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the highest level at this time. Cities can participate in the Regional Indicators Initiative for • <br /> $1,000/year. This program will track the city for four years and utilise the B3 Benchmarking <br /> database to see how public buildings are performing. <br /> 4.3 Presentation by Clay Wilfarht,Economic Development Assistant <br /> Mr. Wilfarht presented on this city's Microloan Fund Policy specifically on the Energy <br /> Efficiency Improvement Loan section. He explained that it is low interest rate loan and P.S. <br /> Dance Studio took advantage of the loan. There are challenges with determining what <br /> constitutes energy efficiency and that the cost of the improvements can outweigh the interest <br /> rate. A possible solution is to make a portion of the loan forgivable. This could be done by <br /> using the Energy City High Five scale and forgiving portions of the loan based on the level <br /> achieved. Commissioner Chuba asked about non-profits being eligible and Mr. Wilfarht <br /> explained that if there is job creation and it is promoting the downtown,non-profits may be <br /> eligible. Commissioner Setterholm asked where the money comes from and the maximum <br /> term. Mr.Wilfarht explained that the money comes from the EDA balance through a levy <br /> and the term is a minimum of 10 yr.up to 20 yr. Chair Setala asked how the energy <br /> efficiency will be measured and how to make a distinction between standard energy <br /> efficiency and high energy efficiency. Commissioner Sagstetter explained that rebates vary <br /> depending on the efficiency and the rebates buy down the initial cost. Mr.Wilfarht stated <br /> that the program is aligned with the rebates. Mr. Sagstetter questioned where the baseline <br /> gets set and how much loan amount can be used for build out. Commissioner Setterholm <br /> explained that in commercial/industrial businesses the main driver is payback. Mr.Wilfarht <br /> asked in the ECC approves of tying the loan into the entire cost. Consensus of the <br /> commissions stated it was appropriate. <br /> 4.4 Hockey Day MN 2014 • <br /> Ms. Haug announced that Elk River will be the host of Hockey Day MN 2014 on January <br /> 18,2014 in the Handke Stadium. This event has a lot of media coverage and may be a good <br /> opportunity for Energy City to have a demonstration and have an electric and natural gas <br /> vehicle displayed. The event is promoted for the entire week. Commissioner Westgaard will <br /> keep the ECC informed of how the ECC can participate in the event. <br /> 4.5 Subcommittee Updates <br /> • Education Subcommittee <br /> o The Education Subcommittee met on Tuesday,April 9 via conference call <br /> between Ms. Haug and Commissioner Setterholm. During the call, discussion <br /> focused on partnering with the schools and determining what opportunities are <br /> available. Commissioner Rybak indicated that the subcommittee should meet <br /> with the principles and discuss making Energy City tour a requirement for <br /> students for science and technology. Commissioner Rybak explained that <br /> bussing is a major factor in where schools go. Commissioner Rybak offered to <br /> speak with Janna about setting up a meeting with all of the principles. <br /> • Energy Design Subcommittee <br /> o Mr. Sagstetter and Commissioner Chuba informed the ECC that the flier in the <br /> packet is being revised to look similar to other handouts from the city. <br /> • Demonstration Subcommittee <br /> o The subcommittee is meeting immediately after the ECC meeting. <br /> Commissioner Setterholm suggested looking at the Natural Gas fueling station <br /> in South Minneapolis as a demonstration. <br /> • Visionary Subcommittee • <br />