04-28 Work Session
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
City Council Work Session
Virtual Meeting held via WebEx
April 28, 2020
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Regan Gonzalez at 5:49 p.m. held via WebEx.
Council Members Maria Regan Gonzalez, Mayor; Mary Supple; Simon Trautmann;
Present: and Ben Whalen.
Council Members Edwina Garcia
Absent:
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Blanca Martinez Gavina, Executive Analyst;
and Kelly Wynn, Senior Office Assistant
ITEM #1 STRATEGIC PLANNING UPDATE
City Manager Rodriguez gave a brief update regarding Strategic Planning. A meeting will be
set up in May to compile ideas for goal setting. Due to the pandemic, Strategic Planning itself will be
postponed until 2021.
ITEM #2 REVIEW OF COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS
City Manager Rodriguez provided background information on why the survey was conducted.
The City was able to hear from residents, see benchmarking against peers, demographic differences
and actionable data. She then discussed the methodology of the randomized survey that included a
mailing of 2,500 surveys with 566 returned. There was also an online opt-in survey that had 107
residents respond. City Manager Rodriguez then provided results of how livability in Richfield
compares well nationally. Overall, residents like living in Richfield. It is a desirable place to live with
safety as a feature that contributes to quality of life. Residents applaud mobility in Richfield and are
very pleased with the Parks and Recreation Department.
City Manager Rodriguez then presented results of areas in Richfield that compared well but
received lower marks such as vibrancy of commercial areas; cost of living; availability of quality
affordable housing and mental health care; opportunities for education, culture and the arts; residents
connection and engagement with their community.
City Manager Rodriguez discussed a summary of Minnesota benchmark results by relative
percent positive rating. Areas Richfield scored higher than MN peers were public transportation, ease
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of bike travel, snow removal and drinking water. Two areas Richfield scored lower than MN peers
were overall opportunities for education, culture and the arts and K-12 education. She also reported
areas that ranked in the top third of MN benchmark by relative rank such as overall confidence in
Richfield government, overall direction that Richfield is taking, treating all residents fairly, quality and
vibrancy of businesses, employment opportunities and more.
City Manager Rodriguez presented demographic analysis regarding livability and governance.
Results showed people of color (POC) ranked positive image and reputation slightly higher while
homeowners and residents in detached homes were more likely to stay in Richfield. However, POC
gave lower marks to customer service. Also, older residents reported having more confidence in
government while younger residents like the direction of the City better. As well as customer service
ratings for POC were sixteen points lower than white residents and males felt most respected.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez stated it is concerning to see and is problematic. She spoke of how
more research needs to be done around affordable housing and action needs to come out of the
research.
Council Member Supple spoke of how sixteen points regarding customer service is a
significant spread.
City Manager Rodriguez explained how equity is a major priority. The work is slow but action is
being taken to diversify the work force. Several steps have been taken including joining multiple
groups to promote equity and the City will continue its work to improve.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez spoke of the customer service aspect and how everyone should look
at how the City can do better as a whole to provide for all residents in being helpful and respectful.
City Manager Rodriguez explained how all department directors have the information
regarding the survey as well. She went on to state that customer service ratings are high but there is a
discrepancy.
Council Member Trautmann asked for clarification on what POC rating positive image and
reputation slightly higher meant.
City Manager Rodriguez explained how the information is compiled and broken down by
demographic sub groups and will show if a certain community demographic is rating something
Council Member Trautmann echoed the thoughts of other council members in that equity is
urgent and perpetual. He appreciates how staff is making great strides.
Council Member Supple asked about the result of residents more likely to stay. City Manager
Rodriguez clarified the question in the survey regarded living in Richfield in the next five years.
City Manager Rodriguez then spoke of results regarding economy; mobility; community
design; utilities; safety; natural environment and parks/recreation; health/wellness; education, arts and
culture; inclusivity and engagement.
Council Member Whalen explained how some information is not surprising. As a white person,
it may not be known how other groups are not made welcome. There is definitely more work to do to
become equitable. He spoke of how important it is to hear from the groups that are not feeling
included and welcomed in order to determine solutions.
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City Manager Rodriguez agreed with Council Member Whalen and spoke of how it has
become a very important goal of City board and commissions to help. She then went on to discuss
demographic analysis of participation and online engagement and preference for sources of
information.
Council Member Supple was curious to the result of residents 55 years and older as well as
POC were more likely to campaign. City Manager Rodriguez explained it was to campaign for an
issue or candidate.
City Manager Rodriguez continued on to touch on demographic analysis concerning
community focus area and the customized questions. The customized questions resulted in
supporting what employees have already heard from residents. She briefly spoke of the online survey
results even though they were not statistically valid. Unfortunately, the responses were generally less
positive. City Manager Rodriguez then summarized some key takeaways from the survey in that
Richfield does well compared to peers; the strengths line up well with values and areas of
improvement correspond with priorities; residents want a focus on safety, economic health, parks and
recreation along with the natural environment; and demographic differences demonstrate a need for
more equitable service delivery.
Council Member Whalen commented on the need to name things during the goal setting
meeting that came out of the survey. He asked to have clear action steps bulleted in response to the
needs of the survey.
City Manager Rodriguez said staff can absolutely make that happen. She also stated how this
survey provided a lot of good news for the City. There is something for each department to be proud
of regarding the results. She also gave praise to Communications and Engagement Manager, Neil
Ruhland, in all his efforts. She then stated how Council should be very proud of their work. There is
data to be used and department directors will be able to utilize this survey as one more tool.
Council Member Supple
and to pay attention to results and fix things such as customer service
Mayor Regan Gonzalez thanked City Manager Rodriguez for sharing all the information and
commended her on the positive results. She spoke of being able to share these results with business,
non-profit organizations, and education partners to become a more robust City. She commented on
how people are happy and the City should build on that aspect. Mayor Regan Gonzalez also stated
how equity is their work and everyone should push to grow abilities and deliver core services in a
variety of ways.
Council Member Whalen thanked all staff involved. He pointed out how there is a lot of
positives to take away from the survey. He then gave a special call out to the Public Works
Department.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez described how fortunate the residents of Richfield are to have such
great leadership. Especially in a time of crisis, all people and groups are coming together.
Council Member Trautmann asked about a frequency of the survey and if it will be an annual
item. City Manager Rodriguez explained it is an expensive undertaking so most likely it will be done
every two to three years.
Council Member Supple asked about the results of the COVID-19 survey that was distributed.
City Manager Rodriguez spoke of the great response rate. The results are being compiled now and
should be ready in the next couple weeks.
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ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:35 p.m.
Date Approved: May 12, 2020
Maria Regan Gonzalez
Mayor
Kelly Wynn Katie Rodriguez
Senior Office Assistant City Manager