08-13 Regular
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
August 13, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Regan Gonzalez at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers.
Council Members Maria Regan Gonzalez, Mayor; Mary Supple; Edwina Garcia; Simon
Present: Trautmann; and Ben Whalen
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Mary Tietjen, City Attorney; John Stark,
Community Development Director; Melissa Poehlman, Planning &
Redevelopment Manager/Assistant Community Development Director; and Kari
Sinning, Deputy City Clerk.
OPEN FORUM
th
Ronald Bergland spoke about the safety of the roundabout at 66 and Lyndale.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Regan Gonzalez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M/Garcia, S/Whalen to approve the minutes of the: (1) City Council Work Session of July 23,
2019; (2) Regular City Council meeting of July 23, 2019; and (3) City Council Work Session of July
30, 2019.
Motion carried 5-0.
PRESENTATION ON RICHFIELD HEALTH RESOURCE CENTER
Item #1
Council Member Supple introduced Christina Gonzalez and Bridge Mckye from the Richfield
Health Resource Center.
Christina Gonzalez and Bridge Mckye gave a presentation of the services and resources that
the Richfield Health Resource Center provides.
Council Meeting Minutes -2- August 13, 2019
Council Member Garcia asked about the donations and partnerships that they have. Christina
Gonzalez shared that they are fully funded.
Council Member Whalen asked how many staff are available of which the presenters stated
that it varies upon the day.
Council Member Supple thanked them for their presentation and appreciated that as a middle
school teacher she can provide the students and parents with this resource.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez asked if there are any trends or issues of concern and if there are any
goals on how to support this resource. Christina Gonzalez shared that this is the newest center and it
is the most utilized. She also stated that adults can use the resource as well and the promotion of the
center to those that aren’t in the public school system. Mayor Regan Gonzalez thanked them for their
leadership and that Richfield is very fortunate to have this resource.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Item #2
Hats Off to Hometown Hits
Council Member Trautmann commented on the participation of community during Night to
Unite and thanked Bob England who used it as an opportunity to engage with his neighbors on an
environmental impact. He also appreciated our Police and Fire Departments for their support of the
event.
Council Member Garcia appreciates Night to Unite which is the best opportunity to hear from
the community in a comfortable setting and that the City Manager and Chief of Police participated in
the event. She also reminded residents to patronize the farmer’s market.
Council Member Supple also extended a thank you to those that involved in Night to Unite.
She stated that the most spoken about issue during Night to Unite was stopping for pedestrians in the
crosswalks. She also shared that the water meter replacement was very easy and gave kudos to the
Public Works Department.
Council Member Whalen said “ditto” to all that was stated about Night to Unite. He promoted
the joint Richfield Public Schools and City calendar. He shared that the Back to School Event will be
held at the Bandshell on August 15, the Experience Adventure event at Taft Park on August 17 and
18, and a block party at House of Prayer from 3-6 pm on August 25.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez thanked Ronald Bergland for speaking about the roundabouts and
would really like to prioritize an educational awareness for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists alike.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez promoted the Partnership Academy ribbon cutting will occur on August 23.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez really appreciated Night to Unite and building community relationships to help
protect one another, learn about each other, and reduce the fear of the unknown.
Item #3 APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
M/Trautmann, S/Supple to approve the agenda.
Motion carried 5-0.
Council Meeting Minutes -3- August 13, 2019
Item #4 CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Rodriguez presented the consent calendar.
A. Consideration of the reappointment, the firm of BerganKDV as the City's auditor for the
financial reporting fiscal years 2019 and 2020, and to authorize the City Manager and Mayor to
execute an agreement for such services. (Staff Report No. 93)
B. Consideration of the adoption of a resolution authorizing the purchase of three temporary
construction easements and three permanent right-of-way easements at 6600 Lyndale Ave S,
6701 Lyndale Ave S and 6801 Lyndale Ave S as related to the Lyndale Ave Reconstruction
Project. (Staff Report No. 94)
RESOULTION NO. 11639
AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF RICHFIELD TO MAKE PAYMENTS FOR THE
PURCHASE OF TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION AND PERMANENT
RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENTS AT 6600 LYNDALE AVE S.,
6701 LYNDALE AVE S. AND 6801 LYNDALE AVE S.
AS PART OF THE LYNDALE AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
C. Consideration of transfer of funds to close out a certain capital project fund. (Staff Report No.
95)
D. Consideration of the approval of the purchase of a truck chassis from Nuss Truck and
Equipment for $106,953 and dump box/snow fighting equipment from Towmaster, Inc. for
$104,668, totaling $211,621 plus taxes and licensing in 2020 for use by the Public Works
Department. (Staff Report No. 96)
M/Whalen, S/Trautmann to approve the consent calendar.
Motion carried 5-0.
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS, IF ANY, REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT
Item #5
CALENDAR
None.
CONSIDERATION OF THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS TO APPROVE
Item #6 CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS TO ALLOW SMALL WIRELESS FACILITIES AT
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE CITY. (STAFF REPORT NO. 97)
Mayor Regan Gonzalez presented Staff Report No. 97.
Assistant Community Development Director Poehlman stated the health impacts of the
installations were a major concern at the Planning Commission meeting of July 22. The FCC and
Legislature have determined safe levels of radiofrequency emissions for the general public and the
City cannot impose more stringent requirements than the federal government. The applicant has
provided studies that show they are within the limits given by the FCC.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez allowed for public comment of which Kathleen Balaban spoke about
the effects of electromagnetic frequencies.
Council Meeting Minutes -4- August 13, 2019
Council Member Garcia asked about the relationship between the City and the company.
Assistant Community Development Director Poehlman stated that the companies apply for these
locations and we have a good working relationship with them.
Council Member Trautmann asked City Attorney Mary Tietjen about the State Law that
requires cities to comply with 5G and data gaps requests and if more studies prove the health impacts
of the facilities in the future would there be resources or tools to help us. City Attorney Mary Tietjen
stated that the State gave the users the right to be in the right-of-way which forces Cities to comply
with their applications.
Council Member Supple asked about notifications of the new facilities to the neighbors.
Assistant Community Development Director Poehlman stated that the facilities placed into
residentially zoned areas were notified if they are within 350 feet but commercial and mixed use
zoning were not notified because they are already permitted by right. Council Member Supple urged
those that received notifications to view tonight’s agenda which had a lot of important information on
the pattern of dispersal. Assistant Community Development Director Poehlman stated that one home
with a tree that is very close to the transmitter will be notified by certified letter so that they will be
aware of it.
Council Member Whalen clarified that creating a buffer zone for those with electromagnetic
hypersensitivity is not possible; the World Health Organization has not stated it as a medical
diagnosis. Council Member Whalen also clarified that there wouldn’t be multiple on the same pole or
even along the same block. Council Member Whalen asked about the signage that AT&T could
provide and spokeswoman from AT&T stated that they have signage that does state about the
radiofrequency emissions that are up high for those that may be working on the sites. Council
Member Whalen asked if there are any at ground level but the spokeswoman stated that it’s more for
the crews that will be around the frequencies.
Council Member Garcia thanked staff for their work on the report.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez appreciated the discussion at the Planning Commission public hearing
and asked Staff if they did further studies on electromagnetic hypersensitivity of which Assistant
Community Development Director Poehlman stated that the two clarifications that Council Member
Whalen gave were the further studies. Mayor Regan Gonzalez stated her frustrations that we have to
open up our right-of-way to these companies and not knowing the individual health concerns. Mayor
Regan Gonzalez urged residents to get involved the legislative process for further studies.
M/Trautmann, S/Garcia to approve the resolutions to approve conditional use permits to allow
small wireless facilities at multiple locations throughout the City.
RESOLUTION NO. 11640
APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO
ALLOW A SMALL WIRELESS FACILITY IN THE
RIGHT-OF-WAY ADJACENT TO 7444 UPTON AVENUE
RESOLUTION NO. 11641
APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO
ALLOW A SMALL WIRELESS FACILITY IN THE
RIGHT-OF-WAY ADJACENT TO 6645 THOMAS AVENUE
RESOLUTION NO. 11642
APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO
ALLOW A SMALL WIRELESS FACILITY IN THE
RIGHT-OF-WAY ADJACENT TO 6845 THOMAS AVENUE
Council Meeting Minutes -5- August 13, 2019
RESOLUTION NO. 11643
APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO
ALLOW A SMALL WIRELESS FACILITY IN THE
RIGHT-OF-WAY ADJACENT TO 7044 HARRIET AVENUE
RESOLUTION NO. 11644
APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO
ALLOW A SMALL WIRELESS FACILITY IN THE
RIGHT-OF-WAY ADJACENT TO 7100 JAMES AVENUE
RESOLUTION NO. 11645
APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO
ALLOW A SMALL WIRELESS FACILITY IN THE
RIGHT-OF-WAY ADJACENT TO 7400 NICOLLET AVENUE
Motion carried 5-0.
CONSIDERATION OF THE ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPOINTING A
REPRESENTATIVE TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE RICHFIELD
Item #7
TOURISM PROMOTION BOARD (STAFF REPORT NO. 98)
Council Member Whalen presented Staff Report No. 98.
City Manager Rodriguez stated the update of the agreement will be brought before the City
Council in a work session on September 10.
M/Whalen, S/Supple to adopt the resolution appointing Lisa Rudolph to the Board of Directors
of the Richfield Tourism Promotion Board, Inc.
RESOLUTION NO. 11646
APPOINTING AT-LARGE CITIZEN DIRECTOR TO THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
RICHFIELD TOURISM PROMOTION BOARD, INC.
Council Member Garcia looks forward to the work session with the Richfield Tourism and
Promotion Board.
Council Member Whalen asked about the process for the recruitment. City Manager Rodriguez
gave a brief overview of how other cities have their tourism boards of which she stated that more
information will be presented at the September 10 Work Session. Council Member Whalen approves
of citizen appointment of Lisa Rudolph as she is the chair of the Community Services Commission
and creates the tie between recreation and tourism.
Council Member Trautmann opposes the process but is excited about the outcome; thinks that
Lisa Rudolph is great for the board; and looks forward to the discussion on September 10.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez is also looking forward to the Work Session on September 10.
Motion carried 5-0.
Council Meeting Minutes -6- August 13,2019
Item #8 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Rodriguez stated that Staff is actively working on greater education including
some pop-up events on roundabout education. City Manager Rodriguez extended a thank you the
Police Department and to those that helped with Night to Unite especially Jill Mecklenberg who
organized all of it and stated that it was an honor to get out and talk with residents.
Item #9 CLAIMS AND PAYROLLS
M/Garcia, S/Regan Gonzalez that the following claims and payrolls be approved:
U.S. Bank 8/13/19
NP Checks: 279529 - 280045 $ 3,417,160.06
Payroll: 147331 - 148110 1,430,415.57
TOTAL $ 4,847,575.63
Motion carried 5-0.
OPEN FORUM
None.
Item #10 ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:08 p.m.
Date Approved: September 10, 2019
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Maria Regan Got alez
Mayor
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Kari Sinning Katie Rodriguez
Deputy City Clerk City Manager