2016-05 Friendship City MinutesRichfield Friendship City Commission Meeting Minutes
May 19, 2016
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 by Chair, Ahmad Ansari.
Committee members in attendance: Ahmad Ansari, Mary Olafson, JoAnn Boraas, Martin
Kirsch, Pixie Pixler, Dave Delzer, Rori Coleman-Woods, Cynthy Mandl (Ambassador), Jim
Topitzhofer (Staff Liaison)
Excused absence: Sharon Amegee
Absent: Mary Christenson (resigned from the commission effective May 17, 2016)
Guests: Lisa DeMore Rudolph (candidate for Richfield City Council), Carol Garramone
(participant on recent Costa Rica trip and visiting from California)
Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the April 21, 2016 meeting were approved with minor
changes.
Treasurer’s Report: Mary Olafson reported a checking account balance of $3747.54 as of
4/30/2016. Costa Rica expenses still to be reimbursed include $901.60 to Cynthy, plus approx.
$72 to Pixie for walking canes purchased, and reimbursement to Ahmad for a DVD player.
OLD BUSINESS
Sculpture Dedication Report: Cynthy reported that the Costa Rican sculptor expects to
complete the sculpture by the end of July. The Costa Rican family upon whom the soccer-
playing girl in the sculpture is based (a combination of the two daughters) , has been living in
Minnesota, but will be moving to Texas this summer. They intend to travel to Minnesota for
the dedication of the sculpture. A motion was made and carried to have 3 commission
members request to attend the Arts Commission meeting June 2, in order to introduce the
sculpture project, discuss plans for a joint subcommittee for the sculpture dedication, and to
invite members of the Arts Commission to the RFCC July or August meeting. Members who will
pursue attendance at the June 2 meeting are Dave Delzer, Cynthy Mandl and Mary Olafson.
Rori is to provide information regarding the Richfield Soccer Association sign up deadline to
these RFCC members.
Heredia Park Sign: Jim reported that the City has not yet selected a company to provide new
signs for the parks. Cynthy has an array of photographic images that can be used for the
Heredia Park sign if that will be the format selected.
Commission Bylaws: Jim distributed the most recent draft for review. Discussion followed
involving guidelines for student as well as regular members, and the “ambassador.” Jim will
present an updated draft for review at the June 16 meeting.
Newspaper (Sun Current) article: Andrew Wig is to write an article for an upcoming issue.
NEW BUSINESS
Mary Christenson resignation: As noted above, Mary resigned the position of Vice Chair
effective May 17. Rori was nominated and elected to carry out the remainder of the term.
RFCC member contact roster: Ahmad will provide a summary document to Jim which will be
forwarded as a blind copy to all RFCC members. This is to aid in communication regarding
nonofficial activities of the Commission, the need for which was apparent prior to the Costa
Rica trip and gathering of items for donation there.
History of the Richfield Friendship City Commission: The RFCC will be 30 years old in 2017.
Much of the written historical documentation has been lost. Jim will check with Cheryl
Krumholz to see what records the City of Richfield may still have. In addition, since Cynthy and
Marty have been involved in the RFCC from its inception, JoAnn will interview them and provide
a written summary of their collective knowledge.
Next Meeting: 7:00 PM, Thursday, June 16, 2016 – Richfield Municipal Center (Heredia Room),
6700 Portland Avenue
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:23 PM.
Submitted by JoAnn Boraas, RFCC Secretary