08-10 Regular
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular CouncilMeeting
August 10, 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; Ben
Present: Whalen; and Simon Trautmann
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Mary Tietjen, City Attorney; John Stark,
Community Development Director; Jay Henthorne, Police Chief; Mike Flaherty,
Deputy Chief; Neil Ruhland, Communications and Engagement Manager;
Blanca Martinez Gavina, Equity Administrator; and Kelly Wynn, Administrative
Assistant
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Regan Gonzalez led the Pledge of Allegiance
OPEN FORUM
Robert Hall, 7309 Oliver Ave S, raised questions around funding provided to a potential new
business, Benefactor Brewing. He asked why and how people are selected for funds along with how
the amount provided is determined. He also inquired why the city would help fund a company that
would compete with city liquor stores.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M/Supple, S/Whalen to approve the minutesof the: (1) City Council Work Session of July 27,
2021; and (2) City Council Meeting of July 27, 2021.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #1 2021 GENE & MARY JACOBSEN CITIZEN OF THE YEAR PRESENTATION
Mayor Regan Gonzalez read the summary of the award.
Council Meeting Minutes -2- August 10, 2021
Kim Jacobsen spoke of the work Santos has done and continues to do in the community of
Richfield. He then presented the award to Santos Mejia
Santos Mejia thanked everyone for their support in his work. He spoke of the strength and
support from every resident that makes Richfield a better community.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez explained how she has known Santos for a long time and how
instrumental he has been in helping so many people.
Santiago De Angulo described what a privilege it has been to work with Santos, especially
during these difficult times.
Council Member Whalen stated there is no one more deserving to receive this award and
appreciates the many ways Santos is community-minded.
Council Member Supple thanked Santos for his leadership and everything he has done and
continues to do for the community.
Council Member Trautmann expressed gratitude for all his work within the community.
Item #2 APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
M/Whalen, S/Hayford Oleary to approve the agenda
Motion carried 5-0.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Item #3
City Manager Rodriguez presented the consent calendar and asked Council to remove item A
as it needs further review.
A. Consider the approval of a resolution authorizing the City of Richfield to enter into a Local
Road Improvement Program grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of
Transportation (MnDOT Agreement No. 1047188) for $11,690,000 to be used for
construction of the 77th Street and Trunk Highway 77 Improvements Project. Staff Report
No. 118
RESOLUTION NO. 11869
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF RICHFIELD TO ENTER INTO
A LOCAL ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM GRANT AGREEMENT WITH
THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (MNDOT AGREEMENT
NO. 1047188) FOR $11,690,000 TO BE USED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE 77TH
STREET AND TRUNK HIGHWAY 77 IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (SP 157-594-003;
SP 157-108-035; & SP 2758-82)
B. Consider approval of a Temporary On Sale Intoxicating Liquor license for the Richfield
Foundation's A Toast To Richfield event to take place on Thursday, October 7, 2021, in the
atrium area of Woodlake Center, located at 6601 Lyndale Ave South. Staff Report No. 119
Council Meeting Minutes -3- August 10, 2021
C. Consider the approval of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension's (BCA's) Master Joint
Powers Agreement (JPA) with Richfield Department of Public Safety/Police for access to
the Criminal Justice Data Communications Network (CJDN) and the Court Data Services
Subscriber Amendment to CJDN Subscriber Agreement. Staff Report No. 120
RESOLUTION NO. 11870
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPROVING STATE OF MINNESOTA
JOINT POWERS AGREEMENTS WITH THE CITY OF RICHFIELD ON BEHALF
OF ITS CITY ATTOURNEY AND POLICE DEPARTMENT
D. Consider a resolution of support for the expansion of the Minnesota Independence College
and Community in the City of Richfield. Staff Report No. 121
RESOLUTION NO. 11871
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE,
ACCESSIBLE MULTIFAMILY HOUSING IN THE VICINITY OF 2000, 2006,
AND 2018 - 76TH STREET WEST
M/Supple, S/Trautmann to approve the consent calendar with the removal of item A, only
approving item B-D.
Council Member Whalen asked for clarification if item A will be on a future meeting.
Director Asher confirmed.
Council Member Trautmann expressed appreciation in sharing of data with Public Safety as it
can provide better outcomes. He also praised MICC and they do for their students.
Motion carried 5-0.
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS, IF ANY, REMOVED FROM CONSENT
Item #4
CALENDAR
None
Item #5 CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Rodriguez encouraged residents to wear masks while visiting city buildings. She
then provided a brief covid update.
Item #6 CLAIMS AND PAYROLL
M/Trautmann, S/Whalen that the following claims and payrolls be approved:
U.S. Bank 08/10/2021
A/P Checks 298900 - 299183 $ 1,150,427.48
Payroll: 163926 - 164285 741,808.25
TOTAL $ 1,892,235.73
Council Meeting Minutes -4-August 10, 2021
Motion carried 5-0
Item #7 HATS OFF TO HOMETOWN HITS
Council Member Trautmann spoke of the open enrollment for fall soccer and encouraged
residents to sign up their children.
Council Member Hayford Oleary expressed appreciation for Night to Unite. He then spoke of a
Star Tribune article relating to planning and zoning regarding racial inequities and encouraged people
to read it.
Council Member Supple spoke of a number of events taking place: August 14 from 6-8pm that
will be a celebration of poetry at eh amphitheater; the Richfield Middle School will be performing live
August 11 at 7pm also at the amphitheater; Crossroads Panorama has an event on August 28 from
2:30-5:30pm taking place at the Bandshell; and Unity in the Community will be taking place August 29
as a drive thru event.
Council Member Whalen echoed comments of how wonderful it was to visit with residents at
Night to Unite. He reminded residents information regarding organized collection is available on the
city website. He encouraged residents to attend an event with Sustainability Specialist Lindholm
where she will be available to answer questions on August 31 from 7-8pm in Veterans Park. He also
mentioned strategic planning meetings coming up and invited residents to reach out with ideas for the
future of Richfield.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez spoke of how wonderful it was to see Santos as he is an extraordinary
leader in making sure community members are feeling connected. She then thanked staff for their
work sessions regarding embedding equity into work plans across all departments. She expressed
appreciation for city staff as she heard from residents for all the great work they continue to do while
out at Night to Unite. Lastly, she reminded residents the Richfield Foundation event is on Oct 7 and
they are looking for volunteers and sponsors.
Item #8
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 7:41 p.m.
Date Approved: September 14, 2021
Maria Regan Gonzalez
Mayor
Kelly Wynn Katie Rodriguez
Administrative Assistant City Manager