10-10-06 Worksession
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special Worksession
October 10, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 5:32 p.m.
Staff Present:
Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Bill Kilian; Susan Rosenberg; Sue Sandahl (arrived at
5:38 p.m.); and Fred Wroge.
Steven Devich, City Manager; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director; Bruce
Palmborg, Community Development Director; Jim Topitzhofer, Recreation
Services Director; Pat Smith, Community Development Manager; Randy
Hughes, Operations Superintendent; and Cheryl Krumholz, Recording
Secretary.
Members Present:
Item #1
Public Works Director Eastling provided an update on the new City maintenance facility,
including proposed site plan options and space needs.
City Manager Devich stated the materials storage "bone yard" at Taft Park could be moved to
the new maintenance facility to convert the area to an additional soccer field.
Operations Superintendent Hughes discussed the various material in the bin storage area
currently at the Taft Park site.
Council Member Kilian said the site plans reflect less square feet than the original footprint, so
it appears the building is two-story or has a basement.
Council Member Wroge asked about the cost impacts.
Public Works Director Eastling suggested the bids could be for various basement sizes.
Duane Day, SEH Representative, stated the square footage is decreased but the cubic
footage is increased.
Council Member Wroge said leaving the bone yard at Taft Park may be the only option if costs
significantly increase.
Council Member Kilian stated if the new building is at maximum size on this site, there is no
option to increase by putting in a basement later or adding to the footprint. The proposed plans build
a facility for current maximum capacity and there should be some thought about size options if more
is needed in the future.
Special Worksession Minutes
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October 10, 2006
Council MemberWroge said the facility should not be built for what may not happen or
worrying about 20 years from now - that's not fair to residents. He continued that nothing he's heard
indicates that Richfield is getting bigger.
Public Works Director Eastling suggested the City Council consider not investing in a green
roof but rather including a basement option to remove the bone yard from Taft Park.
City Manager Devich explained the need for this project to move along because bids are
planned to be let in February. The consultant needs to know how to structure the bid to obtain the
cost figures needed for the City Council to make decisions.
Public Works Director Eastling .stated the City Council will be provided updates on a regular
basis.
Item #2
City Manager Devich stated Council Member Wroge requested and the City Council agreed to
discuss the appropriate time for Community Development staff to notify Council Members and HRA
Commissioners of developer contacts.
Community Development Director Palmborg discussed the current redevelopment process,
including the administrative role and responsibility of staff and the role of policy makers.
City Manager Devich discussed a recent meeting with Jeff Worth, a developer who has
expressed a general interest in Richfield. He said this was an example of a typical developer contact
with the City.
Community Development Director Palmborg said some development inquiries come to fruition
and some do not.
Council Member Sandahl asked Council Member Wroge if he had any additional questions
since he requested this discussion.
Council Member Wroge stated he did not request this discussion because he understands
that the current City Council does not consider this a priority and that development takes time.
City Manager Devich said the request for this discussion was at a previous worksession.
Council Member Wroge continued that the City Council has the ability to sell Richfield to have
developers come here and not have them find Richfield on their own. If the City waits for developers,
it will take 10-12 years. The transportation system that surrounds Richfield should not be a negative
but used proactively.
Council Member Wroge stated his request was that staff keep records of developers who
express an interest in Richfield which may help explain why projects do not get done. He said this
tracking should not be difficult. Richfield has too many empty lots waiting for something to happen;
especially with the use of tax increment on Cedar Avenue and the need for more tax base.
City Manager Devich said everyone is proactive in Richfield and the possibilities of
development especially the tax increment area.
Council Member Kilian stated Council Member Wroge seems disingenuous to what has
happened in Richfield. There is a development inquiry process in place. He said some residents
complain that development is moving too fast and too much money is being spent. Staff works with a
master Comprehensive Plan set by the City Council so development is not haphazard and the City's
vision is followed.
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October 10, 2006
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:28 p.m.
& ~
Cheryl~OI ~
Recording Secretary
Date Approved: October 24. 2006