Environmental Quality Commission

Environmental Quality Commission 2022 receiving the GreenStep City Award for steps 4 and 5

GreenStep City Step 4 and Step 5 Award presentation. Pictured: Mayor Rhonda Pownell; members of the Environmental Quality Commission: Lucy Mennsen,  Evan Pak, Mika Turner, Michael Zenner, Janet Petri, Bruce Anderson, Daniel Jones, and Luke Pegram; Chris Meyers from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; and Risi Karim, staff liaison to the commission.

Meetings

Third Wednesday of each month
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

City Hall, Council Chambers

801 Washington Street
Northfield, MN 55057

Assistance

  1. Hearing Assistance Available

    In the Council Chambers, an induction loop system is provided for hearing device users. To use, turn your hearing device to the "T" setting or request a loop receiver.

Important documents

City Code for the Environment Quality Commission

Environment Quality Commission Bylaws (PDF)

Rules of Business (PDF)

City's Strategic Plan

City's Comprehensive Plan

City Code/Charter

Meeting packets and supplemental material

11-16-22 EQC Meeting Agenda Packet

City Meeting Archives Opens in new window
The City meeting archives contain agendas, minutes, handouts and additional information.

  1. City Meeting Portal Opens in new window
    The City meeting portal allows you to view live streamed meetings and agendas with clickable links.

Members

NameTitleTerm expiration
Bruce AndersonMemberDecember 31, 2022
George KinneyMemberDecember 31, 2023
Martha LarsonMemberDecember 31, 2025
Daniel JonesMemberDecember 31, 2023
Evan PakVice ChairDecember 31, 2024
Janet PetriMemberDecember 31, 2024
Mika TurnerChairDecember 31, 2022
Lucy MenssenYouth Representative (voting member)2022-2023 school year
Luke PegramYouth Representative (non-voting member)
2022-2023 school year


Contacting the commission

If you have questions or comments, you can email the commission. Each member will receive your email. When replying to your email, a commission member cannot reply to all members, only to you. This avoids violating the open meeting law.

Email the Environmental Quality Commission

Liaisons

For general information about the commission, please contact a staff liaison. Also, if you have questions or comments for the commission, contact a staff liaison and they will assist.

NameTitlePhone number
Risi KarimAssistant to the City Administrator507-645-3074
Sara HoffmanDeputy City Clerk/Executive Administrative Assistant507-645-3060

Overview

The City of Northfield Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) advises on matters concerning environmental quality and natural resources, including the implementation of the environmental policy enacted by ordinance.

  1. 2021 accomplishments
  2. 2020 accomplishments

2021 Accomplishments

  • Resolution of support passed for:
    • Draft Zero Waste Plan for City
    • Draft Sustainable Building Policy for City
    • State of Minnesota Clean Cars Rulemaking
    • Minnesota Local Government Coalition Comment Letter regarding  Xcel Energy's Integrated Resource Plan
    • Minnesota Local Government Coalition Climate Emergency Declaration
  • Transportation Needs Assessment Project initiated by AmeriCorps/VISTA member
  • Input on Carbon Reduction Fund implementation.
  • Research and investigation of electric grid congestion issues affecting adoption of on-site solar in our community.
  • Carbon-free electricity strategy development and partnership with Nokomis Energy to develop a Clean Energy Transition Plan.
  • SolSmart application and designation at Silver level.
  • Partnered in expanded Arbor Day tree planting event.
  • Provided input to staff on development of tree planting and management to support two grants.
  • Proposal for water conservation rebates.

Projects for 2022

  • Continuing to support locally generated clean energy.
  • Comments on the Xcel Energy Integrated Distribution Plan for 2022-2031.
  • Enhancing the city tree canopy and more volunteer engagement around trees.
  • Water conservation rebate program.
  • Increased outreach and education around the Climate Action Plan items.

Membership requirements

The commission consists of seven members appointed by the mayor and approved by the City Council. Each member serves a three-year term. There is a consecutive three-term limit. Members do not receive monetary compensation.

Applying

  1. You can apply to more than one board, commission or task force.

    Apply for a board, commission, or task force

    Applications are also available at:

    City Hall
    801 Washington Street
    Northfield, MN 55057

    Northfield Public Library
    210 Washington Street
    Northfield, MN 55057