09-16-2009 ECCMIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

activities will be going on at the same time Will is speaking since his talk will likely Confuse many children. There may be demonstrators protesting the Expo, so the Police Department will be asked for assistance. The school has nothing else going on that day so the gym will be available if there are more vendors/exhibitors interested than will fit in the entry areas. The School will just have to be informed so they can lay the floor protector down ahead of time. Spectrum High School still wants to be part of the Expo. One student has already started on a film. Environmental Administrator Haug wants to involve Meadowvale School since the principal is a Project Conserve participant. Carnival games will be used, as well as the potential for watershed or groundwater models from the MPCA. A RAM rain barrel or compost bin sale may be part of the event with pick up scheduled for the Clean up Day/week in the Spring. 5. Elk River Landfill &RRT The Landfill staff met with the City Council on September 14~h and will come back for a final decision on September 21. It is difficult to project which way the decision will go. Commissioner Vassar stated that the meeting is a public hearing so he encouraged the Energy City Commission to go and give comment as individuals. Environmental Administrator Haug commented that four votes are needed for a comprehensive plan amendment. If the amendment passes, then the landfill will apply for a CUP (conditional use permit) and license through the City, County, and State. If the amendment does not go through, the projected closure is in 2012. Commissioner Vassar stated that Landfill staff are putting all their energy toward the amendment, but added that a transfer station might be discussed. Discussion of the landfill gas production followed. The expanded facility has been changed to a 6 engine plant rather than an 8 engine plant. Mayor Klinzing entered at 1:50 p.m. Regarding RRT: GRE has a letter of intent to purchase the Elk River facility. They need a guaranteed amount of 335 tons to purchase the facility. There have been considerable layoffs due to the reduced volume. GRE is looking at burning alternative fuels. They can burn 100 tons/day of tires (due to emissions controls), and biomass is the other potential alternative material. GRE could close if RRT closes. This is because GRE wouldn't retrofit the facility to burn coal. The District Heat concept would go away. If GRE stays open, with the District Heating concept in place, there would be a 20 year contract put in place. 6. Biofuels Chair Zehringer discussed the state of biofuels in the country through a power point presentation. His presentation focused upon the technology, policy, and issues regarding biofuels. His opinion is that there are good things happening and supplied hand outs to the commissioners supporting his statements. A company called Ever Cat is partnering with Sartec on biofuels from algae. There will be a grand opening on September 28~h and all commissioners are invited to attend. 2