficiency, etc). Coordinate w/CenterPomt 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^/0,
their everyday lives. Promote best practices for proven
j 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 renums State and Land EnergyEffiaeaayAchox
10 businesses, non -profits, and individuals, that Netwrk, CmkrforEner� and Extsroaraew JWxoesofa's
exemplify high standards in energy & sustainability.
Presentation & plaque CC Coasenntion Improremeal Pmgmm, eu
p q Q meetings.
Gather data from waste hauler on solid waste vs
11 recycled. #s per household, commercial and Reference monthly reports from Republic.
Present ECC activity to Cr— at least 3X/yea, and as 1st mtg. Present ECC Annual Goals.
12 needed 2nd mtg. Establish Budget
13rd mtq: Status Report on Annual Goals
6 A
Champlin
25,000
Environmental Resources
staff
compost, waste contract stormwater projects, oridnance
Earth Day Clean Up, Drop Off Recycling
planning and holding spring events
Commission
updates, MS4
Event
Sustainabable Eagan Advisory
staff in partnership with
outreach activities, climate action, water resources, city
hiring sustainability staff, funding source for
Eagan
68,000
Commission
chair
operations
Sustainable Eagan Acadamy
initiatives, climate action planning
goal status, sustainable building standards,
recharge america, outreach at farmers
Elk River
28,000
Energy City
staff
presentations, field trips, outreach, grants, community
market, solar picnic table, signs & kiosks,
EVs, Sustainable building,
projects, organics program
ribbon cutting
updates on projects, projects for
community events, promotion of
Faribault
25,000
Environmental Commission
staff
review/recommendation, discussion,
pollinator planting programs, signing up
pollinator habitat
volunteering/tabling
residents for energy audits
Environmental Quality and
staff in partnership with
comment on environmental plans, letters of support for
Fridley
29,579
Energy Commission
chair
grants, resolution development, energy action plans,
not specific to the commission as a group
pollinators, active transportation, energy
outreach
Inver Grove
Environmental Advisory
landfill approvals, wetland replacement plans, airport
landfill approvals, environmental/sustainability
Heights
34,000
Commission
staff
noise, land alterations >10,000 CY,
optional volunteering at city events
environmental/sustainability programming
programming
Lino Lakes
21,399
Environmental Board
staff
development reviews, forestry updates, updates on
Earth Day event table
improving development project outcomes
environmental programs, grant information
(native seeding, wetland inpacts, etc.), forestry
New Brighton
23,454
Parks, Recreation and
staff
park planning, recreation policies, DEI materials,
buckthorn removals, table at events,
park construction projects, climate action plan,
Environmental Commission
construction updates, climate actions plans
representation at symposiums
energy effiency
Environmental Management
staff in partnership with
bicycle & pedestrian plan, recycling grant projects, city
Solar Power Hours CUB Bill Clinics social
education, energy efficiency, weatherization,
Oakdale
28,303
Commission
the chair and vice chair
participation in Great Plaines Institute EV Smart Program,
media posts
EVs, renewable energy, waste/recycling, water,
fleet electrification, work plan
green spaces
Ramsey
27,646
Environmental Policy Board
staff
project reviews, outreach events, project updates,
newsletter articles,
invasive species, native plants
Environment & Sustainability
staff with commission
outreach activities, progress on goals, speakers (MPCA,
Home & Business Expo booth, Leprechaun
pollinators, waste reduction/recycling/compost,
Rosemount
27,000
Commission
input
Watershed, projects)
Days booth, blog
energy
Roseville
36,000
Public Works Environment and
staff
PW work plan, sustainabilty initiatives, stormwater
considering it
sustainability topics
Transportation Commission
topics, utility rates
Shoreview
26,921
Environmental Quality
staff in partnership with
subcommittee check in on work plan, planning or review
environmental speaker series, green
energy, waste, water, environmental speaker
Committee
chair
of current programs
community awards, other
series, green community awards
staff in partnership with
review development landscape plans, outreach planning,
arborday celebration, city open house,
greenstep cities, climate action plan
West St. Paul
20,822
Environmental Committee
chair
committee and council goals
other events as needed
development
White Bear
Environmental Advisory
presentations by visitors, work planning, expo planning,
pollinator habitat, recycling, environmental
Lake
25,000
Committee
staff
specific projects, discussion items
environmental resources expo
education
none
yearly work plan
Sustainable Eagan Acadamy, Climate Action planning
looking into having a council liason; commission not relying on
8 2-yr terms, 1 alt 1-yr term; youth are welcome to serve;
staff to complete work
Plymouth has a similar acadamy program; $1.5M annual franchise
goals table included in email
developing goals, ECC/Recharge event
budget 30% staff time, budget to implement work/projects
can have a youth member
updated PiE Energy Action Plan, draft tree preservation
collaboration with other departments & commisisons, "pet
annual work plan; review EIS & EAW projects
ordinance
projects" derailing conversations, commission not reyling on
staff to complete/oversee projects
Green Step Cities loosely
pollinator friendly practices, active transportaion
chair also serves on the planning commission, have considered
infrastructure, Energy Action Plan
having annual work plan but it's going well without it
annual work plan and activities defined in code
development of an annaul work plan
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com codes, invergrovehtsmn/latest/inverQrovehts
mnI0-0-0-862
annual work plan and ongoing task list - included
improving tree preservation and native seeding outcomes
more time for improvements to city managed natrual areas and
in email
techical assistance for redient plantings
workplan, orientation, handbook, inlcuded in
$16M in park improvements over 4 years, partners in
some cities are moving away from commissions and going
email
energy plan, working on Climate Action Plan
towards ad hoc committees for specific interestests for equity
concerns
annual work plan included in email
pedestrian and bicycle plan draft
meeting more like every other month lately
development of work plan as needed
environmental expo, tree preservation ordinance,
dedicated sustainability staff person, annual budget, attempt to
It seems like consolidating issues into a single department would
wetland buffer ordinance, outreach events
implement more meaningful projects
be more effective than spreading it out over departments
dedicated sustainability staff person, annual budget,
htt. s:_ 'www.rosemountmn. ov DocumentCenter
;
collaboration with other commissions and departments,
we're reviewing number of commissioners, how often they meet,
/View/4384/ESC-Goals-as-amended-Jul,,-12-2023-
pollinator resolution, outreach booths, organics drop site
commission not relying on staff to complete projects, reliable
and general management of the commission
PDF?bidld=
attendance, realistic expectations and goals
commissioners handbook
The commission is a great sounding board for staff, and their
https://www.cityofroseville.com/DocumentCenter
adding equity diversity and inclusion, green to go, low
6:00 PM start time, more engagement to fill youth slot
recommendations to council are important to help guide and
/View/25619/Commission-Handbook_2021-
mow may
enforce the work staff do.
1?bidld=
https:/Iwww•shoreviewmn.gov[xovernment com
green community awards, organics collection at city
3 subcommittees - energy, waste, water
mittees-and-commissions/environmental-quality
festival
step 3 green step cities, EAB action plan, No Mow May,
had a youth member in the past but it became too difficult to
development of goals as needed
Tree City USA 25 years
recruit
environmental expo, zero waste policy for city events,
there have been youth members in the past; some commission
annual work plan
pollinator resolution, pollinator garden map, Park & Rec
green house gas reduction projects
members are participating in zoning code update community
collaboration for invasive species removal & native plant
advisory committee; some commission members are participating
restoration plan
in the WBL downtown mobility and parking study steering
news
Plan to convert Cambridge gas plant to burn diesel gets OK
Ift l Marohn November 9, 2023 5:23 PM
Great River Energy operates the 170-megawatt natural gas peaking
plant in Cambridge, Minn. Courtesy of Great River Energy
State regulators on Thursday approved a plan to convert a
natural gas plant in central Minnesota to burn diesel fuel
oil.
Great River Energy operates the natural gas peaking plant in
Cambridge, Minn., about 45 miles north of the Twin
Cities. It acts as a backup supply of electricity during times
of peak demand.
Great River annlied to the state Public Utilities Commission
for a minor permit alteration to convert the plant to also
burn diesel fuel. The cooperative said the change would
provide flexibility during times when natural gas isn't
available or its price spikes.
The state Public Utilities Commission unanimously
approved the request. Commissioner Valerie Means noted
an analysis concluded the project will not significantly
change the planes human and environmental impacts.
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"I also think it just makes sense to have another mitigation
tool in the event of another Winter Storm Uri," she said,
referring to the February 2021 ice storm across much of the
U.S. that led to natural gas shortages and soaring prices.
Great River Energy supplies power to 28 member
cooperatives in the Upper Midwest. It has reduced its use of
coal and increased its wind and solar energy over the past
several years, but says it needs peaking plants to maintain
reliability during times when those resources aren't
available.
Environmental groups argued the Cambridge project is not
a minor alteration, and should have to go through a more
extensive review. They said burning diesel fuel oil will
increase local air pollution and carbon emissions.
Hudson Kingston, legal director for CURE, or Clean Up the
River Environment, called it a "huge step backwards" for
Minnesota.
"The Legislature has said that by 2040, we're going to have
a clean energy system," he said. "And now they've
authorized the building and retrofitting of a plant that is
going to run for at least 30 years burning dirty fuel oil."
Kingston said other strategies, such as battery storage, are
better ways to make sure electricity is available during times
of peak demand.
Great River said it anticipates the plant will burn diesel fuel
fewer than 24 hours a year. The Public Utilities Commission
required the cooperative to report if it exceeds that amount
within a year.
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