08-15-2012 ECC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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• MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER ENERGY CITIY COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2012 Members Present: Chair Setterholm,Commissioners Dennis Chuba,John Setala,Matt Westgaard Members Absent: Scott Hagen,Stephen Rohlf,Tim Rybak,Bruce Sayler and Tim Steinbeck Staff Present Environmental Administrator Rebecca Haug,Intern Rachel King,Assistant Director of Economic Development Clay Wilfahrt,Tom Sagstetter of Elk River Municipal Utilities,Recording Secretary Debbie Huebner Due to lack of a quorum,the ECC meeting was not opened at this time. 4.1 Update on PS Dance Energy Efficient Microloan Ms. Haug stated that John Setala attended the EDA Finance Committee meeting to review the PS Dance micro loan. She explained that the grant is for energy efficient lighting. Mr. Sagstetter of ERMU explained that the energy efficient improvement consists of changing the lighting from T12's to T8's. He stated that there were not a lot of opportunities for other energy efficient improvements,due to the significant costs the applicant is incurring for the interior build-out. • Commissioner Zehringer questioned why the EDA would give an energy efficiency microloan just for going from T12's to T8's. Clay Wilfahrt explained that the language in the guidelines is open for interpretation,and could be changed to be more specific if the ECC desired. Further discussion followed regarding the purpose of the loan program. Commissioner Westgaard suggested a larger micro loan program could be made available. Ms. Haug stated that she has discussed expanding the program with ED Director Annie Deckert. Mr. Sagstetter stated that the loan application meets the qualifying criteria for the rebate from the utilities. He stated he also would have liked to see more in terms of energy efficiency applications,but this is just a small business. He noted that the applicant will be installing motion detector lighting. The suggestion was made to provide education on how to operate smart thermostats, motion detector lighting,and computer energy settings at future business events. 4.2 Energy Awareness Week Discussion Ms. Haug stated that Energy Awareness Week will tie in with ERMU's celebration of 10 years of operation at the Elk River Landfill for the methane gas power. She stated a proclamation resolution on Energy Awareness will be considered by the City Council on October 8th. Commissioner Setala suggested having an energy project placed in downtown • businesses that relates to the business.