09-14-06 Special
CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING AND
REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY/ PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special Concurrent Meeting of City
Council/HRAlPlanning Commission
September 14, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 5:30 p.m.
Council Members
Present: Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Bill Ki)ian; Susan Rosenberg; and Fred Wrage.
Council Members
Not Present: Sue Sandahl.
HRA Members
Present: Martin Kirsch; David Gepner; and Joan Heimberger.
HRA Members
Not Present: Sue Sandahl; and Donna Drummond.
Planning Commission
Members Present: Gordon Hanson.
Planning Commission
Members Not Present: Jeffrey Karr; David Schneider; Maureen Scaglia; Greg Van Sickle; Eric Mayo;
Jeffrey Walz; and Kyle Hartnett.
Staff Present:
Steve Devich, City ManagerlExecutive Director; Mike Eastling, Public Works
Director; Bruce Palmborg, Community Development Director; Patrick Smith,
Community Development Manager; Bruce Nordquist, Housing and
Redevelopment Manager; and Cheryl Krumholz, Recording Secretary.
Camillo DeSantis, Richfield Community Council; Guy Peterson, Acting
Metropolitan Council Director of Community Development; and Denise
Engen, Metropolitan Council Staff Representative.
Others Present:
Special Meeting Minutes
-2-
September 14,2006
Item #1
Housing and Redevelopment Manager Nordquist presented Richfield's draft position related to
the Metropolitan Council's policy on housing goals for 2011 to 2020. Richfield's response included an
executive summary, list of indicators that were not and should be considered when.formulating the
new Regional Housing Policy because of the impacts to Richfield, and recommended Action Plan for
the Met Council to consider.
There was discussion regarding the impact of association fees on housing affordability.
Council Member Kilian said there is a need for affordable housing. However, Richfield bears
the cost to clear the land and then helps subsidize the process. The Met Council is asking a lot and
current residents are being asked to provide the financing.
Housing and Redevelopment Manager Nordquist stated the HRA and City Council have
willingly borne the cost burden.
Council Member Wroge said the costs should not be on the shoulders of Richfield residents.
He also discussed transportation issues related to housing.
Council Member Wroge continued that he believes the building being done in the City is
creating low cost jobs. There should be a concentration on bringing more expensive jobs in Richfield.
Housing and Redevelopment Manager Nordquist said the discussion tonight was trying to
present indicators to the Met Council to consider. The Comprehensive Plan provides an opportunity
to review priorities.
Council Member Rosenberg suggested there be more discussion on these issues at a Special
City Council Worksession.
Camillo DeSantis, Richfield Community Council, spoke about the attainability and affordability
challenges. He also expressed concern with the terminology "inclusion" and "areas of concentration"
related to their use and acceptance by the community.
Council Member Kilian stated population density also should be addressed with the housing
goals.
The City Council agreed another Special City Council Worksession should be scheduled to
continue discussion of Richfield's housing needs related to the Met Council's report.
C~~
Recording Secretary
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:
Date Approved: Se1>tember 26. 2006