2016-04 Friendship City MinutesRichfield Friendship City Commission Meeting Minutes
April 21, 2016
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM by Chair, Ahmad Ansari.
Those in attendance: Ahmad Ansari, Mary Olafson, JoAnn Boraas, Martin Kirsch, Pixie Pixler,
Dave Delzer, Rori Coleman‐Woods, Jim Topitzhofer
Those absent: Mary Christenson, Hannia Sharon Amegee
Approval of Minutes: Minutes of the February 18, 2016 meeting and those of the March 22,
2016 meeting were approved with minor changes.
Treasurer’s Report: Mary Olafson reported a checking account balance of $2631.40 as of
3/31/2016. Expenditures for items donated to recipient groups in Costa Rica, reimbursed to
Cynthy Mandl and JoAnn Boraas in March, were $680.51. Ahmad requested that additional
information be written in the report to clarify the expenditures. Mary will revise and forward
to commission members. Cynthy reported that each Costa Rica trip participant will receive a
refund since payments exceeded expenses.
Old Business:
Heredia Park Sculpture Report: The Costa Rican sculptor has been given authorization
to return to work following resolution of medical issues. He reported to Cynthy that the
sculpture for Richfield’s Heredia Park may be done by the end of July. The sculpture design,
previously approved, is that of a girl kicking a soccer ball. Jim will assist in arrangements to get
the sculpture from Costa Rica to Minnesota, and details for its installation. This will include the
logistics as well as finances. Ahmad may be able to aid in the air transportation through his
connections with Delta.
Heredia Park Sign Report: Jim reported that the City of Richfield is redesigning the signs
for all 21 parks, with the Heredia Park sign being first. Depending on the company chosen by
the City, it may be possible to have one or more photos on each sign, with each park having its
own customized sign. City maintenance teams will need to be consulted regarding sign
materials and design in order to have their “OK” for selection. Jim will post a draft of the sign
project on the City website.
Heredia Park Dedication: Jim recommended that the Arts Commission and Friendship
City Commission work together to plan for the park dedication/sculpture installation. Inviting
at least the Arts Commission to the May 19 RFCC meeting was suggested by Jim. A team will be
needed to plan the dedication with regard to the invitations, invite list, a program, and delivery
of the program, as well as other details. Rori will connect with local Latino family associations
as well as the Richfield Soccer Association, Youth League, and Richfield High School team to
determine their start/end dates. Hopefully there can be involvement of these soccer groups in
the dedication. The deadline for the fall activities brochure is May or mid‐June so there may or
may not be adequate time and information to include in the brochure. It was suggested that
perhaps the sculptor could attend the dedication, along with others from Heredia.
New Business:
Newspaper Article/Report: Andrew Wig is the Sun Current journalist who would likely
write the article about the recent Costa Rica trip. It was suggested that he be invited to the
reunion party which will be May 21 at Cynthy and Ken Mandl’s home. Jim will facilitate
connecting Andrew with Cynthy.
City Council candidate, Lisa DeMore Rudolph: Rori reported that Lisa is a candidate for
the Richfield City Council and that Lisa would like to know all Commissions’ concerns and issues.
It was decided to invite her to our next meeting, May 19.
Commission Bylaws: Jim presented topics which are being reviewed by other
commissions. They include: number of members in the commission; number of student
members and whether they are voting members; residency requirements for membership;
term limits; number of meetings per year as well as time of meetings. In addition, our
commission has the unique position of “ambassador” which currently does not have a term
limit. Jim will write a draft of changes, based on our discussions, which will be voted upon at
the May 19 meeting.
Next Meeting: 7:00 PM, Thursday, May 19, 2016 – Richfield Municipal Center (Heredia Room),
6700 Portland Avenue
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM
Submitted by JoAnn Boraas, RFCC Secretary