02-17-2010 ECC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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6. CBAC Update Commissioner Touchette stated there really isn't much to report. There are four sites under consideration (2 in Elk River and 2 in Ramsey). March 1St is the date for the decision, then the city chosen will have 14 days to resubmit plans. Ramsey has promised dedicated ramp space if they are chosen, which is a concern. However, Ramsey does not have a Northstar rail stop, which Elk River does. 7. Photovoltaic Update- Vance Zehringer Chair Zehringer provided a presentation on wind at the last meeting so he offered a quick presentation on photovoltaics (PV) at this meeting. There is definitely more interest in solar now likely because electricity prices are going up. High schools are making cells now as science projects. There is one demonstration site in town, although the cost is still high. Residential costs are at $10/watt now, but Chair Zehringer is hoping for $2/watt. (side note: a mega watt =one million watts) Discussion of companies offering components and success stories (Mars Rover and International Space Station, for example) followed. Winelectric is open to being a demonstration site. Metalcraft is also a potential demonstration site. Discussion of locations where solar electric kits are available (Menards, Tractor Supply Co.) and how they work followed. Essentially an inverter converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Germany, Japan, and the US are leaders in PV production. It is much more popular commercially. It needs to be more economical for residents to implement. Incentives were discussed. There are 97 PV companies world-wide. 37 are located within the United States. Mayor Klinzing questioned how to incentivize a company to locate in Energy City. Sand is a main resource needed for production (and Elk River has plenty). 8. Other 8.1 Volunteer Dinner: The volunteer dinner is set for February 17th from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Senior Activity Center. It will mainly be hors d' oeuvres. All commissioners are invited. 8.2 March 8th City Council Worksession: discussion of whether this should be the date to discuss the question of Energy City mission statement and goals. A comment was made that there is no rush. Discussion followed and the decision to wait until the April 12th worksession to discuss the mission and goals of Energy City. Commissioners Touchette and Rohlf will assist Environmental Administrator Haug with a draft to bring back to the Commission. Chair Zehringer commented that Energy City should be trying to attract PV and turbine manufacturers. Commissioner Rohlf questioned whether there would be any Minnesota School of Business interns. Discussion followed. 9. Schedule Next ECC Meeting and Identify Agenda Items The next meeting will be held March 17, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. at City Hall in the Uppertown Conference Room. Potential topics include grants update, expo update, Green Cities (MPCA), CBAC update, Mission Statement and Goals, and Water Conservation at the Source (Mayor) 10. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 p.m. 3