12-18 Special
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special Meeting
December 18, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Maria Regan Gonzalez at 5:00 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; Jay Henthorne, Police Chief; Jennifer Anderson,
Support Services Supervisor; and Kelly Wynn, Senior Office Assistant.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Regan Gonzalez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDER TO APPROVE THE RENEWAL OF 2020
CLUB ON-SALE AND SUNDAY LIQUOR LICENSES FOR MINNEAPOLIS-
Item #1
RICHFIELD AMERICAN LEGION POST NO. 435, 6501 PORTLAND AVE S
(STAFF REPORT 182).
Mayor Regan Gonzalez presented staff report 182 and asked if staff had any additional
comments.
City Manager Rodriguez corrected the staff report in that the utility fees have been paid in full.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez opened the public hearing.
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Tom Eckoff, 7508 11 Ave S, finance officer for Post 435, expressed his appreciation to the
Council for taking time to have the meeting. He then gave a history of the Legion in Richfield.
Casey Ludwig, First Vice Commander, gave examples of the community events he has
provided through the Legion and thanked the Council for their time.
Chuck Munson, member of the Executive Board, wanted the Council to know what an asset
the Legion is to the City.
Jill Davis, President of Auxiliary, voiced her support for the Legion and gave examples of how
they support veterans, local youth and the community.
Special Meeting Minutes -2- December 18, 2019
Julie Schmandke, Legion employee, recognized the rules and regulations but wanted to
express the Legion is under new management and is working hard to make things right. She believes
the community and veterans need the post. All members are committed to the community and need a
place to come together.
Diane Miller, Legion Controller, thanked City Manager Rodriguez and staff for all their
cooperation. She has shared a financial plan and they are ready to move forward. She is available to
answer any questions or concerns.
M/Regan Gonzalez, S/Garcia to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0
M/Supple, S/Garcia to consider a waiver to approve the renewal of 2020 Club On-Sale and
Sunday Liquor licenses for the Minneapolis-Richfield American Legion Post No. 435, 6501 Portland
Avenue South.
Council Member Garcia recognized the Legion has been part of the City for a long time and
how much they do for the community. She appreciated how they worked with staff and the
transparency they have supplied.
Council Member Whalen thanked the Legion for everything they do in the community but
wanted to remind them that tax dollars also serve the community. He wanted to see more of how they
will be moving forward.
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Diane Miller came on staff March 1 and noticed right away the bookkeeping was not up to
par. She referenced the letter provided to Council via their CPA. The Board has put in the hours to
come up with a plan. She emphasized the dedication everyone is to making improvements. She went
on to give some examples of what they will be doing to avoid this situation in the future.
Council Member Whalen thanked Diane Miller for the humility and honest explanation and
would like to continue open conversations going forward.
Council Member Supple expressed appreciation on the letter from the CPA and how it greatly
influenced her opinion to approve the waiver.
Council Member Trautmann thanked the Legion for their service and how they are an
institution in the community.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez also thanked all the Veterans for all they have done and being a
foundation in Richfield. She also would like to keep communication pathways open in the future.
Motion carried 5-0
Special Meeting Minutes -3- December 18,2019
Item #2 ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:08 p.m.
Date Approved: January 14, 2019 ( n�
UROP/
Maria Regan Gonzalez
Mayor
L„).
Kelly Wyn Katie Rodriguez
Senior Administrative Assistant City Manager