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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