Sust Commission Minutes January 2023 - CopyRICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE SC
REGULAR SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION MEETING
Thursday, January 26th, 2023
Bartholomew Room, City Hall
PRESENT
COMMISSIONERS: Amanda Kueper, Santwana Dasgupta, Matt Dobratz, Bryan Beltran </w:t></
STAFF: Rachel Lindholm
LIAISONS: Ben Whalen (City Council)
ABSENT
Jeremy Barthels, Logan Thein, Craig Heinen, Adam Burnside, Jenna Hanson (CSC) </w:t></w:r></w:p></w:tc
Call to Order
Kueper called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. It was noted that the meeting lacked a quorum.
Approval of Minutes/Agenda
This could not be done as the meeting lacked a quorum.
Public Comment
None.
Staff Reports
Introductions
All present introduced themselves and the two new commissioners were welcomed. It was noted that the commission continues to not have youth representation; commissioners are encouraged
to reach out to any students at high schools in Richfield they know (students do not need to be residents) to apply. Councilmember Whalen encouraged the new and current commissioners
to meet with him on a one-on-one basis.
Organized Collection
The annual service guide was mailed out to all residents. There is a 3% increase in collection fees, an annual increase in the contract. Lindholm pointed out that this increase is below
the rate of inflation, so the program has helped to save residents money compared to an open system.
Compostable bags will be made available again this year for the organics program. Effort will be made to offer more bags to each household and to also have multiple distribution centers.
Ridwell, in response to demand by Richfield residents, is now operating in Richfield and the question was raised whether there was a possibility of a public private partnership between
the city and Richfield. The response was that it is not possible due to its status as a private business and because Hennepin County offers a free site that accepts many of the items.
Commissioners can promote it as residents if they so choose.
Partners in Energy
Lindholm will develop a report on how this partnership went and share it later. Additionally, the audits for 14 municipal buildings have been completed to determine how they can be made
more energy efficient. There will be increased attention paid to increasing solar panel installations and having more public charging areas for EVs.
Tree Sale
A pilot program this year will sell 50 trees and be expanded if successful. Lindholm will share the list of tree species selected with the commission. The commission requested that the
use of the tree selection guidelines developed last year be part of the mainstream process for use in tree selection. Councilmember Whalen stated that it should be done to ensure that
if/when the current staff leaves, the guidelines continue to be used. Lindholm will talk to staff about this and report back on what the next steps are.
Community garden
Plot sizes have been decided and two plots will be raised table beds for accessibility. In general, those living in multi-unit housing who apply will be prioritized. The commission asked
what measures are being taken for the equitable distribution of the plots. Lindholm said the focus of the program re: equity is related to accessibility and multi-unit housing, as mentioned.
A nominal fee of $45 per year will be charged.
The Eco Fair is scheduled for the 15th of April. Donna Drummond with the League will attend the next commission meeting to update commissioners and ask for volunteers.
Discussion Items
Digital Sustainability Guide
Lindholm will send the link to all commission members and members were encouraged to put their names down to reflect ownership for developing that section. Commissioners also need to
draft out the text of their sections following examples that have already been done. There was discussion on forming a smaller group to take charge on finishing this document. There
was agreement that the cover page should complement that of the Climate Action Plan.
No Mow May – The Council is discussing it but no decision has been made. Staff will work on this initiative if it’s identified by the council as a priority.
Action Items
None
Committee Reports
Councilmember Whalen reported that a section of Taft Park will be converted to a bike park and the ribbon cutting will happen in September.
The city received a recommendation in the governor’s proposed budget for the total funding ask for a new nature center building.
The City Council is reviewing the implementation of a local sales tax to be used for Wood Lake’s new building and to replace the liner of the pool in Veteran’s Park.
Other/Next Meeting/Adjournment
Next Meeting: <Thursday, February 23, 7:00pm
Adjournment: < The meeting was adjourned at 8:45pm