05-18-2011 ECC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 3 Energy City Commission Minutes May is, zou 7. Energv Citv Business Education Event The third event in our series is scheduled for June 1 from 11:30 - 1:00 p.m. at the Elk River Library with a free lunch. Ms. Deckert passed out the flyer she drew up and commented that lunch time has been determined to be a better time (rather than early morning). She discussed the agenda. Utilities representatives, Vance Zehringer (ERMU), Ryan Setterholm (CenterPoint Energy) and Brian Burandt (Connexus) will be on a panel to discuss their respective rebate programs. Chair Zehringer questioned whether Wright-Hennepin should be invited. A comment was made that they would not qualify for financing. Ms. Haug stated that perhaps they could be invited to another event but it is too late for this one. Commissioner Setala recommended getting in touch with Sonja Bogart. Ms. Deckert discussed the financing program following a question about what it would cover. Commissioner Touchette recommended adding commercial property owners and commercial real estate people to the list of who should attend on the flyer. 8. Energv Citv High Five Program Ross discussed the Energy City High Five Program sent out to commissioners via a-mail. He also distributed a sample of the program which lists 35 eco-friendly actions businesses can take and be recognized for by the Energy City Commission. Ross acknowledged and thanked Great River Energy for making recommendations and helping proof the program draft. He requested that the Commissioners review and give him any comments by June 1St when it will be rolled out to the community at the Business Education Series Event. Ross added that the Energy City High Fives has three levels. The business which makes the most progress or has implemented the most actions will be named the High Five Business of the Year. Ms. Deckert added that this will be great tool when coupled with the microloan program through the Economic Development Authority. Ross did a great job on this project. Commissioner Touchette questioned whether it will be sent out again when it is final. Ross confirmed it will. 9. Website Update Discussion Ms. Haug referred to the staff update memo from Ross and commented that there is a desperate need for an upgrade to the website. The website has been updated in the past but not upgraded with new software. Currently, staff cannot do updates and the web master charges $85 per hour so staff has traditionally waited until there have been a number of changes to make rather than requesting one here or there to minimize costs. It would cost approximately $1200 to switch to Wordpress so that staff can make changes. Ms. Deckert offered to check into firms. Ross has been working on a new outline for the website. Commissioner Chuba suggested getting U-Tube capability. Councilmember Westgaard asked whether the $1200 would include a "facelift" for the website and asked about payback period. It would include the facelift, changeover and staff training. Commissioner Touchette raised a concern regarding the visioning and branding project going on regarding the City Council and Economic Development Authority. Ms. Deckert commented it may be beneficial to hold off until branding work is done. Ross commented that he would like to have all the Energy City High 5's on line. Annie commented on the City's website being a location to host the High 5's initially. Discussion followed regarding researching other options and staff "shopping around".