12/08/2015 - Energy and Environment Advisory CommissionENERGY & ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION
Tuesday, December 8, 2015, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Eagan Municipal Center, Council Chambers
Work Group Meeting (Aditya, Peter, and Susan)
6:30-7:00 – Second Floor Conference Room
• Effective Communication (Goal #3 Review)
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 13, 2015 7:04 p.m.
IV. Visitors to be Heard 7:08 p.m.
V. Director Updates (None at this time) 7:10 p.m.
VI. Old Business (None at this time) 7:15 p.m.
VII. New Business 7:16 p.m.
A. Presentation on Bee and Butterfly Pollinator Project - Crystal Boyd - MN DNR
B. Maintaining Bee Hives on City Property - Joanne Sabin - MN Bee Keepers Association
C. Community Solar Garden Subscription Agreement - Russ Matthys
D. Metropolitan Council Water Efficiency Grant Program - Russ Matthys
VIII. Communications (None at this time) 8:16 p.m.
IX. Roundtable 8:17 p.m.
A. Work Group Updates
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.
NEXT REGULAR ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2016 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS
TO: THE ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION (EEAC)
FROM: JARED FLEWELLEN, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION
DATE: DECEMBER 3, 2015
SUBJECT: ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
DECEMBER 8, 2015
A meeting of the Energy and Environment Advisory Commission (EEAC) will take place on Tuesday,
December 8, 2015 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. To ensure that a quorum is present,
please contact Jared Flewellen at 651-675-5505 or jflewellen@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
The minutes of the Regular Meeting on October 13, 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
There are no updates to be discussed at this time
VI. OLD BUSINESS
No new business items to be discussed at this time.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Crystal Boyd from the Minnesota DNR will give a presentation on the bee and butterfly
pollinator project. Presentation for informational purposes no formal action needed by the
Commission.
B. Joanne Sabin member of the Minnesota Bee Keepers Association and avid bee keeper will give
a presentation her experience with bee keeping and maintaining bee hives on City property.
Presentation for informational purposes no formal action needed by the Commission.
Energy and Environment Advisory Commission December 8, 2015 Page 1
C. Director of Public Works Russ Matthys will give a presentation regarding the Community Solar
Garden Subscription Agreement. The Commission to review and recommend approval.
D. Director of Public Works Russ Matthys will give a presentation regarding the Metropolitan
Council Water Efficiency Grant Program. The Commission to review and recommend
participation.
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
Energy and Environment Advisory Commission December 8, 2015 Page 2
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION
Monday, October 13, 2015
MINUTES OF MEETING OF OCTOBER 13, 2015
A regular meeting of the Eagan Energy and Environment Advisory Commission (EEAC) was held on
Monday, October 13, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Those present were Member
Prabhakar, Member Oxley, Member Mirick, Member Dugan, Member Hamlin, Member Craft and
Member Friedline. Staff members present were Parks and Recreation Director Juli Seydell Johnson,
Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Jared Flewellen, Director of Public Works Russ Matthys,
Superintendent of Utilities Jon Eaton and Administrative Supervisor, Amy Grannes.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Member Prabhakar asked if there were any changes to the agenda. Assistant Director Flewellen stated
there were no changes. Member Oxley moved, Member Mirick to seconded, with all present members
voting in favor to adopt the agenda as presented.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Member Prabhakar had one correction under approval of the agenda to change the word “correct” to
“corrected”. Member Oxley moved, Member Friedline seconded, with all present members voting in
favor to approve the regular minutes of August 10, 2015, as amended.
VISITORS TO BE HEARD
There were no visitors to be discussed at this time.
DIRECTORS UPDATE
There were no Director updates to be discussed at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
Member Prabhakar gave a brief overview of the approved goals and work plan to the Commission
Members. After brief discussion with the Commission the work group assignments are as follows:
Energy and Environment Advisory Commission December 8, 2015 Page 3
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. Work Group: Dustin Mirick (chair), Kevin Hamlin and Thomas Craft
2. GOAL 2: Study information concerning solar use specifically for Eagan’s climate and location
in order to provide unbiased information to Eagan residents. Work Group: Greg Oxley
(chair), Susan Friedline and Aditya Prabhakar
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. Work Group: Susan Friedline (chair) and Peter Dugan
o 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.
o 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. Work Group: Kevin Hamlin
and Aditya Prabhakar
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. Work Group: Thomas Craft and Aditya
Prabhakar
The next item on the agenda was follow-up information from the alternate vehicle work group.
Member Mirick gave a brief overview of the meeting they had with City Staff. Member Mirick stated
staff provided very detailed information. City Staff has been researching alternate vehicles and at this
time conservation verses cost benefit is just not there yet. They are researching possible charging
stations for electric vehicles. More research will be done by the alternate vehicle work group as
directed on the approved goals and work plan.
NEW BUSINESS
Water Utilities – Jon Eaton
Superintendent of Utilities Jon Eaton gave an overview presentation on Eagan’s water utilities.
Superintendent Eaton first discussed potable water production and distribution. He reviewed the well
locations, well head protection areas and aquifer locations and levels. Superintendent Eaton discussed
Energy and Environment Advisory Commission December 8, 2015 Page 4
our annual water production, demand and use statistics. He reviewed the sanitary collection and
treatment along with storm water conveyance. The presentation concluded with a discussion on
conservation topics and ideas. Member Prabhakar requested a one page summary from the Utility
Department that contained information on conservation ideas for residential, business and industrial
areas. After further comments and discussions the presentation concluded.
ROUND TABLE
Member Friedline had some questions on Roberts Rules. After a brief discussion with Commission
Members the roundtable concluded.
ADJOURNMENT
After further brief discussion, Member Mirick moved, Member Oxley seconded with all members
present voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
_______________________________________________ ____________________________
Secretary Date
Energy and Environment Advisory Commission December 8, 2015 Page 5
October, 2013
LCCMR Project Proposal ENRTF ID: 006-A
Wild Bee Surveys in Prairie-Grassland Habitats
Why are wild bees important?
Wild bees provide vital pollination services and are
an integral component of species diversity in prairie-
grasslands. The Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan
seeks to restore functioning prairie systems with stable
or increasing native plant diversity. Wild bee pollinators
play a major role in prairie restoration efforts. Enhanced
prairie condition provides food and cover for wildlife,
prevents soil erosion, and promotes animal and plant
diversity.
Are our wild bees in peril?
The health of our wild bee population is uncertain.
We know very little about the diversity and distribution
of wild bees in Minnesota. Research elsewhere
suggests that wild bees have suffered serious declines
as habitat loss and pesticide use have accelerated.
Successful enhancement of pollinator habitat depends
on baseline data about our wild bees.
This project will
• Compile existing information
about wild bees in Minnesota
• Conduct surveys of wild bees
on native prairies in Minnesota
• Compare wild bee fauna on native
versus restored prairie-grasslands
Leafcutter bee (Megachile sp.) on blazing star.
Photo by Randy Schindle, MNDNR
Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis)
on butterflyweed. Photo by Mike Halverson
Green metallic bee (Agapostemon virescens)
Photo by Sam Droege, US Geological Survey
Energy and Environment Advisory Commission December 8, 2015 Page 6
Under the Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan
“large areas of prairie, grassland, and
associated habitats will be protected and
restored to create functioning prairie systems...”
There is a clear need for “the publication of
good faunal lists...[of] the native bee fauna
of Minnesota.”
- Sam Droege, USGS Bee Inventory and
Monitoring Lab
HF No. 976, adopted May 2013, directs
the DNR commissioner to: “...develop
best management practices and habitat
restoration guidelines for pollinator habitat
enhancement.”
Proposal: Wild Bee Surveys in Prairie-Grassland Habitats
Activity 1. Checklist of wild bees in
Minnesota
• Collect specimen data on Minnesota wild bees from
museums
• Compile literature and reports on wild bees in
Minnesota
• Develop a wild bee database
• Prepare a checklist of wild bees in Minnesota
Activity 2. Wild bees associated with native
prairie
• Conduct surveys of wild bees in high-quality native
prairie sites identified by the Minnesota Biological
Survey
• Compare wild bee diversity with native plant
species diversity
• Incorporate new findings into the Minnesota wild
bee database
Activity 3. Comparison of wild bee fauna in
prairie-grasslands
• Compare wild bee fauna between native prairie and
restored prairie-grasslands
• Associate wild bee diversity with flowering
resources
• Recommend best management practices to
enhance pollinator habitat
Contacts
Crystal Boyd, Bee Specialist
Minnesota Biological Survey
crystal.boyd@state.mn.us
651-259-5699
Gerda Nordquist, Project Manager
Minnesota Biological Survey
gerda.nordquist@state.mn.us
651-259-5124
This project will provide foundational natural resource data to address the priorities of state agencies
and other partners in pollinator, prairie, and grassland conservation in Minnesota.Energy and Environment Advisory Commission December 8, 2015 Page 7
AGENDA ITEM: VII.C – Community Solar Garden Subscription Agreement
TO: Energy and Environment Advisory Commission
PREPARED BY: Russ Matthys, Director of Public Works
PROPOSAL:
Oak Leaf Energy Partners (2645 E. 2nd Avenue, Suite 206, Denver, CO) has invited the City of Eagan to
participate in a community solar gardens program at the Seneca Waste Water Treatment Plant.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Community Solar Gardens - Law passed in 2013; Minnesota PUC finalized rules 2014; program opened
December 2014. Law allows homeowners, businesses and governments to “own” a piece of a solar
farm. A minimum of 5 subscribers per solar garden; a maximum of 40% ownership per legal entity per
garden. Participants must reside in same, or contiguous, county as location of solar garden.
Oak Leaf Energy Partners - One of nation’s largest solar developers. Oak Leaf works with municipalities
with a special focus on locations at water and wastewater facilities. Oak Leaf plans to build 6 solar
gardens at the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services’ Empire and Seneca WWTP (5 gardens
adjacent to Empire, 1 garden adjacent to Seneca in Eagan). 23,365 solar panels on about 30 acres
would generate about 7.6MM kWh annually. Met Council will receive 80% or 6.1MM kWh with the
remaining 20% going to local communities. Goal is to start construction Q1 2016.
Twenty percent of garden subscriptions remain available (250k kWh in year 1). City of Eagan can
subscribe at 6.67%. Subscription term is 25 years. No upfront cost to subscribers. Subscriptions
offered to communities served by Seneca WWTP as well as Dakota County. Would prefer to have
Subscription Agreements signed in December.
DISCUSSION/EVALUATION:
Participation would involve the City paying Oak Leaf for the City’s subscribed portion of electrical
energy produced at a fixed rate for 25 years and Xcel Energy crediting the City for an equal amount of
electrical energy at an anticipated higher and increasing rate over the 25 year period. Annual rebates
are anticipated to begin at about $500 and increase to in excess of $3,000 by the end of the period.
Addresses Energy and Environment Advisory Commission Goals and Work Plan 2015-16
GOAL 2: Study information concerning solar use specifically for Eagan’s climate and location in order to
provide unbiased information to Eagan residents.
MEMO
Date: December 8, 2015
Agenda Item: VII.C – Community Solar Garden
Action: X
Information: X
Attachments: X
EEAC ITEM OVERVIEW: Community Solar Garden Subscription Agreement
Energy and Environment Advisory Commission December 8, 2015 Page 8
ACTIONS FOR CONSIDERATIONS:
1.Recommend Approval of a Community Solar Garden Subscription Agreement; or
2.Do not support participation in a Community Solar Garden Subscription
Energy and Environment Advisory Commission December 8, 2015 Page 9
AC capacity 756 kw Subscriber's NPV 56,007$ Demand Metered 0.09914$
Annual Energy - All Subscribers 1,285,079 kwh Small General Service 0.12431$
Bill credit escalation 3%Residential Service 0.12743$
Discount rate 4%Combination Not Applicable
Annual Degredation 0.50%
Subscription Percentage 6.70%REC*$0.02
Bill Credit Type Demand Metered
If Combination, % of Demand Metered 100%
Xcel FAQ regarding CSG: http://www.xcelenergy.com/staticfiles/xe-responsive/Admin/Managed%20Documents%20&%20PDFs/MN-SRC-Subscriber-FAQs.pdf
Xcel Bill Rate Codes http://xcelenergy.com/staticfiles/xe-responsive/Admin/Managed%20Documents%20&%20PDFs/MN-SRC-Eligible-Billing-Rates.pdf
Year
Projected kWh -
Entire Garden
Subscriber'
s kWh
Payment
to Garden
Operator
($/kWh)
Bill Credit
Rate ($/kWh)
Subscriber's
Payment to
Garden
Operator
Subscriber
Bill Credit
from Xcel
Subscriber's
Savings
NPV of
Subscriber's
Savings20161,285,079 86,100 $0.0930 0.09914$ $8,007 $8,536 $529 $52920171,278,654 85,670 $0.0930 0.10211$ $7,967 $8,748 $781 $75120181,272,260 85,241 $0.0930 0.10518$ $7,927 $8,965 $1,038 $96020191,265,899 84,815 $0.0930 0.10833$ $7,888 $9,188 $1,300 $1,15620201,259,570 84,391 $0.0930 0.11158$ $7,848 $9,417 $1,568 $1,34120211,253,272 83,969 $0.0930 0.11493$ $7,809 $9,651 $1,841 $1,51420221,247,005 83,549 $0.0930 0.11838$ $7,770 $9,890 $2,120 $1,67620231,240,770 83,132 $0.0930 0.12193$ $7,731 $10,136 $2,405 $1,82820241,234,566 82,716 $0.0930 0.12559$ $7,693 $10,388 $2,696 $1,97020251,228,394 82,302 $0.0930 0.12936$ $7,654 $10,646 $2,992 $2,10220261,222,252 81,891 $0.0930 0.13324$ $7,616 $10,911 $3,295 $2,22620271,216,140 81,481 $0.0930 0.13723$ $7,578 $11,182 $3,604 $2,34120281,210,060 81,074 $0.0930 0.14135$ $7,540 $11,460 $3,920 $2,44820291,204,009 80,669 $0.0930 0.14559$ $7,502 $11,745 $4,242 $2,54820301,197,989 80,265 $0.0930 0.14996$ $7,465 $12,036 $4,572 $2,64020311,191,999 79,864 $0.0930 0.15446$ $7,427 $12,336 $4,908 $2,72520321,186,039 79,465 $0.0930 0.15909$ $7,390 $12,642 $5,252 $2,80420331,180,109 79,067 $0.0930 0.16386$ $7,353 $12,956 $5,603 $2,87620341,174,209 78,672 $0.0930 0.16878$ $7,316 $13,278 $5,962 $2,943
Met Council & Oak Leaf Community Solar Garden Financial Model (Seneca Site)
Inputs (Items in Yellow are inputs)Outputs Bill Credit Types & Rates
*All RECs for these solar gardens are sold
to Xcel. Xcel does not allow partial
REC sales.
Energy and Environment Advisory Commission December 8, 2015 Page 10
Year
Projected kWh -
Entire Garden
Subscriber'
s kWh
Payment
to Garden
Operator
($/kWh)
Bill Credit
Rate ($/kWh)
Subscriber's
Payment to
Garden
Operator
Subscriber
Bill Credit
from Xcel
Subscriber's
Savings
NPV of
Subscriber's
Savings20351,168,338 78,279 $0.0930 0.17384$ $7,280 $13,608 $6,328 $3,00420361,162,496 77,887 $0.0930 0.17906$ $7,244 $13,946 $6,703 $3,05920371,156,683 77,498 $0.0930 0.18443$ $7,207 $14,293 $7,086 $3,10920381,150,900 77,110 $0.0930 0.18996$ $7,171 $14,648 $7,477 $3,15520391,145,146 76,725 $0.0930 0.19566$ $7,135 $15,012 $7,877 $3,19620401,139,420 76,341 $0.0930 0.20153$ $7,100 $15,385 $8,285 $3,108
Total $188,620 $291,004 $102,384 $56,007
Energy and Environment Advisory Commission December 8, 2015 Page 11
AGENDA ITEM: VII.D – Water Efficiency Grant Program
TO: Energy and Environment Advisory Commission
PREPARED BY: Russ Matthys, Director or Public Works
PROPOSAL:
Metropolitan Council is offering grants from $2,000 to $50,000 to municipalities for water conservation
purposes. City would have to contribute $12,500 in order to receive a $50,000 grant.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Municipal water suppliers that want to give their residents an incentive to use water more efficiently
were invited to apply through Nov. 30, 2015, for grant funds from the Metropolitan Council. Public
Works Department (Utilities Division) has submitted a $50,000 grant proposal to provide $100 rebates
for the purchase of a new Energy Star front loading washing machine for Eagan residents. The
maximum grant usage would provide 625 rebates. Studies have indicated that the use of an Energy
Star front loading washing machine provides the biggest water savings of any home improvement.
Much more so than high efficiency toilets or shower heads.
The Met Council has $500,000 available from Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment funds
appropriated by the 2015 Minnesota Legislature. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to
communities that manage municipal water systems. Met Council grants will provide 75% of the
program cost; the municipality must provide the remaining 25%. Communities may use the funds to
lower the cost of purchase and installation of products that reduce water use, such as low-flow toilets,
Energy Star-rated washing machines, and more efficient irrigation systems.
If the City Council does not want to proceed with the program, staff can simply let the Met Council
know that we will not be participating. Staff would plan to take the EEAC recommendation to the City
Council for consideration of approval following notification (by December 31, 2015) of a successful
application.
DISCUSSION/EVALUATION:
Grant requirements: New construction and new developments are not eligible. Rebate would need to
be used for the replacement of an existing washing machine. Funds are for rebates or grants only;
consulting and city staff time are ineligible. Grant funds for a municipality’s rebate or grant program
do not cover 100% of the program cost. Grant recipients must display the Clean Water, Land and
Legacy Amendment logo and the Metropolitan Council logo.
MEMO
Date: December 8, 2015
Agenda Item: VII.D – Water Efficiency Program
Action: X
Information: X
Attachments: X
EEAC ITEM OVERVIEW: Metropolitan Council’s Water Efficiency Grant Program
Energy and Environment Advisory Commission December 8, 2015 Page 12
Energy conservation: Front-load washers can easily save over $100 per year in energy costs, and they
use 1/2 as much water. Because they use less water, they also require up to 68% less electricity to heat
the water, resulting in more energy savings.
Front-loaders cost more than top-loaders because the suspension is heavier-duty and the drive is
converted from vertical to horizontal axis. The front-loaders cost an average of $300 - $400 more per
machine than the top-loaders. This cost is recouped over time, however, in savings in water and energy
costs. Utility companies and manufacturers may also offer rebates for high-efficiency machines.
Addresses Energy and Environment Advisory Commission Goals and Work Plan 2015-16
Additional Goals: 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.
ACTIONS FOR CONSIDERATIONS:
1. Recommend participation in the Metropolitan Council’s Water Efficiency Grant Program; or
2. Do not support participation in the Metropolitan Council’s Water Efficiency Grant Program
Energy and Environment Advisory Commission December 8, 2015 Page 13
2016 Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan
2017 Mar May 2017
Facebook and Twitter posts #10
Sign board #4
Feature on website homepage
Utility bill message #3
Facebook and Twitter posts #9
March/April Newsletter in-home
Facebook and Twitter posts #8
Sign board #3
Facebook and Twitter posts #7
Feature on website home page
Utility bill message #2
Facebook and Twitter posts #6
Possible video promo
Eagan TV bulletin board
Facebook and Twitter posts #5
Sign board #2
Sept/Oct Newsletter In-home
Feature on website home page
Facebook and Twitter posts #4
Utility bill message #1
Facebook and Twitter posts #3
Sign board #1
Facebook and Twitter posts #2
Facebook and Twitter posts #1
March/April 2016 Newsletter in-home
Launch dedicated webpage with friendly URL
Dedicated webpage
with friendly URL
Social media
presence
Eagan TV Bulletin
board
Utility Billing
messaging
Possible collateral piece for
library and other locations
Possible video promo
Newsletters
Sign board
Press Release
Press Release
Energy and Environment Advisory Commission December 8, 2015 Page 14
RESIDENT NEWSLETTER
SOCIAL MEDIA
PRESS RELEASE UTILITY BILLS
WEB SITE
SIGN BOARD
EAGAN TELEVISION
Dedicated Web page with friendly URL;
homepage feature slot x 3 cycles during period Experience Eagan x 3-5 issues,
27,500 households each
10 posts on
Facebook and
Twitter during
rebate period 2 releases for SunThisWeek (local paper)
Utility bill message x 3 cycles/
1-2 cycles of bill stuffers dependent on budget
4 messages running for 3-4 weeks
each throughout rebate period
Bulletin airing throughout
rebate period; possible
video promo
Energy and Environment Advisory Commission December 8, 2015 Page 15