3.25.2021
REGULAR SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION MEETING
Thursday, March 25h, 2021
Held virtually over WebEx
PRESENT
COMMISSIONERS: Laura Durenberger-Grunow, Carolyn Engeldinger, Amanda Kueper, Jeremy Barthels, Brian Shaw
STAFF: Rachel Lindholm, Amy Markle
LIAISONS: Jenna Hanson (CSC)
ABSENT
Ben Whalen (City Council), Alyssa Sanden, Kameron Murray
Call to Order
Kueper called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm.
Approval of Minutes/Agenda
Barthels moved to approve the agenda and previous minutes, seconded by Shaw, approved by all.
Public Comment
None.
Staff Reports
□ Organized Collection (Lindholm, Markle)
Still in contract negotiations, but at a later stage with the draft contract being reviewed by the haulers. Eventually will have council work sessions and bring the proposed contract
back to the community at a public hearing for comments.
□ Miscellaneous items – commission trainings (Lindholm)
Reminder about the upcoming DEI training and Commission Orientation with the city attorney - please sign up.
Discussion Items
□ Tree Preservation Policy education panel (North, Teegarden)
Special guests Dr. Eric North and Jennifer Teegarden joined us for a panel discussion to learn about tree preservation policies so we can build policy and better educate other residents
of Richfield about it.
How do we decide or define what a legacy tree is?
A tree that is thriving and at a mature age. What do you want to preserve and why? Look at unique tree species, and also consider the history/cultural significance of a tree (ex. is
it a memorial tree?) Is it the biggest tree in the area?
Tree preservation vs legacy trees: There is a difference and should be two separate things; the policy should differentiate or have two separate policies. St. Louis Park has a great
resource for construction and building around trees for preservation.
Reasons why we are losing trees in Richfield:
climate change
location (building/construction around the tree)
disease
What is a reasonable replacement policy: What are you trying to accomplish (ex: canopy cover; energy benefits)? What is feasible within the community (space)?
***Important pieces:
getting an assessment of all the trees in the city to start with is a good base
getting the community involved (GPS map, QR codes with tree facts, etc)
determine species to preserve, in addition to what is ok to plant and to replace
public vs. private lands (audiences for each)
wooded areas provide the most benefit and should be protected
residents are interested in how to preserve their own trees - help residents with this
The more money and energy you put into maintaining trees from the start, the easier it is to preserve them for longer.
More staff and commissioner discussion about this topic will occur during the April meeting.
Action Items
None
Committee Reports
Hanson was absent so Markle reported on the CSC’s last meeting, giving an update:
● Taft Lake and Christian Park: Lots of ash getting cut down due to emerald ash borer (one big one has already come down at Augsburg). City is treating as many as they can.
● Working on events later this year - what can happen with COVID?
● Wood Lake’s 50th anniversary (small event in May, bigger event later this year)
● Legislation for getting a new nature center - city was able to testify. Hoping to have city officials come out for a tour
● New playground at Freemont and Christian Park
● All inclusive playground at Augsburg in late spring/early summer - funding finally secured
● New hammock stations - one at Wood Lake and one at Christian. People can check out hammocks if needed.
Other/Next Meeting/Adjournment
Next Meeting: Thursday, April 22nd, 7:00 pm, will be held virtually over WebEx.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn by Shaw, seconded by Barthels. Meeting adjourned by Kueper at 8:09 pm.