08-13 Work Session
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
City Council Work Session
August 13, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Regan Gonzalez at 6:00 p.m. in the Bartholomew
Room.
Council Members Maria Regan Gonzalez, Mayor; Edwina Garcia; Mary Supple; Simon
Present: Trautmann; and Ben Whalen.
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Amy Markle, Recreation Services Director;
Kris Weiby, Facilities Manger; Bob Baltgalvis, Recreation Supervisor –
Facilities; Chris Regis, Finance Director; Neil Ruhland, Communication and
Engagement Manager; and Kari Sinning, Deputy City Clerk.
Item #1 RICHFIELD ICE ARENA REFRIGERATION PROJECT INFORMATION AND STAFF
RECOMMENDATIONS
City Manager Rodriguez introduced Recreation Services Director Markle.
Recreation Services Director Markle gave brief introduction of how the ice arena is currently
being used and introduced Kris Weiby, Facilities Manager to the Council.
Facilities Manager Weiby presented a history of the ice rinks and the organizations that use
the rinks. The Minnesota Magicians, a Tier II junior ice hockey team, is sponsored by many Richfield
businesses and promotes the economic growth here in Richfield. The hope is to diversify the facilities
use with the project by holding dry events, such as vendor fairs, soccer events, and tournaments.
Council Member Garcia asked about the ban of R-22 Refrigeration and if it costs more.
Recreation Services Director Markle stated that the EPA has banned R-22 Refrigeration and Facilities
Manager Weiby stated that we would save money on the conversion.
Council Member Trautmann asked about stock piling and the resale of R-22. Facilities
Manager Weiby shared that we can’t really stock pile it because of the cost and the resale price of R-
22 is depreciated if used. Council Member Trautmann hopes that this will make Richfield a destination
city.
Council Member Whalen asked about the turnaround time between ice arena events and dry
use events. Recreation Supervisor Baltgalvis stated that it could take as long as a week but could be
around three days if needed. He also stated that the facilities could continually be dry floor during the
months of April to October. Council Member Whalen also asked about the loss of revenue during
construction which Facilities Manager Weiby stated that it could be about $450,000.
Facilities Manager Weiby stated that this would save the City $5000 per year in maintenance
costs. Recreation Services Director Markle went over the projected costs and how the project could
be funded. Finance Director Regis shared a history of the golf course funds and how the funds could
be best used for this project. Council Member Trautmann asked about any County level grants of
Council Work Session Minutes -2- August 13,2019
which Recreation Services Manager Markle stated that they could apply for them but it's based upon
the urgency of the project.
Council Member Supple thanked Staff for the information and understands why there is a need
for the project.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez asked if there will be any community feedback. Recreation Services
Director Markle stated that there will be open houses and tours available to answer any questions that
residents may have about the project and stated that the project will be up for Council consideration in
an October meeting.
City Manager Rodriguez stated that seeking feedback from the community is important and it
will be clear to the residents on how this will open the door for new opportunities for growth within the
City.
Council Member Trautmann applauded the commitment and passion that Staff has for the
project and it will help make this a great addition for our residents.
ADJOURNMENT
The work session was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:56 p.m.
Date Approved: September 10, 2019
vat_tnil Maria Reganz
Mayor
Kari Sinni -ice / Ka ie Rodriguez
Deputy City Clerk City Manager