03-10 Regular
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Council Meeting
March 10, 2020
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; Ben Whalen; and
Present: Simon Trautmann
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Mary Tietjen, City Attorney; Neil Ruhland,
Communications Manager; Chris Regis, Finance Director; Melissa Poehlman,
Assistant Community Development Director; and Kelly Wynn, Senior Office
Assistant
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Regan Gonzalez led the Pledge of Allegiance
OPEN FORUM
No speakers
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M/Supple, S/Trautmann to approve the minutes of the: (1) City Council Work Session of
February 24, 2020; and (2) City Council Meeting of February 24, 2020
Motion carried 5-0
PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING MARCH 10, 2020 TIBET
Item #1
DAY
Mayor Regan Gonzalez read the proclamation and presented it to those present from the
Tibetan community.
Council Meeting Minutes -2- March 10, 2020
Tenzin Dhangson accepted the proclamation and spoke of their appreciation for the City of
Richfield in recognizing residents who are of Tibetan descent.
Item #2 APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
M/Supple, S/Trautmann to approve the agenda
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #3 CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Rodriguez presented the consent calendar.
A. Consider a resolution approving an agreement related to a previously approved planned unit
th
development at 1401 77 Street East (Audi Richfield). (Staff Report No. 38)
RESOLUTION NO. 11725
RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT
FOR A PLANNED PARKING STRUCTURE FOR AUDI RICHFIELD
AT 1401 77TH STREET EAST
B. Consider the approval of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recation
Gran Resolution to submit a grant for the Universally Inclusive Playground at Augsburg Park
and authorize staff to execute the grant agreement if awarded. (Staff Report No. 39)
RESOLUTION NO. 11726
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF A MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF
NATURAL RESOURCES OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANT AND AUTHORIZE THE
RECREATION SERVICES DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE THE GRANT
Council Member Whalen clarified the change in Item A is referring to the parking structure and
giving them an extension to provide the Audi dealership more time.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez commented on how there are two dealerships having parking
developments.
M/Garcia, S/Trautmann to approve the consent calendar
Motion carried 5-0.
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CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS, IF ANY, REMOVED FROM CONSENT
Item #4
CALENDAR
None
PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF TRANSITORY ORDINANCE
Item #5 PROVIDING FUNDING FOR CERTAIN CAPITAL IMPORVEMENTS FROM THE
SPECIAL REVENUE FUND (STAFF REPORT NO. 41)
Supple presented staff report 41 and opened the public hearing.
M/Supple, S/Whalen to close public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0.
M/Supple, S/Garcia to approve second reading of the transitory ordinance providing for the
expenditure of funds from the Special Revenue Fund for certain capital improvements.
Council Member Whalen highlighted how the liquor store profits help support the city parks.
Motion carried 5-0
CONSIDER THE SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
SUBSECTIONS 705.17, 715.05 AND 720.07 OF THE RICHFIELD CITY CODE
Item #6 RELATING TO SANITARY SEWER, WATER AND STORM WATER UTILITY
BILLING AND ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW SECTION 727 RELATING TO THE
STREET LIGHT SYSTEM (STAFF REPORT NO. 42)
Council Member Trautmann read staff report 42 and explained this is to free up staff time and
provide clear expectations to property owners.
M/Trautmann, S/Garcia to approve the second reading of an ordinance amending Subsections
705.17, 715.05, and 720.07 of the Richfield City Code relating to sanitary sewer, water and storm
water utility billing and establishment of a new section 727 relating to the street light system.
Motion carried 5-0
CONSIDER A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF $5,375,000
Item #7
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS SERIES 2020A (STAFF REPORT NO. 43)
Council Member Whalen presented staff report 43.
Director Regis stated he believed this is a good move for the City.
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Council Member Whalen commented on how he appreciated the staff always looking out for
opportunities to save the residents money.
M/Whalen, S/Supple to approve the attached resolution providing for the sale of $5,375,000
General Obligation Bonds, Series 2020A.
RESOLUTION NO. 11727
RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF
$5,375,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2020A
Mayor Regan Gonzalez commented on the extremely detailed historical context of the staff
report and its helpfulness.
Council Member Supple highlighted how important it is that the City is re-lining the water
mains to keep them in good condition.
Motion carried 5-0
Item #6
City Manager Rodriguez had nothing to report.
Item #7 CLAIMS AND PAYROLL
M/Garcia, S/Trautmann that the following claims and payrolls be approved:
U.S. Bank 03/10/2020
A/P Checks 285293 - 285624 $ 899,759.76
Payroll: 152792 153128 43135 431636 689,314.85
TOTAL $ 1,589,074.61
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #8 HATS OFF TO HOMETOWN HITS
Council Member Garcia reminded residents to help pick up trash and clearing out storm drains
as the snow continues to melt. She also spoke of keeping an eye on your neighbors and to help those
in need. Council Member Garcia thanked City Manager Rodriguez for all of her hard work and would
like her to know how much she is appreciated.
Council Member Trautmann in moving
forward in the Minnesota State High School League tournament. He also reminded residents of the
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upcoming fundraising dinner for the Wood Lake Nature Center, April 24, and to donate for the silent
auction.
Council Member Whalen acknowledged City Clerk VanHoose and all the election judges for
their hard work and dedication when it came to the presidential primary. He also thanked the Jewish
Community Action, along with a few other groups, who hosted a forum on housing and protection
needs for construction workers. He then thanked the Richfield Ready Committee for hosting their
annual breakfast to support local youth and talks on mental health. Council Member Whalen reminded
residents of the next housing work session on March 16, 2020. He also encouraged residents to
attend the upcoming events on March 23 and March 26 with the Congress for New Urbanism
regarding the Portland and 494 gateway.
Council Member Supple thanked City Clerk VanHoose and all the election judges for the hours
they put in for the presidential primary. She also reminded residents to pick up after their pets when
out for walks to keep City parks and streets looking beautiful. She then spoke of the over 80 poems
submitted for the sidewalk contest hosted by the Arts Commission. The commission is still narrowing
down the selections by both adult and youth submissions. Council Member Supple commented on the
Human Rights Commission opening up the application process for the Gene and Mary Jacobson
Outstanding Citizen award. Nominations are due by April 30, 2020. She also reminded residents to be
mindful of speeds on residential streets as more people are outdoors.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez spoke of the Census invitations residents will be receiving and how
crucial it is for members to fill out the forms correctly. On April 1, 2020, residents are able to come to
the Community Center from 6-8pm and receive assistance in filling out their Census forms. She then
reminded people to view the new Recreation Services Guide. The guide registration is now open and
is full of classes and programming for youth and adults. Mayor Regan Gonzalez echoed thanks to City
Clerk VanHoose, staff and election judges. Running an election is a huge undertaking and she
requested the community come together and volunteer to become election judges. She then spoke of
the City of Richfield Annual Review that will be coming out in the near future. She also reminded
residents of the Community Survey is available online.
City Manager Rodriguez spoke of the opt-in option to fill out the surveys online. However, if
residents received a survey in the mail to please fill out and return that survey.
Item #9ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 7:40 p.m.
Date Approved: March 24, 2020
Maria Regan Gonzalez
Mayor
Kelly Wynn Katie Rodriguez
Senior Office Assistant City Manager