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Environmental Quality Commission
Front row: Evan Pak, Janet Petri, Mika Turner
Back row: Bruce Anderson, Daniel Jones, Mike Zenner
Meetings
Third Wednesday of each month
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
City Hall, Council Chambers
801 Washington Street
Northfield, MN 55057
Meeting packets and supplemental material
Members
Name | Title | Term expiration |
---|---|---|
Bruce Anderson | Member | December 31, 2022 |
Daniel Jones | Member | December 31, 2023 |
Evan Pak | Vice Chair | December 31, 2024 |
Janet Petri | Member | December 31, 2024 |
Mika Turner | Chair | December 31, 2022 |
Michael Zenner | Member | December 31, 2022 |
VACANT | Member | December 31, 2023 |
Lucy Menssen | Youth Representative (voting member) | 2022-2023 school year |
Luke Pegram | Youth 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.
Name | Title | Phone number |
---|---|---|
Risi Karim | Staff Liaison | 507-645-3074 |
Sara Hoffman | Clerical Liaison | 507-645-3060 |
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.
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.
Despite having to pause a few meetings due to the pandemic, in 2020 the commission worked on a variety of projects and efforts with an overall theme of supporting the newly adopted Climate Action Plan (CAP). As the Climate Action Plan Advisory Board dissolved after the plan was adopted, the commission took on the role of oversight for implementation of the plan. Each of the six commission members served in a connecting role with residents and volunteers who are working on projects in the following six areas:
- Energy
- Land Use/Urban Forest
- Transportation
- Materials & Waste
- Food
- Water
2020 Accomplishments
- Updated the city’s noxious weed ordinance to address invasive plants
- Supported the Carbon Reduction Fund to assist with implementation of the Climate Action Plan
- Supported resolution of federal carbon fee legislation (will go to City Council in early 2021)
Projects for 2021
- Updating city’s Dark Sky policy to address blue-rich light and sending recommendations to the Planning Commission
- Developing a zero-waste plan, beginning with a plan for single-use plastics
- Collaborating with Planning Commission and city staff on creating a single “approved tree list”
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
-
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 55057Northfield Public Library
210 Washington Street
Northfield, MN 55057