Sust Commission Minutes 05.22.2025RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION
REGULAR SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION MEETING
Thursday, May 22nd, 2025
Heredia Room, City Hall
PRESENT
COMMISSIONERS: Amanda Kueper, Craig Heinen, Helen Burk, Chris Danner, Katy Boone, Alexa Wozniak, Adam Burnside
STAFF: Rachel Lindholm (Sustainability Coordinator), Zach McCarty (Solid Waste Specialist)
LIAISONS: Hayley Tompkins (CSC), Rori Coleman-Woods (City Council)
ABSENT
Heinen, Burk, Coleman-Woods
Call to Order
Kueper called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm.
Approval of Minutes/Agenda
Burnside motioned, Wozniak seconded, approved by all.
Public Comment
None
Staff Reports
Lindholm and McCarty reported.
Lindholm will be working to refresh Richfield’s Climate Action Plan as it has been five years since it was last revised. There will be a focus on incorporating more adaptation/resilience
measures. Expected to be before City Council before end of 2025.
Solar on Public Buildings – Applications submitted for Public Works building and Richfield Ice Arena. Contractor has been confirmed.
Hennepin County has launched a few small climate-related RFPs with a quick turnaround. Grants are available to both municipalities and nonprofits; City is exploring options to use the
grant for coverage of miscellaneous costs related to Solar on Public Buildings.
Trash-walking event went well – a couple of families turned out to support.
Shred/Recycling Event – 175 vehicles came through. 728 lbs of electronics collected for recycling. Minor issues with ineligible items.
Commissioners are invited to attend an organics audit on June 12 from 12:00-2:00pm (hoping to start closer to 11:15am). 1-2 volunteers needed. City is also promoting a “fix-it clinic”
and volunteers are welcome to be in a video. Email McCarty if interested.
Urban Wildland Half Marathon is using reusable cups. Check them out in the last few water stations on the course.
Space is reserved at Veterans Pavilion on September 13th from 1:30-4pm for a “swap” event where people can bring gently used items. County is supporting with promotion and collection
for charity. Seeking suggestions for items that would work well for people to bring.
Discussion Items
Nine Mile Creek Watershed Presentation
Gael Zembal, Education Outreach Coordinator for the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District presented about their initiatives in Richfield.
Nine Mile Creek’s watershed includes the SW Metro stretching from Hopkins to Bloomington, covering the SW area of Richfield. The organization is responsible for educational workshops
and programs, water quality monitoring, cost sharing and capital projects, and permitting. Cost-sharing – people can apply for funding to put in rain gardens, salt reduction projects,
etc.
Recently published a DEI and Accessibility Plan which also informs their 10-year planning process. Richfield has been identified as a “priority zone” under this plan, along with other
portions of the watershed, because of recognition of a need for more public engagement and climate resilience planning. They are seeking to engage with the public and increase awareness
of their work. The group discussed ways to spread the word including putting opportunities in the Richfield Recap, promoting on social media, or promoting at festivals and special events.
The District is seeking support for flyering and workgroup membership. Asked if commissioners would be willing to help distributing flyers.
May Workplan Items
Outreach to condo buildings:
Boone discussed how she will be focusing on the five largest condo buildings in Richfield for outreach learning about their sustainability efforts. Will focus on solid waste in asking
building managers about what is available to residents, both for “regular” trash/recycling and special collections. Will also ask about education of residents and barriers the buildings
may be facing to participation. Danner will focus on rental properties, starting in Downtown area and east Richfield.
Community outreach for organics participation / invasive plants:
In discussing these two projects together, the group discussed potential opportunities for tabling at community events and outreach to residents. The Farmer’s Market was discussed as
a potential venue for tabling. Planning for these projects is underway; Wozniak is seeking feedback about how to best contact residents.
Lindholm and McCarty discussed how studies have already been completed in neighboring communities with data about why residents do not participate in organics programs. Haulers also
have lists of who is/not participating that are helpful for targeting specific areas.
Committee Reports
Community Services Commission:
Splash pad and pool are in-progress. City worked to address some leaking pipes.
Farmer’s market is open for the season.
Most WLNC animals have been moved to the Community Center.
Next Meeting/Adjournment
Next Meeting: <Thursday, June 26, 7:00 pm
Adjournment: < The meeting was adjourned at 8:28 pm. Booner motioned, Danner seconded.