2017-01 Friendship City MinutesRichfield Friendship City Commission, Meeting Minutes – January 19, 2017
Commission members met at 7:00 PM at the Richfield Public Works Building, 1901 E 66th Street, for the
purpose of viewing the sculpture recently received from Costa Rica. The monthly meeting followed, and
was called to order at 7:25 by Rori Coleman‐Woods, in the absence of Chair, Ahmad Ansari.
Those in attendance: Marty Kirsch, Dave Delzer, Rori Coleman‐Woods, JoAnn Boraas, Pixie Pixler,
Cynthy Mandl (RFCC Ambassador), Jim Topitzhofer (staff liaison)
Absent, excused: Ahmad Ansari, Mary Olafson, Sharon Amegee
Absent: Hadiya Bakar
Approval of Minutes: Minutes of the most recent meeting, November 17, 2016, were approved with a
minor change.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Mary Olafson’s report of December 31, 2016 checking account balance of
$3406.97 was approved.
Old Business: Heredia Park Sculpture – All in attendance expressed high approval of the sculpture. Jim
reported that materials and shipping totaled ~$950. As has been previously discussed, the sculptor
generously donated his skill and time. Jim will obtain a quote from Murphy Granite in Cold Spring, MN,
for a granite block which City Works employees will then use to fabricate the base. Jim will report
further at the next meeting regarding anticipated costs of the granite, engraving, etc. and also the poem
written by the sculptor which may also be engraved, in total or in part, on the sculpture.
Sculpture Dedication Ceremony – Cynthy reported on communication with the Costa Rican
family formerly living in the Twin Cities, and now based in Texas. The features of the girl soccer player,
as designed by the sculptor, are based upon their two daughters. They would like to attend the
dedication ceremony, and commented that the last weekend of June is best for them. Cynthy also has
contacted Alvaro, her Costa Rican counterpart, and will communicate further with him regarding the
sculptor and others who could travel to Richfield for the ceremony. Jim has requested monetary
support from the City Manager to aid in the sculptor’s travel to the ceremony. Additional factors which
may impact planning include dates of the Richfield soccer season and whether their weekend games are
on Saturday or Sunday (Rori to contact Richfield Soccer Association), Richfield Arts Commission input
(Jim to follow up with them), and other planned City of Richfield events. Also, Jim will contact the dual‐
language school as a potential invitee.
RFCC Inventory – There are ~150 items in the RFCC inventory, some of which are stored in
cabinets at the Public Works Building, and others at Richfield Municipal Center. Cynthy is to provide a
list of the inventory for the next RFCC meeting. Discussion revolved around reducing the inventory,
pursuing hanging photos and other artwork in the Heredia Room, and rotating items through the display
cabinet at Richfield Municipal Center. In anticipation of the sculptor’s visit for the dedication ceremony,
there could be a collection in the display cabinet which would be focused upon him and his work.
Cynthy has additional pieces of his art which she would be willing to share for this project.
New Business: – Donation/Tax Return Letters – Jim and Cynthy have contacted RFCC members and
travelers from the March, 2016, trip to Costa Rica and informed them to forward receipts and details to
Ahmad for donated items taken to Costa Rica. The deadline is January 31.
Meeting minutes draft – Forwarding of the draft copy of minutes by the RFCC Secretary was
discussed. It was approved for the Secretary to forward the draft by “blind copy” to RFCC members,
staff liaison/s, and the Ambassador. Jim will provide the lists of email addresses list for these individuals
to JoAnn.
RFCC’s new officers – The Commission will vote on new officers at the February meeting.
Next Meeting ‐ 7:00 PM, Thursday, February 16, 2017 ‐ Richfield Municipal Center, (Heredia Room),
6700 Portland Avenue.
Submitted by JoAnn Boraas, RFCC Secretary