6.24.2021
REGULAR SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION MEETING
Thursday, June 24, 2021
Heredia Room, City Hall
PRESENT
COMMISSIONERS: Carolyn Engeldinger, Amanda Kueper, Alyssa Sanden, Brian Shaw, Jeremy Barthels
STAFF: Rachel Lindholm, Neil Ruhland
LIAISONS: Ben Whalen (City Council), Jenna Hanson (CSC)
OTHER: Deirdre Coleman (PiE), Tami Gunderzik (Xcel Energy)
ABSENT
Laura Durenberger-Grunow, Kameron Murray </w:t>
Call to Order
Kueper called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm.
Approval of Minutes/Agenda
Engeldinger moved to approve the agenda and previous minutes, seconded by Sanden, approved by all.
Public Comment
None
Staff Reports
Discriminatory Covenants and the Just Deeds Project (Ruhland)
Ruhland gave a presentation on racial covenants in Richfield, their history, how they still affect demographics in Richfield, and what residents can do to both continue the conversation
and check into their own home’s history. Visit mappingprejudice.umn.edu or
http://www.richfieldmn.gov/justdeedswww.richfieldmn.gov/justdeeds for more information.
Organized Collection (Lindholm)
Lindholm gave an update on the communications process, including a citywide postcard to be mailed out soon, which allows residents to start signing up for curbside organics collection.
A more comprehensive communications plan is in the works but mostly depends on other pieces of the process (like hauler information). The first steps in determining hauler zones/routes
have been started.
Other (Organics Drop-off, UWHM volunteering, WLNC volunteering) (Lindholm)
The organics dumpster at Hope Church has been moved to House of Prayer Lutheran Church in the back parking lot off of Elliot Avenue. Contamination has been addressed and removed. Commissioners
are invited to volunteer at the UWHM races, either in general or specifically with the organics/recycling/trash set-up. Those interested should connect with Rachel. The invasive species
removal event proposed by Brian Shaw will be happening on 6/26. Commissioners were encouraged to attend and bring friends and family.
Discussion Items
Partners in Energy (Lindholm)
Deirdre Coleman, Tami Gunderzik, and Rachel Lindholm gave a presentation on the PiE planning process and how Richfield’s Energy Action Plan came together. The focus areas were shared
and the goals were explained, particularly what the data around avoiding emissions signifies.
Action Items
Motion to recommend the Energy Action Plan to City Council (Lindholm)
Kueper asked for a motion; Barthels moved and Engeldinger seconded. All present voted in favor.
Committee Reports
Community Services Commission (CSC) (Hanson)
-All facilities are open to the public
-“Lil’ Sparkler” Fourth of July celebration
-Just Deeds program - systemic racism with housing covenants. Many parks have a covenant, including Wood Lake Nature Center. The CSC voted to discharge them at the last meeting.
-Fall playground construction at Christian and Fremont parks.
-Inclusive playground should be done in early July. A ribbon cutting ceremony and opening is being planned.
Other/Next Meeting/Adjournment
Next Meeting: Thursday, August 26, 7:00 pm, in the Heredia Room. Option for a call-in for public comment.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn by Sanden, seconded by Barthels. Meeting adjourned by Kueper at 8:26 pm.