09-08-2020 CC
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular CouncilMeeting
Virtual Meeting held via WebEx
September 8, 2020
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Maria Regan Gonzalez at 7:00 p.m. via WebEx.
Council Members Maria Regan Gonzalez, Mayor; Mary Supple; Ben Whalen; Edwina Garcia; and
Present: Simon Trautmann
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Pam Dmytrenko, Assistant City Manager; Mary
Tietjen, City Attorney; Amy Markle, Recreation Services Director; John Stark,
Community Development Director; Jennifer Anderson, Health Administrator;
Kristin Asher, Public Works Director; Chris Regis, Finance Director; Skov, IT
Manager; Blanca Martinez Gavina, Executive Analyst; and Kelly Wynn, Senior
Office Assistant
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Regan Gonzalez led the Pledge of Allegiance
OPEN FORUM
Senior Office Assistant Wynn reviewed the options to participate:
Participate live by calling 612-861-0651 during the open forum portion
Call prior to meeting 612-861-9711
Email prior to meeting kwynn@richfielmn.gov
Senior Office Assistant Wynn confirmed there were no callers for the open forum.
Council Meeting Minutes -2- September 08, 2020
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M/Garcia, S/Supple to approve the minutes of the (1) City Council Work Session of August 10,
2020; (2) City Council Meeting of August 10, 2020; and (3) Special City Council Meeting of August 14,
2020.
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Supple: AYE
Trautmann: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 5-0
Item #1 APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
M/Supple, S/Whalen to approve the agenda
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Supple: AYE
Trautmann: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 5-0
Item #2 CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Rodriguez presented the consent calendar.
A. Approval by motion an agreement to grant an easement as part of a Site Lease Agreement
at 1901 East 66th Street between the City of Richfield and Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon
Wireless. (Staff Report No. 98)
B. Consider the approval of the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Dementia
Grant Contract, acting through the Minnesota Board on Aging (MBA). The contract is
effective from July 20, 2020 - June 30, 2021. (Staff Report No. 99)
Council Meeting Minutes -3- September 08, 2020
C.Consider the approval of the continuation of an agreement with the City of Bloomington for
the provision of food, pools, lodging, therapeutic massage and body art establishment
inspection services for the City of Richfield for 2021. (Staff Report No. 100)
D.Consider the approval of an agreement between the Hennepin County Human Services and
Public Health Department and the City of Richfield Police Department to participate in the
Joint Community Police Partnership (JCPP) program from March 16, 2020 through
December 31, 2023. (Staff Report No. 101)
E. Consider the adoption of the City of Richfield Water Supply Plan. (Staff Report No. 102)
F. Consider the approval of the first reading of an ordinance amendment to the Richfield City
Code Appendix D (Fee Schedule) related to planning and zoning fees and schedule a public
hearing and second reading for September 22, 2020. (Staff Report No. 103)
G. Consider acceptance of the bid tabulation and award the Water Treatment Plant Solids
Holding Tank Mixing System project contract to Magney Construction, Inc., in the amount of
$63,150.00 and authorize the City Manager to approve contract changes up to $175,000
without further City Council consideration, as authorized by the City Charter. (Staff Report
No. 104)
Council Member Garcia asked if the employee hired from Item D is currently working out of City
Hall.
City Manager Rodriguez confirmed they are but only part time right now.
Chief Henthorne stated the new hire will be full time September 14, 2020.
M/Garcia, S/Trautmann to approve the consent calendar.
Council Member Trautmann spoke of how glad he is to have a new liaison on board. He also
inquired about an introduction during a future council meeting.
Council Member Whalen stated he is excited to see the city becoming more dementia friendly
and is eager to see what this will be able to do for the community.
Council Member Supple also expressed her excitement and spoke of how many people in
Richfield currently have dementia.
Council Member Garcia praised Jennifer Anderson and the work she has done surrounding this
issue.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez echoed her gratitude to staff and community members who helped
make it possible to participate.
Council Member Whalen then complimented the Public Works Department as well as the water
plant staff regarding all of their hard work.
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Council Meeting Minutes -4- September 08, 2020
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Supple: AYE
Trautmann: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 5-0
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS, IF ANY, REMOVED FROM CONSENT
Item #3
CALENDAR
None
CONSIDER THE APPROVAL OF THE SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE
THAT INCLUDES REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL PERSONS USING DESIGNATED
Item #4
OFF-LEASH DOG AREA(S) IN CITY OF RICHFIELD PARKS THAT INCLUDES A
SLIGHT MODIFICATION TO RULE ONE (STAFF REPORT NO. 105)
Council Member Supple presented staff report 105.
Director Markle stated there had been a modification to rule one in an effort to be more
inclusive. She also expressed her excitement and is hopeful to have the park open in October.
M/Supple, S/Whalen to approve second reading of the ordinance that includes requirements for
all persons using designated off-leash dog area(s) in City of Richfield Parks with the included
modification to rule one of the ordinance.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez spoke of her excitement to have this park open and how hard the
Community Services commission worked to help shepherd this through. She encouraged residents to
become commission members as well.
Council Member Trautmann thanked Director Markle and the Community Services commission
for everything they have done to make this possible.
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Supple: AYE
Trautmann: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 5-0
Council Meeting Minutes -5- September 08, 2020
SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A PREVAILING
Item #5 WAGE POLICY FOR CITYFUNDED CAPITAL PROJECTS WITH ESTIMATED
COSTS OF $300,000 OR MORE (STAFF REPORT NO. 106)
Council Member Whalenread staff report 106 and spoke of the numerous letters from local
unions and contractors in support of this ordinance. He thanked staff for putting the research and
terminology together to get this item passed.
City Manager Rodriguez thanked Analyst Martinez Gavina, Director Stark and Director Asher for
assisting with gathering information on this topic.
M/Whalen, S/Trautmann to approve the second reading of an ordinance establishing a
prevailing wage policy for city funded projects with estimated costs of $300,000 or more.
Council Member Garcia spoke of her work with labor unions for 12 years and how grateful she
is for labor protection standards and promoting economic labor development. She also spoke of how
unions have helped families and created a middle class.
Council Member Supple stated how the timing is wonderful with yesterday being Labor Day.
She agreed with Council Member Garcia comments as well and thanked unions and contractors who
continue to fight for fair wages.
Council Member Trautmann explained how this is a great opportunity for all working people and
how unions have advocated for prevailing wage. This is also to assist to combat wage theft and labor
trafficking and creates a powerful set of tools for the city. It will help put working individuals in secure
working environment.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez echoed all the council member comments. She expressed her
appreciation for Analyst Martinez Gavina for her leadership on this item. She stated how excited she is
for all the items on the agenda as it is all strongly supporting the community and its needs.
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Supple: AYE
Trautmann: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 5-0
CONSIDER ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE CITY'S
Item #6
CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS HEALTH, DENTAL, TERM LIFE, AND DISABILITY
INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR 2021 FOR GENERAL SERVICES,
Council Meeting Minutes -6- September 08, 2020
MANAGEMENT, FIRE AND ALL POLICE BARGAINING UNITS. IN ADDITION,
ADOPT THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO ENTER INTO A THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH MADISON NATIONAL
LIFE/ OCHS COMPANY FOR LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS
(STAFF REPORT NO. 107)
Council Member Trautmann read staff report 107.
M/Trautmann, S/Suppleto adopt a resolution designating the City's contribution toward health,
dental, term life, and long term disability insurance premiums for 2021 for General Services,
Management, and all Fire and Police bargaining units.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez thanked Assistant City Manager Dmytrenko for her leadership in
negotiations to provide coverage for employees.
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Supple: AYE
Trautmann: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 5-0
M/Trautmann, S/Garcia to adopt the attached resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter
into a three-year agreement with Madison National Life/ Ochs Company for long-term disability
insurance benefits.
RESOLUTION NO. 11792
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CITY'S CONTRIBUTION
TOWARD HEALTH, DENTAL, TERM LIFE, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE
PREMIUM FOR GENERAL SERVICES, MANAGEMENT, AND FIRE AND POLICE
BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES
Council Member Trautmann spoke of how critical insurance is in creating security for families
and what an impact it makes on people’s lives. He also thanked Assistant City Manager Dmytrenko for
her assistance in giving employees and their family’s peace of mind.
Assistant City Manager Dmytrenko stated how important it is for employees to have quality
coverage and how the city was so lucky to have such a minimal increase from 2020 to 2021. She also
stated how the long term disability coverage rate will be a 14% decrease.
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Supple: AYE
Trautmann: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Council Meeting Minutes -7- September 08, 2020
Motion carried 5-0
CONSIDER THE APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE HENNEPIN
COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES AND PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT, AND THE
Item #7
CITY OF RICHFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR AN EMBEDDED SENIOR
SOCIAL WORKER (STAFF REPORT NO. 108)
Council Member Garcia presented staff report 108.
Chief Henthorne spoke of how excited the department is for this program and that Donna
Nelson started orientation last week. He stated how this model swanned out of JCPP program a few
years ago. It is a very unique program and will create a second to none service to the residents that
really need it and will also cut down on repeat calls to the same residence.
M/Garcia, S/supple to approve an agreement between the Hennepin County Human Services
and Public Health Department and the City of Richfield Police Department for implementing the Police
Mental Health Program.
Council Member Whalen stated how thrilled he is about the program. He thanked staff for all
their efforts to make this program happen. He also suggested for the future to look into having someone
fulltime rather than a shared service with Edina.
Council Member Supple spoke of how appreciative she was of staff to work with multiple
agencies.
Council Member Garcia agreed with council members comments and truly believes this
program needs to happen and is hopeful the community will appreciate it.
Council Member Trautmann thanked Chief Henthorne for his comments and leadership to make
this happen along with all the goals laid out in the staff report. The goals are aspirational to keep the
community safe and well and he is glad to support this item.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez echoed the gratitude to Chief Henthorne. She reiterated how important
this program was to council and Chief Henthorne made it a priority. She spoke of how staff leveraged
partnerships overnight and excited to see it come to life. She recapped a ride-along she experienced
that involved a mental health situation and emphasized how important it is to have a structure to assist
police with these situations.
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Supple: AYE
Trautmann: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 5-0
Council Meeting Minutes -8- September 08, 2020
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Item #8
City Manager Rodriguez commented on the voting situation that is quickly approaching. She
encouraged residents to check the website for up to date information. She stated that on September 18
residents can begin to do in-person absentee voting; 7 days before the election is direct balloting where
residents would feed their absentee ballot into a counting machine; and November 3 is Election Day
when residents would need to go to their designated voting locations.
Council Member Garcia emphasized how important it is to vote. She explained how safe and
secure it is to vote at city hall ahead of time.
Council Member Whalen reminded residents to check their in-person voting locations due to
school construction. He encouraged residents to vote by mail if COVID is a concern and spoke of the
tracking available for mail in ballots.
Council Member Trautmann spoke of how effective and well established the absentee ballot
process is at the city. It is a long established tradition in Minnesota.
Item #9 CLAIMS AND PAYROLL
M/Garcia, S/Trautmann that the following claims and payrolls be approved:
U.S. Bank 08/25/2020
A/P Checks 289982 - 290419 $ 1,516,044.82
Payroll: 156280 - 156577 689,579.82
TOTAL $ 2,205,624.64
U.S. Bank 09/08/2020
A/P Checks 290420 - 290753 $ 2,231,355.15
Payroll: 156578 - 156871 653,344.25
TOTAL $ 2,884,699.40
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Supple: AYE
Trautmann: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 5-0
THE CITY COUNCIL PASSED A RESOLUTION ENACTED PURSUANT TO
Item #10
MINNESOTA STATUTES SECTION 12.29 EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF A
Council Meeting Minutes -9- September 08, 2020
MAYOR-DECLARED LOCAL EMERGENCY AT THEIR MEETING ON MARCH
18, 2020. AT THE SAME MEETING CITY COUNCIL PASSED A MOTION TO
REVISIT THE EMERGENCY DECLARATION AT A COUNCIL MEETING IN 6
MONTHS TIME (STAFF REPORT NO. 109)
Mayor Regan Gonzalez read staff report 109 and reviewed that this item is for discussion and
no voting will take place.
City Manager Rodriguez stated that if no action is to taken, the emergency declaration will stay
in place. A council member may make a motion to revisit the item in a future meeting.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez thanked Council Member Trautmann for making the motion in March to
bring this item back for council discussion. She spoke of how important it is to have checks and
balances and using good governance.
Council Member Trautmann thanked staff along with Mayor Regan Gonzalez for the leadership
provided during the pandemic and appreciated the discussion opportunity for this item.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez asked for clarification on what staff needed from council.
City Manager Rodriguez reviewed the options for moving forward.
Council Member Whalen stated that given the nature of the pandemic and no clear end, he
would like to revisit this again in six months. He believes it is absolutely necessary to keep in place for
the safety of the community.
Council Member Garcia exited the meeting at 8:08 p.m.
Council Member Supple agreed with Council Member Whalen’s suggestion to revisit in six
months.
Council Member Trautmann spoke of how the emergency plan creates good government
practices and would like to keep the declaration in place. He expressed concern of the availability and
private data within the emergency in place and would like to give the Mayor access to the plans.
City Manager Rodriguez stated she would speak with City Attorney Tietjen and report back.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez agreed with council member comments on revisiting this item again in
six months. She expressed appreciation for the communication efforts from staff regarding this item.
Item #11 HATS OFF TO HOMETOWN HITS
Council Member Trautmann praised Director Markle and the Parks and Recreation Department
for the programs they have been able to offer for children with socially distancing. He encouraged
residents to look into the programs.
Council Meeting Minutes -10- September 08, 2020
Council Member Whalen thanked everyone involved in the first day of school, especially
teachers as they navigate a school year with open ended questions and uncertainties. He also
commended parents as they have had to make very tough decisions this year around distance learning
and how assisting with schooling has become another full time job for families. He then spoke of how
the Sustainability Commission was able to look at the Climate Action Plan (CAP) and how excited he is
to discuss it with council at the upcoming work session. He thanked Director Markle and Sustainability
Specialist Lindholm for their work around the plan. Council Member Whalen reminded residents the
council will be having a work session on Thursday regarding the 2021 budget and will have a
preliminary vote at the next council meeting.
Council Member Supple commented on a great first day back in school and how excited she
was to meet new students and families. She also spoke of the new Sports to Go program put on by the
Parks and Recreation Department. She encouraged families to take a look at the equipment available
to rent. Council Member Supple then expressed her excitement to see the Ice Arena up and running.
The updates were needed and will be utilized by the skaters and visitors. She also congratulated the
th
sidewalk poetry contestants who had their work selected. The poems have been placed along 66
Street between Portland and 35W and encouraged residents to take a walk to see the new additions.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez reminded residents to fill out their Census forms. She also encouraged
residents to volunteer in assisting to aid others.
Analyst Martinez Gavina reviewed the volunteer needs and residents should contact her for
more information at 612-861-9701 or bmgavina@richfieldmn.gov.
Item #12 ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:20 p.m.
Date Approved: September 22, 2020
Maria Regan Gonzalez
Mayor
Kelly Wynn Katie Rodriguez
Senior Office Assistant City Manager