Commission Minutes Jan 2022RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE SC
REGULAR SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION MEETING
Thursday, January 27, 2022
Virtual
PRESENT
COMMISSIONERS: Amanda Kueper, Alyssa Sanden, Jeremy Barthels, Brian Shaw, Carolyn Engeldinger, Adam Burnside, Craig Heinen, Logan Thein
STAFF: Rachel Lindholm, Roxanne Nelson (MN GreenCorps)
LIAISONS: Jenna Hanson (CSC), Ben Whalen
ABSENT
None
Call to Order
Kueper called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm.
Approval of Minutes/Agenda
Barthels moved to approve the agenda and previous minutes, seconded by Sanden, approved by all.
Public Comment
Kara Skahen emailed and asked City of Richfield to consider joining neighboring cities in declaring climate emergency.
Staff Reports
Organized Collection
Post-New Year there has been improvement in misses from haulers
Xmas tree pick up went okay for most residents. Learned some things to improve for next year
Working on educational organics mailer with Hennepin County to send out to residents
Continuing with social media posts
Drop-off and curbside organics newsletter as part of the new Richfield Recap newsletter, which residents can sign up for online.
Finalizing compostable bag distribution for residents
PIE
Continue to pull together energy efficiency information for buildings (renters and landlords)
Completed website with multiple resources:
http://www.richfieldmn.gov/energywww.richfieldmn.gov/energy
Finishing up energy survey to put out in community to learn more about what topics residents want community education around
DNR Tree Grant
Article in local paper about grant funding received from DNR to do tree planting and replacement in Richfield
City planning to remove about 500 trees and plant new ones along boulevards. Starting to remove trees on the East side first due to prevalence of EAB.
2 year grant which started last fall
Discussion Items
Commission discussed the public comment and the pros and cons of declaring a climate emergency, including the city’s powers and the message it would send. Lindholm will bring more information
back to the next meeting.
Action Items
None
Committee Reports
Community Services Commission update from Hanson:
Rec department back to normal schedule for winter activities
Some activities cancelled
Senate bonding tour about a week ago
Looking for funding for new WL Nature Center building
Fixed pool roof
Winter food drive for VEAP
Goal of 5000lbs received 4000lbs
Had more items, but they didn’t weigh as much
WLNC manager talked about how WLNC is looking to get Urban Night Sky designation
Other/Next Meeting/Adjournment
Next Meeting: <Thursday, February 24 at, 7:00 pm, virtual
Adjournment: < Motion to adjourn by Engeldinger, seconded by Shaw. Meeting adjourned by Kueper at 8:05 pm