09-18-2024 ECCMINMeeting of the Elk River
Energy City Commission
t Elk River City Hall
ver Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Members Present: Chair Vern Iverson, Commissioners Barbara Burandt, Leo
Dombrovski, Matthew Fomby, Cory Grupa
Members Absent: Vice Chair Tony Miller, Commissioner Sara Young
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
Chair Iverson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. ConsiderAgenda
Commissioner Fomby motioned to approve the agenda, seconded by Commissioner Grupa.
Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Grupa provided a recap of the Monticello Nuclear Plant tour, and the commission
discussed some of their highlights.
4.1 Consider Consent Agenda - July 17, 2024, Minutes
Commissioner Dombrovski moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner
Grupa. Motion carried 5-0.
5.3 Tour Recap — Republic Recycling, Big Lake Agrivoltaics, and Sherco Solar site —
Commissioner Grupa provided a recap of the Monticello Nuclear Plant tour, and the commission
discussed some of their highlights.
5.2 P & R Committee — draft plan for energy project — Commissioner Fomby stated he and
Chair Iverson, attended the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on September 11, 2024.
He stated the Parks commission needed more details about how much distance of lightening
their project would cover, and then they would determine the park and section of trail to
receive the lighting, noting they preferred overhead lighting. Commissioner Fomby stated after
the meeting, he researched the cost of solar lighting and pole, not including labor and
installation costs, and determined they could purchase approximately 41 lights and poles, to
cover a distance of 0.5 to 1 mile. He wondered if a partnership with the Boy Scouts was
possible, along with the city, to share some of the installation costs. He felt next steps would be
to return to the Parks commission with estimated costs of solar lights and poles.
Energy City Commission Minutes
September 18, 2024
Page 2
5.1 Review Draft Goals —Subcommittee Update
Commissioners reviewed the goals, action steps, timelines, and budgets for the Sustainability
ideas. One suggestion was for the commissioners to be provided language and education to
have discussions with downtown business owners. They discussed the environmental need for
reducing plastic bag waste. Commissioner Grupa suggested visiting with businesses downtown
with the facts about the need to reduce plastic bag waste and discuss costs for businesses to
purchase cloth bags. Suzanne Fischer would help the commissioners with what to say and costs
for bags.
The commission then discussed organics recycling and this program is currently being offered.
They removed item b from the goals sheet.
The commissioners will request some city identification badges for when approaching
businesses and schools.
The commission discussed the Education/Public Outreach ideas. Commissioner Dombrovski
stated he will spearhead a science fair or similar event. Commissioner Burandt stated she will
spearhead the 2025 Farmers Market events.
5.3 Tour Recap — Republic Recycling, Big Lake Agrivoltaics, and Sherco Solar site —
Commissioners discussed highlights from their site tours.
5.4 3`s Quarter Star News Article (Fomby) — Commissioner Fomby will work on expanding
on last quarter's article on energy or solar power.
5.5 Other Commission Updates — Chair Iverson discussed promoting Drive Electric day
scheduled for September 25. Commissioner Grupa suggested him reaching out to Karen
Wingard for attending the Farmer's Market.
There being no further business, Commissioner Dombrovski moved to adjourn the meeting,
seconded by Commissioner Fomby. The meeting adjourned at 9:29 a.m.
Minutes prepared by Jennifer Green.
Tina Allard, City Clerk