12/08/2015 - Energy and Environment Advisory Commission
Subject to approval
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
MINUTES OF MEETING OF DECEMBER 8, 2015
A regular meeting of the Eagan Energy and Environment Advisory Commission (EEAC) was held on
Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Those present were Member
Oxley, Member Mirick, Member Dugan, Member Hamlin, Member Craft and Member Friedline.
Member Prabhakar was not present. Special guest speakers present were Crystal Boyd from the
Minnesota DNR and JoAnne Sabin resident and member of the Minnesota Hobby Honeybee
Association. Staff members present were Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Jared Flewellen,
Director of Public Works Russ Matthys and Administrative Supervisor, Amy Grannes.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Member Oxley asked if there were any changes to the agenda. Assistant Director Flewellen stated
there were no changes. Member Mirick moved, Member Friedline seconded, with all present
members voting in favor to adopt the agenda as presented. Aye: 6 Nay: 0
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Member Mirick moved, Member Friedline seconded, with all present members voting in favor to
approve the regular minutes of October 13, 2015, as presented. Aye: 6 Nay: 0
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
There were no old business items to be discussed at this time.
Energy and Environment Commission
December 8, 2015
Page 2
NEW BUSINESS
Bee and Butterfly Pollinator Project
Crystal Boyd with the Minnesota DNR gave a presentation on the bee and butterfly pollinator project.
Crystal reviewed many topics relating to types of pollinators, bee species, benefits, best practices and
conservation recommendations. Crystal all provided handouts that would be a good reference for
residents and policy makers. After further comments and discussions the presentation concluded.
Bees and Maintaining Bee Hives on City Property
JoAnne Sabin member of the Minnesota Hobby Honey Bee Association, Bee Keeper and resident of
Eagan gave a presentation on bees and maintaining bee hives on City property. JoAnne reviewed many
topics relating to honey bee behavior and biology. JoAnne discussed her experience maintaining bee
hives at Eagan’s Historic Holz Farm. In closing JoAnne gave some recommendations and ideas for more
locations for honey bee hives on City property. After further comments and discussions the
presentation concluded.
Community Solar Garden Subscription
Russ Matthys Director of Public Works gave a presentation regarding the Community Solar Garden
Subscription agreement. Member Friedline moved, Member Craft seconded and after much debate
Member Friedline and Member Craft reconsidered and removed their motion. Member Dugan moved,
Member Hamlin second with all member present voting in favor to postpone their recommendation
until the following items are addressed: Aye: 6 Nay: 0
Attorney review of proposed Oak Leaf agreement
Review Met Council’s analysis or basis for selecting the solar garden project with Oak Leaf
Question Met Council’s proposed 80% ownership vs state statute/PUC permitted 40%
ownership
Review Oak Leaf experience in northern US communities
Get a 2nd opinion of the rebate estimate (by DEA or other)
Review MAC analysis for selecting the solar project @ MSP
Metropolitan Council Water Efficiency Grant Program
Russ Matthys Director of Public Works gave a presentation regarding the water efficiency grant
program. After discussion with the Commission, Member Craft moved, Member Hamlin seconded with
all members present voting in favor of the Action for Consideration item 1 for recommendation to the
City Council: Aye: 6 Nay: 0
1.Recommend participation in the Metropolitan Council’s Water Efficiency Grant Program.
Energy and Environment Commission
December 8, 2015
Page 3
COMMUNICATIONS
There were no communication items to be discussed at this time.
ROUND TABLE
Member Oxley had a brief discussion regarding solar energy their work group to meet next month.
Member Friedline gave a work group update regarding the communication goal. Member Friedline
questioned if the goals and work plan document approved by the City Council on November 17, 2015
can be amended. Assistant Director Jared Flewellen will check into this and get back to the
Commission. After a brief discussion with Commission Members the roundtable concluded.
ADJOURNMENT
After further brief discussion, Member Mirick moved, Member Hamlin seconded with all members
present voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:14 p.m.
_______________________________________________ ____________________________
Secretary
Date