2023-2 AgendaSUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
Regular Meeting Agenda
Thursday, February 23rd, 2023, 7:00 pm
Heredia Room, City Hall
Commission Members Staff/Others Liaisons
Amanda Kueper, Bryan Beltran, Matt Dobratz, Adam
Burnside, Craig Heinen, Logan Thein, Santwana
Dasgupta
Rachel Lindholm (Sustainability Specialist) Ben Whalen (City Council)
Jenna Hanson (CSC)
1. Call to Order/Welcome
2. Approval of Minutes/Agenda
Regular Meeting Minutes: October 27th, 2022, and January 26th, 2023
3. Public Comment
Any resident comment and items not printed on agenda
• Donna Drummond, League of Women Voters
4. Staff Reports (Lindholm)
General sustainability update
• Residential solar event
• Natural resources areas in parks
5. Discussion Items
Resident Digital Sustainability Guide (Kueper, Lindholm)
2023 Workplan (Kueper, Lindholm)
• Staff 2023 workplan
6. Action Items
Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary Elections
7. Committee Reports
Community Services Commission (CSC) (Hanson)
8. Next Meeting
Thursday, March 23rd, 2023, 7:00 pm
Heredia Room, City Hall
9. Adjournment
REGULAR SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION MEETING
Thursday, January 26th, 2023
Bartholomew Room, City Hall
PRESENT
COMMISSIONERS: Amanda Kueper, Santwana Dasgupta, Matt Dobratz, Bryan Beltran
STAFF: Rachel Lindholm
LIAISONS: Ben Whalen (City Council)
ABSENT Jeremy Barthels, Logan Thein, Craig Heinen, Adam Burnside, Jenna Hanson (CSC)
Call to Order
Kueper called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. It was noted that the meeting lacked a quorum.
Approval of Minutes/Agenda
This could not be done as the meeting lacked a quorum.
Public Comment
None.
Staff Reports
Introductions
All present introduced themselves and the two new commissioners were welcomed. It was noted that the commission continues
to not have youth representation; commissioners are encouraged to reach out to any students at high schools in Richfield they
know (students do not need to be residents) to apply. Councilmember Whalen encouraged the new and current commissioners
to meet with him on a one-on-one basis.
Organized Collection
• The annual service guide was mailed out to all residents. There is a 3% increase in collection fees, an annual increase in
the contract. Lindholm pointed out that this increase is below the rate of inflation, so the program has helped to save
residents money compared to an open system.
• Compostable bags will be made available again this year for the organics program. Effort will be made to offer more bags to
each household and to also have multiple distribution centers.
• Ridwell, in response to demand by Richfield residents, is now operating in Richfield and the question was raised whether
there was a possibility of a public private partnership between the city and Richfield. The response was that it is not possible
due to its status as a private business and because Hennepin County offers a free site that accepts many of the items.
Commissioners can promote it as residents if they so choose.
Partners in Energy
Lindholm will develop a report on how this partnership went and share it later. Additionally, the audits for 14 municipal buildings
have been completed to determine how they can be made more energy efficient. There will be an increased attention paid to
increasing solar panel installations and having more public charging areas for EVs.
Tree Sale
A pilot program this year will sell 50 trees and be expanded if successful. Lindholm will share the list of tree species selected
with the commission. The commission requested that the use of the tree selection guidelines developed last year be part of the
mainstream process for use in tree selection. Councilmember Whalen stated that it should be done to ensure that if/when the
current staff leaves, the guidelines continue to be used. Lindholm will talk to staff about this and report back on what the next
steps are.
Community garden
Plot sizes have been decided and two plots will be raised table beds for accessibility. In general, those living in multi-unit
housing who apply will be prioritized. The commission asked what measures are being taken for the equitable distribution of the
plots. Lindholm said the focus of the program re: equity is related to accessibility and multi-unit housing, as mentioned. A
nominal fee of $45 per year will be charged.
The Eco Fair is scheduled for the 15th of April. Donna Drummond with the League will attend the next commission meeting to
update commissioners and ask for volunteers.
Discussion Items
Digital Sustainability Guide
Lindholm will send the link to all commission members and members were encouraged to put their names down to reflect
ownership for developing that section. Commissioners also need to draft out the text of their sections following examples that
DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE SC DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE SC DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE SC DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE SC
have already been done. There was discussion on forming a smaller group to take charge on finishing this document. There was
agreement that the cover page should complement that of the Climate Action Plan.
No Mow May – The Council is discussing it but no decision has been made. Staff will work on this initiative if it’s identified by the
council as a priority.
Action Items
None
Committee Reports
1. Councilmember Whalen reported that a section of Taft Park will be converted to a bike park and the ribbon cutting will
happen in September.
2. The city received a recommendation in the governor’s proposed budget for the total funding ask for a new nature center
building.
3. The City Council is reviewing the implementation of a local sales tax to be used for Wood Lake’s new building and to
replace the liner of the pool in Veteran’s Park.
Other/Next Meeting/Adjournment
Next Meeting: Thursday, February 23, 7:00pm
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:45pm