05-25 Regular
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular CouncilMeeting
Virtual Meeting held via WebEx
May 25, 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; Sean Hayford
Present: Oleary; and Simon Trautmann
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Pam Dmytrenko, Assistant City Manager; Mary
Tietjen, City Attorney; Amy Markle, Recreation Services Director; Kristin Asher,
Public Works Director; Melissa Poehlman, Assistant Community Development
Director; Jane Skov, IT Manager; Blanca Martinez Gavina, Executive Analyst;
and Kelly Wynn, Administrative Assistant
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Regan Gonzalez led the Pledge of Allegiance
OPEN FORUM
Administrative 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
Administrative Assistant Wynn read an email comment from Sandi Spanier at 7144 Knox Ave
who expressed concerns of council members posting to social media.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M/Whalen, S/Supple to approve the minutes of the (1) Joint City Council, HRA and Planning
Commission Meeting of April 19, 2021; (2) Special Closed City Council Meeting of May 10, 2021; (3)
City Council Work Session of May 11, 2021; and (4) City Council Meeting of April 11, 2021.
Council Meeting Minutes -2- May 25, 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
Mayor Regan Gonzalez stated Council will be moving back to in person meetings as of June 1,
2021. All public buildings will be opening June 1, 2021 and masks will be highly encouraged.
City Manager Rodriguez stated trends continue to move in the right direction and stated
employees will continue to wear masks until further notice.
Council Member Supple asked about commission meetings resuming in person.
City Manager Rodriguez stated commission and HRA/EDA meeting will also be returning to in
person as of June 1, 2021.
Item #1 APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
M/Trautmann, S/Whalen 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
Item #2 CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Rodriguez presented the consent calendar.
A. Consider approval of a bid tabulation and award of contract to Corrective Asphalt
Materials, LLC for the 2021 Maltene Pavement Rejuvenation Project in the amount
$497,200.00, and authorize the City Manager to approve contract changes under $175,000
without further City Council consideration. Staff Report No. 74
Council Meeting Minutes -3- May 25, 2021
B. Consider the approval for the collaboration with The Richfield Arts Commission,
Mississippi Valley Poets and Writers, and the The Cornerstone Group to install a Poetry Walk
around Richfield Lake Park. Staff Report No. 75
C. Consider the adoption of a resolution authorizing Minnesota Department of
Transportation Agency Agreement No. 1045363 for Federal Participation in Advance
Construction related to the 77th Street Underpass Project. Staff Report No. 76
RESOLUTION NO.11852
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (MnDOT)
AGENCY AGREEMENT NO. 1045363 FOR FEDERAL PARTICIPATION IN ADANCE
CONSTRUCTION FOR THE 77th STREET UNDERPASS PROJECT
STATE PROJECT NO. 157-108-035; 157-594-002, AND 2758-82;
SPTF 2719(097)
D. Consider the approval of the Small Wireless Facility Collocation Supplemental
Agreements with Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless, that set forth the terms and
conditions of collocation on wireless support structures within City right-of-way. Staff Report
No. 78
E. Consider the adoption of a resolution authorizing Cooperative Construction
Agreement No. 1032757 between the City of Richfield and the State of Minnesota Department
of Transportation (MnDOT) for construction of the 77th Street Underpass Project. Staff Report
No. 79
M/Supple, S/Hayford Oleary to approve the consent calendar.
Council Member Supple stated the Arts Commission is looking forward to the poetry walk.
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 #3
CALENDAR
None
Council Meeting Minutes -4- May 25, 2021
CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING ANDCONSIDER APPROVAL OFTHE
SECOND READING OF A TRANSITORY ORDINANCE VACATING A PORTION
Item #4
OF 5THAVENUE RIGHT-OF-WAY SOUTH OF 71ST STREET. STAFF REPORT
NO. 80
Council Member Hayford Olearyread staff report 80 and opened the public hearing.
Administrative 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
Administrative Assistant Wynn stated there were no callers.
M/Hayford Oleary, S/Supple 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/Whalen to approve a second reading of a transitory ordinance vacating a
portion of 5th Avenue right-of-way south of 71st Street.
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 A SECOND READING AND A SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF A
TRANSITORY ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A CITY-WIDE SIXMONTH
Item #5 MORATORIUM ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ANY NEW COMMERCIAL USE
INVOLVING FIREARMS TO ALLOW TIME FOR A PLANNING STUDY. STAFF
REPORT NO. 81
Council Meeting Minutes -5- May 25, 2021
Council Member Trautmann read staff report 81 and opened the public hearing.
Assistant Director Poehlman reviewed the background of why the moratorium is being
considered.
Administrative 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
Don Klompeen, 6000 Pleasant Ave, expressed concern for carelessness of human life and
would like to protest additional outlets for firearm sales as it would be detrimental.
M/Trautmann 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/Trautmann, S/Supple to conduct a second reading of the attached transitory ordinance
establishing a city-wide six month moratorium on the establishment of new commercial uses involving
firearms, and adopt the ordinance.
RESOLUTION NO. 11853
RESOLUTION APPROVING SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF A TRANSITORY
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A SIX-MONTH MORATORIUM ON THE ESTABLISMENT
OF NEW USES INVOLVING FIREARMS, AND DIRECTING THAT A PLANNING STUDY
BE CONDUCTED
Assistant Director Poehlman stated the moratorium will be put into place to review restrictions
for firearm sales. Staff will bring a proposal to Council with findings and another public hearing to review
any changes made.
Council Member Trautmann amended his motion to include ‘approve a resolution authorizing
summary publication of said ordinance.’
Council Member Supple confirmed to amend the motion.
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Supple: AYE
Council Meeting Minutes -6- May 25, 2021
Trautmann: AYE
Hayford Oleary: AYE
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 5-0
CONSIDER ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO
Item #6AFFIRM THE MONETARY LIMITS ON STATUTORY MUNICIPALITY TORT
LIABILITY. STAFF REPORT NO. 82
Council Member Whalen read staff report 82.
Assistant City Manager Dmytrenko stated this item is an annual occurrence with no changes.
M/Whalen, S/Trautmann to adopt a resolution authorizing the City Council to affirm the
monetary limits on municipal tort liability established by Minnesota Statutes 466.04.
RESOLUTION NO. 11854
RESOLUTION AFFIRMING MUNICIPAL TORT LIABILITY LIMITS ESTABLISHED BY
MINNESOTA STATUTES 466.04
SUMMARY REVIEW OF THE CITY MANAGER'S ANNUAL PERFORMANCE
EVALUATION FOR 2020, HELD ON MAY 20, 2020, AS REQUIRED BY MINN.
Item #7 STATUTES 13D.05 SUBD. 3(A), AND CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION
AMENDING EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF RICHFIELD AND
CITY MANAGER KATIE RODRIGUEZ FOR 2021. STAFF REPORT NO. 83
Mayor Regan Gonzalez presented staff report 83, gave a brief summary of the item and
thanked City Manager Rodriguez for her tremendous leadership.
Council Member Supple thanked City Manager Rodriguez for her service.
Council Member Whalen echoed comments and was appreciative of the discussions.
Council Member Trautmann thanked City Manager Rodriguez for her work during an
exceedingly challenging time and looks forward to the coming year.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez asked staff to provide a review of area city manager salaries.
M/Regan Gonzalez, S/Trautmann to table this item until June 8, 2021 to assess salary increase
for City Manager.
Council Member Whalen asked staff when the information would be ready for review.
Council Meeting Minutes -7- May 25, 2021
Assistant City Manager Dmytrenko stated it would be ready for the next meeting to allow
Council to make a decision.
City Manager Rodriguez thanked everyone for their kind words and how beneficial the
discussion and evaluation had been.
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 A RESOLUTION TERMINATING THE LOCAL EMERGENCY
ENACTED IN MARCH 2020 IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. THE
LOCAL EMERGENCY WAS DECLARED BY THE MAYOR VIA PROCLAMATION
Item #8
ON MARCH 16, 2020 AND EXTENDED BY CITY COUNCIL ON MARCH 18, 2020
PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA STATUTES SECTION 12.29. STAFF REPORT NO.
84
Mayor Regan Gonzalez read staff report 84.
M/Regan Gonzalez, S/Supple to adopt the resolution terminating the local emergency.
RESOLUTION NO. 11856
A RESOLUTION TERMINATING THE LOCAL EMERGENCY
Council Member Whalen clarified the city is lifting the local emergency but will not stop offering
covid mitigations.
Council Member Trautmann stated just because it is non-emergent does not mean it is still
urgent.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez thanked staff and Council for all the tremendous work during the
pandemic but also recognized the city needs to keep moving forward.
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 -8- May 25, 2021
CONSIDER THE MAYOR'SAPPOINTMENT OF A CIVIL SERVICE
Item #9
COMMISSIONER. STAFF REPORT NO. 85
Mayor Regan Gonzalez presented staff report 85.
Administrative Assistant Wynn stated staff continued recruitment for this commission until a
candidate was found as there is not usually many who apply for the Civil Service Commission but is an
important group of people for the Richfield Fire Department.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez thanked President Stratton of the Civil Service Commission and Fire
Chief Dobesh for assisting with recruitment.
M/Regan Gonzalez, S/Whalen to approve appointment of James Frechette as Civil Service
Commissioner commencing on May 25, 2021 and expiring January 31, 2024.
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 #10
City Manager Rodriguez reviewed previous open forum comments. She then spoke of the work
session Council had regarding the potential design of a new Wood Lake Nature Center building.
Item #11
CLAIMS AND PAYROLL
M/Trautmann, S/Whalen that the following claims and payrolls be approved:
U.S. Bank 05/25/2021
A/P Checks 296829 - 297256 $ 2,355,155.93
Payroll: 161599 - 161895 699,134.48
TOTAL $ 3,054,290.41
Executive Analyst Martinez Gavina took roll call vote:
Regan Gonzalez: AYE
Supple: AYE
Trautmann: AYE
Hayford Oleary: AYE
Council Meeting Minutes -9- May 25, 2021
Whalen: AYE
Motion carried 5-0
HATS OFF TO HOMETOWN HITS
Item #12
Council Member Supple thanked the board of Honoring all Veterans and encouraged residents
to visit the memorial during the upcoming weekend. She also urged everyone to continue to work
toward justice and ending racism to honor the memory of George Floyd.
Council Member Whalen recognized the one year anniversary of the passing of George Floyd
and would like to continue to work for change. He also spoke of the upcoming public hearing regarding
organized collection for an in person meeting on June 1, 2021. Lastly, he reminded residents of the
bike giveaway for kids happening on June 26, 2021 at Taft Park.
Council Member Hayford Oleary spoke of a resident sharing drone photographs of the city. He
also stated he was able to attend the groundbreaking of the renovation of Hope Church and is glad to
see the project getting started.
Council Member Trautmann echoed comments on visiting the memorial in Veteran’s Park.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez spoke of the extraordinary situations, amount of loss and glaring
inequities identified in the last year yet she is hopeful things will continue to change and bring
communities closer together.
Item #13 ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:13 p.m.
Date Approved: June 8, 2021
Maria Regan Gonzalez
Mayor
Kelly Wynn Katie Rodriguez
Administrative Assistant City Manager