2021-06 CSCRICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CSC.REGULAR COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Municipal Center (Heredia Room)
PRESENT
CSC: Heather MacDonald, Jenna Hanson, Ralston Sacco, Brooke Nelson, Stephanie Nwaudo, Lisa Rudolph, Meredith Bruzek COUNCIL</: Ben Whalen
STAFF: Amy Markle (Recreation Director), John Evans (Secretary), Brianna Rodgers (Naturalist)
ABSENT
CSC: Joseph Miller, Kevin Wendt, Mejbah Ahmed, David Benson OTHERS: Crystal Brakke (school board)
Call to Order/Approval of Agenda & Minutes
Acting Chair MacDonald called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. Rudolph moved, seconded by Bruzek, to approve this meeting agenda and the minutes of the 5/18/21 regular meeting minutes.
Approved by consensus.
Public Comment
Rudolph read a memo from Richfield resident Jennifer Verbrugge, suggesting that Richfield staff add signage to Richfield parks to acknowledge that the land had previously been home to
indigenous people. Director Markle said that she approached the City Manager, who thinks that it would be a good project to be managed by the new Equity Administrator and built into
the City budget for the signage. Bruzek and MacDonald expressed support for the idea. Whalen said that it could take the form of a historical marker. Markle said that it would be worthwhile
to also approach the City Attorney about the project.
Staff Reports
Recreation Services:
Recreation Services Director Markle reported on the following:
Community Center and Wood Lake reopened on June 1. Masks are welcomed, but are not enforced.
Outdoor Pool opened on June 11. Very busy; great season pass sales.
Large crowds at the Arena and Farmers Market
Inclusive playground at Augsburg will open in late June.
Northland Recreation was selected to replace the play equipment at Christian and Fremont Parks.
Red, White, and Blue Days (4th of July) will hold a scaled-down event (no parade or fireworks).
Discussion Items
Urban Wildland Half Marathon & 5K
Naturalist Rodgers provided an update on the 19th-annual Urban Wildland Half Marathon & 5K, scheduled for July 30/31. She said that the half marathon is currently full at 500, but there
are still spots available in the 5K.
Action Items
Friends of Wood Lake Reappointment
Kathryn Louis was reappointed to a three-year term on the Friends of Wood Lake Board by consensus. Approved, ayes all.
Just Deeds Coalition
Director Markle talked about racially-discriminatory property covenants that were placed on many properties decades ago in Richfield, including on some park land. She said that the City
of Richfield joined the Just DEEDS Coalition to engage in community conversation about it, identify any other barriers that may prevent home ownership for any minority populations, and
reject these covenants. By consensus, the CSC voted to support a resolution for adoption by the City Council to condemn the covenants that were placed on current and any future park
land.
Committee Reports
FOWL: Bruzek. Planning: Nwaudo. <Arts: Rudolph. Friendship: Sacco. Sustainability: Hanson. HAVM: Nelson
Next Meeting/Adjournment
Regular July Meeting: <Tuesday, July 20, 7:00 pm, Municipal Center
Adjournment: < Meeting adjourned by consensus at 8:00 pm.
June 15, 2021