06-20-2012 ECC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Energy City Commission Minutes Page 3 June 20,2012 • Mr.Wilfarht explained that they will be shifting navigation ease more toward the"lay person". Staff feels that much of the information on the website may be too technical for the average citizen and some of the links are outdated. Staff's goal is to make it more personable, friendly and accessible. Mr.Wilfarht stated that Jennifer Johnson will be working on the website in the next couple of weeks. Ms. Haug asked that the bios be sent to her within the week. Mr.Wilfarht asked that the Commissioners let staff know if they notice anything on the website that needs to be added or removed. He noted that videos of the presentations will be included. Ms. Haug noted that the tour page on the ECC website is very vague and needs to be updated. She stated that more information needs to be obtained from potential tour groups in order to better serve their goals and objectives. Ms. Haug noted that the City Council has approved Rachael King's to be hired as a temporary seasonal employee through December, 2012, so Rachael will be updating the application form for demonstration sites. Discussion followed regarding the need for new demonstration sites.Commissioner Hagen felt the focus should be on energy renewal,job creation and energy efficiency. Ms. Haug stated that she was contacted by the Department if State's International Visitor Leadership Program,Minnesota representative regarding tours. She was informed that Elk River has a good reputation in Washington D.C. for showcasing energy technologies. Commissioner Hagen asked if there has been any type of survey for feedback on past tours, and are those people coming back? He stated he would like to know what the groups are • telling us,and whether or not they enjoyed their tour. Ms. Haug responded that generally Vance Zehringer did the tours and she was not aware of any survey. She noted that she accompanied a group from Poland,and they were impressed that such a small community had so many partnerships with local businesses in energy. Commissioner Hagen stated he would like to know what we do that impresses them to come. He suggested including photos of tours on the website. Ms.Haug noted that there is a visitor's log at the power generating site at the landfill,and she could check whether or not the same people are coming back. Commissioner Hagen stated that the ECC should know why other countries want to come here and what they are interested in. Ms. Haug stated that that staff will accompany the tour group from Germany to first visit Great River Energy's facilities;then have lunch at Pizza Ranch; see the wind generator site, the landfill and the Haubenschild farm. Ms. Haug stated that the Commission has talked about having a subcommittee research more demonstration sites. Chair Setala stated that the Commission talked about having a writer for the website,but felt they should hold off on that idea for now. He suggested an intro and have"more" button for more technical information. Ms. Haug noted that the Mission statement will be on top of the webpage. 4.4 Project Conserve Phase IV Discussion Ms. Haug stated that they will be revamping Project Conserve and gearing it more towards low income. The energy audits are limited based on staff time. She explained that they will • no longer be having the workshops due to low attendance. She stated staff will focus more on providing information in monthly newsletters.