08-16-2017 ECC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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