06-22 Regular
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular CouncilMeeting
June 22, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Maria Regan Gonzalez at 7:02 p.m. in the Council
Chambers.
Council Members Maria Regan Gonzalez, Mayor; Mary Supple; Sean Hayford Oleary; and
Present: Ben Whalen
Council Members Simon Trautmann
Absent:
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Mary Tietjen, City Attorney; Neil Ruhland,
Communications and Engagement Manager; John Stark, Community
Development Director; Melissa Poehlman, Assistant Community Development
Director; Amy Markle, Recreation Services Director; Jane Skov, IT Manager;
Blanca Martinez Gavina, Equity Administrator; and Kelly Wynn, Administrative
Assistant
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Regan Gonzalez led the Pledge of Allegiance
OPEN FORUM
rd
Barb Russ, 6915 3 Ave S, stated there should be an increase in police staffing. She also
spoke of the need to monitor what is displayed on billboards throughout the city.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M/Hayford Oleary, S/Supple to approve the minutesof the: (1) City Council Work Session of
June 8, 2021; and (2) City Council Meeting of June 8, 2021 with the notice of an update to the Council
Meeting minutes of June 8.
Motion carried 4-0.
PRESENTATION RECOGNIZING THE REGIONAL AND STATE SCIENCE FAIR
Item #1
WINNTERS FROM BLESSED TRINITY
Council Meeting Minutes -2- June 22, 2021
Mayor Regan Gonzalez read a list recognizing each student and their achievements in the
science fairs. She then spoke of how inspiring they all are and hopes to see them pursue great things
in their future.
Principal Patrick O’Keefe spoke about the school and their ever growing science program. He
expressed extreme pride in all the students.
Council Member Supple congratulated all the students.
Council Member Whalen referenced recognition of Dr. Jenkins on a career of work and is
grateful to see so many students only beginning a career and encouraged them all to continue.
Council Member Hayford Oleary echoed congratulations to everyone.
Item #2 APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
M/Supple, S/Whalen to approve the agenda
Motion carried 4-0.
Item #3 CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Rodriguez presented the consent calendar.
A. 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. 97
B. Consider the approval of an art installation at the roundabout at 67th Street and Lyndale
Avenue that would be a collaboration with The Richfield Arts Commission, The Spread the
Sunshine Gang, and city departments in support and celebration of Pride and the
LGBTQIA+ community. Staff Report No. 98
C. Consider the approval of an organics drop-off site agreement between House of Prayer
Lutheran Church and the City of Richfield. Staff Report No. 99
M/Whalen, S/Hayford Oleary to approve the consent calendar
Council Members Supple and Hayford Oleary expressed their excitement for the ‘pride-about’
associated with item B.
Motion carried 4-0.
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS, IF ANY, REMOVED FROM CONSENT
Item #4
CALENDAR
Council Meeting Minutes -3- June 22, 2021
None
CONSIDER THE SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE REZONING 23
PROPERTIES IN THE VICINITY OF VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK IN ORDER
TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE ADOPTED 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF SAID
Item #5 ORDINANCE. THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE CHANGES ZONING
TH
DESIGNATIONS OF PROPERTIES GENRALLY ALONG 66 STREET AND
PORTLAND AVENUE TO EITHER A MULTI-FAMILY OR COMMERCIAL
ZONING DESIGNATION IN ORDER TO ALLOW MORE INTENSE
DEVELOPMENT IN THE FUTURE (STAFF REPORT NO. 100)
Council Member Supple presented staff report 100. She then asked for clarification on existing
homes.
Assistant Director Poehlman stated existing properties will obtain non-conforming status which
will allow them to use the property as is.
M/Supple, S/Whalen to approve (1) second reading of an ordinance rezoning 23 properties in
the vicinity of Veterans Memorial Park to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan; and (2) a
resolution authorizing summary publication of said ordinance.
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION APPROVING SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO ZONING;
AMENDING APPENDIX I TO THE RICHFIELD CITY CODE BY REZONING LAND IN THE VICINITY OF
VETERAN’S MEMORIAL PARK IN ORDER TO CONFORM TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Council Member Hayford Oleary appreciates staff consideration to not push any residents out
but expressed concern that this does limit what can be done to properties in the future.
Assistant Director Poehlman explained there was a mailing done to residents and a public
hearing was held at the Planning Commission meeting on May 23, 2021. This item addresses a
variety of changes in zoning regarding the 23 properties involved.
Council Member Whalen agreed with Council Member Hayford Oleary’s comments and would
like to see future discussions regarding the missing middle housing needs.
Motion carried 4-0
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF (1) A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE ATTACHED
TH
PORTLAND & 66 SUB AREA STUDY; (2) A SECOND READING OF AN
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR A NEW VETERANS PARK
Item #6 AREA OVERLAY DISTRICT REZONING PROPERTIES WITHIN THE VETERANS
PARK AREA TO BE SUBJECT TO SAID REGULATIONS; AND (3) A
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUMMARY PUBLICAITON OF SAID ORDINANCE
(STAFF REPORT 101)
Council Member Whalen presented staff report 101.
Assistant Director Poehlman stated the moratorium is set to expire on June 24, 2021.
Council Meeting Minutes -4- June 22, 2021
Council Member Whalen read statement provided by Commander Seamans from Post 435.
M/Whalen, S/Supple to approve the attached resolution adopting the Portland & 66th Sub
Area Study.
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE PORTLAND AND 66TH SUB AREA STUDY
Council Member Supple stated she is pleased to see the addition of the bird collision reduction
information and asked for clarification on buffering, green space and parking.
Assistant Director Poehlman stated there will be a buffer of green space and landscaping
along with tree preservation.
Council Member Supple asked if a stand-alone building for Post 435 would be allowed.
Assistant Director Poehlman stated Post 435 would be able to continue using the property as
a legally non-conforming property. However, if the property were to change, they would be required to
abide by the overlay district guidelines.
Council Member Whalen stated his confusion by the comments submitted by Post 435 and
their intentions for the property. He would like to get clarity of intentions and come to a solution that
meets everyone’s needs.
Assistant Director Poehlman stated staff has continued dialogue with Post 435 and she
believes they are still exploring possible options of how to utilize the property.
Director Stark clarified if the property were to fall into redevelopment; they would need to
incorporate some kind of multi-housing needs.
Council Member Hayford Oleary asked if Post 435 has always wanted a stand-alone building
or if this is something new.
Assistant Director Poehlman stated in initially, there was no discussion of a stand-alone
building but it has come up as Post 435 explores potential options.
Council Member Hayford Oleary asked about the possibility of selling some of their property to
be utilized as multi-family and keeping their existing building.
Assistant Director Poehlman does not believe they would able sell a portion without the entire
lot being rezoned.
Council Member Whalen thanked residents who contributed to the study. He then reiterated
the city is not trying to re-develop the park itself and does not pursue redeveloping properties but
helps guide them for future development.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez believes the contents of the Post 435 comments would be things to
discuss with a potential developer.
Motion carried 4-0
M/Whalen, S/Hayford Oleary to approve (1) a second reading of the attached ordinance
establishing regulations for a new Veterans Park Area Overlay District and rezoning properties to be
subject to said Overlay District regulations; and (2) the attached resolution authorizing summary
Council Meeting Minutes -5- June 22, 2021
publication of an ordinance establishing regulations for a new Veterans Park Area Overlay District and
rezoning properties to be subject to said Overlay District regulations.
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION APPROVING SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS
FOR A NEW VETERNS PARK OVERLAY DISTRICT AND REZONING CERTAIN PROPERTIES IN THE AREA
OF PORTLAND AVENUE AND 66TH STREET TO BE SUBJECT TO SAID OVERLAY DISTRICT
REGULATIONS
Motion carried 4-0
COSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING A FINAL PLAT FOR LYNDALE OAKS
ND
2 ADDITION. THE PROPOSED PLAT COMBINES THE THREE PARCELS
Item #7
COMPRISING THE LYNK65 REDEVELOPMENT SITE INTO ONE PARCEL
(STAFF REPORT NO. 102)
Council Member Hayford Oleary presented staff report 102.
Assistant Director Poehlman added this final plat does dedicate the appropriate right of away
at the round about as well as the adjacent trail.
M/Hayford Oleary, S/Whalen to approve the attached resolution approving the final plat of
Lyndale Oaks 2nd Addition.
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION GRANTING APPROVAL OF A FINAL PLAT FOR LYNDALE OAKS 2ND ADDITION
Motion carried 4-0
Item #8 CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Rodriguez addressed two comments from the previous open forum and gave a
brief covid update and asked for more discussion on the mask mandate.
Council Member Whalen spoke of how numbers are showing exposure is down and he would
be comfortable doing away with the masks at meetings.
Council Members Hayford Oleary and Supple agreed they are also comfortable with not
requiring masks at council meetings.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez also supported not being required to wear a mask but will if anyone
becomes uncomfortable.
Item #9 CLAIMS AND PAYROLL
M/Hayford Oleary, S/Supple that the following claims and payrolls be approved:
U.S. Bank 06/22/2021