02/10/2015 - Energy and Environment Advisory CommissionENERGY & ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION
Tuesday, February 10, 2015, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Eagan Municipal Center, Council Chambers
Agenda
I. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance 7:00 p.m.
II. Adopt Agenda 7:02 p.m.
III. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting on October 14, 2014 7:04 p.m.
IV. Visitors to be Heard 7:08 p.m.
V. Director Updates 7:10 p.m.
A. Annual Watershed Champion Award – Eric Macbeth
VI. Old Business 7:20 p.m.
A. Water Conservation Update – Russ Matthys
VII. New Business 7:40p.m.
A. Traffic Efficiencies Presentation – Tim Plath
VIII. Communications (None at this time) 8:15 p.m.
IX. Roundtable 8:18 p.m.
X. Adjournment 8:30 p.m.
The City of Eagan is committed to the policy that all persons have equal access to its programs,
services, activities, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national
origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or status with regard to public assistance.
Auxiliary aids for disabled persons wishing to participate are available upon request at least 96 hours in
advance of the event. If a notice of less than 96 hours is received, the City will attempt to provide the
aids.
TENTATIVE TOUR OF THE NORTH WATER TREATMENT PLANT & WORK SESSION
SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY MARCH 10 FROM 6:30-9:30 P.M.
NEXT REGULAR ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS
TO: THE ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION (EEAC)
FROM: JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION
DATE: JANUARY 29, 2015
SUBJECT: ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
FEBRUARY 10, 2015
A meeting of the Energy and Environment Advisory Commission (EEAC) will take place on Tuesday, February
10, 2015 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. To ensure that a quorum is present, please
contact Juli Seydell Johnson at 651-675-5006 or jsjohnson@cityofeagan.com if you are unable to attend
this meeting.
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL
II. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
The agenda, as presented or modified, is in order for adoption by the Commission.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Pages 3-5
The minutes of the Regular Meeting on October 14, 2014, these minutes, pending any
modifications, are in order for adoption by the Commission.
IV. VISITORS TO BE HEARD
The Eagan City Council and its Commissions set aside up to ten minutes at the beginning of public
meetings to permit visitors to address items of interest that are not addressed on the regular
agenda. Items that will take more than ten minutes or that require specific action can be
scheduled for a future meeting agenda.
V. DIRECTOR’S UPDATES – Pages 6-10
Director Seydell Johnson will provide a brief overview of any Energy & Environment Commission
updates for the month.
A. Water Resource Manager, Eric Macbeth will give a brief overview regarding the annual
Watershed Champion Award program. This is for informational purposes no formal action is
needed.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
A. Director of Public Works, Russ Matthys will give an update to the EEAC regarding Water
Conservation. This is for informational purposes no formal action is needed.
Energy & Environment Commission February 10, 2015 Page 1
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Transportation Operations Supervisor, Tim Plath will give presentation to the EEAC regarding
traffic efficiencies (roundabouts). This is for informational purposes no formal action is
needed.
VIII. COMMUNICATIONS (None at this time)
IX. ROUNDTABLE
The Roundtable is scheduled as an opportunity for Commissioners to ask questions, make requests
for future agenda items, or provide informative updates to the Commission pertaining to energy
and environment initiatives.
X. ADJOURNMENT
/s/Juli Seydell Johnson
Director of Parks and Recreation
Energy & Environment Commission February 10, 2015 Page 2
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
MINUTES OF MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2014
A regular meeting of the Eagan Energy and Environment Advisory Commission was held on Tuesday,
October 14, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Those present were Chair LeClair, Member
Dugan, Member Mirick, Member Radmer, Member Oxley and Member Bintner. Member Prabhakar
was not present. Staff present was Assistant Parks and Recreation Director, Jared Flewellen,
Superintendent of Parks, Paul Olson and Administrative Supervisor, Amy Grannes.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chair LeClair asked for a motion to accept the agenda. Member Bintner moved to approve the agenda
as presented, Member Radmer seconded with all present members voting in favor.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Member Mirick moved, Member Oxley seconded, with all present members voting in favor to approve
the regular minutes of April 8, 2014, as presented. After brief discussion by Commission Members
there was one change to the minutes. Member Radmer will be the chair of the communications
subcommittee instead of Chair LeClair. Member Oxley moved, Member Dugan seconded, with all
present members voting in favor to approve the workshop minutes of August 11, 2014, as amended.
VISITORS TO BE HEARD
There were no visitors to be heard on items that were not on the agenda.
DIRECTORS UPDATE
Administrative Supervisor, Amy Grannes informed Commission Members that their work plan and
goals were approved by the City Council on October 7, 2014. An approved copy is included in their
packets. Chair LeClair gave a brief overview of the approved work plan and goals and instructed
Commission Members to precede with their subcommittee meetings. Administrative Supervisor, Amy
Grannes reminded Commission Members to send all subcommittee meeting notices to Director of
Parks & Recreation, Juli Johnson so these meeting can be posted for the public and so arrangements
can be made for a staff member to be present.
Energy & Environment Commission February 10, 2015 Page 3
OLD BUSINESS
There were no old business items to be discussed at this time.
NEW BUSINESS
Alternative Fuel Usage Presentation
Superintendent of Parks, Paul Olson gave a presentation on the alternative fuel usage for the City of
Eagan’s fleet. Superintendent Olson gave an overview of all the vehicles in the fleet and information
on gallons of fuel used in 2013 for each vehicle and the vehicles mpg. The City currently has four
alternative fuel vehicles in its fleet. The City also uses biodiesel and ethanol blended fuels.
Superintendent Olson reviewed the statistics on hybrid vehicles and the break-even point when the gas
savings equals the extra cost for hybrid vehicles. Superintendent Olson discussed the legislative laws
that require the use of biodiesel fuel. Currently is it required to use 10% of biodiesel (B10) April thru
October and 5% biodiesel (B5) during the cold months. In 2018 20% of biodiesel will be required April
thru October. Superintendent Olson gave an overview of other fuel options available which included
compressed natural gas (CNG) and LPG which is propane and or butane fuel. Superintendent Olson
stated they considered electric vehicles but at this time do not feel this is a good option for our needs.
Member Mirick inquired if the City has considered using E85 fuel. Superintendent Olson responded
stating that we have explored E85 and found some challenges. The fuel cost is less but the vehicle
does not operate as efficiently. This will be researched further and the findings will be reported back
to the EEAC. Member Dugan had clarification questions on biodiesel and inquired about electric
vehicles. Member Bintner inquired if we have data on our average fuel efficiency or have seen any
trends from the last 5-10 years. Superintendent Olson stated that this information is available and will
be reported back to the EEAC. Member Bintner inquired if we have standard specifications when we
replace vehicles and is this public information. Superintendent Olson stated that we try to replace
vehicles with the same type of vehicle. Our determination for replacement is based on the VCI ratings
which we can forward to the EEAC. Chair LeClair inquired about the 100,000 mile replacement
process. Superintendent Olson stated that 100,000 miles is used as benchmark and at 100,000 the
vehicle is eligible to go through the VCI process. This does not mean the vehicle is automatically
replaced.
Superintendent Olson will gather the information requested by the EEAC and respond once all the
information is available. After further discussion with Commission Members the presentation
concluded.
Energy & Environment Commission February 10, 2015 Page 4
ROUND TABLE
Member Bintner recently attended a water resource conference and an event held by the Met Council
regarding sanitary infiltration and inflow. He had a chance to talk to Director of Public Works, Russ
Matthys. Director Matthys gave a presentation on how Eagan’s infiltration and inflow process has
worked over the past five years. Member Oxley inquired if Dakota Electric has ever presented to the
EEAC. Chair LeClair responded no. Member Oxley then inquired about having a representative from
Dakota Electric to discuss electric cars and other related topics. Director Johnson will be made aware
of this request. Member Oxley then discussed solar energy and his views on companies that may be
giving false information to residents to increase sales. Chair LeClair addressed and stated he was not
sure how this topic would fit with EEAC since they do not have any regulatory structure or authority.
Member Oxley stated he was just looking to provide information to the public. Chair LeClair responded
that the EEAC may be able to produce a communication item. Chair LeClair then briefly discussed the
open meeting law and his upcoming meeting with City Administrator Dave Osberg and Director of
Parks and Recreation Juli Johnson to receive clarification on the requirements. Member Dugan stated
his appreciation to Administrative Supervisor, Amy Grannes for her role producing and minutes and
organizing the packets.
ADJOURNMENT
After further brief discussion, Member Bintner moved, Member Mirick seconded with all members
present voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
_______________________________________________ ____________________________
Secretary Date
Energy & Environment Commission February 10, 2015 Page 5
AGENDA ITEM: Annual Watershed Champion Awards Program
TO: Energy & Environment Advisory Commission
PREPARED BY: Eric Macbeth, Water Resources Manager
BACKGROUND/HISTORY:
The City initiated a community-wide program in 2013 to recognize residents, groups, and businesses
for outstanding efforts to protect Eagan’s watersheds. The program acknowledges residents and
groups who do things on their own and in their neighborhoods (e.g., remove leaves from curbs and
neighborhood storm drains, install rain barrels, plant native shoreline vegetation, etc.). Nominations
are also encouraged of businesses or employee(s) of businesses who, for example, use an innovative
approach to protect water resources, demonstrate a corporate commitment that extends to the
community, or serve as a model for other businesses.
Eagan Public Works’ Water Resources Division coordinates the program that is sponsored by the
Stormwater Utility Fund. Annual nominations for Watershed Champion Awards are due by October
15th each year. The attached two nomination forms, one for residents and groups and one for
businesses, are available online: www.cityofeagan.com/volunteer.
For the inaugural program’s 2013 awards, the City recognized two residents, Ann Iverson and Mary
Simpson, who live in the Coventry Pond neighborhood that was acknowledged in the mayor’s 2009
State of the City address as making a difference and helping to meet the City Council’s goal Strengthen
Volunteerism and Civic Engagement.
At its December 2, 2014 meeting, the City Council recognized two individuals for 2014 awards, Jerry
Engelke, for tirelessly representing Eagan for nearly 11 years on the board of the Gun Club Lake
Watershed Management Organization, and Jean Oberle, for her commitment to litter cleanup citywide
and for her initiative to organize a cleanup effort by fellow residents near McCarthy Lake in Patrick
Eagan Park. There were no nominations for business awards in both years.
The City Council also suggested staff to involve advisory commissions in the program.
ALTERNATIVES FOR COMMISSION CONSIDERATION:
1. Recommend the Energy & Environment Advisory Commission make and review nominations and
make recommendations to the City Council for annual Watershed Champions Awards.
2. Other.
MEMO
Date: February 10, 2015
Agenda Item: Annual Watershed Champion
Awards Program
Action: X
Information: X
Attachments: X
ITEM OVERVIEW: Recommend involvement in Annual Watershed Champion Awards program.
Energy & Environment Commission February 10, 2015 Page 6
Watershed Champion Award
Do you know someone who:
- won’t go on a walk without a litter bag?
- cleans out leaves from curbs and neighborhood storm drains?
- teaches others about protecting the environment?
- installed a rain barrel?
- made a rain garden?
- installed a native planting?
- planted a shoreland buffer?
Then you know a Watershed Champion!
The City of Eagan’s Lake & Wetland Program would like to honor these people as Watershed
Champions. Take a moment to think about that special person who helps protect our
watersheds and water quality for us all to enjoy (and that someone could be you!). Fill out a
nomination form and let us thank them.
Eligible candidates are: Residents, associations, institutions or organizations in the City of
Eagan that are involved in one-time or ongoing activities that benefit our watersheds and water
quality.
Watershed Champion Nomination Form
I nominate: ________________________________________________________
Nominee’s address: __________________________________________________
City, State, Zip: ______________________________________________________
Telephone number: __________________________________________________
Email address: ______________________________________________________
Nominated by: ______________________________________________________
Send to: City of Eagan – Attention: Gregg Thompson
3501 Coachman Point
Eagan, MN 55123
Or email: gthompson@cityofeagan.com
Nominations are due by October 15th.
Please describe on page 2 the activity or project this person (or group) has done
and how it benefits watersheds and water quality.
Energy & Environment Commission February 10, 2015 Page 7
Please describe below the activity or project this person (or group) has done
and how it benefits watersheds and water quality.
Energy & Environment Commission February 10, 2015 Page 8
Watershed Champion Award - Business
Do you know an Eagan business that:
- demonstrates management/employee commitment to a water resource initiative?
- uses an innovative approach to protect water resources?
- initiates a project or activity with a water resource benefit that extends to the community?
- serves as a model for other businesses?
Then you know a business that is a Watershed Champion! Let us thank them for their
stewardship!
The City of Eagan’s Lake & Wetland Program would like to honor Eagan businesses as
Watershed Champions. Take a moment to think about a special business (or specific
employee(s)) that helps protect our watersheds and water quality for us all to enjoy. Fill out a
nomination form and let us thank them.
Eligible candidates are: Businesses or specific employee(s) of businesses within the City of
Eagan, that are involved in one-time or ongoing activities that benefit our watersheds and
water quality.
Watershed Champion Nomination Form
Business Name: _____________________________________________________
Business address: __________________________________________________
Contact Person:______________________________________________________
Telephone number: __________________________________________________
Email address: ______________________________________________________
Type of Business: ____________________________________________________
Nominated by: ______________________________________________________
Send to: City of Eagan – Attention: Gregg Thompson
3501 Coachman Point
Eagan, MN 55123
Or email: gthompson@cityofeagan.com
Nominations are due by October 15th.
On page 2, please describe the water resource activity or project this business has done,
Energy & Environment Commission February 10, 2015 Page 9
Please describe how the business (or specific employee(s)) has benefited water resources in at
least two of the following ways:
1.Demonstrated management/employee commitment to a water resource initiative.
2.Used an innovative approach to protect water resources.
3.Initiated a project or activity with a water resource benefit that extends to the community.
4.Serves as a model for other businesses.
Energy & Environment Commission February 10, 2015 Page 10