05-19-2021 ECC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commission Mahon shared that he received the Clean Energy Choice certificate from ERMU at his home. More on this below. Chair Sagstetter shared that the solar picnic table slab is going to be poured as part of the Orono Park reconstruction project. Commission Iverson will assist with this as needed to ensure the slab is oriented corrected for the best solar production. Both city and ERMU staff will budget for the construction of the solar picnic table in 2022. Commissioner Steinbeck provided a brief update on the GRE facility in Elk River. Demolition and deconstruction are nearly complete, and they plan to replant the hillside with native plants soon once grading is complete. GRE will provide information about recycled and reused material in the deconstruction process when the work is complete. 5.2 Farmers Market programs Ms. Erickson discussed plans for the city's Farmers Market this summer. The Energy City budget has funds available in 2021 for organics recycling and public outreach. This will be used to add organics recycling at the farmers market to help promote the program to residents. There will also be education about the benefits of reusable bags at the market this year. Participants who use a reusable bag can enter to win a prize each week at the market. The prize includes various reusable items and an organics collection container. The market will also feature plastic bag recycling on site. Ms. Erickson will follow up with commission members later this spring if there is an opportunity for them to volunteer at the market to educate residents about these programs and the Energy City Commission. 5.3 ERMU Clean Energy Choice ERMU sent certificates to all participants of their Clean Energy Choice program to recognize them and provide information about the benefits their choices make on the environment. Many of the commission members shared their excitement about getting the certificates and window clings. The group discussed how to get more commercial customers interested in the program, something that ERMU staff is also working on. 5.4 ECC Communications Plan Commissioner Mahon spent time thinking about his role with ECC after being appointed and about how he could encourage more communication and outreach about the Energy City Commission. He developed a plan and shared it with Chair Sagstetter and Ms. Erickson, who then also shared with Commission Wagner and city communication department. The goal of this plan is to encourage more communication about Energy City and sustainability activities. Commissioner Mahon asked the other members to review and provide edits and feedback about the plan. Not all the goals are specific for the city staff but rather a broader plan to include Energy City Commission members. There are many tools available to assist with 2