11-26 Regular
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
November 26, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Maria Regan Gonzalez at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers.
Council Members Maria Regan Gonzalez, Mayor; Edwina Garcia; Mary Supple; Simon
Present: Trautmann; and Ben Whalen.
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Mary Tietjen, City Attorney; Neil Ruhland,
Communications Manager; John Stark, Community Development Director; Julie
Urban, Housing Manager; Jay Henthorne, Police Chief; Amy Markle,
Recreation Services Director; Chris Regis, Finance Director; Wayne Kewitsch,
Fire Chief; and Kelly Wynn, Senior Office Assistant.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Regan Gonzalez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M/Garcia, S/Supple to approve the minutes of the: (1) City Council/HRA/PC Work Session for
November 12, 2019; and (2) City Council Meeting Minutes for November 12, 2019.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #1 PRESENTATION FROM ARTS COMMISSION
Council Member Supple introduced Joyce Marrie and Mia Simpson and commended the
projects they have completed in 2019.
Mia Simpson reviewed the mission of the Arts Commission and highlighted the items they
were able to accomplish such as the Poetry Contest and Trunk or Treat. She explained how they
grew and matured as a commission over the year and how their efforts were able to promote
community healing.
Council Meeting Minutes -2- November 26, 2019
Joyce Marrie expressed how happy she was with the success of the poetry contest and the
emotional impact it had on the community.
Mia Simpson described a few of the 2020 events that will take place like the filling of sidewalk
panels on Lyndale and a pool mural project.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez praised the commission on their excellent work and is looking forward
to the coming year. Council Member Trautmann also congratulated the commission on all of their
projects and the impact it has had on the community.
Item #2 PRESENTATION FROM COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
Council Member Garcia introduced Art Felgate and applauded the commission on all of their
work. She was impressed by the use of grant money and the thoroughness of their projects.
Art Felgate discussed some of their items from the year such as the dedication of the Richfield
Community Band shell stage, Round up for Richfield Parks, provided ice arena feedback, reviewed
the storm water system, universally inclusive playground, options for a dog park and many more.
Council Member Garcia asked about the potential of the Sustainability Commission. Felgate
confirmed that Rachel Lindholm will be heading up the commission.
Item #3 PRESENTATION FROM FRIENDSHIP COMMISSION
Council Member Whalen introduced Logan Thein.
Logan Thein reviewed some projects from 2019 including installation of the ‘Sophia’ statue,
unity of community at Penn Fest, planning trip in 2021 to Richfield’s sister city of Heredia, success art
exhibit, City Hall display case upkeep. Thein also spoke to the upcoming 2020 items such as focusing
on community engagement, 2021 trip to Costa Rica, and new display case objects.
Council Member Garcia encouraged people to visit Costa Rica and Heredia.
Item #4 APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
M/Supple, S/Trautmann to approve the agenda
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #5 CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Rodriguez presented the consent calendar
A. Consider approval of an update to the City's Capital Asset Policy. (Staff Report No. 145).
Council Meeting Minutes -3- November 26, 2019
M/Trautmann, S/Garcia to approve the consent calendar
Council Member Supple thanked staff for the available documents.
Motion carried 5-0.
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS, IF ANY, REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT
Item #6
CALENDAR
None.
CONDUCT A TRUTH IN TAXATION (TNT) PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE
2020 PROPERTY TAX LEVY, THE 2019 REVISED/2020 PROPOSED BUDGET
ITEM #7
AND PROPOSED 2020 WATER, WASTEWATER, STORM SEWER UTILITY,
AND STREET LIGHTS (STAFF REPORT NO. 146).
Mayor Regan Gonzalez introduced Staff Report 146 and Director of Finance, Chris Regis.
Director Regis described in detail the 2020 Budget and Levy Proposal. He walked through key
issues for 2020.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez thanked Director Regis for the information and commended staff for
working to cover increasing costs and appropriately using taxpayer dollars. She encouraged the
public to listen to the work sessions available regarding the information discussed as well as the
presentation given by Director Regis.
Council Member Trautmann also thanked the staff for their work and is happy with how the
City is improving and making commitments as a community.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez opened the public hearing.
M/Whalen, S/Supple to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0
M/Garcia, S/Trautmann to approve the 2020 property taxy levy, the 2019 revised/2020
proposed budget and proposed 2020 water, wastewater, storm sewer utility, and street lights.
Motion carried 5-0
CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING A SUBDIVISION AND PLAT OF
Item #8 PROPERTY AT 6812 EMERSON LANE, ALLOWING THE CONSTRUCTION OF
FIVE NEW HOMES(STAFF REPORT NO. 147).
Council Meeting Minutes -4- November 26, 2019
Council Member Supple read Staff Report 147 and asked if staff would like to add anything.
Director Stark referred to the staff report of the five lots not meeting the 6,700 square foot
space and added that 17% of Richfield’s lots do not meet the 6,700 square foot required space.
Council Member Supple opened the public hearing.
th
William Godbey, 7325 14 Ave South, spoke in support of the development. He enjoys the
option and ability to stay in Richfield.
Steve Archer, 6720 Emerson Lane, expressed confusion and frustration. He believes five
homes will just not fit in the allotted area. He would like the consideration of four homes. Mr. Archer
also requested cleanup of the vacant lots on Emerson Lane, stump removal, and some tree removal.
Jodi Powell, 6800 Emerson Lane, doesn’t believe the language in the staff report fit the
situation of going from five houses to four.
Gerry Scott, 42 year resident, does not believe the builder is honoring the neighborhood with
the design of the new homes.
Sarah Wiggen, 6633 Emerson Lane, expressed her distaste of the design of the new homes.
She believes the development could lead to degradation of the existing neighborhood.
John Powell, 6800 Emerson Lane, voiced his opinions of how five homes is just too many and
would like to council to vote no on the approval of the development.
Potential Richfield resident, spoke to how they have fallen in love with the design of the homes
and the property. He is looking forward to purchasing one of the new homes and living in Richfield.
Dustin Endres, builder, showed pictures of proposed housing and discussed the demand for
new housing.
Sarah Wiggen, spoke to how the existing residents did not oppose the plan of four homes. The
residents supported fewer homes but not the additional money and time to the builder.
M/Whalen, S/Supple to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0.
Director Stark addressed the concern of five homes versus four homes. The HRA did approve
selling the property for five homes. He also spoke to the hardship language within the staff report.
Director Stark also discussed how Richfield Rediscovered has been doing well and has a couple
hundred of prospective residents interested.
M/Supple, S/Trautmann to approve (1) the resolution authorizing a subdivision waiver for 6812
Emerson Lane (2) a resolution granting approval of a plat for Galatians addition.
RESOLUTION NO. 11677
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A SUBDIVISION WAIVER FOR 6812 EMERSON LANE
RESOLUTION NO. 11682
RESOLUTION GRANTING APPROVAL OF A PLAT FOR GALATIANS ADDITION
Council Meeting Minutes -5- November 26, 2019
Council Member Supple wondered about the drainage and water concerns. Director Stark
replied that Public Works has reviewed the plans and made sure it will meet requirements.
Council Member Supple asked about public safety and emergency vehicles accessing the
area. Director Stark responded that both the police and fire departments have reviewed the plans and
believe the needs will be met.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez asked for more information on the aesthetics of the new homes and
how they will fit in with the existing homes. Housing Manager, Julie Urban, replied that research is
done and they do fit well.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez requested clarification and misalignment of the comprehensive plan.
Director Stark spoke to how they are working on aligning minimum lot size and comprehensive plan.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez expressed her reasons of why she will be voting to approve the
resolutions.
Council Member Trautmann asked for a description of how the process was slowed. Director
Stark replied with how they were listening to the existing residents and opened up time for submission
of a proposal, however, none were brought forward. Council Member Trautmann would like the
existing residents to welcome their new neighbors.
Council Member Whalen acknowledged this is a feasible option for the vacant lot.
Council Member Garcia stated that she initially didn’t care for the renderings but was
impressed with staff on how closely this has been looked at. She will be supporting the project and
hopes it will be a good addition.
Council Member Supple thanked the residents for coming and speaking. She believes the
process was examined thoroughly and it will be a good project.
Council Member Trautmann called out Julie Urban and commended her on the work she has
done.
Motion carried 5-0.
CONSIDER A RESOLUTION GRANTING SITE PLAN APPROVAL AND
VARIANCES FOR A PROPOSAL TO CONSTRUCT A 127-UNIT APARTMENT
Item #9
BUILDING ON A PORTION OF THE LUNDS PROPERTY AT 6200 & 6228 PENN
AVENUE SOUTH (STAFF REPORT NO. 148).
Council Member Trautmann presented Staff Report 148. Director Stark discussed how it was
remarkable that there were only two variances on a proposal this large.
M/Trautmann, S/Supple to approve the resolution of site plan and variances for a multifamily
residential development and grocery store at 6200 and 6228 Penn Avenue South.
RESOLUTION NO. 11678
RESOLUTION APPROVING A SITE PLAN AND VARIANCES FOR A MULTIFAMILY
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND GROCERY STORE AT 6200 AND 6228 PENN
AVENUE SOUTH
Council Meeting Minutes -6- November 26, 2019
Council Member Whalen addressed the traffic impact concerns. Even with the additional
NOVO project, the 14,000 car pattern per day is below the 20,000 car capacity of Penn Avenue.
Council Member Trautmann spoke of a citizen concern of the building set back to the existing
properties. Director Stark confirmed that a minimum of 20 feet set back is required and this building
will be 48 feet. Council Member Trautmann thanked Director Stark for the clarification. He also
showed appreciation of the project and community feedback.
Council Member Supple commented on how listening to community feedback this project
became better and appreciates the builders listening.
Council Member Whalen thanked the Planning Commission on getting a more direct route to
metro transit.
Motion carried 5-0.
CONSIDER A RESOLUTION (1) ABOLOSHING THE LYNDALE/HUB/NICOLLET
MAINTENANCE DISTRICT ESTABLISHED IN DECEMBER 1980 (2)
Item #10 RESCINDING THE LHN MAINTENANCE DISTRICT SERVICES ORDERED FOR
THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2020 TO DECEMBER 31, 2020 (STAFF REPORT NO.
149).
Council Member Whalen read Staff Report 149 and clarified that maintenance will not cease
but it is shifting responsibility and who will be paying for the upkeep.
M/Whalen, S/Trautmann to approve the resolution of abolishing the Lyndale/HUB/Nicollet
(LHN) Maintenance District and rescinding approval for work previously ordered for the period
January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020.
RESOLUTION NO. 11679
RESOLUTION ABOLISHING THE LYNDALE/HUB/NICOLLET (LHN) MAINTENANCE DISTRICT
AND RESCINDING APPROVAL FOR WORK PREVIOUSLY ORDERED FOR THE
PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2020 TO DECEMBER 31, 2020
Motion carried 5-0.
CONSIDER RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CONTRACT WITH THE POLICE
LIEUTENANTS TEAMSTERS 320 FOR THE CONTRACT PERIOD JANUARY 1,
Item #11
2020 TO DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT (STAFF REPORT NO. 150).
Council Member Edwina presented Staff Report 150.
Assistant City Manager Dmytrenko credited the HR Manager, Jesse Swenson, in helping with
the negotiations as she is an integral part of the process.
M/Garcia, S/Supple approval of a resolution approving the contract with the Police Lieutenants
Teamsters 320 for the contract period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021 and authorize the
City Manager to execute the agreement.
Council Meeting Minutes -7- November 26, 2019
RESOLUTION NO. 11680
RESOLUTION APPROVING LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF RICHFIELD AND POLICE LIEUTENANTS TEAMSTERS 320
BARGAINING UNIT FOR YEARS 2020 – 2021
Mayor Regan Gonzalez thanked staff for the straight forward provisions and adjustments.
Motion carried 5-0.
CONSIDER RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CONTRACT WITH THE POLICE
SERGEANTS TEAMSTERS 320 FOR THE CONTRACT PERIOD JANUARY 1,
Item #12
2020 TO DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT (STAFF REPORT NO. 151).
Council Member Trautmann read aloud staff report 151.
M/Trautmann, S/Whalen approval of a resolution approving the contract with the Police
Sergeants Teamsters 320 for the contract period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021 and
authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
RESOLUTION NO. 11681
RESOLUTION APPROVING LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF RICHFIELD AND POLICE SERGEANTS TEAMSTERS 320
BARGAINING UNIT FOR YEARS 2020 – 2021
Council Member Whalen clarified that this item was for the Police Sergeants and the previous
item was for Police Lieutenants. He also gave testament to the unions.
Motion carried 5-0.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Item #13
City Manager Rodriguez had nothing to report.
CLAIMS AND PAYROLLS
Item #14
M/Garcia, S/Supple that the following claims and payrolls be approved:
U.S. Bank 11/26/19
A/P Checks: 282514 - 282907 $ 2,857,047.90
Payroll: 150147 - 150481 43071 - 43124 658,927.62
TOTAL $ 3,515,975.52
Motion carried 5-0.
Council Meeting Minutes -8- November 26,2019
OPEN FORUM
None
Item #15 COUNCIL DISCUSSION
• Hats Off to Hometown Hits
Council Member Whalen commended Media Coordinator, Neil Ruhland, on the success of
Richfield U program. He also appreciates the work Executive Analyst, Blanca Martinez Gavina, has
done so far with the Census count coming in 2020.
Council Member Supple was fortunate to meet with the prospective Youth Commissioners.
She also spoke of the TIF decertification and thanked staff for getting this process done and getting
money back to the taxpayers. Supple praised the works of Habitat for Humanity and the two houses
that were put up this year in Richfield. She also reminded everyone of the snow emergency taking
place at midnight.
Council Member Garcia mentioned that the MN House of Representatives Bonding Tour came
through Richfield and appreciated everyone making the time to answer questions. She also wished
everyone a joyful and safe Thanksgiving.
Council Member Trautmann applauded the Richfield Fire Department for donating 183 coats
to Richfield STEM School students. He also promoted the Richfield Farmer's Market that will be
opening December 13th through the winter at the Community Center.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez also congratulated the Richfield Fire Department and their work with
Operation Warm to donate coats. In the last four years they have donated over 500 coats to various
schools in the Richfield area. She also reminded the public to consider everyone in the community
during the holidays.
Item #16 ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:00 p.m.
Date Approved: December 10, 2019
G1 1.1)\`;7V
Maria Regan Gonia ez
Mayor
Kel y Wyn Katie Rodriguez
Senior Administrative Assistant City Manager