EQC Meeting Date: October 15, 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
• HVAC Contractor Training
The City is partnering with the Air Source Heat Pump Collaborative (ASHP) to host a training for local HVAC contractors. The session will provide participants with the skills and resources needed to design and install heat pumps. The training, developed in collaboration with utilities, distributors, and manufacturers, will cover:
• customer research and industry trends
• sizing and design
• incentives and financing
More local contractors trained in heat pump technology means Northfield residents and businesses will have access to efficient systems that lower utility bills while helping the City meet its climate action goals.
Contractors attending this in-person session meet the requirements to join the Preferred Contractor Network, which connects homeowners with trusted heat pump installers. The training will be held on Wednesday, October 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Northfield Public Library, Bunday Room.
<https://www.eventcreate.com/e/air-source-heat-pump-northfield>
• MN Department of Commerce RFP: Microgrids at Community Lifeline Facilities
Staff is preparing to submit a proposal to the Minnesota Department of Commerce to consider the Northfield Community Resource Center (NCRC) for the installation of a battery bank. The NCRC serves as a critical community lifeline, providing essential services such as senior programs, Head Start, a food pantry, and other social support programs.
During disruptive events-such as power outages, severe weather, or other emergencies-the NCRC is particularly vulnerable because it currently does not have a backup generator. Installing a battery bank would increase the facility’s resilience, ensuring continued operation of vital services when the community needs them most.
<https://mn.gov/commerce/business/rfp.jsp>
• 2026 Environmental Quality Commission Work Plan
Please send me any items, suggestions, or initiatives you feel should be considered for inclusion in the 2026 Work Plan. We’ll review and discuss all ideas at next month’s meeting.
Keep in mind that the work plan will be limited to 4-6 initiatives, so please focus on action items that are both reasonable and achievable within the year. If there are any items from the 2025 Work Plan that you believe should be carried over into 2026, please let me know that as well.
• Holiday Schedule
As the holiday season approaches, please also remember to inform staff of any upcoming absences from meetings as soon as possible.
Alternative Options:
NA
Financial Impacts:
NA
Tentative Timelines:
NA