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e la r i €~ ci ee~i <br />onday, coo er , 2 7 <br />age <br />and efficiencies if any; risks and unknowns of new technologies; potential long- <br />term heat saturation of ground reducing geothermal effectiveness; and long-term <br />Master Plan for the City Hall campus. <br />Further discussion included energy savings to be realized; potential for expanding <br />the geothermal field; future cost of wells; use of waste heat; integration of the sys- <br />tem; state mandates for meeting 25 x 25 goals that by 2025, 25% of alI electricity <br />in l~'IN be generated from renewable sources; right-of--way issues for the geother- <br />mal field; overall field placement and location issues to fit the future Master Plan; <br />maintenance for geothermal versus conventional and impacts to existing staff and <br />a different skill set, with geothermal a simpler technology, with some uncertain- <br />ties. <br />Mr. Brokke reviewed the next steps requested of the City Council if they were in- <br />terested in pursuing geothermal technology, with the need for a conductivity test- <br />ing, estimated to be approximately $10,000; the resulting time table, as well as <br />time constraints based on outstanding and needed repairs of the four (4) compo- <br />nents mentioned earlier. <br />Mr. Tullberg addressed more detailed information on the geothermal system <br />compared to the current system and difference in direct and indirect systems. <br />Additional discussion included type of materials for piping (stainless steel or car- <br />bon versus plastic or polystyrene}; proper specifications and training of staff as vi- <br />tal start-up procedures impacting the value and efficiency of the proposed geo- <br />thermal system; ice quality addressed through a thermal storage buffer or device; <br />Councilmember Roe spoke in support of pursuing conductivity testing for the <br />geothermal technology and phasing it into the system. <br />Councilmember Pust spoke in support of pursuing the technology and opined the <br />need to get on a different path to increase recognition and reduce environmental <br />issues; and the positive payback on the initial investment indicated at 6 - 12 <br />years. Councilmember Pust, further opined that this was an ideal leadership op- <br />portunity for the City to pursue to make a difference environmentally, and lead by <br />example. <br />Further discussion included annual energy costs; year-round ice maintenance; and <br />revenue sources. <br />Councilmember Ihlan opined that her long-term environmental concern was <br />whether the City could continue to justify an indoor area, given the amount of en- <br />ergy required, and whether it was sustainable both economically and environmen- <br />tally. Councilmember Ihlan further opined that if it was to continue, the geother- <br />mal technology made more sense, to use currently wasted energy and be more ef- <br />ficient and greener, not just from a utility bill standpoint, but from the City's car- <br />bon footprint. <br />