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08/09/2010 - Energy and Environment Advisory CommissionMINUTES OF THE EAGAN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 9, 2010 A regular meeting of the Eagan Energy and Environment Advisory Commission was held on Monday, August 9, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. Those present were James Casper, Bruce Goff, Jeff LeClair, Salman Mitha, Amir Nadav, Wade Olsen and Kari Palmer. Also present was Assistant to the City Administrator Miller. AGENDA LeClair made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Mitha seconded the motion. All members voted in favor. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Palmer made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 8, 2010 regular meeting of the Energy and Environment Commission with the correction of 2 typographical errors under Organizational Business. Olsen seconded the motion to approve the amended minutes. All members voted in favor. VISITORS TO BE HEARD There were no visitors to be heard. GREEN STEP CITIES PROGRAM Miller introduced Philipp Muessig, stating he works in the area of Sustainable Community Development— Prevention and Assistance for the MPCA. Mr. Muessig described in detail the GreenStep Cities Program and the best practice components, along with the program requirements and action options. He further stated to the Commission that he would be the City's contact for any questions, information and direction towards implementation of the program. LeClair made a motion to recommend to the City Council that they approve a resolution expressing the City of Eagan's interest to become a participant in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program. Palmer seconded the motion. All members voted in favor. EEAC VALUE STATEMENTS Goff introduced the item asking for Commission feedback on the draft value statements. The Commission discussed the value statements. Energy and Environment Commission August 9, 2010 Page 2 of 3 Casper made a motion to reconunend that the City Council approval the 2010 -2011 Energy and Environment Advisory Commission goal and value statements. LeClair seconded the motion. All members voted in favor. PRESENTATION BY FIRE CHIEF MIKE SCOTT / GREEN BUILDING FEATURES OF THE FIRE SAFETY CENTER AND SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS Miller introduced Fire Chief Mike Scott stating he was present to provide an overview of the "green" features of the new Fire Safety Center, which is located at the intersection of Yankee Doodle Road and Wescott Woodlands Road, and is scheduled to open in spring of 2011. Fire Chief Scott presented features of the Fire Safety Center relative to building and lighting which will meet some of the best practice components outlined in the GreenStep Cities Program. Fire Chief Scott also discussed criteria necessary to have the Fire Safety Center Green Globe certified and sustainable design features. Chief Scottcormnents on the operational changes the department has implemented to reduce energy and greenhouse gas emissions. FOLLOW -UP ON UNIVERSITY OF MN SUSTAINABILITY CLASS Miller introduced the item stating Commissioner Nadav initiated contact with the University of Minnesota's Sustainability Capstone course instructor, State Senator Ellen Anderson, inquiring if she would be interested in having a group of Capstone students complete an inventory of best environmental and energy conservation practices with the City of Eagan. LeClair briefed the Commission on the subconunittee's discussion on the proposed University of Minnesota Sustainable Communities Capstone Project. He discussed objectives, tasks, deliverables, a timeline and communications, recommended references and requested actions of the capstone group. LeClair made a motion recommending the City Council approve a partnership between the City of Eagan and the University of Minnesota, Department of Sustainable Education, using a Capstone Course at the University of Minnesota to assist the City in a project to begin the GreenStep Cities Program. The motion also included a recommendation that the formal proposal drafted by the Corrunission subcommittee also be approved by the City Council. Olsen seconded the motion. All members voted in favor. The Commission discussed the objectives and the timeline proposed. ROUNDTABLE Nadav discussed a previous presentation by Eagan Superintendent Paul Olson on an Energy Conservation Block Grant the City received, noting a very simple concept the City performed for the reduction of energy bills and conserving water which could also be recommended to businesses and residents by replacing the screw tip end of their facets to control the flow of water. Energy and Environment Commission August 9, 2010 Page 3 of 3 Palmer suggested continuing communication throughout the City through newsletters and the City's web site on simple ways residents and businesses could improve upon energy efficiency. There was Commission consensus to have Assistant to the City Administrator Miller add "Communication Initiatives" under Old Business as a standing item on future agendas. The next EEAC meeting will be Tuesday, October 12, 2010. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by LeClair, seconded by Mitha, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. All members voted in favor. DATE SECRETARY