Environmental Quality Commission

Members of the Environmental Quality Commission stand outside in park

Meetings

Third Wednesday of each month
7:00 p.m.

City Hall
2nd Floor Training Room
801 Washington St.
Northfield, MN 55057

Important documents

City Code for the Environment Quality Commission

Environment Quality Commission Bylaws (PDF)

Rules of Business (PDF)

Agendas and Minutes

9-15-21 EQC 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 AndersonChairDecember 31, 2022
Daniel JonesMemberDecember 31, 2023
Evan PakMemberDecember 31, 2021
Janet PetriMemberDecember 31, 2021
Mika TurnerMemberDecember 31, 2022
Michael ZennerVice ChairDecember 31, 2022
VACANT
Member
December 31, 2023
Lucy MenssenYouth Representative (voting member)2021-2022 school year
VACANT
Youth Representative (non-voting member)
2021-2022 school year


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
Beth KallestadProgram Coordinator507-645-3074
Cindy StockClerical Liaison507-645-3020
VACANTCouncil Liaison (ex officio)Not available

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.

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. 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

  1. 2020 accomplishments
  2. 2019 accomplishments

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

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 working on next year

  • 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”