Jan 2026 RABH NotesCITY OF RICHFIELD
ADVISORY BOARD OF HEALTH NOTES
Monday, January 26, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
Present:
Rebecca Case, Co-Chair
Rachel Decker
Kelly Hauer, Secretary
Marcell Johnson
Pixie Pixler
Jaily Portales
Joel Schleisman
Jennifer Anderson, Liaison
Call to Order – the RABH meeting was
called to order at 6:05PM.
Approval of Minutes:
A motion was made by Marcell Johnson, seconded by Rebecca Case to approve the October
Advisory Board of Health minutes
Approval of the Agenda:
A motion was made by Rebecca Case, seconded by Marcell Johnson to approve the January Advisory
Board of Health agenda.
Regular business:
Welcome and Introductions were made by everyone in attendance. A special welcome to Jaily
Portales, a youth member starting her year term.
Commissioner training is coming up - March 11th 5:30-7pm, general topics like open meeting laws
and data practices will be discussed. The March 18th meeting (5:30-7pm) will go into additional
detail like facilitating meetings and procedures. New and/or current commissioners may attend and
no RSVP is necessary. Both meetings will be held in the Bartholomew Room (behind Council
chambers).
Updates:
The cannabis website is close to being launched. Jennifer is meeting w/contractor this week.
Reviewed with MDH virtually a month ago, there are edits that MDH requested. Jennifer and Kevin
are meeting on Thursday to review the last edits before sharing with the ABH, and then we can
promote and launch the website. Potentially review the final version in the March meeting. Will link
to the new website from the Richfield public health website.
Garrett Draper and Kristin Nordby are the new commissioners, along with Jaily Portales who is
present at the January meeting. A big thank you to Katrina DeVore and Pixie Pixler for their service
on the ABH!
2026 Draft Work Plan:
Feb: need to appoint committee positions, review bylaws, etc.
March: the Chief will attend the meeting to review programs
April: open for topics – likely select food safety awards winners, potentially tour the dispensary on
66th/Penn and the Edina fire station?
May: The ABH will meet on the 11th - joint BER meeting in Edina, need a rep from each commission
to help plan the meeting. Joint meeting will be held at Edina Fire Station #2 at 4401 W 76th St in
Edina.
Sept: Penn Fest, open for other topics.
Oct: Year-end review, planning for next year
Other potential 2026 topics: Bloomington can have a presentation with updated community health
data, Bloomington Environmental Health could also come and do a presentation on
food/pools/lodging inspections and findings in Richfield in 2025.
Kratom – Potential opportunity to research kratom in 2026.
Wrap up:
The ABH wanted to talk about current events in the community, specifically ICE enforcement.
Jennifer shared local law enforcement doesn’t have authority over Federal officials. This is a
potential topic for Chief Henthorne’s visit in March. The city council may be bringing forth a policy
related to city property and use of property by Federal authorities. There may be resources coming
to assist businesses, and housing assistance for renters. Nothing has been finalized at this time.
Food drive at City Hall and other locations. Bloomington Public Health has tweaked how they are
conducting public health services for patients.
The ABH can research a list of churches in the area that are offering help (clothes, medicine, food,
and other items). The city did put together a document for resources - Jennifer will send out this
document. VEAP is open M & W at Richfield City Hall, walk-ins can come and get food and services.
Jennifer will send out information on VEAP’s requirements and hours. Reach out to the local church
to find out what their needs are. VEAP has a list on their website of needed items and how to
donate.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30PM.