11-30 Special
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special City Council Meeting
November 30, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro Tempore Supple at 6:18 p.m. in the
Council Chambers.
Council Members Mary Supple, Mayor Pro Tempore; Sean Hayford Oleary; Simon Trautmann
Present: (arrived 6:32); and Ben Whalen
Council MembersMaria Regan Gonzalez, Mayor
Absent:
Staff Present:Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Jane Skov, IT Manager; Kelly Wynn,
Administrative Assistant; and Kari Sinning, City Clerk
Others Present: Steven Unowsky, Richfield Public Schools Superintendent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tempore Supple led the Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Pro Tempore Supple announced that future meetings will be virtual and information about
how to join will be on the City’s website.
ITEM #1
PROCLAMATION IN SUPPORT OF INCLUSIVE SCHOOL WEEK
Mayor Pro Tempore Supple presented a summary of Inclusive School Week and gave a
proclamation to Superintendent Unowsky who thanked the City for their support for the schools.
Council Member Whalen added that this work is so important to make this City more equitable for
all and appreciated the partnership with the schools.
Mayor Pro Tempore thanked Superintendent Unowsky and staff present for their support.
CONDUCT A TRUTH IN TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE 2022
ITEM #2 PROPERTY TAX LEVY AND 2021 REVISED/2022 PROPOSED BUDGET AND
PROPOSED 2022 UTILITY RATES
Council Member Whalen presented agenda item number two and introduced City Manager Rodriguez
who gave a presentation regarding the 2022 budget and tax levy.
Council Member Whalen opened the public hearing and Administrative Assistant Wynn stated that
there were no callers.
th
Ruane Onesirosan, 2421 West 65
, spoke in opposition of using tax dollars to update communication
systems and how recordings capture her and the public.
th
Ron Capone, 6517 14Ave, thanked the City Manager for the presentation for answering a couple of
his questions and asked a question regarding the increase of 13.8% that has been added to his taxes. He also
asked about how the public can get more involved with the process.
Council Member Whalen verified that there were no other residents that wanted to speak for the public
hearing.
M/Whalen, S/Trautmann to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 4-0
M/Whalen, S/Hayford Oleary to schedule final action on the 2022 property tax levy and 2021
Revised/2022 Proposed Budget and proposed 2022 utility rates, for the regular City Council meeting of
December 14, 2021.
Mayor Pro Tempore Supple mentioned that due to technical difficulties residents may speak at the
December 14, 2021 Council Meeting regarding this item.
Motion carried 4-0
CONSIDER ACCEPTANCE OF THE PROPOSAL PROVIDED BY TIERNEY FOR
AUDIO VISUAL UPGRADES TO THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND THE VIDEO
ITEM #3 CONTROL ROOM, AND ADDITIONAL QUOTE FOR UPGRADES TO CONFERENCE,
TRAINING AND BRIEFING ROOMS WITHIN CITY HALL, FIRE DEPARTMENT,
PUBLIC WORKS AND PUBLIC SAFETY (STAFF REPORT NO. 176)
Council Member Hayford Oleary presented Staff Report No. 176.
IT Manager Jane Skov gave a brief summary of the upgrades that would allow for all the
conference rooms and council chambers to be more accessible for residents and staff. As tonight’s
meeting is indicative of need for the upgrades, IT Manager Skov explained that these upgrades would
make hybrid meetings easier allowing more accessibility.
Council Member Hayford Oleary asked for clarification on the motion and if it included the police
training room quote that was just received. City Manager Rodriguez stated that it should be included in the
motion.
Council Member Whalen thanked for staff for their work on getting the outdated software updated
and appreciated the opportunity this upgrade brings.
Council Member Trautmann stated how the meeting illustrated the need for the upgrades and
reiterated how important that it is to provide clear communication to all residents.
M/Hayford Oleary, S/Whalen to approve acceptance of the proposal provided by Tierney for audio
visual upgrades to the council chambers and the video control room, and additional quote for upgrades to
conference, training and briefing rooms within City Hall, the Fire Department, Public Works and Public
Safety.
Mayor Pro Tempore appreciated the added accessibility that these upgrades would bring.
Motion carried 4-0.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned byunanimous consent at 6:58 p.m.
Date Approved: December 14, 2021
Mary B. Supple
MayorPro Tempore
Kari SinningKatieRodriguez
City ClerkCityManager