Richfield City Council Honors Outstanding Citizen of the Year; Retires Former Flag at Council Meeting

At the outset of its regular June 28 meeting, the Richfield City Council took time out to honor community members and organizations who have contributed to the city. The ceremony's capstone saw VEAP volunteer presented with the Gene and Mary Jacobsen Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award.

"I want to challenge each of you to look into your life and see if you're living a life of purpose," she said after being presented with the award by Mayor Debbie Goettel and Council Member Pat Elliott. Ahlquist also received a certificate honoring her achievement which was signed by Gov. Mark Dayton.

After being nominated by VEAP, the Richfield Human Rights Commission selected Ahlquist to be this year's outstanding citizen. Ahlquist told the crowd at Richfield City Hall that the organization was always looking for more volunteers.

In addition, American Legion Post #435 presented Richfield with the decommissioned United States flag from the old city hall site during Tuesday's meeting. First Vice Commander Jerry Martin gave the retired flag over to Council Member Tom Fitzhenry in a commemorative case; Fitzhenry suggested it be placed in a prominent position in the new city hall.

The was also presented with a $1,000 check by Area Manager Tod Norgren of CenterPoint Energy. The grant donation will be used by the department to purchase gas monitoring equipment in the coming year, and was accepted by .

Following the presentations the city council moved on to other matters Tuesday evening, details of which will follow in separate articles.