04-21-2010 ECC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Environmental Administrator Haug stated there is good and bad news regarding grants. Project Conserve and the Ice arena were approved, however the EDA's (Economic Development Authority) revolving loan program was not funded. More information is needed for the Project Conserve grant but should be done soon. The Arena is taking a bit longer. Because the EDA didn't get the revolving loan grant, no upgrades will be possible through this venue at this time. Project Conserve received $50,000 for Phase II and the Arena received $87,000 for upgrading lighting in both buildings (stimulus grant). ERMU (Elk River Municipal Utilities) has rebates for upgrading lighting... the Arena's project would possibly qualify for around $10,000 ($9,000 - $14,000). 5. Mission Statement and Goals Environmental Administrator Haug stated the Energy City Commission is scheduled to go to City Council on May 10th. Unfortunately, she, Commissioner Touchette and Commissioner Rohlf have had no time to discuss this further at the staff/commissioner level. There are differences of opinion regarding where the commission is at. However, this meeting with the Council has postponed several times already. She added that the Energy City Commission does have and expiration date (December, 2010). Chair Zehringer commented there were copious notes from the last discussion and asked if there is any further discussion. Commissioner Rohlf stated his opinion that the statement and goals don't have to be finalized, since the commission wants the Council's ideas. The statement and goals may not be polished, but he felt there is enough to go to the May meeting. Mayor Klinzing stated that sounds good and it will give the council more understanding if it's discussed. They can give their opinions. Commissioner Rohlf commented upon the difference of opinion regarding whether the Commission sticks to energy or broadens to "green" adding that he comes down on the side of energy. He added that a difference of opinion is okay; the Commission is answerable to the City Council. A comment was made that seeking direction is a good thing. Environmental Administrator Haug commented on showing the connection for recycling saving energy (and why the technology or recycling is being promoted). Commissioner Touchette added that clear direction was received from the last meeting to include the green concept as it relates to energy considerations. Chair Zehringer stated this is not hard to do as far as green is concerned. Discussion followed that demonstrations need to make economic sense with further discussion of the photovoltaic demonstration as an example. A question was raised as to how the commission defined promotion? Commissioner Touchette commented that that the Commission will identify and promote those items that work. Two versions of the mission statement and goals have yet to be "blended". He added that this can be discussed in front of the council. The meeting is May 10th at 7:30 p.m. after the FAST meeting (a special meeting notice will be done by Chair Zehringer). Having as many Commissioners as possible at the meeting would be very helpful. A question was raised regarding benefits to the partners for being part of Energy City. A concern is that the partners get forgotten for the sake of the City. Mayor Klinzing recognized the benefits tc the City, but stated that the partners need to identify what the benefits are for each of the partners individually since they are likely different for each partner. Environmental Administrator Haug stated that she gets asked at speaking engagements "What is this partnership situation?" She explained that the partner businesses look better for working with the City as a partner for sharing their expertise in the program. Commissioner Touchette commented this is included in the paperwork.