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Page 2 Energy City Commission Minutes December 21,2011 5. Salk Middle School Presentation Ms. Kelly Prusak (curriculum coordinator for Salk Middle School) was present with Ms. Jennif Athman (Principal, Salk Middle School) to discuss the STEM (science, technology, engineerin , mathematics) program at the 6 — 8th grade Magnate School. Ms. Prusak did a power point presentation highlighting each of the aspects. She invited the Energy City Commissioners to be involved in Salk's "Engineering Week" scheduled for February 21 — 24th. This is the school's fifth year as a STEM magnate and started as a result of a grant for desegregating the Osseo school district. Students come from communities as far south and west as Rockford and Buffalo. The bus rides can be up to an hour long, but Ms. Athman jokes that "the ride is worth it". There will be a Science Fair from January 10 — 12th that people can volunteer to be judges for as well. The judging times are two hour blocks and all interested people are invited to participate. Commissioner Steinbeck expressed interest on the part of Great River Energy. Ms. Deckert commented that she could put Salk administrators in contact with other manufacturers. Ms. Prusak thanked everyone and stated "Anything hands on, the kids LOVE". 6. Business and Energy Expo Discussion The decision has been made to tentatively merge the Energy Expo with the Business Expo for a one year trial period to "see how it goes". It will now be called the Business and Energy Expo. The expo will be held on March 25th from 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. instead of Saturday, March 10t . There will be an "Energy Alley" in the gymnasium. The Chamber of Commerce is looking to the commission for assistance with advertising and assistance with permits (for example, signs on City property). There will be different back drop curtains for the Energy Alley and possibly an archway with LED lights. Because the Energy Alley area will be limited in size (two aisles with a central opening to facilitate movement between the aisles), there will be an application process to be able to get into the Alley. Each booth must be manned. ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) will continue to have children's activities in the Community Room. The Community Education Adventure Club will participate once again but it hasn't been determined where their exhibits will be located yet. Chair Zehringer questioned fees, especially regarding non-profits ($155 Chamber cost vs. $25 Energy Expo cost). Discussion followed that there were only 5 — 6 non-profits last year. Another meeting will be held following the New Year to figure out details. Chair Zehringer expressed concern over losing our identity. 7. Project Conserve Phase Ill Update Chair Zehringer reported there are approximately 50 audits scheduled, most of which are Level 2 (with blower door and infrared tests). They have been finding typical maintenance issues such as not having windows latched. Many homes have less insulation than preferred in the attic. 14 inches (R-38) but auditors are seeing a few with 6 — 8 inches. Some settling may have occurred, but additional insulation is a recommendation as a result. The audits have been scheduled out into February. An intern will be starting on January 9th. Her name is Rachel King and she will be working primarily on the organics program but will also help with the energy portion of Project Conserve. • She will be working through the end of April.