11.3 SR 10-07-2024The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community
engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
City Council
Item Number
11.3
Meeting Date
October 7, 2024
Prepared By
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Item Description
Energy City Commission
Reviewed by
Cal Portner
Zack Carlton
Tina Allard
Action Requested
Discuss and provide staff direction.
Background/Discussion
In 1996, Elk River applied to the Minnesota Environmental Initiative (MEI) to become a program of Energy
Alley and officially became Energy City.
In 2005, the State of Minnesota informed the city that MEI and The Action Committee for Energy were likely
dissolving and recommended Energy City become a city commission. The original 2005 ordinance establishing
the Energy City Commission had a sunset date of December 31, 2010.
In July 2019, the Council amended the city ordinance, removing the commission's sunset date, as the
commission had completed its agreed-upon tasks and had a new vision.
Over the past few years, we have struggled to maintain membership on the commission. By ordinance, it can
have up to 11 members. We currently have five vacancies, although two members can appeal their dismissal.
There are currently six members on the commission, one of whom is an ERMU representative and one of
whom is a city council member. We have replaced nine members since 2023. The commission has also
struggled to identify projects and have them budgeted. Further, since its establishment, Great River Energy,
ERMU, and Waste Management have removed demonstration and education opportunities from the RDF
Plant, and Landfill Gas to Energy.
With aggressive recent legislative actions and information widely available regarding sustainable energy, the
Council should consider disbanding the Energy City Commission.
Financial Impact
No direct financial benefit, although continuous recruitment and meeting preparation takes considerable staff
time that can be utilized elsewhere.
Page 114 of 139
Mission/Policy/Goal
The Elk River Mission
Attachments
1. 5.2. SR 06-13-2005
2. 5.1. SR 06-20-2005
3. 5.6. SR 05-10-2010
4. 6.1. SR 07-19-2010
Page 115 of 139
Page 116 of 139
Item # 5.1.
MEMORANDUM
TO:Mayor & City Council
FROM:Stephen Rohlf, Building & Environmental Administrator
Sf?DATE:June 20, 2005
SUBJECT:Creation of an Energy City Commission
As discussed at the June 13,2005 Elk River City Council Workshop meeting, an
ordnance amendment to create an Energy City Commission is attached. As requested,
staff added a time period for the Energy City Commission, at the end of which the city
will either need to act to continue or discontinue the program.
Staff also anticipated the Council wanting to consider what Energy City costs the city.
The Action Committee for Energy (ACE) has not considered their budget for 2006 in
detail, because the issue of becoming a formal city commission has taken priority during
their meetings. The one major issue they have identified is updating the Energy City
Web site as part of their effort to get the word out about Energy City.
The following proposed 2006 budget is staff's attempt to project what will be needed.
Again the major increase is in publishing/advertising, which reflects hiring a consultant
to update the Energy City Website. It is likely that the city will not actually occur the
entire amount shown in the proposed budget because member companies of ACE have
indicated that they are willing to contribute to Energy City. Staff wanted to reflect what
we believe will be the worse case.
2005 city budget for Energy City:
Travel, Conferences and Schools
Publishing/advertising
Personal Services (staff time)
Total
1,700
3,000
13AOO
18,100
Projected 2006 city budget for Energy City:
Travel, conferences and schools
Publishing/advertising (web site update)
Personal Services (staff Time)
Total
3,000
23,000
13 AOO
39,400
Page 117 of 139
ORDINANCE 05-
AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 5, DIVISION 8, TO THE CITY
OF ELK RIVER CODE OF ORDINANCES CREATING
THE ENERGY CITY COMMISSION
The City Council of the City of Elk River does hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. The City of Elk River Code of Ordinances is hereby amended by adding
thereto Chapter 2, Article 5, Division 8, entitled "Energy City Commission", as follows:
Division 8 - ESTABLISHMENT OF ENERGY CITY COMMISSION
There is hereby established in the City of Elk River an Energy City Commission pursuant
to the provisions of this Ordinance.
ENERGY CITY COMMISSION
Membership; officers; compensation of members
a) The Energy City Commission shall consist of fifteen members who shall be
appointed by the City Council for terms of three years. The Commission will consist of
the following:
I) One representative from the City Council
2) One representatives from the Elk River Municipal Utilities
3) Up to six representatives from energy related businesses as determined by the
City Council (this can include consultants, manufacturers, technology,
environmental, energy producers and/or energy providers)
4) One representative designated by Independent School District 728
5) One representative designated by Sherburne County Board of Commissioners
6) One representative from the Economic Development Authority
7) One representative from the Elk River Chamber of Commerce
8) One representative from the Suburban Northwest Builders Association
9) One representative from Elk River Landfill
10) One representative from an environmental group
All terms shall end on the last day of February; however, members shall hold office until
their successors have been appointed. A vacancy during the term of any member shall be
filled by City Council appointment for the remainder of the term. Officers of the
Commission shall consist of chair and vice-chair, as elected by the Commission. The
chair shall preside at all meetings of the Commission if present, and perform other duties
and functions assigned by the Commission or the City Council. The vice-chair shall
perform these duties in the absence of the chair. If a vacancy occurs in the chair office,
the vice-chair shall assume the chair's duties for the remainder ofthe year and a new
vice-chair shall be elected by the Commission at the next scheduled Commission
meeting. A quorum shall consist of a majority ofthe sitting members.
Page 118 of 139
b) The members of the commission shall serve without payor reimbursement for
expenses.
Purpose
The Energy City Commission is established to promote the City of Elk River as a hub of
energy technology, energy manufacturing, energy demonstrations, recycling, use of green
products and education.
Powers and duties
The Energy City Commission shall have the following responsibilities:
1) Aid, create, promote, endorse, sponsor, and facilitate energy related
demonstrations.
2) Work for the continuing education of the public with respect to energy
technology, energy manufacturing, energy demonstrations, recycling, use
of green products and education
3) Solicit gifts and contributions to be made to the city and assist in the
preparation of applications for grant funds for the purpose of energy
technology, energy manufacturing, energy demonstrations, recycling, use
of green products_and education.
4) Such other responsibilities as the city council shall assign from time to
time.
Meetings and rules of procedure
The Energy City Commission shall meet at least four times each calendar year. The
dates, times and locations shall be established by the Commission members. Additional
meetings may be held at any time at the call of the chair or the request of two other
commissioners. Notice of additional meetings, including the time and place thereof, shall
be communicated to each member of the commission at least three days prior to the
meeting, posted at city hall and, if time permits, published in the city's official
newspaper. The commission shall be governed and operate pursuant to Robert's Rules of
Order, Newly Revised (ninth edition).
Contracts with Commissioners
Individual Commission members, or their employees, may enter into contracts with the
Commission or the City for consultant or other services, provided that no Commissioner
shall vote on the approval of any contract for which the Commissioner, the
Commissioner's employer, or any family member ofthe Commissioner would be a party.
Commission Evaluation
The Energy City Commission will expire on December 31, 2010 unless upon evaluation
the Elk River City Council decides it is in the best interest of the city to maintain the
Commission.
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Section 2. This Ordinance shall become effective upon its passage and publication.
Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Elk River this _ day of _ ,
2005.
Stephanie Klinzing, Mayor
ATTEST:
Joan Schmidt, City Clerk
Page 120 of 139
CITY OF ELK RIVER
SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
ENERGY CITY COMMISSION
Monday, May 10, 2010
7:30 p.m.
Elk River City Hall
Upper Town Conference Room
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, Minnesota 55330
I, Vance Zehringer Chair, hereby request a special meeting of the Elk River Energy City
Commission on Monday, May 10, 2010, at 7:30 p.m., at Elk River City Hall, 13065 C-rono
Parkway, Elk River, Minnesota. The purpose of the special meeting is to meet jointlywith
the City Council to discuss the following:
Commission Goals (EDA Marketing)
Commission Expiration
In accordance with State Statute, I hereby request the city clerk to post this notice at least
three days prior to the meeting date. I further request the city clerk to notify each member of
the Energy City Commission.
Vance Ze ~ ger, Ch
03 ~ ZD/O
Date
I HEREBY CERTIFY, that this notice has been posted and that I have served this notice
upon the members of Energy City Commission by mail at least one day prior to the above-
called special Energy City Commission meeting.
Tina Allard, City Clerk
3 ~a
Date
Q\Documerns and Settings\rhaug\Local Settings\TemporaryIrnemet Files\OLK2\Special ECCDOC
Page 121 of 139
Item # 5.6.
ver
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council
Energy City Commission
FROM: Rebecca Haug, Environmental Administrator
DATE: May 10, 2010
SUBJECT: Energy City Commission (ECC) Discussion
The Energy City Commission (ECC) was established in 2005 to promote the City of Elk
River as a hub of energy technology, energy manufacturing, energy demonstrations,
recycling, use of green products, and education. Prior to the establishment of the Energy
City Commission, the Action Committee for Energy (ACE) was formed as a result of the
Minnesota Environmental Initiative (MEI) choosing Elk River to act as a geographical focal
point for the demonstration of efficient and renewable energy products, services, and
technologies. Since the establishment of the ECC, the commission has accomplished many
tasks which are attached. Currently, the ECC is working on updating its mission statement
and goals. The mission statement and goals are still a work in progress because the
commission is interested in how the City Council views the role of the Energy City
commission and whether the Council wishes to maintain the commission. Section 2-357.
Commission Evaluation states that the Energy City Commission will expire on December 31,
2010 unless upon evaluation the Elk River City Council decides it is in the best interest of
the city to maintain the commission.
The purpose of the ECC having the joint meeting with the City Council is to determine if
the Council views the ECC as an integral part of the City and what goals the Council has for
the ECC in the future. The ECC is also interest in working closer with the City's Economic
Development Authority (EDA) on marketing Elk River as "Energy City" since it has been
designated by the State.
Page 122 of 139
OS/10/10
Notable Energy City accomplishments and demonstrations to date:
Energy Houses I, II, and III (Energy House I was a Gold Medal winner at the
National Home Builders Association's convention in 1998 and Energy House III
received the Building Excellence Award at the Structural Insulated Panel Association
Convention in 2006). Energy House III also received the Governor's MN GREAT
Award in 2006.
Landfill Gas-to-Electricity Facility (The original plant received the US
Environmental Protection Agency's Landfill Methane Outreach Program's project of
the year award in 1998). The new and much larger Landfill Gas-to-Electricity Power
Plant received the Governor's MN GREAT Award in 2006.
The utility-scale wind generator (built in 2001).
First city to convert completely to LED traffic lights.
Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) Processing Plant.
GRE's RDF fueled Elk River Station electric generating plant. Elk River Station has
been converted to utilize six different fuel sources in its 56 year history and is still
going strong!
Constructed a Peaking Plant at the GRE Elk River Station
Commercial use of geothermal heat pumps
Sustainable Buildings Project (as an Energy City Partner, Elk River Area School
District was selected as the pilot for the Sustainable Schools Project. This Project is
having a statewide impact on how schools are built and run, and has gained national
recognition).
Twin Lakes Elementary Gold LEED Certified school building. Other Elk River Area
School District buildings are also sustainable or LEED certified (Rogers High School
and Westwood Elementary in Zimmerman).
Elk River Library Gold LEED Certified library building.
Photovoltaic Demonstration at residential home
Project Conserve receives 2009 League of MN Cities Award for Sustainability and
Energy Use and the 2009 Recycling Association of MN Green Project of the Year
Award
Federally Trademarked in 2008 and State Trademarked in 2006
Four Energy Expos since 2007 focusing on educating the general public about
energy conservation
Extensive Media coverage on Sustainable Community throughout the nation
International Exposure: Multiple tours for foreign politicians, environmentalist,
scientists, engineers, governmental agencies, etc.
Various tour groups: 4-H groups, Boy and Girl Scouts, school groups, home school
groups, charter school groups, RAM, BioBusiness Alliance of MN, and several
others.
Designated as a "Energy City" by the State Legislature in 2007
Page 123 of 139
ARTICLE V. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Page 9 of 11
Code 1982, § 900.40(1))
Sec. 2-327. Rules oocedure.
The board of adjust is may adopt rules of procedure f e transaction of its business
consistent with the provisions o 'vision 2 of article VI of cha r 30 and Minn. Stats. §§ 462.351--
462.364. Four members of the boar all constitute a quor .Regular meetings of the board shall be
held on the second Tuesday of each mon rat such er times as are specified in its rules. Special
meetings shall be held at the call of the chair, s be the chair of the planning commission. Notice
of special meetings shall be posted at the city h transmitted to members at least three days prior
to the date of the meeting. There shall be a fi d place eeting and all meetings shall be open to the
public. A record shall be kept of the boar ' transactions, fin sand determinations.
Code 1982, § 900.40(2); Ord. No.~25, § 2, 11-21-2005)
Secs. 2-328--2-350.
DIVISION 8 ENERGY CITY COMMISSION
Sec.2-351. Established.
There is hereby established in the City of Elk River an Energy City Commission pursuant to the
provisions of this division.
Ord. No. 05-12, § 1, 6-20-2005; Ord. No. 05-21, § 1, 9-12-2005)
Sec. 2-352. Membership; officers; compensation of members.
a) The energy city commission shall consist of up to 15 members who shall be appointed by
the city council for terms of three years. The commission will consist of the following:
1) One representative from the city council.
2) One representatives from the Elk River Municipal Utilities.
3) Up to six representatives from energy related businesses as determined by the city
council (this can include consultants, manufacturers, technology, environmental, energy
producers and/or energy providers).
4) One representative designated by Independent School District 728.
5) One representative designated by Sherburne County Board of Commissioners.
6) One representative from the Economic Development Authority.
7) One representative from the Elk River Chamber of Commerce.
8) One representative from the Suburban Northwest Builders Association.
9) One representative from Elk River Landfill.
10) One representative from an environmental group.
All terms shall end on the last day of February; however, members shall hold office until
their successors have been appointed. A vacancy during the term of any member shall
be filled by city council appointment for the remainder of the term. Officers of the
commission shall consist of chair and vice-chair, as elected by the commission. The
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ARTICLE V. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Page 10 of 11
chair shall preside at all meetings of the commission if present, and perform other duties
and functions assigned by the commission or the city council. The vice-chair shall
perform these duties in the absence of the chair. If a vacancy occurs in the chair office,
the vice-chair shall assume the chair's duties for the remainder of the year and a new
vice-chair shall be elected by the commission at the next scheduled commission
meeting. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the sitting members.
b) The members of the commission shall serve without pay or reimbursement for expenses
Ord. No. 05-12, § 1, 6-20-2005; Ord. No. 05-21, § 1, 9-12-2005)
Sec.2-353. Purpose.
The energy city commission is established to promote the City of Elk River as a hub of energy
technology, energy manufacturing, energy demonstrations, recycling, use of green products and
education.
Ord. No. 05-12, § 1, 6-20-2005; Ord. No. 05-21, § 1, 9-12-2005)
Sec. 2-354. Powers and duties.
The energy city commission shall have the following responsibilities:
1) Aid, create, promote, endorse, sponsor, and facilitate energy related
demonstrations.
2) Work for the continuing education of the public with respect to energy technology,
energy manufacturing, energy demonstrations, recycling, use of green products and
education.
3) Solicit gifts and contributions to be made to the city and assist in the preparation of
applications for grant funds for the purpose of energy technology, energy manufacturing,
energy demonstrations, recycling, use of green products and education.
4) Such other responsibilities as the city council shall assign from time to time.
Ord. No. 05-12, § 1, 6-20-2005; Ord. No. 05-21, § 1, 9-12-2005)
Sec. 2-355. Meetings and rules of procedure.
The energy city commission shall meet at least four times each calendar year. The dates, times
and locations shall be established by city council resolution. Additional meetings may be held at any
time at the call of the chair or the request of two other commissioners. Notice of additional meetings,
including the time and place thereof, shall be communicated to each member of the commission at
least three days prior to the meeting, posted at city hall and, if time permits, published in the city's
official newspaper. The commission shall be governed and operate pursuant to Robert's Rules of
Order, Newly Revised (ninth edition).
Ord. No. 05-12, § 1, 6-20-2005; Ord. No. 05-21, § 1, 9-12-2005)
Sec. 2-356. Contracts with commissioners.
Individual commission members, or their employees, may enter into contracts with the
commission or the city for consultant or other services, provided that no commissioner shall vote on the
approval of any contract for which the commissioner, the commissioner's employer, or any family
member of the commissioner would be a party.
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ARTICLE V. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Page 11 of 11
Ord. No. 05-12, § 1, 6-20-2005; Ord. No. 05-21, § 1, 9-12-2005)
Sec. 2-357. Commission evaluation.
The energy city commission will expire on December 31, 2010 unless upon evaluation the Elk
River City Council decides it is in the best interest of the city to maintain the commission.
Ord. No. 05-12, § 1, 6-20-2005; Ord. No. 05-21, § 1, 9-12-2005)
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REQUEST FOR ACTION
To Item Number
Ci Council 6.1.
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
oint Meetin ul 19, 2010 Rebecca Hau ,Environmental Admin
Item Description Reviewed by
Amendment to Elk River Energy City Commission Ordinance Lori ohnson, Ci Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Staff is recommending the Council amend the Energy City Commission ordinance by removing the
language related to the December 31, 2010 expiration.
Bacl~ground/Discussion
The Energy City Commission (ECC) has been in effect since 2005. Since that time, the ECC has been
part of several notable Energy City accomplishments and demonstrations. When the commission was
formed, there was discussion about setting an expiration date. A date was set for December 31, 2010
unless evaluation by the City Council decides it is in the best interest of the city to maintain the
Commission.
The ECC recently updated its Mission Statement and Goals which are attached for your review. The
commission is currently working on expanding Phase II of Project Conserve, planning the 2011 Energy
Expo, and partnering with the City's Economic Development Division to help in the recruitment of
energy-technology related businesses and energy efficiency improvements to existing businesses. A
Business Recycling Event has been planned for September 30, 2010 through this partnership.
Financial Impact
An annual budget of approximately $51,000
Attachments
Ordinance Amendment
2010 Mission Statement and Goals
ActlOn Motion by Second by Vote
Follow Up
C:\Documents and Settings\XPMUser\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK6G\Action Requested-ord amend.doc
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ORDINANCE 10- _
CITY OF ELK RIVER
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER DELETING
SECTION 2-357, "COMMISSION EVALUATION" OF THE ELK RIVER,
MINNESOTA, CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES
The City Council of the City of Elk River does hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. Section 2-357 titled, Commission Evaluation, of the City of Elk River
Code of Ordinances shall be deleted:
Section 2. That this ordinance shall take effect upon publication as provided by
law.
Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Elk River this 19th day of
July, Zo1o.
Stephanie K]inzing, Mayor
ATTEST:
Tina Allard, City Clerk
S:\Public Bodies\Council\Ordinances\2010\Energy City.DOC
Page 131 of 139
MISSION STATEMENT
Collaboration between the City of Elk River, government agencies, and businesses to promote the Elk
River community, energy efficiency, recycling, green resources and renewable energy initiatives through
active encouragement, demonstrations and education.
ENERGY CITY Vision
Identify and inform regarding energy related options, opportunities and emerging technologies,
recognizing potential energy and resource conservation methods or possibilities, and encouraging those
that show potential for a reasonable current or future environmental and/or economic benefit to the
community.
Policy Recommendation:
The City of Elk River should proactively take advantage of the opportunities that arise from the
designation and status of ENERGY CITY, accomplished by the following goals and tasks:
ENERGY CITY Designation Opportunity Goals & Tasks
1. Identify ways to promote a positive image of Elk River and encourage economic interest
and growth
Task: Community Energy Expositions
Task: Develop innovative energy saving programs and incentives (energy loan program)
as an Economic Development tool
Task: Collaborate with City staff, Council, Planning Commission, Housing
Redevelopment and Economic Development Authorities to investigate and evaluate
possible energy themed or related development or redevelopment districts within
Elk River such as the Gateway and gravel pit future development areas.
Task: Encourage promotion and media coverage of open houses, demonstration sites and
ENERGY CITY partners
Task: Promote and encourage resource and conservation efforts that result in positive
measurable environmental and economic impacts on energy use and energy
produced resources.
Task: Promote City-wide Source Separated Organics (SSO) and Recycling program
through the identification of energy savings and impact.
Task: Demonstrate the tangible benefits to the community derived from the initiatives of
ENERGY CITY and its partners, specifically environmental and economic benefits
to the City's residents and businesses
2. Educate producers and consumers on energy issues, options and opportunities;
specifically including possible impact on the economy as well as the environment starting
within the Elk River community.
Task: Community Energy Expositions
Task: Project Conserve, residential and, in the future, commercial
Task: Advance the tourism of Energy City demonstration sites
Task: Encourage the use of the Environmental Learning Center
Page 132 of 139
Task: Collaborate with Elk River area schools, the School District and other area youth
associations in ENERGY CITY and its vision, utilizing demonstration sites and
education/research opportunities.
Task: Seek publication regarding demonstration sites in technical journals, Internet
networking sites and other public and private media
Task: Promote and sponsor public and private forum exhibits by partnering with the Elk
River Economic Development Authority (EDA)
Task: Proactively and willfully develop and utilize ENERGY CITY status as a unique
and valuable Economic Development marketing tool
3. Capitalize on ENERGY CITY status, globally
Task: Continue to work with the MN International Center and the US State Department
give tours to groups from all over the world
Task: Encourage partners to identify with Energy City (websites, social media,
presentations, literature, and networking)
4. Encourage and assist when possible in the development and use of renewable energy and
energy efficient technologies
Task: Recognize, on an ongoing basis, existing energy technology demonstration sites as
well as continue to recruit and encourage new demonstration sites.
Task: Develop innovative energy saving programs and incentives (energy loan program)
Task: Encourage energy-efficient technologies in all new construction (building and
development)
Task: Review and make, when possible, specific energy related recommendations on
significant construction projects
Task: Seek publication regarding demonstration sites in technical journals and other
media
Task: Develop and implement an ECC component opportunity to be utilized on any city
owned or assisted construction or renovation project or to be offered to any private
construction or renovation project as part of the permit process
Task: Partner with area utilities (Elk River Municipal Utilities, Connexus Energy, and
Centerpoint Energy) to enable area residential and commercial building owners to
participate in utility sponsored energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.
Diversify Elk River's energy base and recognize a continuing goal of decreasing Elk
River's overall energy use and energy dependence from non-renewable sources
Task: Research and examine when possible the feasibility of current and emerging energy
technologies, such as: hydro, wind, fuel cells, landfill gas, animal waste to electric,
geothermal, etc.
Task: Project Conserve, residential and expanded to the commercial sector
Task: Actively partner with ENERGY CITY participants such as ERMU, Connexus and
GRE as well as other area businesses to reduce the community's per capita energy
usage and/or use more wisely
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Page 134 of 139
ENERGY CITY accomplishments and demonstrations include
1. GRE's RDF fueled Elk River Energy Recovery Station electric generating plant.
a. Converted to utilize numerous different fuels since 1950!
b. Currently produces renewable energy from the conversion of the community's waste
products.
2. Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) Processing Plant.
a. Located in ENERGY CITY since 1989
b. Recovers ferrous aluminum & provides a renewable power plant fuel.
3. First city to convert completely to LED traffic lights.
4. Commercial and residential use of geothermal heat pumps
5. Energy Houses I (1997), II (2000), and III (2005)
a. Energy House. I, Gold Medal winner at the National Home Builders Association's
convention in 1998
b. Energy House III, Building Excellence Award at the Structural Insulated Panel Association
Convention and Governor's MN GREAT Award, 2006.
6. The utility-scale wind generator constructed in 2001
7. Landfill Gas-to-Electricity Facility
a. Original plant received the US Environmental Protection Agency's Landfill Methane
Outreach Program's project of the year award in 1998
b. Expanded and much larger Landfill Gas-to-Electricity Power plant received the
Governor's MN GREAT Award in 2006.
8. Sustainable Buildings Project
a. As an Energy City Partner, Elk River Area School District was selected as the pilot for the
Sustainable Schools Project. Producing a statewide impact on how schools are built and
run, and gaining national recognition.
9. Twin Lakes Elementary Gold LEED Certified school building in 2006. Other Elk River Area
School District buildings are also sustainable or LEED certified (Rogers High School in 2002 and
Westwood Elementary in Zimmerman in 2004).
10. Federally and State Trademarked in 2007
11. Annual Community Energy Expositions since 2007 focusing on energy conservation education
12. Elk River Library Gold LEED Certified library building.
13. Photovoltaic (Whole-House) Demo In Residential Applications.
14. Supported construction of a Peaking Plant at the GRE Elk River Campus
15. Elk River Project Conserve
a. 2009 League of MN Cities Award for Sustainability and Energy Use
b. 2009 Recycling Association of MN Green Project of the Year Award
c. Awarded 2010 MN Dept of Commerce Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block
Grant (EECBG)
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