Sust Commission Minutes 01.22.2026RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION
REGULAR SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION MEETING
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Heredia Room, City Hall
PRESENT
COMMISSIONERS: Amanda Kueper, Adam Burnside, Craig Heinen, Katy Boone, Chris Danner, Alexa Wozniak, Rose Thompson, Mohamed Noor, Ray Sookchain, Katrina DeVore
STAFF: Rachel Lindholm (Sustainability Coordinator), Zach McCarty (Solid Waste Specialist),
LIAISONS: Kris Anderson (CSC), Rori Coleman-Woods (City Council)
ABSENT
DeVore, Burnside, Anderson, Coleman-Woods
Call to Order
Kueper called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm.
Approval of Minutes/Agenda
Heinen motioned, Danner seconded, approved by all.
Public Comment
Two residents joined the Commission meeting to discuss light pollution. One shared feedback about a recently-installed streetlight in their neighborhood creating issues with excessive
light shining into their home at night. Another shared the negative impact of updated street lighting on their vision, making it too bright to navigate at night. The residents shared
educational materials from Dark Skies and comment in favor of the city pursuing public lighting that supports light pollution abatement.
Staff Reports
McCarty reported:
Hennepin County’s Fix-It Hub continues to be offered on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at City Hall. At the most recent clinic, approximately 19 items came into the clinic
and about 80% were fixed successfully. Commissioners are encouraged to promote the event.
Hennepin County hosts its plastic-free challenge each February. Commissioners can contact McCarty if they’d like to get involved.
Several events are confirmed for the upcoming year, including Earth Day, shredding and small appliance recycling, building materials swap, garden tool swap, and furniture reuse and recycling.
Dates and details for the events will be sent out via email and made public in city communications.
Discussion Items
Better Futures Minnesota Presentation
The Commission heard a presentation from Better Futures, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit reducing waste of construction and building materials while providing jobs to recently-incarcerated
individuals. Their waste-prevention services include building deconstruction, transfer station collection, household materials recycling events, and curbside collection service in City
of Bloomington. The Commission discussed their service model which includes partnerships with Bridging and Second Chance Recycling.
Climate Action Plan Update
Lindholm presented the updated draft of Richfield’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) and provided a brief overview of each section.
Workplan Updates
Due to time constraints, the Commission agreed to discuss the workplan in February’s meeting.
Action Items
Review prior year’s workplan and prepare ideas for the 2026 workplan.
Committee Reports
None
Next Meeting/Adjournment
Next Meeting: <Thursday, February 26th, 7:00 pm
Adjournment: < The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 pm