Richfield issues Earth Day, Arab American Heritage and Public Health proclamations; resident emails support housing legislation

RICHFIELD, Minn. — At its April 8 meeting the Richfield City Council issued three proclamations — for Earth Day, Arab American Heritage Month and National Public Health Week — and heard an emailed public comment urging the city to support state zoning legislation known colloquially as ‘‘Yes to Homes.’’

Mayor Mary Supple read an Earth Day proclamation noting the city’s climate action plan, recent municipal efficiency measures and upcoming volunteer cleanups. Rachel Lindholm, a city staff member, summarized Earth Day events and outreach: the mayor and staff plan a staff/council/commission cleanup on April 22 and a community‑center litter cleanup and resource fair on April 26 from 1 to 4 p.m.; the Sustainability Commission, led by Youth Commissioner Helen Burke, will also host a litter cleanup on Sunday the 27th.

Human Rights Commissioner Michael Zazara accepted the Arab American Heritage Month proclamation and said: "I would encourage our city and community members to consider our Arab American neighbors." Zazara described the proclamation as a call to build relations and counter discriminatory rhetoric.

Pixie Pixler of the Advisory Board of Health accepted a proclamation recognizing National Public Health Week (April 7–13) and the council noted themes including climate action, health equity and public health workforce support.

The council clerk read one emailed public comment from Blue Dela Quante of 6728 Russell Avenue South stating she supports state zoning reforms to allow more homes and walkable neighborhoods. The email said, in part: "Richfield must lead the way in supporting these Yes to Homes bills and continuing to make the city a welcoming place for new residents." This comment was recorded as submitted and was not debated by the council.

Under ‘‘Hats Off’’ community updates, Council Member Christiansen and others noted a public tour of the renovated Augsburg Library and upcoming openings; Council Member Hayford O'Leary encouraged residents to observe the start of street‑sweeping season; Council Member Burke promoted nominations for the Jean and Mary Jacobson Outstanding Citizen Award; and Recreation Services Director Hugh Miller and Council members described recent school visits and a Richfield Foundation fundraiser scheduled for May 1 at Woodlake Health and Office Center.

Ending: The proclamations were ceremonial and did not require council action beyond adoption; the emailed housing comment was received for the record and will remain part of the meeting record.