08-12-1996 CC MIN - SPECIALSPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT TI-IE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 1996
Council Members Present:
Mayor Duitsman, Councilmembers Diefz, Scheel, Farber,
and Holmgren
EDA Members Present:
Jeff Gongoll, Tom Bender, and Pat Dwyer
HRA Members Present:
Duane Kropuenske and Stewad Wilson
Utilities Commission Representative Present: Jim Tralle
Chamber of Commerce Representatives and Invited Guests Present: Rich Duggan,
Charlie Houle, Jacki Schuelein, Dick Gongoll, Jim Simpson,
Mark Ourada, State Senator District 19; Norma Swenson,
BossAir; Joel Burns and Julianne Bail, Minnesota
Environmental Initiative: William Popped, Technology
Nodh; Ed Fore, NSP; Scott Jones and Del Overholser,
ECONAR; Sandra Brekema, Minnegasco; George Sieved,
Foam Enterprises, Inc.; Kevin Sieved, Industrial Coatings
Co.; Jim Romansky, Tri-Star Insulation Co.; and John
Plaisted, Plaisted Companies
Staff Present:
Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Paul Steinman, Director of
Economic Development: Steve Rohlf, Building and
Zoning Administrator; Michelle Dwyer, Recording Secretary
Call Meetin.q To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the special meeting of the FIk River City
Council was called to order at 6:40 p.m. by Mayor Duitsman.
Consider A.qenda
COUNCILMEMBER SCHEEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 12, 1996 CITY
COUNCIL AGENDA. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Presentation: Elk River - Sustainable City Ener.qy Showcase
Joel Burns, Minnesota Environmental Initiative, presented the Elk River-
Sustainable City Energy Showcase. The Sustainable City Energy Showcase is the
result of two years of planning by energy professionals from community groups,
utilities, energy efficiency and renewable energy businesses, academia and
government representatives. The Energy Showcase plans to merge the
experience and knowledge of Energy Alley organizations and the resources of
Elk River to achieve the following goals:
Special City Council Meeting Page
August 12, 1996
· promote the city and Minnesota's energy efficiency and renewable energy
industry.
· create a new/Iow/high technology showcase that is professionally
recognized.
· demonstrate affordable proven technology, energy savings & pollution
prevention initiatives that other communities can adopt.
This project will be a long-term project which will be planned by a joint
committee currently being formed. Joel Burns, Minnesota Environmental
Initiative complimented the City of Elk River on their enthusiastic response to this
project.
Joel Burns, Minnesota Environmental Initiative, presented Mayor Duitsman and
the City Council a congratulatory cedificate from Energy Alley.
Paul Steinman, Director of Economic Development, extended an invitation to
Governor Arne Carlson to a formal presentation of this designation. Mayor
Duitsman indicated his concern about how the City should get the message out.
Rich Duggan suggested Internet or Web site.
Ed Fore, NSP Sherco Plant Lead Insulator, expressed positive comments about
the concept of building a training center in Elk River.
Mayor Duifsman stated his appreciation to Steve Rohlf for all his work and effod
to bring the Sustainable City Energy Showcase to Elk River.
4.&5.
Review Issues Discussed At The February 12, 1996, Special City Council Meetinq
Regardin.cl An Economic Development Program
Discuss Undertaking an Economic Development Strategic Planninq Proces~
Paul Steinman, Director of Economic Development, introduced the Strategic
Planning Process for Economic Development.
Mayor Duitsman would like to see 11 people on the Strategic Planning Task
Force:
· a representative from Sherburne County
· 2 Chamber of Commerce members
· 2 bank presidents, Jim Simpson and Dick Gongoll
· Mayor Duitsman and a Council member
· Jeff Gongoll as Chairman
· an EDA member
· an HRA member
· a Utility member
Also included will be staff members, Paul Steinman, Director of Economic
Development; Steve Ach, City Planner; and Steve Rohlf, Building & Zoning
Administrator; and other staff members as appropriate.
It was discussed that it may not be necessary to include a member from the
County Board. City staff will provide on going communication with the Board
throughout the process.
Special City Council Meeting
August 12, 1996
Page 3
COMMISSIONER HOLMGREN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE EDA TO BEGIN THE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS AND TO HIRE THE JIM
BRIMEYER GROUP AS A FACILITATOR. COMMISSIONER FARBER SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
The need for industrial development, city participation in the business and
industrial development process, and a Business Incubator program was
discussed.
If was the consensus of the Council that the City should have a 10 member Task
Force and that Jeff Gongoll as chair should appoint these members. The first
meeting af the Task Force will be set up at a later date.
6. Other Business
None
7. Adjournment
There being no further business, COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO ADJOURN
THE MEETING. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
The special meeting of the Elk River City Council was adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Michelle Dwyer
Recording Secretary