08-17-2022 ECC MIN
Meeting of the Elk River
Energy City Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
Members Present: Commissioners Vern Iverson, Casey Mahon, Trish Curtis, and Reggie
VanLonden.
Members Absent: Chair Tom Sagstetter, Commissioners Aaron Brixius, Becky Herbert,
Jon Cappaert, and Council Liaison, Jennifer Wagner.
Others Present: Mark Peterson, GRE staff; Gary Lore, Facilities Maintenance
Superintendent.
Staff Present: Suzanne Fischer, Environmental 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 Curtis at 8:30 a.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Commissioner Curtis led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Consider Agenda
Commissioner Iverson added Item 6.6 Solar Picnic Table to the agenda.
Commissioner Mahon motioned to approve the agenda as amended, seconded by
Commissioner Iverson.
4. Oath of Office
Mark Peterson read and signed his oath of office.
5. Consider Minutes
Consider minutes from the May 18, 2022, meeting. Minutes approved, motion
by Commissioner Mahon, second by Commissioner VanLonden.
6. Elk River Facilities Energy Conservation Presentation
Gary Lore provided an informative presentation on energy efficient improvements
the city has implemented of the last two years. Apex Facility Solutions (Anoka)
conducted an energy audit and facility assessment to determine what efficiency
savings could be leveraged to fund upcoming capital items with federal dollars. The
improvements included energy efficient tools and technologies developed between
Apex and Facility Maintenance staff.
The scope of work included seven components: Microbiological air cleaning, air
handler replacements, lighting upgrade, boiler plant replacement, energy
management system upgrades, building envelope issues, and duct sealing. Total
project cost was slightly > $2mil. This cost was split with CARES funding of >
$1mil. and city funding of $1mil. In addition, three different rebate programs
garnered $46,446.
Electric savings are 420,000 KWh/year or, 64 gas-powdered passenger vehicles drive
for one year. The natural gas savings are 23,000 Therms/year or, 302,067 miles
driven by an average gas-powered passenger vehicle. Both measures resulted in a
savings of $58,800 in utility fees/year.
The Commission directed Gary to share this presentation with City Council, and
then make it public. It’s message ties in well with the Commission’s values of
sustainability, energy savings, increased efficiency, and it also represents stewardship.
The Commission recommended creating a one-page fact sheet on this project to
include in the monthly utility bills. The information will also be shared with the Star
News and showcased on the city website. The draft fact sheet will be shared and
reviewed at the Nov. 16 meeting.
6.2 Chamber Member Update
None.
6.3 Sign Campaign Design
Discussion included the need to increase public awareness of Energy City efforts and
projects. Commissioner Mahon stated he would visit with Councilmember Wagner
on effective approaches to use. Commissioner Curtis suggested making signage with
QR codes so people can scan it to obtain more information. This topic was
continued to the Nov. meeting.
6.4 Sustainability Definition and ECC Talking Points
This item was tabled to the next meeting so absent members would have the ability
to participate in the discussion.
6.5 Other Commissioner Updates
None.
6.6 Solar Picnic Table Status
Suzanne mentioned the email received from Commissioner Cappaert, wherein he
explained that his company policy did not allow him to involve their contractors for
the potential installation of the table.
The Commission offered alternative installers, including high-school students and
Vo-techs with Construction or Carpentry classes, as well as it being an Eagle Scout
project. Suzanne will reach out to these groups to see if they are able/interested in
participating. A local electrician will be used to hook up the solar panels.
Commissioner Cappaert’s email also addressed the ERMU $3/mo. fee in addition to
a customer’s regular bill, to receive 100% renewable energy. His thought was that the
city and/or businesses, could pay this fee for the users. Commissioner Curtis stated
that she would not use tax money for this purpose. Commissioner Iverson said many
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other things are subsidized (oil companies, interstate highways, schools, hospitals,
etc.), so why couldn’t this be. Discussion on this item will be addressed at the next
meeting.
With no further action, the meeting adjourned at 10:05am.
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