10-13 CC Regular
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular CouncilMeeting
Virtual Meeting held via WebEx
October 13, 2020
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Maria Regan Gonzalez at 7:03 p.m. via WebEx.
Council Members Maria Regan Gonzalez, Mayor; Ben Whalen; and Edwina Garcia
Present:
Council Members Mary Supple; and Simon Trautmann
Absent:
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Mary Tietjen, City Attorney; John Stark,
Community Development Director; Melissa Poehlman, Assistant Community
Development Director; Chris Regis, Finance Director; Amy Markle, Recreation
Services Director; Rachel Lindholm, Sustainability Specialist; Kristin Asher,
Public Works Director; Jay Henthorne, Public Safety 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
th
Ruane Onesirosan, 2421 West 65 Street, asked for clarification on (1) when the Council
passes tax dollars to VEAP or RTPB if the city then relinquishes responsibility of accounting and having
those dollars audited; (2) about getting feedback from her last open forum comments on September 22;
and (3) why the September Planning Commission meeting was not on the replay schedule on Channel
16 for public viewing.
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
Council Meeting Minutes -2- October 13, 2020
Email prior to meeting kwynn@richfielmn.gov
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M/Whalen, S/Garcia to approve the minutes of the (1) City Council Work Session of Septmeber
22, 2020; and (2) City Council Meeting of September 22, 2020.
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 3-0
Item #1 APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
M/Garcia, S/Whalen to approve the agenda
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 3-0
Item #2 CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Rodriguez presented the consent calendar with an edit on the amount stated for
Resolution No. 11772. The agenda posted to the public on Friday, October 9, stated an incorrect
amount and has been updated to the correct amount of $96,852.49.
A.Motion to pass a resolution regarding Hennepin County SCORE 2021 Contract Amendment.
Staff Report No. 117
RESOLUTION NO. 11771
Council Meeting Minutes -3- October 13, 2020
RESOLUTION Approving the 2021 AMENDMENT TO THE SCORE AGREEMENT BETWEEN
HENNEPIN COUNTY AND THE CITY OF RICHFIELD
B.Consider the approval of Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) lease
agreement No. 27710 Amendment #6 for continued use of excess land along I-494 next to
the Best Buy Campus for a Metro Transit Park and Ride parking lot and transit station.
Staff Report No. 118
C.Consider the adoption of a resolution authorizing acceptance of Office of Traffic Safety
(OTS) funds for an extension on an original four-year grant to fully fund an officer dedicated
for DWI enforcement in Richfield. Staff Report No. 119
RESOLUTION NO. 11772
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY/POLICE TO ACCEPT
GRANT MONIES FROM THE OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY IN THE AMOUNT OF $96,852.49 OR A
LESSER AMOUNT, AS AWARDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, TO FUND A
POLICE OFFICER DEDICATED TO DWI ENFORCEMENT
D.Consider the approval of Amendment #1 to the Construction and Maintenance Agreement
with Chamberlain Apartments, LLC that modifies indemnification provisions in the
agreement for the apartments constructed at 6630, 6700, and 6701 Richfield Parkway.
Staff Report No. 120
E.Consider the adoption of a resolution authorizing Amendment #2 to the partnership
agreement between the City of Richfield and the Minnesota Department of Transportation
(MnDOT) for the purchase/storage of salt through June 30, 2022. Staff Report No. 121
RESOLUTION NO. 11773
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF RICHFIELD TO ENTER INTO AMENDMENT #2 TO
MNDOT PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT NO. 1030429 WITH THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION FOR THE PURCHASE/STORAGE OF SALT UNTIL JUNE 30, 2022
F.Consider a resolution approving a License Agreement with Spohn's Automotive Inc. for the
parking lot at Cedar Avenue and Diagonal Boulevard and authorize the City Manager and
Mayor to execute any renewals to the License Agreement after October 13, 2020. Staff
Report No. 122
RESOLUTION NO. 11774
RESOLUTION APPROVING A LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH SPOHN’S AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
M/Whalen, S/Garcia to approve the consent calendar.
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Council Meeting Minutes -4- October 13, 2020
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 3-0
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS, IF ANY, REMOVED FROM CONSENT
Item #3
CALENDAR
None
Mayor Regan Gonzalez reviewed the grouping of public hearings but each motion passed will
be made individually.
PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE ANNUAL
Item #4 LYNDALE/HUB/NICOLLET (LHN) MAINTENANCE DISTRICT ASSESSMENT.
STAFF REPORT NO. 125
PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDER RESOLUTIONS ADOPTING THE ANNUAL
INTERSTATE/LYNDALE/NICOLLET (ILN) PROJECT AREA
Item #5
ASSESSMENT AND PROPOSED WORK FOR 2021.
STAFF REPORT NO. 124
Council Member Garcia presented staff reports 125; and 124 along with opening the public
hearing.
Senior Office Assistant Wynn confirmed there were no callers for the public hearing and
reviewed how residents can call 612-861-0651 to participate live during public hearings.
M/Garcia, S/Whalen to close the public hearing.
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 3-0
M/Garcia, S/Whalen to Conduct and close the public hearing and by motion adopt a resolution
adopting the assessment on the Lyndale/HUB/Nicollet (LHN) district for costs incurred to maintain the
area for 2019.
RESOLUTION NO. 11775
Council Meeting Minutes -5- October 13, 2020
RESOLUTION ADOPTING ASSESSMENT FOR THE
LYNDALE/HUB/NICOLLET (LHN) MAINTENANCE FOR THE PERIOD
JANUARY 1, 2019 TO DECEMBER 31, 2019
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 3-0
M/Garcia, S/Whalen to (1) adopt a resolution adopting the assessment on the ILN Project Area
for costs incurred to maintain the area for 2019; and (2). Adopt a resolution ordering the undertaking of
the current service project within the ILN Project Area for 2021.
RESOLUTION NO. 11776
RESOLUTION ADOPTING ASSESSMENT ON
INTERSTATE-LYNDALE-NICOLLET (ILN) PROJECT AREA MAINTENANCE FOR
THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2019 TO DECEMBER 31, 2019
RESOLUTION NO. 11777
RESOLUTION ORDERING THE UNDERTAKING OF CURRENT SERVICE PROJECT WITHIN THE
INTERSTATE-LYNDALE-NICOLLET (ILN) PROJECT AREA FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2021
TO DECEMBER 31, 2021
Council Member Whalen clarified these items are to maintain public amenities while projects are
taking place in these areas.
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 3-0
PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE
ASSESSMENT FOR REMOVAL OF DISEASED TREES FROM PRIVATE
Item #6
PROPERTY FOR WORK ORDERED FROM JANUARY 1, 2019, THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2019. STAFF REPORT NO. 123
Item #7 PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR
WEED ELIMINATION FROM PRIVATE PROPERTY AND REMOVAL OR
Council Meeting Minutes -6- October 13, 2020
ELIMINATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH OR SAFETY HAZARDS FROM PRIVATE
PROPERTY.STAFF REPORT NO. 127
PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR
Item #8 UNPAID FALSE ALARM USER FEES AGAINST PRIVATE PROPERTY.
STAFF REPORT NO. 128
PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR
IUNPAID VACANT PROPERTY REGISTRATION FEES AGAINST PRIVATE
tem #9
PROPERTY. STAFF REPORT NO. 129
PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE ASSESSMENT OF DELINQUENT UTILITY
Item #10
BILLS TO BE CERTIFIED TO PROPERTY TAXES. STAFF REPORT NO. 130
Council Member Whalen presented staff reports 123; 127; 128; 129; and 130 then opened the
public hearing.
Troy Leland, 7000 James Ave S, asked for clarity on property taxes being assessed to resident
taxes and how the city will collect payments.
M/Whalen, S/Garcia to close the public hearing.
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 3-0
Director Regis clarified following Council approval, the 30 day prepayment period will begin.
This will allow the residents to prepay the assessment before being sent to the county. After
assessments go to the county, interest will begin to accumulate. Information on how to pay the amount
is on the letter residents received. Residents may also call the city if they have any questions.
M/Whalen, S/Garcia to approve the resolution adopting the assessment for removal of diseased
trees from private property for work ordered from January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2019.
RESOLUTION NO. 11778
RESOLUTION ADOPTING ASSESSMENT FOR THE REMOVAL OF DISEASED TREES
Council Meeting Minutes -7- October 13, 2020
FROM PRIVATE PROPERTY FOR WORK ORDERED DURING JANUARY 1, 2019
THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2019
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 3-0
M/Whalen, S/Garcia to approve the resolution adopting theassessment for weed elimination
from private property and removal or elimination of public health or safety hazards from private
property.
RESOLUTION NO. 11779
RESOLUTION ADOPTING ASSESSMENT FOR
WEED ELIMINATION FROM PRIVATE PROPERTY AND REMOVAL OR ELIMINATION OF PUBLIC
HEALTH OR SAFETY HAZARDS FROM PRIVATE PROPERTY
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 3-0
M/Whalen, S/Garcia to approve the resolution adopting the assessment for unpaid false alarm
user fees against private property.
RESOLUTION NO. 11780
RESOLUTION ADOPTING ASSESSMENT FOR
UNPAID FALSE ALARM FEES FROM PRIVATE PROPERTY
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 3-0
M/Whalen, S/Garcia to approve the resolution adopting the assessment for unpaid vacant
property registration fees against private property.
RESOLUTION NO. 11781
RESOLUTION ADOPTING ASSESSMENT FOR UNPAID VACANT PROPERTY
Council Meeting Minutes -8- October 13, 2020
REGISTRATION FEES AGAINST PRIVATE PROPERTY
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 3-0
M/Whalen, S/Garcia to approve the resolution authorizing certification of unpaid water, sanitary
sewer, storm water, and street light charges to the county auditor to becollected with other taxes on
said properties.
RESOLUTION NO. 11782
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF UNPAID WATER, SANITARY SEWER, STORM
WATER, AND STREET LIGHT CHARGES TO THE COUNTY AUDITOR TO BE COLLECTED WITH
OTHER TAXES ON SAID PROPERTIES
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 3-0
CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE PLATTING AND
VACATION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY AND UTILITY EASEMENTS AT 6228 PENN
Item #11
AVENUE SOUTH AND 6200 QUEEN AVENUE SOUTH (LUNDS & BYERLYS).
STAFF REPORT NO. 126
Mayor Regan Gonzalez presented staff report 126 and opened the public hearing. She clarified
the item does not include the site plan regarding the tree issue.
M/Regan Gonzalez, S/Garcia to close the public hearing.
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 3-0
Council Meeting Minutes -9- October 13, 2020
M/Supple, S/Whalen to (1) approve the attached transitory ordinance vacating road and utility
easements over property located at 6200 and 6228 Penn Avenue South; and (2) approve the attached
resolution granting approval of a final plat of Lunds of Richfield.
RESOLUTION NO. 11783
RESOLUTION GRANTING APPROVAL OF A FINAL PLAT FOR
LUNDS OF RICHFIELD
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 3-0
CONSIDER AN AMENDMENT TO APPROVE FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS
TH
FOR A MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT AT 101 66 STREET EAST (66TH STREET
Item #12 AND 1ST AVENUE). THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT REDUCES COMMERCIAL
SPACE AND INCREASES THE NUMBER OF APARTMENTS IN THE PROJECT.
STAFF REPORT NO. 131
Council Member Garcia read staff report 131.
Assistant Director Poehlman clarified the proposal will not significantly change the outside of the
building but will make the bottom level living units versus commercial space. The change will alter the
parking regulations.
Council Member Garcia believes this will be an improvement to the original proposal.
M/Garcia, S/Regan Gonzalez to approve the attached resolution approving an amendment to
the conditional use permit and final development plans for 101 66th Street East.
RESOLUTION NO. 11784
RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDED FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
AT 101 66TH STREET EAST
Council Member Whalen agreed with Council Member Garcia in that this is an improvement with
the addition of more affordable housing units. More housing units will reduce the amount of traffic
versus having commercial space. He then asked where the trash and recycling will be located.
Assistant Director Poehlman stated staff will continue to work with the developer to have trash
and recycling inside the building.
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Council Meeting Minutes -10- October 13, 2020
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 3-0
CONSIDER APPROVAL OFTHE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN.STAFF REPORT
Item #13
NO. 132
Council Member Whalen read staff report 132 and thanked staff and the Sustainability
Commission for weighing in on this item and contributing ideas.
Director Markle thanked Sustainability Specialist Lindholm for her knowledge and expertise in
guiding the city through this process. The plan has 80 action items to prioritize efforts and will have the
ability to be assessed each year. This plan will work toward making the city more sustainable.
Sustainability Specialist Lindholm thanked Council for guidance during the process and being
advocates for the plan.
Council Member Whalen reminded residents the plan was discussed in detail in a previous work
session. He spoke of how this is a plan for action and the city will be able to see each year how the city
is working toward becoming sustainable. There will be more ways for the public to get involved in the
future.
M/Whalen, S/Garcia to approve the Climate Action Plan.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez emphasized that this is a living document and will continue to change
each year. She then asked if there is a way for the Sustainability Commission to be aware of how many
and what questions staff and Council are receiving regarding the CAP.
Director Markle confirmed this can be added to the monthly agenda for the Sustainability
Commission.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez spoke of how it would be a great opportunity for residents to get real
time information about what is being seen. She expressed her excitement to this plan become action
and how it will affect the future work including equity and affordable housing.
Sustainability Specialist Lindholm reminded Council and residents the Sustainability
Commission is open for public comment as well.
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 3-0
Council Meeting Minutes -11- October 13, 2020
Item #14CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Rodriguez commented on the increase in community transmission of COVID and
how fatigue is affecting everyone. She stated how important it is for people to stay home if not feeling
well and to wash hands frequently as the cold and flu season is approaching quickly.
Council Member Garcia expressed appreciation to residents for their patience while waiting to
enter city hall to conduct business. Residents and staff are taking protocol very seriously and everyone
is following instructions to keep everyone as safe as possible.
Item #15
CLAIMS AND PAYROLL
M/Garcia, S/Whalen that the following claims and payrolls be approved:
U.S. Bank 10/13/2020
A/P Checks 291133 - 291566 $ 2,070,912.99
Payroll: 157167 - 157467 660,974.45
TOTAL $ 2,731,887.44
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Garcia: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 3-0
Item #16 HATS OFF TO HOMETOWN HITS
Council Member Garcia spoke of the importance of voting and crucial it is to partake. City hall is
open for absentee voting and asked residents to please wear a mask and follow protocol. She then
spoke of an event on October 24 from 10-2 where the Richfield Police Department will be open for a
drive through prescription drop off and encouraged residents to properly dispose of those medications.
She then thanked RPD for offering this service for the community.
Council Member Whalen also emphasized the importance of voting. He then spoke of the virtual
event for Building Dignity and Respect Standards Council that is a new partnership of a number of
groups that work directly with city construction workers. The city continues to work toward fair treatment
at a local level. He also reminded citizens of the WaterSmart portal information that was sent out and
what a wonderful program where residents can track their water usage along with other tips and tricks.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez thanked everyone who was able to attend and celebrate the
exceptional event honoring Council Member Garcia.
Council Meeting Minutes -12- October 13, 2020
Council Member Garcia commended staff for their support and efforts in planning the event.
She commented on the loyalty she feels from the community as it is has truly good and decent people
living in this city and. She spoke of her past office experience how grateful she is to have served
Richfield.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez thanked Council Member Garcia for her leadership and how she will
continue to lead in the community as she is a true public servant. She spoke of how she will continue to
inspire others and she has done so many times in the past.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez reminded residents that recordings are available on the city website
regarding City Council candidate forums. She also spoke of the three open positions on the Charter
Commission. The term is four years and information can be found on the city website of how to apply.
Lastly, she reminded residents to apply for the small business forgivable loans if they are in need.
Item #17 ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:21 p.m.
Date Approved: October 27, 2020
Maria Regan Gonzalez
Mayor
Kelly Wynn Katie Rodriguez
Senior Office Assistant City Manager