Sust Commission Minutes Nov 2025
DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION
REGULAR SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION MEETING
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Heredia Room, City Hall
COMMISSIONERS: Amanda Kueper, Adam Burnside, Craig Heinen, Chris Danner, Katy Boone, Alexa Wozniak, Rose Thompson, Mohamed Noor
STAFF: Rachel Lindholm (Sustainability Coordinator), Zach McCarty (Solid Waste Specialist),
LIAISONS: Hayley Tompkins (CSC), Rori Coleman-Woods (City Council)
ABSENT
Burnside, Boone
Call to Order
Kueper called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm.
Approval of Minutes/Agenda
Heinen motioned, Danner seconded, approved by all.
Public Comment
None
Staff Reports
Lindholm and McCarty reported:
Solar on Public Buildings (at Public Works) - solar array on top of the building is officially connected and functioning!
ReLeaf grant – Officially submitted to Minnesota DNR. Grant would fund inventory of trees in park spaces and creation of citywide tree management plan.
E-bikes – the city is re-allocating its fleet of e-bikes among city staff to improve usage. Lindholm will also be working with the fire department to consider expanding education around
battery fires.
Pumpkin Smash went well – totaled 6 yd3 of pumpkins collected and good attendance.
The Fix-It Hub program held its inaugural clinic at City Hall on November 12th to offer free repairs to residents of home materials. The event had a robust number of volunteers and McCarty
expects to start promoting it more widel y. Next one is on December 10, 4-7pm.
Hennepin County is hosting two new events next summer in Richfield. One is a building materials swap, likely July 2026, where residents can bring items from home renovation projects.
The other will be a furniture collection event where residents can b ring used furniture for reuse and recycling, tentatively scheduled for August 1.
Discussion Items
Workplan Updates
This served as the Commission’s last meeting of the year, so the Commissioners reviewed their accomplishments from the 2025 w ork plan. At the Farmer’s Market, the Commission completed
multiple projects spreading awareness of sustainability, tree care, and BPI-certified compostable products. Next year, the group discussed continuing outreach to residents at the market
and possibly developing a more uniform approach to eliminating single-use plastic by vendors.
Some projects, such as filling the two youth commissioner spots and organizing a trash -walking event, were completed successfully. Others, such as reducing trash and microplastics in
the water, have opportunities to continue work into 2026.
The Commissioners shared a desire to continue outreach with Richfield Public Schools and deepen its relationship with the High School’s Green Team. Danner also commented on what felt
like limited progress on outreach to multifamily buildings; the Commission dis cussed ideas for improving this next year.
In general, the Commissioners felt there was good presence at community events for tabling and outreach and wants to continue this in 2026.
The passage of the city’s fowl ordinance served as a policy contribution this year.
Action Items
None
Committee Reports
From the Community Services Commission:
Richfield 4th of July planning committee is actively seeking more community volunteers to help plan it.
WLNC construction is underway; concrete is being poured on-site and they will be offering public tours beginning in January.
Richfield pool is getting a new liner in the spring and some minor improvements. Other city projects involving upgrades at Richfield Ice
Arena and Veterans’ Park are well underway.
Next Meeting/Adjournment
Next Meeting: Thursday, January 22, 7:00 pm
Adjournment: <The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm