CR 2004-136 Alternative Energy Learning Lab
. September 7, 2004 Council Report 2004-136
AL TERNATIVE ENERGY LEARNING LAB
Proposed Action
The Charter Commission recommends that the Council approve the following motion: Approve
Resolution 2004-062, endorsing the creation of an Alternative Energy Learning Lab at The Depot
Coffee House.
Approval of this motion would demonstrate the City Council's support of this idea, which would help
the Hopkins School District secure grant funds.
Overview
Members of The Depot Coffee House board have been working on an idea to incorporate alternative
energy ideas at the Depot. The plan would be to use the Depot as a demonstration project for
alternative energy. This would be a partnership with the School District which would treat this project
as part of the school curriculum.
. Primary Issues to Consider
. What is the effect of the Council's support for this project?
The Council, at this time, is only being asked to support the concept of creating an Alternative
Energy Lab at the Depot. The next step is for the School District to complete grant applications to
fund the Lab.
Supportim! Information
. Resolution 2004-062
. Alternative Energy Learning Lab - Goals and Timeline
. July 14, 2004 Selected Minutes from The Depot Coffee House
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J ames A. GeneIlie
Assistant City Manager
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. Financial Impact: $ 0 Budgeted: Y IN NIA Source: NIA
Related Documents (eIP, ERP, etc.):
Notes: The board is Hot seeking any funding from the City at this time.
. CITY OF HOPKINS
Hennepin County, Minnesota
RESOLUTION 2004-062
Supporting the Creation of an Alternative Energy Learning Lab at
The Depot Coffee House
Whereas, the mission of the City of Hopkins is "Partnering with the community to enhance
the quality oflife;" and
Whereas, the Hopkins City Council recognizes The Depot Coffee House and The Hopkins
School District as partners in many efforts that benefit youth; and
Whereas, The Depot Coffee House and The Hopkins School District are pursuing a project to
create an alternative energy learning lab at the depot and on the surrounding grounds;
and
Whereas, sustainable energy solutions enhance quality of life now and in the future; and
Whereas, the City of Hopkins leases the depot property from Hennepin County Regional
. Railroad Authority (HCRRA) for use by The Depot Coffee House; and
Whereas, on May 18, 2004, the HCRRA (landlord) approved the usage of the building and
grounds for these purposes; and
Whereas, the project requires immediate plaIllling funds to support a teacher/coordinator
position and start-up expenses as well as future implementation funds; now
Therefore be it resolved that the Hopkins City Council supports this project and recommends
that the Hopkins High School I The Depot Coffee House Alternative Energy Learning
Lab project build the institutional and individual relationships necessary and seek the
resources required to create an alternative energy learning lab at The Depot Coffee
House and on the surrounding grounds.
Adopted by the Hopkins City Council this 7th day of September 2004.
By:
Mayor
ATTEST
. City Clerk
Hopkins High School/The Depot Coffee House Alternative Encrgy Learning Lab
Goals and Timehne
. ~
Immediate
. Student Driven
. Experiential Student Learning
. Public / Public and PublicIPrivate Partnerships
Mid-Term
. Greening The Depot and Beyond
. Student and Staff Credit Bearing Opportunities
Long-Term
. Visible, Inviting Learning Lab at The Depot Coffee House for Schools and Community
. Creating Lasting Interest in Careers in energy and renewable energy fields (EERE)
. Cultural and Political Advocacy in EERE
Timelinc
In progress as of7 /14/04
. Assembled initial team of Tech Ed and Science Teachers/Administrators from High School, as well as
Depot Volunteers (including adult and student liaisons) - main planning team this summer has been
Dan Trockman (Science Teacher); Evie Donald (K-12 Science Coordinator); Fran Hesch (Depot Adult
Board Member); - Maggie Nelson, Depot Student Board Member has been assigned and only been able
to attend once due to summer schedule
. Working with Carl Michaud at Hennepin County who is assembling some resources
. Dan begins meeting with The Depot Board of Directors and assembling partners and potential resources
. . Dan and Tim (teachers) create curriculum overlay for next year
. Approach Depot Board of Directors with interest in completing an Energy Audit of the building yet this
summer and discussion of community forum concept
. Fran will provide energy charges at the depot and Dan will review
. Dan has created a blog on district website
l,ttp://weblogs.hopkins.k12.mn.us/depotenergy/archives/OOO253.html
Yet this summer
. Draft a proposal for the *Teacher/Coordinator position
. Research funding sources and find funding
. Present concept to Hopkins School Board and/or Super
. Plan a staff development session for August 23
. Occasionally meet with Depot Coffee House Board
. The Depot Coffee House Board of Directors will be analyzing space, sound and acoustic needs this
summer and needs to keep energy-related impacts in mind
. Evie will get mailing labels for all parents at high school for possible use by The Depot Coffee House
Board of Directors.
. Explore what it would take for school to join "rebuild.org"
. Explore Million solar roof and other connections
.
* Would like to pursue possibility of including some coordination dollars for Business Marketing Teacher as well
FalllWinter, 2004
. . Environmental Studies classes use Depot curriculum which mayor may include and mayor may not be
limited to:
0 "Beginning with the end in mind"
0 Studying solar, wind, etc potential at Depot
0 Analyzing current energy situation
0 Learning about the world of resources in each area
0 Facilitating the process of Depot Board Members making presentation to classes, introducing
goals and project
0 Inviting community members into classroom during "Energy Lab" sessions
0 ** Allowing students leave from class to investigate Depot site
0 Writing letters to businesses for interest and funding of implementation
0 Allowing students flexibility to succeed, but also to dream and possibly to fail
0 Making recommendations for implementation to The Depot Coffee House Board of
Directors/Partners/Energy Group for approval
. Investigate the involvement of Earth Club
Spring, 2005
. Energy and Power classes use Depot curriculum which mayor may include and mayor may not be
limited to:
0 Reviewing recommendations of previous classes
0 Implementation planning
. 0 Fundraising for implementation with various energy partners
0 Presenting recommendations to The Depot Coffee House Board of Directors/Partners/Energy
Group for approval
0 Begin execution of implementation plan
. Planning for 2005-2006 school year
2005 -2006
, . Dan Trockman could design an "Energy Academy" (school within a school concept) second semester
piggy backing on his biology academy. This plan needs to be submitted by December of2004 for the
2005-2006 school year
. Pursue work with and funding for CREED
. Teachers receiving renewal credits in EERE
. The possibilities of offering CIS (College in School) so that students may learn and earn college
credit alongside teachers
. Traditional PSO's (Post Secondary Offerings) and AP (Advanced Placement) courses
. Working beyond alternative energy and beyond only the Depot (environmentally-friendly
landscape, edible landscape, the greening of Hopkins. .. .the world
.
** Forms available in HHSlDepot Coffee House Business Lab Learning Lab Hand Book
Draft 7/14/04
**********************************************************************************
. Teacher/Coordinator Job Description:
Overall Purpose: To act as central contact, coordinator, and liaison connecting the Hopkins School District, The
Depot Coffee House and the community to the learning opportunity presented by exploringlimplementing
alternative energy at the depot.
Duties:
. Assembling resources to help facilitate student involvement in planning and implementation
. Co-creating classroom curriculum with other related faculty
. Supplying information to Business and Marketing Department for Marketing campaign
. Coordinating the analysis of the conshuction options
. Creating preliminary design and cost estimates with students
. Developing partnerships with stakeholders
. Arranging and making presentations to businesses, funders, utility companies, non-profits, schools,
government, electricians, architects, etc.) in partnership with students when possible
. Documenting via web page regarding the process and products of the project
. Investigating the involvement of the Hopkins School's Earth Club
. Engaging Hopkins Alternative Program (HAP) students
Compensation:
. 10 hours per week for a year and could possibly start our at 5 hours per week during the Fall
. . At the "curriculum writing rate" as per Hopkins 270 contract of roughly $28 per hour
. $7,000 to $10,000 range for the year
. 5 hours X 9 weeks X $28 = $1260 and 10 hours X 31 weeks X $28 = $8680 (total $9940)
.
. July 14, 2004 Selected Minutes
The meeting convened at The Depot Coffee House at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 14, 2004.
Present: Evie Donald, Dan Trockman, Fran Hesch
Agenda:
l. Updates
II. Review Goals and Action Items from last month's minutes
III. Create job description for Teacher/Coordinator position for 2004-2005 school year
IV. Funding needs and grant-writing possibilities
V. Next Steps
Go als
. Student Driven
. Student Experience
. Greener Depot and beyond
. Visible, accessible learning lab at The Depot Coffee House open to everyone
. Creating student interest in careers in the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
. Community involvement and collaboration
. Teacher / student course credit / Secondary and Post Secondary
. . Cultural and Political Advocacy
Dan updated us on the current intent of Sustain Minnesota which involves a large "Fresh Water"
initiative within the Hopkins School District. Based on Dan's work with them, we should bear in
mind that to be embraced by the school we must show what our idea is going to add to the
school's offerings, that it will work with teachers/classrooms and that it is good for the
community and businesses. Focus on enhancement to leaming and positive impact on the
community. Fran pointed out that results of a major study of community connectedness on
quality of life is available from the JFK School of Government at Harvard called "Better
Together" and Dan asked Fran to provide him a link to this report.
Fran updated the group that Carl from Hennepin County has reported that he contacted AI at
Xcel on our behalf and AI is exploring possibilities of Xcel working in partnership with the
students and school. Carl also said that he would work with Xcel to conduct an energy audit
alongside students and other interested parties. Dan suggested that we not treat this as a one-time
activity, but document this process via a multi-media production (video, digital pictures, website
feature) which could be produced for classroom use. KHOP (Hopkins High School Video Class)
could be engaged to do the video portion. The audit itself would also be a product for analysis,
making recommendations for capital changes to the building. Mr. Tim Wilson ( district
instructional technology integration) should be involved in this process.
. Dan reported that Minnesota Power has built a house in Duluth with state-of-the-art energy
conservation features and live connection to the World Wide Web (Note, later Dan found out
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. that the house was sold to a private party but several other programs in Duluth and Minneapolis
are available for visit). This presents a possible field trip and guide for duplication at the Depot
when our energy-conserving features are in place; once again for use in the classroom and by the
conmmnity. Dan demonstrated the Duluth MN Power Energy Home website on the Depot's
internet connection. We could also visit Green Institute and see their programs and
infrastructure.
We then discussed the Teacher/Coordinator job description, related cost and possible funding
opportuni ti es.
We should seek a planning grant that specifically pays for Dan's activities as
Teacher/Coordinator of this project with added funds to contract with David Braaten for the
business class link he will be providing.
******************************************************************************
Teacher/Coordinator Job Description:
Overall Purpose: To act as central contact, coordinator, and liaison connecting the Hopkins
School District, The Depot Coffee House and the community to the learning opportunity
presented by exploring/implementing alternative energy at the depot.
Duties:
. . Assembling resources to help facilitate student involvement in plmming and implementation
. Co-creating classroom curriculum with other related faculty
. Supplying information to Business and Marketing Department for Marketing campaign
. Coordinating the analysis of the construction options
. Creating preliminary design and cost estimates with students
. Developing partnerships with stakeholders
. Arranging and making presentations to businesses, funders, utility companies, non-profits,
schools, government, electricians, architects, etc.) in partnership with students when possible
. Documenting via web page regarding the process and products of the project
. Investigating the involvement of the Hopkins School's Earth Club
. Engaging Hopkins Alternative Program (HAP) students
Compensation:
. 10 hours per week for a year and could possibly start out at 5 hours per week during the Fall
**************************************************************
Dan, Evie and Fran then discussed potential funding sources and logistics
Fran first asked from whom the request will come, City of Hopkins as Depot Coffee House fiscal
agent, or Hopkins School District. Dan and Evie agreed that the mechanism for compensating
. teachers would be more streamlined through the school district, so they will make sure that
Superintendent Kremer and the head of the Department of Teaching, Learning and Technologies,
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. John Schultz are in the loop and agreeable to our plans to seek funds. Fran will ensure that Katie
Lee, head of Community Education is informed at the upcoming Partner's meeting. The signors
on the grants should be a combination of district personnel and Depot Coffee House
Chairperson.
Evie suggested approaching two school-district related sources, The Hopkins Education
Foundation and the funds available through Community Education. She will find the guidelines
and deadlines and bring them to our next meeting.
Other sources such as Xce1, McKnight, Star Grants from Medtronic, MN State Office of
Economic Assistance, SuperValu, and Toyota Tapestry grants were also suggested. Fran will
bring the guidelines for SuperValu Foundation to the next meeting.
Dan reminded us to include all in-kind donations of space, volunteer hours, supplies as part of a
match in our grant submissions.
Steps from last meeting:
. Dan has created a pilot "blog" on which we may converse as a group and be connected to
relevant Jinks and will begin working on curriculum writing for next year. Dan will begin a
blog with a new address from the school district this week.
. The Depot Coffee House Board of Directors will be analyzing space, sound and acoustic
needs this summer and needs to keep energy-related impacts in mind. A grant for planning
. this will be submitted July 31 and work will be conducted in September
Moved to future meeting because we never get time for these.
. Evie will get mailing labels for all parents at high school for possible use by The Depot
Coffee House Board of Directors. (Forgot to bring this up.)
. Explore what it would take for school to join "rebuild.org"
. Million solar roof connection
. Decide when is appropriate time to present to Hopkins School Board. John Schultz at the
district is working on this for the Fall.
Immediate Next Steps:
· Dan will:
. begin meeting occasionally with The Depot Board of Directors
. assemble resources and potential partners with the expectation of pending funding
. review energy charges at depot provided by Fran at next meeting
. investigate connections to Earth Club and HAP (provide descriptions from web site)
.
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. · Evie will:
. continue to monitor the summer writing process;
. bring guidelines for HEF and Community Education to the next meeting;
. plan for the August in-service;
. stay cOlmected with Ginny as appropriate
· Fran will:
. write recap the meeting, verify with key attendees that everything resembles the truth,
and distribute to larger group;
. send Dan link to the "better together" nationwide study on civic engagement;
. approach Depot Board of Directors with interest in completing an energy audit of the
building yet this summer and discussion of community forum concept
. bring SuperValu Foundation guidelines and our tentative timeline to the next meeting
. Update the Depot Partners (including Katie Lee) at next Partner's meeting
. Continue to invite Carl Michaud to our meetings
. Dan and Evie will make sure Super and Jolm Schultz are involved regarding funding plans
. Dan, Fran and Evie (and anyone else interested) will meet again on July 21 at 10 a.m. at the
Depot
.
.
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