12-10 Work Session
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
City Council Work Session
December 10, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
The work session was called to order by Mayor Maria Regan Gonzalez at 5:47 p.m. in the
Bartholomew Room.
Council Members Maria Regan Gonzalez, Mayor; Mary Supple; Simon
Present: Trautmann; and Ben Whalen.
Council Members Edwina Garcia
Absent:
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Amy Markle, Recreation Services Director;
Rachel Lindholm, Sustainability Specialist; Mary Tietjen, City Attorney; Neil
Ruhland, Communication and Engagement Manager; and Kelly Wynn, Senior
Office Assistant.
Others Present: Michael Drysdale, Attorney with Dorsey and Whitney
Item #1 PRESENTATION OF ORGANIZED RESIDENTIAL CURBSIDE RECYCLING AND
ORGANICS COLLECTION
City Manager Rodriguez described that staff is looking for direction on the next steps going
forward and if there will be need for more work sessions.
Director Markle introduced the item and an overview. She spoke of the goal of where they
would like to be with recycling and organics collection by 2030. Director Markle pointed out that
Richfield is toward the bottom of the cities in Hennepin County concerning these items.
Sustainability Specialist Lindholm expressed the lack of education to residents regarding
recycling and organics collection.
Director Markle referenced the Hennepin County disposal projections and how organics are
the most common materials in the trash.
Sustainability Specialist Lindholm spoke to how they are introducing recycling in the parks to
help the issue. They want to see reduction in what is going into the trash.
Director Markle discussed the task force and events they attended in helping educate the
residents. She also addressed the organics drop-off program and how many residents are currently
participating. Sustainability Specialist Lindholm discussed the number of residents that would like to
take part in this program but are unable.
Council Work Session -2- December 10, 2019
Sustainability Specialist Lindholm detailed the RFP process, timeline and cities they spoke
with to help find the best solution for Richfield residents. They have requested proposals from haulers
and it has created competitive pricing. The goal is to decrease trash and decrease trash pricing
services. Other things being considered are revenue sharing, processing fees, education and safety.
City Attorney Tietjen addressed the legal consideration from the Garbage Haulers for Citizen
Choice as well as business concerns and differing opinions of definitions of trash and recyclables and
the potential exposure to liability.
Council Member Trautmann wondered if other cities have had similar issues going through this
process. City Attorney Tietjen is not aware of any legal challenges regarding organized recyclables
and organics.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez asked what category recyclables and organics in if they are not
considered solid waste. City Attorney Tietjen explained that they have their own category and have
their own definition.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez also asked when other cities used this process for organized
collection. Sustainability Specialist Lindholm explained there is no real precedence for this process.
She did address the example of Edina in which they are open for trash collection and organized for
recycling along with Bloomington is organized for trash and recycling.
Council Member Whalen asked if it is possible to quantify the legal risks, if any. City Attorney
Tietjen expressed how that is difficult to answer but feels confident in their interpretation. Council
Member Whalen asked moving forward, there would be reevaluation of risk if other legal action is
required. City Attorney Tietjen confirmed they would reevaluate.
Council Member Trautmann wondered about outstanding contracts with curbside organics pick
up. Sustainability Specialist Lindholm guessed there to be about 75 households. Council Member
Trautmann would like to make sure we are keeping the best interest of the residents in mind.
Sustainability Specialist Lindholm discussed the current three options for next steps. They are
looking for suggestions from Council. She addressed the three options along with pros and cons for
each possibility.
Michael Drysdale, Attorney with Dorsey and Whitney, addressed the Council and believes
recyclables and organics are solid waste. He also does not believe that there is a clear picture
pertaining to environmental and financial benefits. Mr. Drysdale also stated that it is not their intent to
bring litigation but will if necessary.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez thanked Mr. Drysdale for speaking and asked if the council had any
other comments or questions.
Council Member Supple would like to see option two eliminated because it does not make
sense for the goal trying to be reached.
Council Member Whalen agreed with Council Member Supple on eliminating option two. He
also addressed the resident feedback in that many bring up the issue of wanting to see fewer garbage
trucks on the streets. Option one is where he is most comfortable, barring any legal actions. Council
Member Whalen also asked about the transition from existing contracts to new ones pertaining to
cancellation fees, physical cart return fees, and other items that will affect residents.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez also supports option one. She thanked the staff and task force for all
the great work that has been done in this effort. She also believes that we are behind in these efforts
and need make changes.
Council Work Session -3- December 10,2019
Sustainability Specialist Lindholm addressed the question of opting in versus across the board
inclusion. She discussed what a few cities are currently doing but the process and charges vary
greatly from city to city depending on the needs and wants.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez wondered what the process would like going forward. Sustainability
Specialist Lindholm is attempting to keep costs as low as possible so residents are able to participate
but not sacrifice education and service.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez requested to see a comparison of what residents are paying now, the
proposals and around the county fees. She would also like to see a reduction of haulers.
Council Member Trautmann was curious of a level assessment in the worst case scenario of
legal exposure. City Attorney Tietjen stated there is no of knowing at this point.
Council Member Whalen wanted to learn more about the competitive process for proposals,
annual escalators for the residents, and the period of time a contract would be for and if we would
revisit this entire process.
Sustainability Specialist Lindholm stated the contracts would be for five years and then there
would be the option to renegotiate or possibly switch haulers. The bids they received did contain rates
for all five years that included annual escalators but the increase was minimal. The increases varied
depending on the carrier but were all relatively small increases.
City Manager Rodriguez confirmed that there was a consensus for moving forward with option
one but keeping Council in the loop on new findings and keeping disruption to the residents at a
minimum.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez reiterated that communication to the residents is very important in the
process as well as Dorsey and Whitney.
ADJOURNMENT
The work session was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:45 p.m.
•
Date Approved: January 14, 2019
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Maria Regan Gonza
Mayor
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K�e?ly W n Katie Rodriguez
Senior Office Assistant City Manager