Sust Commission Minutes 02.26.2026RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION
REGULAR SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION MEETING
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Heredia Room, City Hall
PRESENT
COMMISSIONERS: Amanda Kueper, 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: Margaux Meyer (CSC), Rori Coleman-Woods (City Council)
ABSENT
Heinen, Boone, Thompson, Coleman-Woods
Call to Order
Kueper called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm.
Approval of Minutes/Agenda
DeVore motioned, Wozniak seconded, approved by all.
Public Comment
A resident joined to comment on their experiences in public spaces in Minnesota. They stated they feel harassed and victimized by government/security officials and have had issues when
carrying their personal belongings in public areas. They stated they have been a victim of stalking and sexual harassment and felt harassed after a police request to be removed from
a local school. The Commission recommended that the individual work with either the Human Rights Commission or Public Safety.
Staff Reports
Lindholm reported:
The Ice Arena’s solar array has turned on and is generating electricity. Working to submit req for reimbursement to the State.
The Climate Action Plan continues through the draft process. Lindholm appreciated the Commission’s feedback and is finalizing the Plan for approval by City Council.
City Staff are applying for state funding to host a Green Corps position, which would provide additional capacity to execute projects primarily focused on waste reduction (reuse and
repair). The Commission has drafted a letter of support.
McCarty: Reuse Minnesota will be writing a letter of support, has partnered with us on other things.
Earth Day Fair is approaching on April 25th. The Commission will further consider having a booth at the event as it gets closer.
Parks & Recreation is creating a natural resource management plan for several major parks in Richfield.
Discussion Items
Work Plan
The Commission discussed its work plan for the year, starting with a review of projects completed in 2025. Commissioners contributed ideas for projects to add to the list in 2026, which
were documented in greater detail in the Work Plan document.
Common themes included: Waste reduction and community cleanup, tree care, partnership with local schools, outreach at the Farmer’s Market and other community events, pollinator habitat
education, and active transportation.
Action Items
Approve letter of support for Minnesota Greencorps application: Danner motioned, Sookchain seconded, approved by all.
Position elections:
Danner nominated for Chair by Kueper. No other nominations. Approved by all.
Kueper nominated for Vice Chair by DeVore. No other nominations. Approved by all.
DeVore self-nominated for Secretary. No other nominations. Approved by all.
Committee Reports
Meyer reported on behalf of Community Services Commission: WLNC project is on schedule; public tours are available. A “top mounting” ceremony will be hosted to celebrate a major project
milestone (for the roof/truss) on March 5.
Richfield Pool updates are also on-schedule; some minor impacts to an early-season swim meet, but pool expected to open on-time.
Several projects are underway at Richfield Ice Arena and Veterans Park including a possible outdoor cooled ice rink and concessions remodel.
Next Meeting/Adjournment
Next Meeting: <Thursday, March 26th, 7:00 pm
Adjournment: < The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 pm