04-14-09 Worksession - School Board
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special Concurrent City Council/
Richfield School Board Worksession
April 14, 2009
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Goettel at 5:34 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Debbie Goettel, Mayor; Pat Elliott; Fred Wroge; Tom Fitzhenry; and Sue
Sandahl.
Staff Present: Steven Devich, City Manager; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director; John
Stark, Community Development Director; Bill Fillmore, Municipal Liquor
Operations Director; Barry Fritz, Public Works Director; Jim Topitzhofer,
Recreation Services Director; Brad Sveum, Fire Services Director; Chris
Regis, Finance Manager; Frank White, Recreation Programs/Athletics
Manager; Karen Shragg, Wood Lake Nature Center Manager; Pam
Dmytrenko, Assistant to the City Manager; and Cheryl Krumholz, Recording
Secretary.
Item # I DISCUSSION REGARDING CITY AND SCHOOL DISTRICT
ACTIVITIES/INITIATIVES
A. City’s Foreclosure Programs
Community Development Director Stark reported on the current programs to address home
foreclosures in Richfield.
B. Gang activity prevention on weekends and weeknights
Public Safety Director Fritz reported on partnerships in place to address gang activity, which
is primarily through enforcement and intelligence with the Metro Gang Strike Force, but
prevention efforts are preferred.
C. Fort Snelling 9 Hole Golf Course development partnering with Minneapolis
Board Member Flood suggested the City Council consider purchasing the golf course.
Mayor Goettel explained the City Council previously discussed the golf course and decided
that due to its substantial disrepair it was not financially feasible.
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer added there would be the initial investment to
upgrade as well as the 30 year lease that the Minneapolis Park Board is unwilling to
relinquish without significant compensation for the polo grounds.
Special Worksession Minutes -2- April 14, 2009
City Manager Devich reviewed the history of this matter when Rich Acres Golf Course was lost.
D. School. District Athletic Department and City partner to improve athletic facility use
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer discussed the current partnering efforts between the
City and School District, including a new cross-country ski team program.
Council Member Wroge suggested the City Council and School Board review the current joint
facilities agreement.
E. Police/Fire/City Hall facility update
Assistant to the City Manager Dmytrenko reported on the progress of the construction of the
new facility.
F. Safe Routes to School
Public Works Director Eastling reported on the collaborative efforts related to this initiative.
Michael Schwartz, School District Business Manager, discussed traffic and safety issues
related to parents' school drop-offs at the Middle School due to the Metropolitan Council
Interceptor Project. He requested the project be completed by August 15 so there is no conflict
with the school year.
Public Works Director Eastling stated the City just learned the Metropolitan Council project has
been delayed one year because the plans to go to bid are not completed.
G. Urban Wildland Half Marathon & 5K
Wood Lake Nature Center Manager Shragg made a presentation regarding the race.
Superintendent Slotterback discussed the school district's efforts to address the perception of
the school.
Superintendent Slotterback suggested the City Council and School Board meet twice a year
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:50 p.m
Date Approved: April 28, 2009
Cheryl Kr mhol
Recording Secretary
City Manager