Sust Commission Minutes January 2024RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE SC
REGULAR SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION MEETING
Thursday, January 25th, 2024
Heredia Room, City Hall
PRESENT
COMMISSIONERS: Amanda Kueper, Santwana Dasgupta, Logan Thein, Craig Heinen, Helen Burk
STAFF: Rachel Lindholm, Brittany Bartlett
LIAISONS: David Vrieze Daniels (CSC), Ben Whalen (City Council)
ABSENT
Matt Dobratz, Adam Burnside
Call to Order
Kueper called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm.
Approval of Minutes/Agenda
Heinen motioned, Dasgupta seconded – all approved.
Public Comment
Brian Bergstrom’s public comment was read regarding sustainable take-out containers. Commissioners expressed interest in adding this to the 2024 work plan. Lindholm mentioned various
options to achieve related goals including sharing resources like MNimize with local restaurants and starting with a focus on eliminating Styrofoam. Whalen mentioned coordinating with
the City’s Economic Development Manager.
Staff Reports
Introductions
Bartlett introduced herself and the Equity Coordinator position. Her focus is on internal work first and then external engagement. Whalen asked commissioners to keep ears open for racial
disparity indicators they want to bring up to staff. Kueper mentioned hopefully future capacity for more environmental justice-related grants that staff could lead.
Organized Collection
Lindholm said that the beginning of the year billing, organics, and tree pick-up questions have slowed down. She explained the recycling commodity adjustment change and the overall increases
in services.
HERC
Lindholm shared that Richfield’s comment letter was sent to County staff/commissioners with concerns about the timeline proposed for shutting HERC down. She shared that many cities collaborated
by sharing letter drafts and helping other cities submit letters by drafting templates. City comments were shared by county staff with the board of commissioners but the staff plan for
closure has not been submitted yet so next steps are unknown.
Digital Guide Update
Staff contracted with PBS Graphic Art & Design, Inc. to help with the design of the digital guide. Lindholm will reach out to commissioners with final asks to help finalize all content
for Brian to then assemble into the guide.
Position Elections
Per bylaws, all 3 positions (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary) will be up for election at the next meeting. Commissioners can self-nominate. More information will be shared in a follow-up
email.
Discussion Items
Kueper led a discussion about preliminary 2024 work plan thoughts and projects commissioners might be interested in working on this year. Many projects from 2023 will be continued or
finished (Digital Guide, EAB education, trashwalking, fowl ordinance updates, etc.)
Action Items
None
Committee Reports
Parking study for the community center is happening.
New WLNC building project is underway with architect meetings.
Red, White, and Blue Days is planning to throw some holiday events again this year.
Next Meeting/Adjournment
Next Meeting: <Thursday, February 23, 7:00 pm
Adjournment: < The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm