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HomeMy WebLinkAboutConservation Commission - 09/19/2006 APPROVED MINUTES CONSERVATION COMMISSION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2006 7:00 PM, CITY CENTER 8080 MITCHELL ROAD PRAIRIE ROOM COMMISSION MEMBERS: Eapen Chacko (Chair), Jan Mosman (Vice Chair), Ray Daniels, Rita Krocak, Geneva McMillan, David Seymour STUDENT COMMISSIONERS: Jennifer Brown, Lauren Mosman, Casey Russell COMMISSION STAFF: Leslie A. Stovring, Staff Liaison Allison Burr, Recording Secretary I. ROLL CALL Chair Chacko called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Daniels arrived at 7:14 p.m. Brown was absent. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. AUGUST 8, 2006 MOTION: MacMillan moved, seconded by Chacko, to approve the minutes of the August 8, 2006 meeting as published. The motion carried 4-0-1, with Mosman abstaining due to absence at the last meeting. IV. SPEAKER A. WIND ENERGY: PERSPECTIVES FROM A LEADING PROVIDER (XCEL) STEVE WILSON Chacko recalled that the Commission discussed wind energy at its last meeting. He subsequently contacted Xcel Energy about a guest speaker for the Commission. Chacko provided background about the Minnesota Wind Source program and introduced Steve Wilson, a representative of Xcel Energy. Wilson provided his professional background with Xcel and thanked the Commission for inviting him to speak. He explained it is his job to develop and arrange power purchase agreements, not exclusively renewables, but mostly renewables at this time. Daniels arrived at 7:14 p.m. Wilson began by explaining our lives depend on electricity, and the transportation of it has become very difficult. Transmission does get congested, particularly in the Eden Prairie Conservation Commission September 19, 2006 Page 2 summer-time. What is particular to wind generation is the lowest periods of wind generation are during summer months, which coincides with peak demands. Wilson explained to handle transmission problems, an organization was formed called MISO, the Midwest Independent Transmission System. This were was created by a number of utilities getting together in the Upper Midwest because they believe it is easier to handle one transmission system rather than handling a bunch of smaller transmission systems. He provided a history of MISO and noted it currently handles all of Xcel's generating plants. It examines shortages and will increase generation or tell others to back generation down in order to handle congestion and avoid blackouts. Wilson presented an overhead with the MISO footprint in the Upper Midwest, noting there is involvement in 15 states. Wilson explained Xcel forecasts how much energy consumers will use, identifies resources to fill gaps, and runs simulations to find the lowest-cost plans. He displayed a graph showing the megawatt needs for Xcel consumers. Wilson stated Xcel expects consumer demand to grow by 1.7 percent per year, with output increasing 1.6 percent per year. Xcel is under legislative mandate to install 1,125 Megawatts (MW) of wind energy by 2010, and there is a Minnesota Renewable Energy Objective that requires an additional 560 MW. He explained the biggest impact regarding renewables is the federal production tax credit (PTC), which is where the federal government buys down approximately half the cost of renewable energy. The other thing impacting renewables is availability of transmission. The sunset date for the PTC is December 31, 2007, and so there is a scramble to purchase wind turbines prior to that time. Wilson explained the issue with wind generation is it only produces energy when the wind blows, and the wind only blows enough 30 or 40 percent of the time. During the other time periods, other sources are needed. Within the past three years, wind generation has tripled, and as of August 2006, the U.S. had installed capacity of 10,000 MW. Wilson stated a lot of Xcel's service territory is located in very good wind regimes. He explained wind is a solar effect; wind mostly happens from the heating and cooling of the earth surfaces. Compared to other utilities, a lot of Xcel's territory has good wind regimes. Wilson displayed a map of Minnesota showing the wind resources in the state and explained that Buffalo Ridge in the southwest corner of Minnesota is one of the best sources,but there are problems associated with transmission from this area. Wilson described Wind Source as a voluntary program and noted Minnesota has 14 MW and is requested to have up to 22 MW by the end of the year. He explained Wind Source is now the largest voluntary renewable program in the United States and estimated there are 10,000 customers who participate. Russell asked if the number is low due to lack of advertising or lack of interest. Wilson responded as people become more energy conscious, the interest in Wind Eden Prairie Conservation Commission September 19, 2006 Page 3 Source increases; that has been especially true during the last year and all the discussion regarding natural gas prices increasing and dependence on foreign oil. Daniels stated that he believes there will come a point in time when wind energy will be cheaper than other forms of energy. Wilson provided an overview of some of the early challenges with the turbines, including the impact on birds and bats as well as television and radio interference. Wilson explained the blades on the turbine only turn at a certain speed. The newer ones are created so that if the wind speeds get very high, a brake system automatically kicks to prevent the generators from burning up. It used to take an 8 mph wind to initiate spinning„ but the newer ones start up with a 2 to 3 mph wind. He pointed out the black-colored blades are coated with Teflon to avoid ice accumulation. The newer ones are white but also have a coating on them. Wilson explained the blades do not turn any faster when the wind picks up. The turbines are designed to generate electricity at a range of wind speeds, for example 15 to 35 miles per hour(mph). The turbines adapt themselves to prevailing wind speeds to generate energy efficiently. Seymour asked about wind turbines on top of skyscrapers. Wilson explained there are logistical issues. If the blades and towers get too big, it starts to impede construction. In addition, the cranes needed to lift the turbines are larger, and there are only so many big cranes. There are also issues with air traffic impacts. Wilson explained Xcel is also involved in biomass, which includes burning wood waste and other things that are grown or created. He highlighted the various biomass plants around the state of Minnesota. Wilson highlighted the positive economic and environmental attributes of renewables, including carbon management. He outlined the obstacles to renewables, including the PTC, economies of scale, transmission constraints, cost of ancillary services, and system saturation. Wilson highlighted other Xcel renewable efforts. He stated renewables cannot replace conventional technology now, but it is part of the answer. Daniels noted Xcel has partnered with the National Renewable Lab on a hydrogen project. Wilson responded that is in its infant stages; he noted hydrogen has a lot of potential, but a lot of study is still required. The infrastructure of hydrogen development is key. The meeting recessed at 8:21 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:26 p.m. Stovring stated Chacko agreed the Commission has a lot of work to do in October and recommended against having any speakers at the next meeting. She also moved the BMP discussion and public recycling opportunities discussion to the October meeting. Eden Prairie Conservation Commission September 19, 2006 Page 4 V. REPORTS FROM STAFF A. INTRODUCTION—NEW STUDENT COMMISSIONERS Lauren Mosman introduced herself and stated she joined the Commission as a student representative because she wants to make a difference in the City and make her voice be heard. She would like to start an environmental club at the school, as it has been dormant for a few years. She would like to do something with light bulbs and improve the recycling at the high school. Casey Russell introduced herself and indicated she joined the Commission because she has a real interest in conservation in general and wanted to see how it works on a City level. At school there are a number of things she would like to figure out how to change. B. PROSPECT ROAD ALTERNATIVE EAW—PROJECT STATUS Stovring reported the City has selected Wenck Associates, and their proposal will be completed this week and will be presented to the Council the first meeting in October for approval. Staff is currently working out the details, as staff wants them to move quickly. C. GREEN ROOF/COMMUNITY CENTER—PROJECT STATUS Stovring reported that the Parks Department and Public Works Director Gene Dietz are considering other options for the green roof in an effort to lower costs. She noted the green roof is still a viable option at this point. Chacko asked about the cost for the regular roof. Stovring explained the green roof is estimated to add an additional $200,000 to the budget. Seymour stated he was surprised that Peter MacDonagh of Kestrel Design Group was not consulted after the work he put into it. Stovring responded there was already an architect on staff. Seymour suggested MacDonagh could act as a consultant to the green roof project. Stovring responded the architectural company would have to be the one to reach out to MacDonagh for assistance in this area. Chacko asked whether the Parks Commission has considered the green roof yet at a meeting. Stovring responded no, as the issue has not gotten that far yet. She added there is agreement the roof would be funded out of the stormwater utility fund if it moves ahead. Daniels noted the Parks Commission is considering naming rights for the Community Center expansion, and the green roof could be an excellent possibility for naming rights, in order to reduce the extra cost. Stovring encouraged Seymour to contact the Parks Director directly with the idea. Stovring suggested Seymour send her an email requesting a meeting with Parks and Recreation Bob Lambert and Gene Dietz, and she will forward that along. Eden Prairie Conservation Commission September 19, 2006 Page 5 VI. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS A. FRESH ENERGY DISPLAY AT THE STATE FAIR—LAUREN MOSMAN Lauren Mosman provided a history regarding the Fresh Energy organization and noted she and her mother volunteered at their booth at the State Fair. The organization is pushing people to ask their elected representatives about plug-in flex- fuel hybrids which use "grassoline" rather than gasoline. Their website is www.fresh-energy.org. Jan Mosman suggested Fresh Energy as a possible exhibitor at the Environmental Fair. Chacko noted the University of Minnesota, Morris has a big project on hybrid flex- fuel cars and encouraged Lauren Mosman to explore it. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. PROJECT GREEN FLEET—EAPEN CHACKO Chacko provided the student commissioners with a brief overview of Project Green Fleet. He reported he spoke with Kristen Johnson of Eden Prairie Schools, and the project is moving ahead. It will be presented for school board approval in October, and upon approval, it will take two weeks to order the parts. The District is very excited. He noted sometime in October, Clean Air and the school district will publicize the project. Chacko added Johnson has indicated she will contact the Commission if anything additional is needed in support of the project. VIII. NEW BUSINESS/DISCUSSION ITEMS A. ENVIRONMENTAL TIMES —POTENTIAL FALL ISSUE Stovring suggested if anyone wants to write an article, it can be included in the next issue. She encouraged commissioners to bring ideas to the next meeting. She recommended commissioners look at the spring edition of Environmental Times on the City's website and explained there is room for three or four short articles, and she encouraged submissions regarding things the Commission is already working on. It was decided the following articles will be written for the next meeting: Lauren Mosman on Fresh Energy; Daniels on Wind Source; Seymour on the use of rain gardens; and Chacko about Project Green Fleet. IX. INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS /HANDOUTS A. DRAFT SIGN FOR THE SMITH DOUGLAS MORE HOUSE RAINGARDEN Stovring reported the sign is very close to completion, and it will include information regarding rain gardens. The Watershed District is paying for half of the cost of the sign, and the City is paying for half. She noted the signs at the water plant are deteriorating, and two new signs may be created to replace them next year. Eden Prairie Conservation Commission September 19, 2006 Page 6 Chacko asked about the new City parks signs. Stovring explained the new sign materials are more resilient and are easier to read. X. UPCOMING EVENT PLANNING A. GLOBAL WARMING SEMINAR—PAX CHRISTI—OCTOBER 29, 2006 Stovring stated next month the Commission will decide what materials to present at the Global Warming Seminar. Daniels suggested promoting Wind Source at the seminar. B. ENVIRONMENTAL FAIR—JANUARY 2007 Daniels reported he contacted Doug Shoemaker, and he or someone else from the Minnesota Renewables Energy Society may present about renewable energy. They will also have a booth at the fair. Shoemaker has indicated there is a slide show that displays the various solar energy projects utilized in the Twin Cities area. Krocak asked if a Commission member who is approached about an environmental concern should present it as an informational item to the Commission or if that person should be directed to City staff. Stovring stated it depends on the nature of the item, for example an erosion control issue does need to be handled by the engineering department, as that is a time-sensitive issue. XI. NEXT MEETING A. OCTOBER 10,2006 XII. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Mosman moved, seconded by Daniels, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.