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01-20-2010 ECC MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER ENERGY CITY COMMISSION HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL ELK RIVER, MN WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2010 Members Present: Mayor Stephanie Klinzing, Vance Zehringer, Scott Hagen, John Setala, Jeff Vassar, Bruce Sayler, Rachel Leonard, and Ron Touchette Members Absent: Denny Chuba, Susie Overholser, and Stephen Rohlf Staff Present: Rebecca Haug, Environmental Administrator Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary Others Present: Annie Deckert, Economic Development Assistant Randy Anderson (ISD #728) The regular meeting of the Energy City Commission was catled to order by Chair Zehringer at 1:30 p.m. Consider January 20, 2010 ECC Agenda Two items were added to the agenda as follows: 1. Rebecca Haug - EDA Grant 2. Ron Touchette - Discuss Purpose of Energy City 3. Mayor Klinzing -Update on Veteran's Clinic Site Selection Process MOTION MADE AND SECONDED TO APPROVE AGENDA AS AMENDED. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED. 2. Consider December 16, 2009 ECG Minutes MOTION MADE AND SECONDED TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 16, 2009 ECC MINUTES. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED. Chair Zehringer asked for an update on the proposed worksession mentioned on page 2 of the minutes. Ms. Haug stated that a worksession with the City Council is scheduled for Monday, March 8. She noted that the ordinance establishing the Energy City Commission has an expiration date of December 31, 2010 and that is what will be discussed at the meeting. 3. Proiect Conserve Update Meetings are scheduled for January 28 and January 30 and there will two guest speakers, Bill Bronder, SWCD and Angela Hauge, ERMU. They will be speaking about water conservation and the SMART irrigation program. A recent newspaper article was noted regarding using water from Lake Superior to service water needs in other states such as Arizona. Discussion followed regarding water assessments. Ms. Haug stated that Paul Levy is interested in doing afollow-up story on Project Conserve. She felt it would be more appropriate to wait until the end of the pilot program at the end of April. Commissioner Touchette suggested interviewing children to see what they have learned regarding best practices, and could be tied to the Expo. Ms. Haug suggested an "Energy City" special section in the Star News, similar to the "Bridal" special section. 4. 2010 Energv Exao Ms. Haug noted that a $250 donation has been received from Landmark Environmental and $500 from Connexus Energy, as well as personal donations from Mayor Klinzing and Commissioner Touchette. Thirty exhibitors are signed up. She stated that Elk River Ford wilt be displaying a hybrid vehicle. Ms. Haug suggested the Commissioners visit businesses and encourage them to exhibit at the Expo. She noted that there will be no cutoff date to sign up. Ms. Haug stated that the Chamber of Commerce has been offered a free booth as a thank you for advertising the Energy Expo in their newsletter. Discussion followed regarding temporary signage for the expo. Ms. Haug noted that the signs must be placed on an approved surface and do require a sign permit from the city. Ms. Haug briefly reviewed the expo agenda as follows: 11am - 11:10am -Introduction and Project Conserve 11:10am - 12:30pm -Will Steger presentation 1 pm and 2pm - Tricia & the Toonies 11 am - 3 pm -children's activities in the Community Room Ms. Haug provided information regarding the new Energy City Facebook page. This page is intended to educate and market Energy City, as well as serve as a communication center for Project Conserve Participants. Annie Deckert, Economic Development Assistant, stated that the Expo is posted on the City's E.D. (Economic Development) Facebook; updates are made periodically advertising the event as well as soliciting for exhibitors and sponsorships. She noted that they have 80 fans so far. Ms. Decked stated that the quarterly newsletter features Energy City and ways businesses can save dollars on energy. She noted that the newsletter goes out to nearly 600 local and metro businesses, developers and builders. Ms. Deckert explained that the City Economic Development Department utilizes both Facebook and Twitter as part of their marketing initiative. Ms. Haug noted that the EDA has indicated the importance of educating the community on Energy City as one of their goals for 2010. Ms. Deckert noted that a press release will be in the Minnesota Real Estate Journal regarding the Expo. She explained that when businesses sign up to be an exhibitor for the event, a press release is sent to local media in the City they're located in. Commissioner Touchette suggested that the hybrid car could be displayed on the sidewalk, if it is not possible to get it inside the building. Commissioner Klinzing asked if Mr. Steger would be signing books. Ms. Haug noted yes, and that his table will be placed so that visitors will walk through all the exhibits to reach him. 5. MN Office of Energv Security Energv Conservation Block Grant Update Ms. Haug provided information on the $50,000 block grant for energy audits. She explained they are looking at training the city's building inspectors and ERMU employees to conduct the energy audits. Chair Zehringer explained that ERMU has budgeted $25,000 which would be spread over 500 households. Ms. Haug explained that a match is not needed for this type of grant, and they would be looking at providing $50,000 in in-kind services. 2 Ms. Haug stated that they are still looking at ways to make the ice arena more energy efficient. The cost to upgrade to energy efficient lighting is $150,000. Ms. Haug noted that there needs to be a 2 - 3 year payback fior a project to be eligible for grant funds. 6. Wind Power Update -Vance Zehringer Chair Zehringer provided a slide presentation regarding wind power. Information presented included wind power providers, locations, costs, and future projects. 7. Other 1. Ron Touchette - Puraose of Energy City Commissioner Touchette stated he felt the education component was a critical piece in the purpose of Energy City. He stated he would like to see kids as a focal point. Ms. Haug stated that the Commission will take a closer look at ECUs (Energy City Commission) mission statement and goals after the Energy Expo, prior to meeting with the City Council. Commissioner Klinzing discussed the environmental learning center at Elk River Landfill. She explained that the center provides education on energy efficiency, renewable energy and recycling. Chair Zehringer stated that the Minnesota School of Business and the charter school have incorporated energy conservation in their curriculums. Commissioner Touchette stated that he would like to see education as a goal of ECC. Ms. Haug expressed her appreciation to him for working with Jenna Hemberg. Commissioner Klinzing stated she would like to see the ECC work in cooperation with the school district to make energy conservation part of the curriculum. Ms. Deckert suggested offering classes through Community Ed. Chair Zehringer suggested Project Conserve could be offered through this venue. Ms. Haug stated that any commissioners interested in working on the ECUs mission statement, goals, and priorities should let her know. Commissioner Touchette stated he would be interested. He asked if there were any past years' statements or goals available. Ms. Haug stated there were not any she was aware of. 7.2. Rebecca Haug - EDA Grant Ms. Haug provided information regarding the revolving loan program for commercial and industrial building grants. 7.3. Update on Veteran's Clinic Site Selection Process Commissioner Klinzing explained that two sites in Elk River are contenders for the proposed Veteran's Clinic. She stated that the hope is that an Elk River site is selected, and that green components would be included in the development plan. She felt that Energy City would be involved in working with the developers. Commissioner Touchette provided details of the proposal. He felt there is strong support from Sherburne County and the city to locate in Eik River. He felt that having a veterans office in Elk River is a plus. Further discussion followed regarding grant funds and landfill abatement funds for "green" materials. Commissioner Klinzing asked if there was a potential for LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficiency Design) certification. Commissioner Touchette stated no, not with afive- yearcommitment that the Veteran's Administration is currently looking at. He stated that a 2C year proposal has been submitted to them, which would yield a 50-percent savings. Commissioner Touchette stated that letters have been provided to the Veteran's Administration from the Mayor, EDA (Economic Development Authority) and HRA (Housing and Redevelopment Authority), as welt as Guardian Angels, in support of an Elk River location. 4 8. Schedule Next ECC Meeting and Identify Agenda ltems The next meeting will be held February 17, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. at City Hall in the Uppertown Conference Room. Tentative agenda items include election of officers, Project Conserve, and the Energy Expo. 9. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 p.m. Minut/es p epared by D bie Huebner. Tina (lard City C{erk h Vance Ze Energy C 5