11-24-15 Worksession CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
• Richfield, Minnesota
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J Th nHometown Special City Council Worksession
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November 24, 2015
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Goettel at 5:45 p.m. in the Bartholomew Room.
Council Members Debbie Goettel, Mayor; Pat Elliott; Edwina Garcia; Tom Fitzhenry; and
Present: Michael Howard
Staff Present: Steven L. Devich, City Manager; Kristin Asher, Public Works Director; Pam
Dmytrenko, Assistant City Manager/HR Manager; Jeff Pearson, City
Engineer; Mary Tietjen, City Attorney; and Cheryl Krumholz, Executive
Coordinator.
Item #1 UPDATE REGARDING 66TH STREET MEDIAN DESIGN (COUNCIL MEMO NO.
101)
City Engineer Pearson discussed the results of the resident outreach efforts through Richfield
Connect and a public open house held on November 19, 2015 on the proposal to close medians
along the 66th Street Corridor.
Mr. Pearson reviewed the recommended options for consideration:
• Option A—full medians at Morgan Avenue, Knox Avenue, James Avenue & 2nd Avenue.
• Option B—West Only—full medians at Morgan, Knox and James Avenues
• Option C —enhanced park access; full median at James Avenue
• Option D— no change; full medians at previously approved location
The City Council consensus was to have Hennepin County move forward with Option C.
Item #2 DISCUSSION REGARDING STEVENS AVENUE STORM (COUNCIL MEMO NO.
101)
Maury Hooper, Hennepin County, discussed two options to address the storm water capacity
issues at Stevens Avenue and 66th Street.
• Option A—gravity system to Milner Pond. Because of the large hill between the drainage
area and the pond, the pipe would have to be bored which would be a significant cost.
• Option B —acquisition of one property from a willing seller, a dry holding pond and the
most economical.
Mr. Hooper stated Hennepin County recommends proceeding with Option B from a cost
standpoint.
The City Council consensus was to proceed with Option B.
Special Worksession Minutes -2- November 24, 2015
Item #3 DISCUSSION REGARDING STANDARD PROCEDURES FOR CITY COMMISSIONS
(COUNCIL MEMO NO. 98)
Assistant City Manager/HRA Manager Dmytrenko and City Attorney Tietjen presented
proposed changes to City Code, Section 305, Commissions; Board. Several substantive and
housekeeping changes were recommended in order to provide more clear, simplified and standard
procedures governing commissions.
Mayor Goettel commented that commissions should be expanded to include youth members,
feedback from the commissions should be obtained regarding attendance requirements, and
recruiting only two times per year may be a concern for some commissions.
Ms. Dmytrenko explained the City Council could direct commissions to include youth
members.
Council Member Howard expressed concern that the 75% attendance requirement may be a
deterrent to some individuals and suggested lower the threshold and mitigate for extenuating
circumstances.
Council Member Fitzhenry suggested removing the word `automatically' for removal from the
commission because excused and unexcused absences should be considered. He added it should
be the City Council's discretion regarding removal of a Commissioner.
Ms. Dmytrenko stated the ordinance is scheduled for first reading at tonight's Regular City
Council Meeting and the ordinance would be amended with the suggested changes for the second
reading on December 8, 2015.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:50 p.m.
Date Approved: December 8, 2015
bie eoettel
Ma or / 1I
Cheryl Kfumhol 0 S - - L. Devich
Executive Coordinator City Manager