01-26-2021 CC
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular CouncilMeeting
Virtual Meeting held via WebEx
January 26, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Maria Regan Gonzalez at 7:01 p.m. via WebEx.
Council Members Maria Regan Gonzalez, Mayor; Ben Whalen; Mary Supple; Simon Trautmann;
Present: and Sean Hayford Oleary
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Pam Dmytrenko, Assistant City Manager; Mary
Tietjen, City Attorney; John Stark, Community Development Director; Melissa
Poehlman, Assistant Community Development Director; Kristin Asher, Public
Works Director; Mike Petersen, Assistant Utilities Superintendent; Jay
Henthorne, Public Safety Director; Jane Skov, IT Manager; Blanca Martinez
Gavina, Executive Analyst; and Kelly Wynn, Senior Office Assistant
Others Present: Rebecca Kurtz, Ehlers; Scott Hvizdos, Richfield Foundation; Joanna Schnedler,
Chair Richfield Foundation.
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 stated there were no comments or callers.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Council Meeting Minutes -2- January 26, 2021
M/Trautmann, S/Hayford Oleary to approve the minutes of the (1) City Council Work Session of
January 12, 2021; and (2) City Council Meeting of January 12, 2021.
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Supple: AYE
Trautmann: AYE
Hayford Oleary: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 5-0
Item #1
PRESENTATION RICHFIELD FOUNDATION AWARDING OF GRANTS
Chair Schnedler shared a presentation of grants totaling $48,765 given out in 2020 along with
how the money will be used within the community. She added that videos are available on the Richfield
Foundation site of the grant recipients and she appreciated the support and advocacy from Council.
Council Member Trautmann thanked Chair Schnedler for the presentation and all the work that
has been done to support the incredible causes in Richfield.
Council Member Supple expressed gratitude for the volunteers to the foundation.
Council Member Whalen encouraged the foundation to continue to reach out to Council when in
need of support.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez spoke of how it is a community based foundation that dedicates time,
resources and money to better its residents. She expressed appreciation of leadership displayed by the
foundation and its board members.
Item #2 APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
M/Whalen, S/Supple to approve the agenda
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Supple: AYE
Trautmann: AYE
Hayford Oleary: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 5-0
Council Meeting Minutes -3- January 26, 2021
CONSENT CALENDAR
Item #3
City Manager Rodriguez presented the consent calendar.
A. Consider the adoption of resolutions authorizing the:
1. Joint Powers Agreement between the Metropolitan Airports Commission and the City
of Richfield for the ownership and maintenance of 77th Street Underpass improvements; and
2. Temporary Easement Agreement between the Metropolitan Airports Commission and
the City of Richfield for property located near 77th Street and Longfellow Avenue. Staff Report
No. 10
RESOLUTION NO. 11817
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE METROPOLITAN
AIRPORTS COMMISSION AND THE CITY OF RICHFIELD FOR THE OWNERSHIP AND
MAINTENANCE OF 77TH STREET UNDERPASS IMPROVEMENTS
RESOLUTION NO. 11818
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TEMPORARY EASEMENT AGREEMENT
WITH THE METROPOLITAN AIRPORTS COMMISSION
FOR PROPERTY LOCATED NEAR 77TH STREET AND LONGFELLOW AVENUE FOR 77TH
STREET UNDERPASS IMPROVEMENTS
B. Consider the approval of the purchase of a 2021 Versa-Vac 1000PD Trailer Mounted
Vacuum/Hydro Excavation Unit from Flexible Pipe Tool Company in the sum of $162,610.00 (including
trade-in). Staff Report No. 11
C. Consider approval of a resolution approving a Joint Powers Agreement for Distracted Driving
Vehicle Program. Staff Report No. 12
RESOLUTION NO. 11819
RESOLUTION APPROVING JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT
FOR DISTRACTED DRIVING VEHICLE PROGRAM BETWEEN THE CITY OF RICHFIELD AND THE
CITIES OF BLOOMINGTON, EDEN PRAIRIE, EDINA, HOPKINS, ST. LOUIS PARK, AND THE
METROPOLITAN AIRPORT COMMISSION
D. Consider the approval of a second reading of an ordinance amending City Code Subsection
721.03 related to connections and discharges to the stormwater system and approval of a resolution
authorizing summary publication. Staff Report No. 13
RESOLUTION NO. 11820
RESOLUTION APPROVING SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO
SUBSECTION 721.03 OF THE RICHFIELD CITY CODE PERTAINING TO
CONNECTIONS AND DISCHARGES TO THE STORMWATER SYSTEM
Council Meeting Minutes -4- January 26, 2021
E. Consider a resolution designation an official newspaper for 2021. Staff Report No. 14
RESOLUTION NO. 11821
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING AN OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR 2021
M/Whalen, S/Trautmannto approve the consent calendar.
Council Member Whalen asked staff to elaborate as to why there is a second reading on the
consent calendar.
Director Asher explained it was a change to an existing ordinance related to the stormwater
system and will add salt de-icers to the list of items not allowed to be discharged in the city’s
stormwater system.
Council Member Trautmann highlighted to Sun Current and encouraged residents to subscribe
to the local paper.
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Supple: AYE
Trautmann: AYE
Hayford Oleary: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 5-0
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS, IF ANY, REMOVED FROM CONSENT
Item #4
CALENDAR
None
PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDER THE APPROVAL OF A NOISE VARIANCE
Item #5 PERMIT FOR WOOD LAKE DEWATERING AS PART OF THE WOOD LAKE
LIFT STATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. STAFF REPORT NO. 15
Council Member Hayford Oleary presented staff report 15.
City Manager Rodriguez added the project has not begun due to some Xcel Energy issues.
Assistant Utilities Superintendent Petersen stated the project should start this week and run
through the following week.
Council Meeting Minutes -5- January 26, 2021
Council Member Hayford Oleary asked for clarification of the pump will be located.
Assistant Utilities Superintendent Petersen shared a map locating the pump to be along 494
near Panera Bread.
Council Member Hayford Oleary opened the public hearing.
Senior Office Assistant Wynn reviewed the options to participate:
Participate live by calling 612-861-0651 during the public hearing portion
Call prior to meeting 612-861-9711
Email prior to meeting kwynn@richfielmn.gov
Senior Office Assistant Wynn stated there were no comments or callers.
M/Hayford Oleary, S/Whalen to close the public hearing.
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Supple: AYE
Trautmann: AYE
Hayford Oleary: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 5-0
M/Hayford Oleary, S/Supple to approve the noise variance permit for Wood Lake dewatering as
part of the Wood Lake Lift Station Improvement Project.
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Supple: AYE
Trautmann: AYE
Hayford Oleary: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 5-0
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A MODIFICATION TO THE
REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AND APPROVAL OF A TAX INCREMENT
Item #6
FINANCING PLAN FOR THE 2020-2 TAX INCREMENT FINANCE
DISTRICT:EMI. STAFF REPORT NO. 16
Council Member Supple read staff report 16.
Council Meeting Minutes -6- January 26, 2021
Council Member Hayford Oleary commented on the pictures contained in the report and how
much improvements are needed.
Council Member Whalen asked for summary on the variety of units.
Assistant Director Poehlman stated the development will contain an assortment of two bedroom,
larger one bedroom, studio, regular one bedroom and one accessible that will be available for 60%
AMI.
Council Member Supple opened the public hearing.
Julie Lupensky, 6621 Stevens Ave, asked about the removal of the buildings and how the plan
development resolution interacts with the TIF development district.
M/Supple, S/Trautmann to close the public hearing.
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Supple: AYE
Trautmann: AYE
Hayford Oleary: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 5-0
Assistant Director Poehlman stated this project has planned unit development approvals and is
strictly TIF. She added that the stipulations previously negotiated by the neighborhood will stand.
Rebecca Kurtz explained a blight finding needed to be completed as part of the project.
M/Supple, S/Hayford Oleary to adopt a resolution approving a modification to the
Redevelopment Plan for the Richfield Redevelopment Project; and approving a Tax Increment
Financing Plan for the 2020-2 Tax Increment Finance District: Emi.
RESOLUTION NO. 11822
RESOLUTION APPROVING A MODIFICATION TO THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE
RICHFIELD REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT; AND APPROVING A TAX INCREMENT FINANCING
PLAN FOR THE 2020-2 TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT: EMI
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Supple: AYE
Trautmann: AYE
Hayford Oleary: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 5-0
Council Meeting Minutes -7- January 26, 2021
CONSDERATION OF THE APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO
Item #7 FILING OF THE PAY EQUITY REPORT WITH THE MINNESOTA MANAGEMENT
AND BUDGET DEPARTMENT. STAFF REPORT NO. 18
Council Member Trautmann presented staff report 18.
Assistant City Manager Dmytrenko stated that the city is obligated to submit the report every
three years.
M/Trautmann, S/Supple to adopt a resolution pertaining to filing of the Pay Equity Report with
the Minnesota Management and Budget Department.
RESOLUTION NO. 11823
RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO FILING OF THE PAY EQUITY REPORT WITH
THE MINNESOTA MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET DEPARTMENT
Council Member Whalen asked for a brief summary of the report.
Assistant City Manager Dmytrenko stated she would provide Council with an overview of the
report.
Council Member Trautmann asked if any data collected revealed any opportunity for growth.
Assistant City Manager Dmytrenko stated adjustments will be made if warranted.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez thanked staff for putting the report together.
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Supple: AYE
Trautmann: AYE
Hayford Oleary: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 5-0
CONSIDER REPRESENTATIVES TO SERVE AS THE 2021 LIAISONS TO
Item #8 VARIOUS LOCAL, REGIONAL AND STATE ORGANIZATIONS, AND CITY
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS. STAFF REPORT NO. 17
Mayor Regan Gonzalez read staff report 17, reviewed appointments and discussed changes
with Council members and staff.
Council Meeting Minutes -8- January 26, 2021
M/Regan Gonzalez, S/Whalen to designate City Council liaison appointments to various local,
regional and stateorganizations, and City boards and commissionswith revisions noted during
meeting.
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Supple: AYE
Trautmann: AYE
Hayford Oleary: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 5-0
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Item #9
City Manager Rodriguez spoke of the complaints residents have been voicing regarding
snowplowing, ticketing and towing. She stated the city puts a snow emergency into effect when more
than two inches of snow have accumulated and posted on the city website, multiple social media
platforms, local television and text alerts. She explained the police department will prioritize areas
where snowplow trucks struggle getting through when cars are present. The city is working on some
options to provide refuge parking for residents.
Council Member Hayford Oleary expressed excitement to see other options for parking and is
sympathetic to residents who don’t have anywhere to park other than the street.
Council Member Trautmann asked about residents complaining regarding being ticketed and
towed after streets have been plowed.
City Manager Rodriguez stated the city contracts out for the towing service and there could be a
communication error. The intent is to remove cars to help snowplows get through.
Council Member Whalen encouraged residents to sign up for notifications on the city website.
City Manager Rodriguez provided a brief update on covid cases.
Item #10 CLAIMS AND PAYROLL
M/Whalen, S/Supple that the following claims and payrolls be approved:
U.S. Bank 01/26/2021
A/P Checks 293025 - 293437 $ 1,468,381.59
Payroll: 158675 – 158950 43269 - 43390 765,470.49
TOTAL $ 2,233,852.08
Council Meeting Minutes -9- January 26, 2021
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Supple: AYE
Trautmann: AYE
Hayford Oleary: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 5-0
Item #11 HATS OFF TO HOMETOWN HITS
Council Member Supple thanked responsible pet owners for cleaning up after their pets.
Council Member Hayford Oleary expressed excitement to see a family housing fund doing a
project with Richfield.
Council Member Whalen thanked applicants for interviewing for the city’s boards and
commissions. He then encouraged residents to watch the work session from this evening. He also
spoke of how Council, HRA and city staff are having discussions around inclusionary housing and will
host a work session in the near future.
Council Member Trautmann welcomed all new staff members that have joined the city recently.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez expressed excitement in building equity through the police department
and across the city. She then encouraged residents to visit Wood Lake Nature Center.
Item #12 ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:25 p.m.
Date Approved: February 9, 2021
Maria Regan Gonzalez
Mayor
Kelly Wynn Katie Rodriguez
Senior Office Assistant City Manager