EQC Meeting Date: October 21, 2026
To: Environmental Quality Commission
From: Sara Pabich, Sustainability Coordinator
Title
Staff Update
Body
Action Requested:
The EQC receives an update regarding staff activities.
Summary Report:
This update includes items not included as agenda items for this meeting.
Electric Vehicle Ride & Drive: The Electric Vehicle Ride & Drive at Northfield Middle School was a great success, with 147 EV test ride experiences throughout the event. Despite the weather, community members turned out to learn more about electric vehicles, ask questions, and get firsthand experience riding in an EV. The event provided a valuable opportunity for residents to explore EV technology and have conversations about electric transportation in a welcoming, hands-on setting. A special thank you to Rotary and Recharge for their partnership and support in making the event possible, as well as to everyone who participated and helped create a successful day for the Northfield community.
MPCA Planning Grant – Geothermal Feasibility Study: The City of Northfield is exploring the feasibility of transitioning the Northfield Community Resource Center (NCRC) to a geothermal heating and cooling system with support from an MPCA planning grant. The City is seeking proposals from qualified engineering and consulting firms to evaluate the facility’s existing heating and cooling systems, assess the feasibility of geothermal energy, and compare geothermal options with conventional system alternatives. If geothermal is determined to be the preferred option, the project may advance to design and construction documentation. Staff held a site walkthrough with prospective bidders this week to review the facility and provide an opportunity to gather information in preparation for submitting proposals.
NCRC Waste Collection Update: The new Northfield Community Resource Center (NCRC) has three-stream waste collection bins for compost, recycling, and trash. Compost bins...
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