10/13/2015 - Energy and Environment Advisory CommissionENERGY & ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION
Tuesday, October 13, 2015, 5:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Eagan Municipal Center
City Council Workshop - 5:30 p.m. – 6:55 p.m. – Eagan Room
I. 2015-2016 Energy and Environment Advisory Commission Goals & Work Plan
Agenda - 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Council Chambers
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 August 11, 2015 7:04 p.m.
IV. Visitors to be Heard 7:06 p.m.
V. Director Updates 7:07 p.m.
VI. Old Business 7:10 p.m.
A. EEAC Goal Review & Work Group Updates
B. Alternative Vehicles Work Group
VII. New Business 7:25 p.m.
A. Water Utilities Presentation – Russ Matthys & Jon Eaton
VIII. Communications 8:00 p.m.
IX. Roundtable 8:05 p.m.
X. Adjournment 8:10 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.
NEXT REGULAR ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 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: OCTOBER 1, 2015
SUBJECT: ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
OCTOBER 13, 2015
A meeting of the Energy and Environment Advisory Commission (EEAC) will take place on Tuesday, October
13, 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 August 11, 2015, 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
No Director updates to be discussed at this time.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
The Energy and Environment Advisory Commission will review the 2015-2016 Goals & Work Plan as
discussed with the City Council at the workshop held prior to this meeting. The Work Groups with
give brief updates. The Alternative Vehicles Work Group will discuss their meeting that occurred
on September 22, 2015 at 7:30 a.m.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
The Director of Public Works, Russ Matthys and the Superintendent of Utilities, Jon Eaton will give
a presentation to the Commission water utilities and conservation.
Energy and Environment Advisory Commission October 13, 2015 Page 1
VIII. COMMUNICATIONS
There are no communication items to be discussed 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 and Environment Advisory Commission October 13, 2015 Page 2
Subject to approval
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION
Monday, August 11, 2015
MINUTES OF MEETING OF AUGUST 11, 2015
A regular meeting of the Eagan Energy and Environment Advisory Commission (EEAC) was held on
Monday, August 11, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Those present were Member
Prabhakar, Member Oxley, Member Mirick, Member Dugan, Member Hamlin, and Member Craft.
Member Friedline was not present. Staff present was Parks and Recreation Director Juli Seydell
Johnson and Administrative Supervisor, Amy Grannes. Visitors present Avery Hildebrand from
Conservation Minnesota and Mike Fosse from Dakota Electric.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Member Prabhakar asked if there were any changes to the agenda. Member Craft stated there was a
spelling error on last name of visitor Avery Hildebrand on the agenda and the cover memo. These
items will be correct accordingly. Member Mirick moved, Member Craft to seconded, with all present
members voting in favor to adopt the agenda as amended.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Member Hamlin moved, Member Oxley seconded, with all present members voting in favor to approve
the workshop minutes of June 9, 2015, as presented.
VISITORS TO BE HEARD
There were no visitors to be heard at this time.
DIRECTORS UPDATE
Director Juli Seydell Johnson included a memo in the packet regarding the open meeting law. This
memo is to act as a short reference for Commission Members to help in understanding of how the
Minnesota Open Meeting Law guides communications on all matters of EEAC business. Director
Seydell Johnson asked the Commission if there were any questions relating to this memo. Commission
Members had no questions at this time.
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Energy and Environment Commission
August 11, 2015
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NEW BUSINESS
Conservation Minnesota – Avery Hildebrand
Avery Hildebrand from Conservation Minnesota gave a brief introduction of their organization. Avery
Hildebrand then provided a summary of the recent Dakota Electric Survey that Conservation
Minnesota mailed out to residents living in the Dakota Electric Cooperative service area. They asked
residents if they supported or opposed past and potential future actions related to energy use and
conservation. Avery Hildebrand stated it is important to note that this is not a scientific survey, but can
still provide important insight about community opinion and attitudes. Some of the key findings were
3,770 people completed the survey a response rate of 7%. Respondents strongly support existing co-
op initiatives that have been leading the state when it comes to utilization of renewable energy
sources. Respondents also strongly support their local Co-Op taking additional steps to make sure they
remain leader of the state’s renewable energy movement. Member Oxley questioned the validity of
the survey. Avery Hildebrand acknowledged his concerns. After further brief discussion with
Commission Members the presentation concluded.
Dakota Electric – Mike Fosse
Mike Fosse from Dakota Electric gave a brief introduction of their organization. Mike Fosse then
provided information on the 3 Energy Vehicle (EV) programs that are offered to their members. The
first program is the EV Charge Wise Storage Program members receive discount rates for charging
vehicles during off peak times. Another program offered is the EV 1 Program which gives members 3
tier time rates options for charging their electric vehicles. Both programs offer a rebate and require
investment by the member for installation of metering and control equipment. The last program was
called the Revolt Program. This program offers renewable energy credits that will provide energy
credits toward the member’s monthly bill. Mike Fosse also gave a brief overview of their residential
Solar Rebate Program and the Wellsprings Program for solar and wind energy discounts. After brief
discussion with Commissions Member the presentation concluded.
OLD BUSINESS
Direct Seydell Johnson discussed the 2015-2016 work plan and goals with the Commission Members. A
draft of the work plan and goals will be distributed to the Commission Member for their review. Once
the draft is reviewed by Commission Member it will be present for City Council at the October 13, 2015
meeting.
ROUND TABLE
Member Hamlin gave a presentation on the City of Eagan’s vehicle fleet options. Member Hamlin
discussed the different types of vehicle options from combustible engines to hybrids to electric
vehicles. Member Hamlin reviewed the pros and cons of all of the available options. Commission
Members requested to have a meeting with City Staff to review the information contained in this
presentation to see if there are any energy efficient options that could work for the City’s fleet
vehicles. Member Hamlin also recommended discussing the capabilities of adding charging stations in
Energy and Environment Advisory Commission October 13, 2015 Page 4
Energy and Environment Commission
August 11, 2015
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different locations throughout the City with City Staff. A meeting will be scheduled by Director Seydell
Johnson.
Commission Member Greg Oxley discussed solar energy with the Commission. Member Oxley shared a
map that showed the existing solar power intensity through the United States. Member Oxley
expressed his concern about solar system installers and their ability to install solar products correctly.
Member Oxley has recently experienced issues with his solar system that was installed incorrectly.
Member Oxley expressed his views that the City should require some sort of standards and regulations
regarding solar power and alternate energy sources. Director Seydell Johnson stated this could be a
work plan item for the Commission to review the current City Ordinance relating to solar power and
alternative energy which would be covered under the GreenStep Cities goal. The Commission agreed
to do more research on this topic and depending on the findings making a recommendation to the City
Council at a later date. After further brief discussions the roundtable concluded.
ADJOURNMENT
After further brief discussion, Member Mirick moved, Member Craft seconded with all members
present voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:06 p.m.
_______________________________________________ ____________________________
Secretary Date
Energy and Environment Advisory Commission October 13, 2015 Page 5
Energy and Environment Advisory Commission Goals and Work Plan 2015-16
1. GOAL 1: Study and recommend actions exploring the availability of using biodiesel and adding
electric vehicles to the City fleet. Research options for the installation of charging stations where
applicable for City vehicles and as an option for private residents. Coordinate speakers by City
Staff to discuss current practices and discuss opportunities for future efficiencies.
2. GOAL 2: Study information concerning solar use specifically for Eagan’s climate and location in
order to provide unbiased information to Eagan residents.
3. GOAL 3: Increase public awareness of the City of Eagan’s efforts and programs through the use
of City publications, City website, social media, City events such as Showcase Eagan and the
Home & Leisure show, and other communication opportunities that would be available and
approved by the City of Eagan.
a. Provide available information for residents concerning ecologically sound landscaping
that conserves water and supports bees. Provide information and announcements of
training/learning opportunities to residents.
b. Provide recommended actions for additional water conservation measures to residents.
4. Additional Goals – time permitting:
o Continue to investigate ways in which the GreenSteps Cities program can be enhanced
and expanded through policy exploration and use GreenSteps methodology to create and
communicate outreach and educational opportunities for the community. Evaluate Step
4 criteria of GreenSteps Cities program to determine next steps for achieving Step 4
recognition.
o Review public works water utility investments and water conservation ordinances and
recommend changes or initiatives to the City of Eagan and its constituents to support
GreenSteps best practices.
Energy and Environment Advisory Commission October 13, 2015 Page 6