EQC Meeting Date: September 17, 2025
To: Environmental Quality Commission
From: Risi Karim, Assistant to the City Administrator / Staff Liaison
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
- CERTs Seed Grant Application
A grant application to the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) Seed Grant Program for up to $10,000 to support labor costs associated with the installation of EV charging stations at the Northfield Community Resource Center (NCRC) in 2026. The CERTs Seed Grant Program provides funding for innovative community based clean energy projects across Minnesota, with an emphasis on projects that advance efficiency, renewable energy, and electric vehicle adoption at the local level.
As part of the application, the Community Action Center provided a letter of support in partnership with the City, as their operations include plans to purchase electric vehicles for organizational use. The City’s Carbon Reduction funds will cover the cost of the charging equipment itself, as CERTs Seed Grants may be applied only to labor and not to parts or materials.
To learn more about the CERTs Seed Grant Program, visit: https://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/certs-seed-grants
- St. Olaf Capstone Grant Research
Staff submitted a project idea for St. Olaf’s Environmental Studies 399 capstone class, and the City of Northfield has been selected as a partner organization. The student group will be researching grant opportunities and drafting a grant narrative related to geothermal funding for the NCRC building. Chair Provancha and Commissioner Petri will attend the student final presentation on Tuesday, October 28th.
- City Council September 9th Work Session
At its September 9 work session, the Northfield City Council heard from Dave Bennett, Public Works Director/City Engineer about the expiring residential waste hauling contract with DSI and plans for future services. The City will soon issue two proposals: one for traditional waste services (garbage, recycling, yard waste, and bulk items) and another to launch a citywide organics collection program. Council discussed whether organics collection should continue as an optional service or shift to an opt-out or mandatory model to boost participation. Northfield Curbside Compost, which currently serves about 700–800 households, shared that growing the program will require broader community participation. Councilmembers also emphasized the importance of affordability and equitable access, particularly for low-income residents. Staff will refine the proposals with Council input and release them later this year to ensure new contracts are ready when the DSI agreement ends.
https://northfield.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7645800&GUID=0145F7CC-EFF1-4193-B988-E74DBCDA508F
- Zoning Code Update Interviews
The Planning Department has begun the process of interviewing consulting firms to assist the City with a comprehensive update of the zoning code. This update is intended to modernize and align the code with current best practices, community goals, and adopted plans. A subcommittee of Planning Commissioners will join staff in serving on the interview panels to help evaluate the qualifications and approach of each firm. The interview process is expected to be completed by the end of the month, at which time a consultant will be selected to move forward with the project. Once under contract, the selected firm will work closely with staff, the Planning Commission, and the community to develop recommendations that ensure the zoning code remains clear, consistent, and responsive to the City’s long term needs.
Bridge Square
September 20, 2025
9am-1:00pm
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Commissioner Michael Provancha
- Commissioner George Kinney
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Commissioner Michael Provancha
- Commissioner Susannah Shmurak
Alternative Options:
NA
Financial Impacts:
NA
Tentative Timelines:
NA