Poppitz Ensures Sustainability Through Service

Meeting sustainability goals set by the City have been an ongoing challenge for the team at Edina Public Works. But it’s a challenge Equipment Operations Supervisor Richard Poppitz is up for.

In response to growing environmental concerns, the City Council approved its first Climate Action Plan in December 2021. It outlines 200 measures to slash greenhouse emissions to 45% below 2019 levels by the end of the decade. As local communities push for new ways to make infrastructure eco-friendlier, the City of Edina has made steady progress in the acquisition and implementation of electric technology for its fleet of vehicles.

The process of transportation “going green” at Edina has been no small task, however, and requires the hard work and cooperation of many people at the City to make an impact. A substantial portion of that work depends on Poppitz, who has been with the City of Edina since 2018. In his current role, Poppitz is responsible for overseeing the mechanical shop at the Public Works & Park Maintenance Facility, acquiring equipment such as vehicles and parts, and the negotiation of contracts for fuel and other commodities used by the shop.

Poppitz has worked on machinery since the age of 10 and brings extensive knowledge to the team on the mechanical side, having worked on everything from small parts and motors to heavy duty military vehicles in his service days with the U.S. Army – additionally, the City relies on Poppitz’ understanding of purchasing and obtaining quotes for equipment to operate a fleet of dependable vehicles – which now includes a number of fully electric (EV) and hybrid models.

Having an employee on staff who understands EVs as Poppitz does has been invaluable to the City, as new programs to curb emissions have recently launched. One of the most notable new initiatives is Edina’s Green Fleet Policy, which was developed as part of the original Climate Action Plan and revised in November 2022. Under the policy, anytime a vehicle is up for replacement its successor must be an electric version or else a strong case needs to be made for why it is not suitable. The policy requires all light-duty vehicles in the City fleet to be fully electric or use some other form of no-carbon fuel by the year 2030.

“Richard has been a rock star,” said Grace Hancock, former Sustainability Manager. When asked about his contributions to helping implement the Green Fleet Policy, Hancock noted that supply chain constraints have limited the City’s ability to purchase new EVs, citing instances of orders being delayed or cancelled at the last minute.

Through these roadblocks, Poppitz has remained focused and optimistic to serve his city. “His diligence and tenacity for getting the right vehicle in place for the end user has been impressive,” said Public Works Director Brian Olson.

Aside from being open and accommodating to sustainable transportation alternatives, Poppitz has done research to obtain a cleaner burning blend of biodiesel fuel for heavy duty vehicles in the fleet that don’t currently have viable electric options on the market. According to Poppitz, the possibility of purchasing hybrid street sweepers and other heavy-duty work vehicles has become more realistic, as well, and has garnered interest from the City. “I’m just doing my job” and “what’s best for the City,” Poppitz said. For Poppitz, who starts his long workday at 5 in the morning, while most people are still in bed, it’s about “giving it the best you got, every day.”

As a trusted and truly selfless leader, his extra labor around the shop “doesn’t benefit me directly, but it helps the rest of our staff,” demonstrating the commitment to service and quality work. Being able to tackle challenges and see progress being made after each day at work gives Poppitz satisfaction and a great sense of accomplishment. His longstanding dedication to the City makes him one of this month’s Values VIP Award winners.

To read more about how Edina is taking climate action, visit the City’s website.

View the City’s Green Fleet Policy at https://bit.ly/3ur7Ri0.