Noon-4 P. M.

Board Members and Officers Present: Basil Barna, President; Jim Evanoff and Tim Young, Vice-Presidents; Jan Brown, Treasurer; George Erb, Julie Klein, Larry Jorgensen.

Also Sandy Shuptrine, Executive Coordinator.

Guests: Ben Ellis, Teotn County Commissioner; Kevin Lee, Conrad and Bishchoff fuel supplier; Mark Antrobus, Teton County Building Dept.; Colby Colonel, Solitude Float Trips and Fire/EMS; Lori Fussell, environmental engineer and Teton Co/Town of Jackson Environmental Advisory Board member; John Kay, Idaho National lab; Bob Kopiak, electrical engineer; Gordon Larson, Questar; Bob Wemple, GTNP; Chris Wimberg, Y-TCEC volunteer. (a sandwich lunch was available to all)

President Barna welcomed all and asked those present to introduce themselves, including two special guests who made the following presentations:

Commissioner Ellis briefly reviewed the work that is being done cooperatively by Teton County and the Town of Jackson to improve energy efficiency 10% and reduce carbon emissions, using a current local government baseline, by 2010 (commonly know as "10 x 10" initiative). An Energy Efficiency Advisory Board has been appointed and Action Teams formed. Coordinator Shuptrine serves on the board and the Fuels and Transportation Action Team. The presentation prompted lively discussion and idea sharing. The possibility of the Idaho Falls/INLab CNG fuel station playing a role was brought up. Gordon Larson offered to assist with purchase of used fueling equipment.

Kevin Lee of Conrad and Bischoff brought in samples of ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) and low sulfur diesel for comparison purposes. ULSD looks almost like water and has quite diminished aromatics. The maximum sulfur content of ULSD is 15 ppm. He noted that ULSD blended with 20% biodiesel (B20) tests at 7 ppm of sulfur. The biodiesel also adds back in important lubricity (for engine durability) that is removed in ULSD, with as little as a 2-3 % blend. He noted that the cloud point of ULSD is about 5 degrees higher (25 degrees F) than low sulfur diesel. ULSD is federally mandated for all diesel engines manufactured in 2007 and beyond. Kevin responded to questions regarding what are some of the challenges for fuel distributors to provide renewable fuels to the public and what would be helpful. He said that "attitude" was essential for making the transition and that quality-controlled fuel is essential for avoiding problems, in addition to fuel storage management. Once again enthusiastic discussion ensued with more questions and suggestions being raised. There was general agreement that public education was a key element is successfully implanting the use of newer fuels.

Roundtable reporting/dialogue by stakeholders present occurred:

Jim Evanoff said that 5 of the new yellow buses were being loaned to Glacier. George Erb wondered if one might be available to use as a START demonstration? He also noted that the new START run to Driggs from Jackson was doing well-with numbers above the Alpine run in May 06.

Several Board members reported on the grant application to FHWA for a Transportation Community Sustainability Program that has been submitted by Idaho for our region with multiple partners, including our coalition. It is expected that results may be know by mid-June. IDT has expressed strong commitment to advancing the project that will advance planning for regional transportation and overcoming jurisdictional obstacles.

John Kay stated that funding should be sought for education regarding cellulosic ethanol. Jan Brown suggested we might ask Ernie Oakes if our coalition could be helpful in that realm-with a major plant pending in eastern Idaho.

The meeting then moved into the annual meeting business.

Jan Brown presented a coalition Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Statement showing $13,509.18 in our bank account as of 5/23/07 with March–May invoices for staffing outstanding. It was noted that the bank account is still under our previous name (Greater Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities Coalition) and needs to be changed. There was also discussion regarding timely communication with contributors. Sandy will draft a letter acknowledging contributions to the coalition that can be sent as checks arrive in Bozeman. It was suggested to include a coalition representative contact name for the county from which a contribution originates. It was noted that a clear and straightforward description of our mission and projects are needed to attract financial support. Networking in the region is also seen as essential. The establishment of baseline funding of $10,000.00 for the 07 FY year, from DOE, was welcome news. Coordinator Shuptrine noted that baseline activities such as data reporting, minimum attendance at peer meetings, organizing stakeholder meetings, advancing the choice events and completing the annual survey are associated tasks.

The Nominating Committee presented their report and recommended slate of nominees to fill board seats either vacant or up for renewal this year. Before a vote was taken, Larry Jorgenson informed those present that he was submitting his resignation as he was attempting to create a bit more personal time for other pursuits. Tim Young moved to accept Larry’s resignation with regret and thanks for the service he has provided as a coalition board member. The motion was seconded and carried.

Finally, Tim Young moved a unanimous ballot be cast for the recommended slate as presented for the open 2007-2010 board term, the slate included Steve Collins with Xanterra, Basil Barna, Louis Christensen/City of Driggs, Lou Moore/DEQ Montana, and Tim Young/Friends of Pathways; and nominating Jackie Edkins/Shoshone NF for one open Board Seat for an unexpired term ending June 2008. The combined motion was seconded and carried. (Steve Collins has since left Yellowstone and Jackie Edkins declined her nomination.)

There was a board development discussion with candidates from Cody, Idaho Falls Pocatello and the media being suggested. There was strong agreement that it is very important to build and maintain a balanced regional representation in order to best advance coalition goals and promote effective collaboration and networking.

Coalition program for the coming year was addressed. There was strong agreement that educational activities remain at the core of coalition work. In order to better convey the message of what we do the following three program areas will be focused upon by the coalition:

1. Establishing a region-wide fueling network for renewable and alternative fuels with emphasis on facilitating the installation of a ’green fueling island’ in each state.
2. Continued promotion of alternative transportation and conservation.
3. Asking local governments to consider adopting the "Plug-in Hybrid Resolution" and providing information regarding other alternative fuels to them.

Ideas for implementing the above were exchanged. It was suggested that we need to clarify our role/intentions by clearly stating the issue, potential solutions and by identifying stakeholders.

There was agreement to conduct a follow-up board conference call in June to address unfinished business and to consider gathering at Old Faithful on July 24^th when several board members will be present for another event.

A potential stakeholder meeting in October in Livingston will be investigated by the coordinator. (We will conduct a workshop on biofuels and regional transportation on October 19^th. Hope to meet in the library conference room, beginning at 10 A.M. Watch for announcement.)

The meeting adjourned at 4:05 P.M.