05-22-07 Worksession
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special Worksession
May 22, 2007
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro Tempore Sandahl at 6:05 p.m.
I ROLL CALL
Members Present:
Sue Sandahl, Mayor Pro Tempore; Fred Wroge (arrived at 6:30 p.m.); Bill
Kilian; and Susan Rosenberg.
Members
Not Present:
Staff Present:
Debbie Goettel, Mayor.
Steven Devich, City Manager; Bruce Palmborg, Community Development
Director; Jim Topitzhofer, Recreation Services Director; Mike Eastling, Public
Works Director; Tom Foley, Transportation Engineer; Pat Smith, Community
Development Manager; Melissa Poehlman, Zoning Administrator; and Cheryl
Krumholz, Recording Secretary.
Item#1
DISCUSSION REGARDING COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE (COUNCIL MEMO
NO. 90)
City Manager Devich stated Council Member Wroge had a prior commitment so would not be
at the Worksession but would be at the Regular meting. Mayor Goettel is out-of-town due to a work
commitment.
Mark Koegler, Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc., provided an update regarding the progress of
the Comprehensive Plan update. The focus was on feedback received at the first community
meeting in February as well as discussions between the Planning Commission and Comprehensive
Plan Advisory Committee. (Presentation materials Clerk's File No. C-429).
Mr. Koegler concluded his presentation by asking for City Council input.
Council Member Rosenberg discussed a conversation she had with an east Richfield resident
who had concerns about being forgotten and not considered in the redevelopment along Cedar
Avenue and 66th Street. She stated she did not want the human factor forgotten with only the bricks
and mortar of a development considered in the Comp Plan. She suggested the Comp Plan review
include cooperation with churches and human service organizations, not just the school district.
(Council Member Wroge arrived at 6:30 p.m.)
Council Member Kilian said the human factor point was raised during the Comp Plan
community discussions.
Special Worksession Minutes
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May 22, 2007
Council Member Rosenberg added that the City needs to be who we are, not who we want to
be.
Council Member Kilian said the people adjacent to redevelopment sites are in an uncertain
environment. He suggested the Comp Plan include consideration of live-work unit areas and golf cart
use as an additional mode of transportation. He added that some small retail areas in the
neighborhoods are in tough shape.
Council Member Wroge stated his concern that development is bouncing all over Richfield.
He said the area of 66th StreetlLyndale Avenue is considered downtown Richfield and should be
defined. Development should not be piecemeal but rather have a planned outcome. He added a 20-
year plan that included high density multi-use that is now vacant should be evaluated.
Mayor Pro Tempore Sandahl said bike lanes need to be kept in mind. Also, upscale housing
for those with families who want to stay in Richfield. Affordable housing should be considered as
well. She added that development in surrounding communities should be considered.
Council Member Kilian said housing units, similar to assisted living, on the east-side of
Richfield along the Cedar Corridor may be a more compatible use with airport noise. It's not really an
area for children. Lower impact commercial use in that area would be more desirable, also.
Council Member Wroge said higher paying jobs, like Medtronics, are needed in that area, not
housing.
Mayor Pro Tempore Sandahl asked about the grid system being a plus.
Mr. Koegler said mobility and the ability to disperse traffic are pluses. The City does have a
high percentage of right-of-way.
Council Member Kilian suggested using the City's current infrastructure by having parking on
one-side of the street and the other side a bike/pedestrian lane instead of building sidewalks.
I ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:52 p.m.
Date Approved:
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Recording Secretary