05-20-2009 ECC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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project. The waste steam would be a clean, renewable energy which might qualify for grants to help with the costs. GRE would use existing building materials and it would be a "closed loop". The down side to this concept is the initial installation costs which can be very high (up to $5 million per mile for piping to be put in). Funding opportunities were discussed, including grants ana bonds. Environmental Administrator Haug stated that GRE will be doing a presentation for the City Council on June 1St and all commissioners are welcome to attend. GRE is asking for support from the Energy City Commission for this project. Mr. Randy Anderson will invite Mr. Leier to speak at a School Board meeting. Commissioner Rohlf questioned the depth of the piping and whether it would be below frost depth. Mr. Leier responded that it would be between 5 - 6 feet below the surface and would be directionally bored, insulated pipe. Regarding the physical distance, booster pumps are being used in Europe to pipe steam up to 10 miles. With fair insulation there is little heat loss. Commissioner Chuba questioned whether it would be possible to heat the sidewalks for the various participating companies/buildings (for example, the boulevard of the schools). Discussion followed regarding this and types of fuels used at GRE. Mr. Leier added that emissions would not increase, but they could decrease as a result and there would be a HUGE carbon offset as a result of implementing an energy district. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ROHLF AND SECOND BY MAYOR KLINZING TO SUPPORT THE CONCEPT OF "DISTRICT ENERGY" TO THE CITY COUNCIL BY THE ENERGY CITY COMMISSION. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED. 5. 2009 Energy Expo Update Environmental Administrator Haug discussed the memo in the packet regarding the Energy Expo and lessons learned from the event. The budget turned out really well. Several invoices have yet to come in, including those for the rental of the facility, the buses, and the Lion's Club. Commissioner Chuba suggested that the bus tours be limited to one, since the tour lasted 1.5 - 2 hours. Changing the venue or the date was discussed. The Ice Arena Director has volunteered to be a host facility. Environmental Administrator Haug stated that the Ice Arena needs to be more energy efficient. The Ice Arena Director has applied for grant funds to change lighting as a start. A question of whether to change the focus to businesses was brought up. Chair Zehringer stated his feelings regarding this year's Expo and asked "how do we reach people?" He added that when costs are low, people don't seem to care. Perhaps a more centralized location would be appropriate. Commissioner Gagliardi felt it's a matter of timing. Commissioner Sayler shared his experience, and Mr. Anderson stated that "green hasn't caught on yet". Brainstorming led to discussion of leasing a hybrid vehicle for a year, showcasing new appliances and having a business showcase similar to the "college showcase" Rosemount holds each year (which has gone from having 300 people to thousands over time by having free food, vendors, entertainment and scholarships). Green energy benefits to the planet with "things that are fun" 2