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Sust Commission Minutes 03.27.2025RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION REGULAR SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION MEETING Thursday, March 27th, 2025 Heredia Room, City Hall PRESENT COMMISSIONERS: Amanda Kueper, Adam Burnside, Craig Heinen, Helen Burk, Chris Danner, Katy Boone, Alexa Wozniak STAFF: Rachel Lindholm (Sustainability Coordinator), Zach McCarty (Solid Waste Specialist) LIAISONS: Hayley Tompkins (CSC), Rori Coleman-Woods (City Council) ABSENT Burnside, Burk Call to Order Kueper called the meeting to order at 7 05 pm. Approval of Minutes/Agenda Heinen motioned, Boone seconded, approved by all. Public Comment None Staff Reports Lindholm and McCarty reported. City’s tree sale is underway. Commissioners are encouraged to spread the word. Pickup is first Saturday in May at Citty Hall. As of this meeting, 91 trees were still available. The city’s new Fowl code has passed a city council vote. Minor changes were made to address how to get a permit back if it is revoked. The city’s Environmental Health department will handle permitting. Heinen offered to help with implementation. Earth Day – commissioners may attend the Proclamation at the Council meeting on April 8. Reach out to Lindholm if interested. Other events include a Veterans’ Park cleanup with staff and councilmembers. The Community Center will have family activities. Commissioners can help “table” if interested. It is Saturday, April 26 from 1-4pm. Solar on Public Buildings – awaiting bids from potential contractors who have toured city facilities. State of MN and other funders would likely cover most of the cost. City council is considering an ordinance requiring the use of recyclable/compostable to-go containers. Lindholm and McCarty submitted a comment for consideration. There are concerns about staff time and impact on local businesses; possibly more manageable as a requirement only for large events. City held meeting with Better Futures for deconstruction of WLNC. They seemed interested in some of the materials and were optimistic about working with the city. Two county program applications are closing soon: Apartment recycling champions (volunteer opportunity) and Green Partners environmental action program (grants). Richfield is a priority area for the county. Discussion Items April Commission Meeting Annually, the Sustainability Commission holds a joint meeting with the Community Services Commission. The group decided to keep the regular sustainability commission meeting on April 24th. Those who are available may attend the CSC meeting on April 15th at 7 pm. Workplan Updates The group revisited the monthly timeline for which projects in the workplan would be discussed in each commission meeting. Trash walk (Sunday April 27th at 1 pm) – Burk wrote a project plan with questions that were discussed by the group. Commissioners were interested in finding incentives for participation, like the ability to claim volunteer hours for students needing to fulfill them. “Green” raffle prizes were also considered. There was discussion about how to promote the event and connect to other Sustainability Commission priorities (e.g., education about recycling). Commissioner engagement at High School – Wozniak presented several ideas for engaging with students around existing events such as Career Day and Earth Day. There was discussion about the best person to contact to start the conversation. Goals include providing general education about sustainability and exposing students to careers in sustainability. Wozniak to follow up with school district for more information. Tompkins commented that the school district has a limited budget for sports teams and would greatly appreciate gently used supplies, like water bottles. Coleman-Woods suggested engaging with the citywide garage sale for collection as well. Tabling at the Farmer’s Market – Heinen is planning to table in early May about the Fowl code changes. Interested in hearing about anything else we want to present or give away at these events. Multifamily Buildings – Boone will concentrate on the five largest condo buildings in Richfield and will begin engaging with them soon. Interested in promoting awareness around recycling/composting, safe medicine disposal, and reusable dish ware. Action Items Wozniak – Follow up with school district to plan logistics for engagement with the Commission (clothing drive, reusable water bottle donations, career fair, etc.). Email Lindholm with a list of all items the school needs for donation. Lindholm/McCarty - Engage city comms around creating a Facebook event for the April trash walk. McCarty – Ask coordinators of Urban Wildland half marathon whether collecting gently used water bottles at the event is feasible. Wozniak asked if we could work with the city’s Comms on reminders for residents related to spring cleaning and good landscaping practices. Committee Reports For the Community Services Commission, Tompkins reported: Urban Wildland Half Marathon is considering the use of reusable cups – possible partnership with Grandma’s Marathon. In general, they are very focused on sustainability and reducing wasted shirts/textiles, using local water sources, and using sustainable awards/medals. Next Meeting/Adjournment Next Meeting: <Thursday, April 24, 7:00 pm Adjournment: < The meeting was adjourned at 8:24 pm. Heinen motioned, Wozniak seconded.