6.2. ERMUSR 06-14-2005of
ver
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor 8~ City Council
FROM: Stephen Rohlf, Building 8~ Environmental Administrator
DATE: June 13, 2005
SUBJECT: Creation of an Energy City Commission
The City of Elk River applied to the Minnesota Environmental Initiative (MEI)
in 1996 to be a program of Energy Alley (organization under MEI). The City
was chosen from a group of communities to become Energy City and has
since developed a partnership between government and business to
promote energy efficiency and the renewable energy industry through
demonstrations and consumer education.
Recently the city was informed by MEI that Energy Alley may not exist in
the near future. This will change the Energy City's relationship with MEI.
The Action Committee for Energy (ACE) is the local committee that runs
Energy City. They discussed this at their March 23, 2005 meeting. ACE felt
that Energy City is still a very strong viable organization that is not only
making a significant contribution to the environment on energy issues, but
is also helping promote the image of the City of Elk River. Numerous major
companies focus on Elk River regarding energy issues through Energy City.
Because a tie to MEI in the future is doubtful, ACE is recommending
Energy City becomes a city commission to validate its existence. City
staff currently does the majority of the work, such as sending out packets,
taking minutes, advertising events, website changes, etc. It makes sense
to have Energy City be a city run program. ACE is also recommending
the city seek the designation of "Energy City" through legislation or
possibly a gubernatorial designation. This would give the City an identity
and could help with Economic Development.
ACE will be at the Council workshop meeting to discuss the opportunities
facing the City of Elk River and Energy City in the future.
ORDINANCE OS-
AN ORDINANCE ADDING SECTION 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 Section , entitled "Energy City Commission", as follows:
- 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:
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
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.
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, recd clin ,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 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).
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.
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