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<br />Energy City Commission .Minutes <br />rvfarch 21, 2007 <br /> <br />Page 2 <br /> <br />Biodiesel has incredible lubricity and can be made from any fresh or used vegetable oil (i.e. from restaurants). <br />The used oil is taken by rail to a biodiesel plant, f1ltered, heated, and treated with methanol and a catalyst <br />(typically NOH) which breaks the glucose bond. The glycerin is washed out, the biodiesel is "dried" and it's <br />ready for market. <br /> <br />Vehicles using biodiesel (B20) have gotten more than 50 miles per gallon (same mpg or better than petroleum <br />based diesel fuel). It gets a more thorough burn. Biodiesel is the first fuel to meet Health Effects and Clean <br />Air Act regulations. B20 reduces emissions by 70%. <br /> <br />Biodiesel gels just like regular #2 diesel fuel in cold weather. It is managed the same as #2 at 20% (B20). <br /> <br />Commissioner Overholser and Bob Grawey arrived at 2:00 p.m. <br /> <br />Commissioner Rohlf questioned whether there are any issues at the gas pump with UL dispensers, ete. :Mr. <br />Pavicic responded that blends of 5% have no impact on cold flow and there are no problems with dispensing <br />biodiesel at gasoline pumps. <br /> <br />Biodiesel will clean out engines so if it is used in an engine that has run petroleum based diesel fuel, it will <br />need to have the fuel f1lter changed within 1 - 2 months. Tbe really high percentage blends may eat rubber. <br /> <br />Biodiesel had no benzene or aromatics, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, reduces particulate emissions, is <br />nearly sulfur free, has a higher flash point than petro-based diesel fuel (150 degrees vs. 70 degrees), will not <br />burn from a match flame unless the flame is held to the fuel (remove the match flame and it goes out), is <br />non-toxic and non-hazardous, produces 3 - 7 times more energy, and no modifications are necessary to the <br />engine or dehvery systems. Biodiesel also gives 30% or better gas mileage. <br /> <br />Commissioner Brathe entered at 2:10 <br /> <br />To produce biodiesel, the glycerin is broken off the oil by a chemical reaction. Ethanol is produced by <br />fermentation. Tbere are three billion gallons of waste grease annually... for an estimated $50 billion per year <br />potential. <br /> <br />Chair Zehringer stated that this may cause a moral question of food versus fuel. :Mr. Pavicic stated the oil is a <br />by-product. <br /> <br />:Mr. Purtle stated that 2008 will be a "big diesel year" and listed companies that produce diesel vehicles. He <br />added that diesel vehicles are holding their value very well and wondered if the City of Elk River is thinking <br />of changing its fleet. Discussion followed regarding where biodiesel is available. Noone present knew <br />whether biodiesel is available in the area. :Mr. Purtle stated that Moritz (sp?) on Twin Lakes is the only <br />supplier in the area. :Mr. Pavicic stated that the owner has to go to Iowa for his fuel... and does about <br />300,000 gallons per year. <br /> <br />Commissioner Rohlf stated that the ECC would like to promote all viable alternative fuels. Discussion <br />followed regarding ethanol vs. biodiesel. <br /> <br />4. Lbrary Update <br />Jenny Tuttle gave an update on the status of the library. She stated that the payback period is less than 20 <br />years. The City of Elk River didn't feel it was worth the cost to go for platinum LEED certification. Gold <br />