Openings on Health, Arts, Civil Service, Housing  and Friendship City Commissions

The Richfield City Council is extending its commission application process to fill the remaining openings on the city’s Advisory Board of Health, Arts Commission, Civil Service Commission, Friendship City Commission and the recently vacated seat on the Housing and Redevelopment Authority. 

Richfield’s commissions, boards and authorities are the places where future changes to the city begin. These groups have helped add public art to the community, championed the raising of the tobacco product purchasing age and guided redevelopment into the community.

Commissions review materials within the scope of their particular subject area, or as directed by the city council. They also make recommendations to the city council based on evidence, research and reports.

The Advisory Board of Health is charged with monitoring health programs in the city to ensure that municipal services are addressing the health needs of Richfield's citizens. The board meets the third Monday, January through May, September and October at 6 p.m.

The purpose of the Arts Commission is to raise awareness of, promote the value of, advocate for and support the arts in Richfield. Meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m., February-November.

The Civil Service Commission concerns itself with the recruitment and screening of firefighter applicants. The duties and authority of this commission are prescribed by Minnesota state statutes.

The Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) was created in 1975 to assure the long-term vitality of Richfield's residential and commercial property. The HRA undertakes certain types of housing, economic, and commercial/industrial development and redevelopment or renewal activities within the city, using federal, state, and local funds to create and administer programs that encourage investment in the city. The HRA is a combination of three citizens and two council member commissioners. The authority holds monthly meetings on the third Monday of every month at 7 p.m.

The Friendship City Commission is charged with maintaining an ongoing friendship city relationship with Heredia, Costa Rica for mutual community-wide enrichment. The commission holds monthly meetings on the third Thursday at 7:00 p.m.

Commission members must be Richfield residents. Adult commissioners serve three-year terms that are staggered to avoid vacancies in all positions. Youth commissioners are appointed to a one-year term and must be at least 15 years old and actively enrolled in a Richfield high school or equivalent within the city.

Applications will be accepted through February 24, 2021. The city council will then interview all applicants.

Community members, whether they be adults or youth, interested in being considered for an appointment to a city commission should submit a completed application to the city manager’s office. Applications are available online at www.richfieldmn.gov/commission-vacancies or by calling 612-861-9701.