11-23-04 Worksession
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special Worksession
November 23, 2004
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 5:30 p.m.
Council Members
Present:
Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Susan Rosenberg; Gertrude Ulrich (arrived at 5:34
p.m.); and John Enger.
Council Members
Not Present:
Staff Present:
Sue Sandahl.
Samantha Orduno, City Manager; Dan Scott, Public Safety Director; Pam
Dmytrenko, Assistant to City Manager; Jennifer Romo, Public Safety Clerk
Typist/Receptionist; Cheryl Krumholz, Recording Secretary; and Corrine
Thomson, City Attorney (arrived at 5:56 p.m.).
Item #1
ISAIAH, a faith-based organization, discussed the purpose of the City Council education
session, why a separation ordinance is necessary, review of the model ordinance, and testimonies
from the community.
Pastor Diane Roth, ISAIAH representative, explained the immigration ordinance is proposed
to ensure immigration status is not a subject of discussion in various types of encounters between
City employees and members of the immigration population.
Edwina Garcia read into the record, a letter from Richfield School Superintendent, Barbara
Devlin (Clerk's File No. C-402).
Council Member Rosenberg stated support for the proposed ordinance and the need for
sensitivity to issues of immigrants.
Council Member Ulrich expressed support for the proposed ordinance. She stated
resentment towards the federal government function regarding immigration falling down to local
governments. She encouraged immigrants to join the League of Women Voters as a way to become
involved in the governmental process.
Council Member Enger expressed support for the proposed ordinance because the City needs
to bring the immigration population into the fold of the community.
Special Worksession Minutes
-2-
November 23, 2004
Mayor Kirsch stated Richfield's goal is to be one community and needs to overcome some
immigration barriers.
Mayor Kirsch recognized the efforts of Recreation Programs/Athletics Manager Frank White
and the City's inclusive recreation programs.
Public Safety Director Scott explained the Richfield Police do not have the time to check
immigration status and they have some concerns regarding the proposed ordinance because there's
another side of the situation. He said the testimonies tonight were not Richfield incidents and no
complaints had been received on Richfield Police. He added that Richfield Police are good, serving
officers.
Council Member Ulrich stated the City has a Human Rights Commission.
The City Council consensus was to conduct first reading of the immigration separation
ordinance on December 14,2004.
Item #2
Assistant to the City Manager Dmytrenko provided a brief summary of background
information.
City Attorney Thomson summarized the results of a meeting on November 12, 2004 with city
attorneys from Minneapolis, Bloomington, Eagan and Mendota Heights. All the communities have
homes in the airport impact area and are concerned about the results of MAC's vote on November
15, 2004 to significantly cut back its sound abatement program.
City Attorney Thomson stated a Common Interest Agreement or Confidentiality Agreement is
proposed for City Council consideration at tonight's regular meeting to allow the City of Minneapolis to
provide to Richfield's City Attorney information on the strengths and weaknesses of legal action
without jeopardizing their position.
City Attorney Thomson stated there could be a Special City Council Closed Executive Session
on December 14,2004 to discuss potential litigation. During the Regular City Council meeting, the
City Council could state if Richfield is joining Minneapolis in litigation.
Council Member Rosenberg asked about the December 1998 agreement.
City Attorney Thomson stated that when it is more clear on the claims, the 1998 agreement
would be reviewed.
Council Member Enger stated there are some points in that agreement that MAC has not
followed.
Council Member Ulrich cautioned that the other impacted cities need to understand if Richfield
works with Minneapolis since they may not be pursuing the same avenue.
Council Member Enger stated it was important to work in concert for strength and support.
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:29 p.m.
Special Worksession Minutes
Date Approved: December 14, 2004
(."1 ~
<< 4. .~
/;Le:~~ .llJ :M1~~
Cheryl Krum olz '"
City Clerk
-3-
November 23, 2004
M?;~~1)
Y