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<br />2 <br /> <br /> <br />5.2 Climate Smart Municipalities update <br /> <br />Amanda Bednar gave a brief overview of the CSM delegation trip to Germany in <br />June along with 26 other delegates from Minnesota. The trip included visiting five <br />cities and learning about energy infrastructure, renewable energy options, and <br />changes to the industry and differences between Germany and the US in relation to <br />energy. Elk River will be implementing a few programs and educational <br />opportunities that were seen in Germany. The German delegation will visit <br />Minnesota this fall and the partnership will continue in 2018. <br /> <br />5.3 University of St. Thomas final report regarding Energy City branding <br /> <br />Students from UST completed a report regarding branding in Elk River and <br />knowledge related to the Energy City trademark. Their focus was how to help <br />residents understand the designation, what it means and why it’s important to Elk <br />River. Their report found social media is very important especially for younger <br />generations and is a good way to share information. Star News continues to be <br />relevant and important for Elk River residents too. The group also discussed how <br />local government isn’t always obviously relevant to some citizens. The importance of <br />going to schools was also discussed to get information to younger generations. The <br />important of SustainER was stressed by members as well. There are some issues with <br />utilizing both Powered by Nature and Energy City as catch phrases and the report <br />had strategies for pairing the two together. The Commission would like the findings <br />to be presented to City Council as it provides an outside perspective for the city. The <br />Commission supported the findings of the UST study including continuing to use <br />social media, allowing residents to serve on the ECC, meeting with City Council <br />annually and co-branding within the city. The report will be presented by city staff to <br />Council soon. <br /> <br /> <br />5.4 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Update <br /> <br />Sagstetter informed the Commission that the EV charger was installed on June 4 and <br />the ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on September 13. It is a level two charging <br />station and charging rates range from $1-$2.50 per hour. The event will bring <br />together ERMU partners including the Great Plants Institute, Fresh Energy and <br />electric vehicles in the area. The event will also allow residents to sign up for test <br />drives in electric vehicles. The new tag line “EV-ER Power Your Future” was <br />discussed by the group. New marketing and signage will accompany the event to <br />help promote EV options in Elk River. Fleet assessments continue for both ERMU <br />and the City to determine options for EVs moving forward. Staff has spoken with <br />the City of Saint Paul to get additional information as they have a large EV fleet. The <br />charging station is also listed on various public websites and staff is working to have <br />it added to additional sites for more publicity. <br /> <br />5.5 GreenStep SolSmart program <br />