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Nebraska Community Energy Alliance Meeting Minutes
Ferguson House
700 S. 16th St. Lincoln, NE
2:00 p.m. on February 23, 2015
Meeting was called to order at 2:05pm by NCEA President Lowell Johnson.
Members in attendance:
1. Kevin Connot, Allen Schools
2. Jessica Quady, Ashland
3. Larry Burks, Bellevue
4. Jeff Kooistra, Gretna
5. Paul Briseno, Kearney
6. Dennis Burnside, Lexington
7. Greg Youell, MAPA
8. Gary Ruliffson, OPPD
9. Bruce Smith, Seward
10. Lance Hedquist, South Sioux City
11. Larry Brittenham, Superior
12. Dr. Moe Alahmad, UNL
13. Steve Rodie, UNO
14. Shawn Isom, Valley
15. Lowell Johnson, Wayne
Others in Attendance:
 Anne McCollister, NCEA Coordinator
 Cliff Mesner, Mesner Law, Central City, NE
 Matthew Cederburg, Minden, NE via phone
Open Meetings Act Statement
Johnson advised the group of the posting of the Open Meetings Act.
1. Roll Call & Introductions
Burks recorded 15 member communities present.
Status of Interlocal Cooperative Agreement Signings
Burks advised the members that several of the members did execute the new
agreement, however there are still several members who need to execute the new
agreement. Until all members execute the new interlocal, the membership will need to
operate under the old, cumbersome agreement.
2. Approval of the Agenda
Motion to approve by Smith, second by Burnside to approve the December minutes.
Ayes: unanimous.
3. Approval of the Minutes
Motion to approve by Isom, seconded by Briseno. Ayes: Unanimous.
4.Treasurers Report/Approval
Treasurer Uhlarik was absent, however a balance sheet for the organization’s finances
was provided to President Johnson. Balance as of January 31 is $14,840.74.
Motion to approve the Treasure’s report made by Kooistra, seconded by Quady. Ayes:
unanimous.
5. Outstanding Bills
Motion by Kooistra, seconded by Smith to authorize the Treasure to make rent
payments of $300 per month, quarterly to the Ferguson House. Ayes: Unanimous.
6. Approval of new members
Johnson welcomed the new members. No action taken or needed.
7. “Nebraska Flyway Community Solar” – Cliff Mesner, Mesner Law
Cliff Mesner from Central City, led a discussion about the complexities associated with
establishing a business model for community solar projects in Nebraska. The subject
matter discussed included, but was not limited to, ownership structures, renewable
energy credits, power distribution and public-private partnerships.
No action taken.
8. 2016 NET Grants: “Connecting Nebraska Communities Driving America’s Fuel”
– Anne McCollister, ETP, NCEA Coordinator
McCollister advised that the grants have not yet been awarded and should be soon.
No action taken.
9. Discussion: NCEA as an advocate? – Lowell Johnson
NCEA was asked by a legislator to support a specific bill this year. Could/should
advocacy, either generating our own legislation or supporting others’ legislation, be an
important element of our organization?
NCEA currently has no position on advocacy. The organizational situation will remain as
is – each membership community/organization advocate for their own individual
community/organization. The advocacy issue will be discussed at subsequent meetings.
10. First CMAQ grant update.
McCollister advised the group that Lance Hedquist has worded his CMAQ grant to
include specifications ensuring the ChargePoint CT4021 would/could be used in a
project as the electric vehicle charger. The wording and specifications has been
provided to Megan Walker at MAPA since they are working on a similar project.
No action taken.
11. NDOR Research Grant
Dr. Mo Alahmad advised his research grant has been funded to study the needs of a
DC fast charging system needs in Nebraska. Research will also include strategizing and
peer community project successes and failures.
No action taken.
12. 2017 NET Grant Funding Ideas
McCollister asks that all members considering future developments now and send their
project ideas for the 2017 NET application cycle so planning and research can begin.
No action taken.
13. Stirk CNG Nebraska Development
Unable to attend.
Next scheduled meeting will be held at the Ferguson House Wednesday, March 23rd at
2:00PM.
Motion to adjourn at 4:00pm by Burks, seconded by Isom. Ayes: Unanimous.