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<br />2 <br /> <br />As discussed in the last meeting, the Commission has decided to have monthly <br />postings via the various city electronic media outlets related to energy and <br />sustainability related topics – called Energy City Insights. The first Energy City Insight was <br />posted in January focusing on recycling and hard to manage items, specifically <br />batteries. February’s topic will be smart salting and the negative effects chlorine can <br />have on natural resources. Topics suggested for March were storm drains and <br />keeping streets clean as snow begins to melt. April topics could focus on Earth Day <br />and the city’s clean up event. <br /> <br />ERMU has access to energy and efficiency related articles via their online database <br />that is also used for their quarterly publications. These topics could be included in <br />relevant Insights in the future as well. <br /> <br />In discussion about how to promote and educate about Energy City, the commission <br />discussed getting involved at the Elk River Famers Market this summer. City staff <br />will follow up with options for participating at the events and promoting Energy <br />City. This could also be coordinate with Minnesota Drive Electric Week. <br /> <br />5.3 CSM – Call for Videos <br /> <br /> The Climate Smart Municipalities program is again encouraging students to create <br />videos related to energy, efficiency and climate as part of the international video <br />competition. City staff has not had any interest from teachers yet this year but <br />encouraged the Commissions to reach out to teachers that might be interested in <br />participating. <br /> <br />Commissioner Herbert is new to Energy City but explained some potential changes <br />to curriculum which will include conservation and sustainability in science education <br />standards. There is a possibility for partnership and discuss with city staff, especially <br />given opportunities for visiting demonstration sites in Elk River. <br /> <br /> The next CSM event will be a retreat at Camp Ripley for Minnesota participants in <br />early April. Commissioners are encouraged to attend if interested and welcome to <br />become more involved with the CSM program if they like. The delegation will likely <br />visit Germany in mid-June again this year. <br /> <br />5.4 E- Bike funding for 2020 - $1,500 <br /> <br />Funding was approved in the 2020 budget for an electric bike (E-Bike) and ERMU <br />may provide some additional funding for branding and other accessories for the <br />bike. Staff is looking into the best option to purchase. The goal is for many city <br />departments to utilize the bike, potentially including the Police Department. <br /> <br />5.5 Wind Turbine demonstration location <br /> <br />ERMU, in partnership with MMPA, will be installing a small wind turbine in Elk <br />River. The location has been approved at the Youth Athletic Complex (YAC) which <br />is highly utilized by kdis and families and will provide a great educational