Laserfiche WebLink
grants,utilities and partnerships. The cities shared their experiences in how initiatives • <br /> were originally started and how actions were completed. This included involving <br /> numerous city departments like parks, streets,building and economic development. <br /> Duluth has a unique system in that money that is saved from energy efficiencies or <br /> upgrades is set aside in a"green fund"which is then used for additional sustainability <br /> programs and purchases. By separating this money,they can use it for sustainability <br /> and it isn't simply put back in to the general operations budget.Larry Herke, <br /> Director of the Office of Enterprise Sustainability also shared information about <br /> state programs. Sabine Engel from the University of Minnesota spoke about decision <br /> making processes especially at the city level. The group felt the retreat was very <br /> beneficial especially in learning more about what other cities have accomplished. <br /> The Energy City Commission continued to discuss Elk River's role within this <br /> cohort and what steps we could be taking to improve our goals specifically those <br /> outlined in the 10 Year Action Plan. Some in the group felt the ECC is lacking <br /> momentum to create real change and the ability to progress our goals. Funding has <br /> been an issue in the past but the Duluth "green fund" could be a good option for <br /> Elk River.The group discussed the potential of adding subcommittees and <br /> increasing the frequency of meeting to build more momentum.There was also <br /> discussion of making city departments more aware of their role within the goals for <br /> the Energy City Commission. <br /> Commissioner Curtis felt the group should seek clearer direction from the Elk River <br /> City Council. The city code outlines powers and duties in addition to the 10 Year • <br /> Action Plan which has specific goals. Although Elk River is designated Energy City, <br /> there isn't always significant emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency when it <br /> comes to larger projects,regulations and priorities within various city departments. <br /> The group discussed scheduling a work session with City Council to present updates <br /> to the Action Plan and asks them for clear direction about the desired outcomes and <br /> goals of the group. Although the items are good goals, there is a lack of support <br /> from Council or other city departments to complete the tasks.Although we are <br /> branded as Energy City,they feel a lack of support for completing these items.The <br /> hope is that better direction could provide some progress on the goals and larger <br /> outcomes,along with a more clear vision for the future of this Commission. <br /> Motion by Curtis, second by Hanson to work with the City Administrator to <br /> schedule time to meet with City Council in the near future to discuss Action <br /> Plan updates and direction and goals for the Energy City Commission. <br /> Finally the group has prioritized the installation of the solar picnic table that was <br /> created by the University of St.Thomas group. City staff will continue to work on <br /> this and will look to the group of help with funding if there aren't adequate city <br /> funds available. <br /> 5.3 Electric Vehicle updates and charger <br /> • <br /> 2 <br />