01-21-2009 ECC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ener_gy Cost Cutters: Environmental Administrator Haug discussed a new company in the area named Energy Cost Cutters. They do free energy audits and might be interested in partnering with Energy City. Chair Zehringer feels that there may be more experienced companies that Energy City could partner with, since this one has only been in business for a few months. Community Development Director Gongoll stated that this company also has installed solar floor heating units that will possibly help lower air conditioning costs in the summer as well for $10,000 - $12,000 total. They stated they were able to cut costs in half through rebates and grants. Energy Cost Cutters is also a Chamber member so they're local. A suggestion was made to bring them to a future meeting. Faith in Action: Mayor Klinzing added a comment that Faith In Action is looking at working toward doing low cost rehabilitation projects on homes. She discussed that they are hoping to do something toward collecting furniture for re-use and hope that this may qualify for landfill abatement funds. Environmental Administrator Haug suggested they apply for a grant through the County. Cushman/Zenn: Community Development Director Gongoll discussed this idea with the fleet committee. Discussion followed regarding having the representatives come to an ECC meeting to talk about electric vehicles. This company has sold other electric vehicles to other counties within Minnesota. They may be invited to the May meeting. A question was asked if they might come to the Expo. An invitation will be extended. Regarding electric vehicles, Commissioner Setala may be able to bring GRE's electric hybrid vehicle(s). They converted a hybrid Prius to a plug-in vehicle (it has a bigger battery pack). Commissioner Setala discussed that he has contacted the MN Electric Vehicle Association as well. Discussion followed that a "myth buster" poster or display could be put up near the cars for educational purposes. Foreclosures: Chair Zehringer discussed the fact that a number of foreclosed homes have been experiencing frozen and burst pipes and wanted to discuss how to deal with them from a "wasted resources" point of view. Discussion followed concerning notifications that go out when services are shut off, funds available, and the neighborhood stabilization program which shares funds with Otsego. Chair Zehringer stated that Countryside Realty is taking care of some homes in Elk River, but there are currently 229 foreclosures in Elk River alone. Otsego has many foreclosed homes as well. There is currently no procedure for informing anyone when services are cut off. Discussion of placing liens on the property followed. It costs $600 - $1200 to winterize a home and the funds must come from somewhere. Assessments can be made to property for water/sewer fees but not for electricity. 6. Schedule next meeting The next regularly scheduled meeting for the energy city commission will be on February 18, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. in the Uppertown Conference Room. Topics for the meeting include updates on foreclosures, energy policy committee, Project Conserve, and the Energy Expo. Other topics will be the Energy City Ordinance for members and Energy Cost Cutters. 7. Meeting Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m. Minutes prepared by Nicola Blake-Bradley.