09-15-2010 ECC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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to see whether it will help pay for the costs of the program. Residents are being charged $10 for the entire year and commercial businesses will pay $100 for the entire year. Charging for finished compost was discussed. The City has no desire to end the program. Project Conserve Audits: Mr. Berreman requested further discussion of the Energy Audits for Project Conserve. He commented that Center Point Energy's 'freebies' have been expanded regarding the shower/aerator program. Residents may receive up to 3 shower/aerators (1.5 gallon/minute... down from 2 gallons/minute). All residential accounts, including rentals, are eligible. Infrared scans: Chair Zehringer questioned whether the Commission would like "classes" to understand what will be happening with Project Conserve. He hopes to start audits on November 15t if the weather cooperates. A 20 degree differential in air temperature is needed. The Commission responded yes. Transportation Alliance: Mayor Klinzing discussed that members are needed (on a temporary basis) to attend at the Federal/State levels regarding transportation alliance. Phantom Loads: Commissioner Chuba questioned having a speaker on Phantom Loads from Best Buy or someone that can discuss energy use on LCD, LED, etc. monitors. Discussion followed that the Department of Energy Security did a study on phantom loads. Commissioner Touchette commented that from the EDA perspective, it would be helpful to reach out to businesses about conscious purchasing. The next Business Recycling workshop will focus upon lighting and loads. ERMU already does a lot with this but it is not well known. At the next meeting, Chair Zehringer will discuss what utilities do for businesses (Commercial/Industrial). Energy City Title: Mayor Klinzing commented that as a City and Commission, we need to embrace the title of Energy City. She questioned how to get what Elk River is doing to a higher level to step up to the designation. Chair Zehringer commented that Energy City is better known internationally and discussed tours given to international groups from Europe, South and Central America, and Ireland for example through the U.S. State Department. East Central Energy from Braham will be touring as well. A group of 18 - 20 year olds from a transitional school will be touring as well. Perhaps the tours could be featured in the paper. Mayor Klinzing questioned "How do we serve the State?" adding that "We need to lead". Project Conserve, State Energy Commission, and setting up meetings with committees at the State level were discussed. LNG (liquid natural gas) vs, CNG vehicles were mentioned by Mr. Berreman. Discussion of electric vehicles and charging stations followed. When asked if Elk River is planning a station, Chair Zehringer commented that it's likely "off in the distance" yet. Coal Creek Station Tour: Chair Zehringer recently toured the Coal Creek Station and was very impressed by the size. He will put together a slide show presentation for a future meeting. Spectrum High School: Spectrum High School is looking at a permanent facility located away from their current location. Mayor Klinzing offered the expertise of the Energy City Commission. Discussion followed regarding having a meeting with the builder regarding "green" initiatives. The school will break ground in a couple of months if given approval. The school found out that they must lease space because charter schools cannot build and own their own building. The location they are looking at is in the Business Park by Tractor Supply (behind Walmart). It is not the best fit but the City wants Spectrum to stay. The building is currently 20,000 square feet and they will add an additional 30,000 square feet.