04-12-2022 Regular
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Regan Gonzalez at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers.
Council Members
Present:
Maria Regan Gonzalez, Mayor; Mary Supple; Simon Trautmann; Sean
Hayford Oleary; and Ben Whalen
Council Members
Absent:
None
Staff Present:
Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Mary Tietjen, City Attorney; Rachel
Lindholm, Sustainability Specialist; Melissa Poehlman, Community
Development Director; Joe Powers, City Engineer; Sack Thongvanh,
Assistant City Manager; Chris Swanson, Management Analyst; Jane Skov, IT
Manager; Kelly Wynn, Administrative Assistant; and Kari Sinning, City Clerk
Others Present: Lisa Hendricks, Executive Director of Partnership Academy
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@richfieldmn.gov
Administrative Assistant Wynn stated that there was a phone call from Eric Huckleberry
regarding a complaint against the organics collection and the frustrations with the hauler.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M/W halen, S/Trautmann to approve the minutes of the: (1) City Council Work Session of
March 22, 2022; (2) Regular City Council Meeting of March 22, 2022; (3) Special City Council Work
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Council Meeting
April 12, 2022
City Council Meeting Minutes -2- April 12, 2022
Session of March 23, 2022; (4) Special City Council Work Session of March 24, 2022; and (5) Joint
City Council, Community Services and Planning Commission Work Session of March 28, 2022.
Motion carried 5-0.
ITEM #1
PRESENTATION IN RECOGNITION OF EARTH DAY 2022
Mayor Regan Gonzalez read aloud the proclamation and presented it to Sustainability
Specialist Lindholm.
Sustainability Specialist Lindholm shared the environmental efforts that the City has done.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez appreciated the work the Sustainability Commission has done and
shared that the City has inspired residents to be more environmentally conscious and sustainability.
Council Member Whalen echoed the appreciation of the commission and Sustainability
Specialist Lindholm and mentioned the sustainability resources for residents on the City website.
Council Member Hayford Oleary expressed gratefulness for the work that Sustainability
Specialist Lindholm has done especially regarding organized hauling. He shared that all of the policy
decisions come together for the sustainability of the community and they happen throughout the year.
Council Member Trautmann appreciated the leadership of Sustainability Specialist Lindholm
and how the efforts affected the community as a whole to be more sustainable.
Council Member Supple thanked Sustainability Specialist Lindholm’s leadership and the efforts
of all for a more sustainable community.
ITEM #2
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
M/Hayford Oleary, S/Supple to approve the amended agenda with the removal of item 7.
Motion carried 5-0
ITEM #3
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Rodriguez presented the consent calendar.
A. Consider the approval of a resolution authorizing acceptance of a donation received by
Richfield Recreation Services Department from Jill Mithun for Wood Lake Nature Center in
the amount of $100,000 and to authorize the Recreation Services Director to apply the
funds for Wood Lake Nature Center. (Staff Report No. 53)
RESOLUTION NO. 11959
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A DONATION RECEIVED BY THE
RICHFIELD RECREATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT FROM
JACQUELINE (JILL) MITHUN FOR WOOD LAKE NATURE CENTER
IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,000 AND AUTHORIZING THE
City Council Meeting Minutes -3- April 12, 2022
RECREATION SERVICES DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE THE
ASSOCIATED GRANT
B. Consider the approval of a resolution of support for Public Works' regional solicitation grant
application for federal funding to Metropolitan Council for the installation of pedestrian and
bicycle infrastructure on 73rd St near Centennial Elementary. (Staff Report No. 54)
RESOLUTION NO. 11960
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR CENTENNIAL ELEMENTARY
REGIONAL SOLICITATION APPLICATION
C. Consider the approval of a resolution of support for Public Works' regional solicitation
application for federal funding to the Metropolitan Council for a pedestrian and bike
connection on 73rd St and modernizing the 73rd St pedestrian bridge over I-35W. (Staff
Report No. 55)
RESOLUTION NO. 11961
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR 73RD ST TRAIL AND BRIDGE
REGIONAL SOLICITATION APPLICATION
D. Consider the approval of a resolution of support for Public Works' regional solicitation grant
application for federal funding to Metropolitan Council for the modernization of 76th St from
Xerxes Ave to Sheridan Ave. (Staff Report No. 56)
RESOLUTION NO. 11962
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR W 76TH ST MODERNIZATION
REGIONAL SOLICITATION APPLICATION
E. Consider approval of an agreement for improvements to the railroad's existing public road
at-grade crossing with Progressive Rail Incorporated as part of the 65th Street
Reconstruction Project. (Staff Report No. 57)
F. Consider the approval of the resolutions to adjust the City’s Municipal State Aid Street
(MSAS) network. (Staff Report No. 58)
RESOLUTION NO. 11963
RESOLUTION REVOKING MUNICIPAL STATE AID DESIGNATION
FROM CERTAIN CITY STREETS
RESOLUTION NO. 11964
RESOLUTION FOR MUNICIPAL STATE AID DESIGNATION OF
CERTAIN CITY STREETS
G. Consider adoption of a resolution authorizing the purchase of a permanent lighting
easement at 800 W 65th St for the 65th Street Reconstruction Project. (Staff Report No.
59)
RESOLUTION NO. 11965
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF RICHFIELD TO MAKE
PAYMENT FOR THE PURCHASE OF A PERMANENT LIGHTING
EASEMENT AT 800 W 65TH ST (PID# 27-028-24-23-0110) AS A
PART OF THE 65TH ST RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
H. Consider the adoption of a resolution supporting the repeal of the exclusion of Hennepin
and Ramsey counties from receiving motor vehicle lease sales tax (MVLST) funds and a
return to the original MVLST county state aid formula. (Staff Report No. 60)
City Council Meeting Minutes -4- April 12, 2022
RESOLUTION NO. 1196
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE REPEAL OF THE
EXCLUSION OF HENNEPIN AND RAMSEY COUNTIES FROM
RECEIVING MOTOR VEHICLE LEASE SALES TAX (MVLST) FUNDS
AND A RETURN TO THE ORIGINAL MVLST COUNTY STATE AID
FORMULA
I. Consider the approval of the bid tabulation and award a contract to Visu-Sewer, Inc., for
the 2022 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Program in the amount of $591,774.00 and
authorize the City Manager to approve contract changes up to $175,000 without further
City Council consideration. (Staff Report No. 61)
J. Consider the approval of the first reading of an ordinance amending Subsection 210.01 of
the City Code related to City Council salaries for 2023 and 2024. (Staff Report No. 62)
K. Consider the approval of the Hennepin County Youth Sports Program Grant Resolution to
submit a grant for youth curling equipment and authorize staff to execute the grant
agreement if awarded. (Staff Report No. 64)
RESOLUTION NO. 11967
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING GRANT APPLICATION AND
AGREEMENT UNDER HENNEPIN YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM FOR
CURLING EQUIPMENT
L. Consider the approval of the Hennepin County Youth Sports Program Grant Resolution to
submit a grant for accessible picnic tables and authorize staff to execute the grant
agreement if awarded. (Staff Report No. 65)
RESOLUTION NO. 11968
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING GRANT APPLICATION AND
AGREEMENT UNDER HENNEPIN YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM FOR
ACCESSIBLE PICNIC TABLES
M/Supple, S/Whalen to approve the consent calendar.
Council Member Hayford Oleary expressed thankfulness for the donation to Wood Lake from
the Mithun family. He also mentioned the significance of items B and C that will allow for better
pedestrian and bike transportation to the school and neighborhood.
Council Member Trautmann recognized Jill Mithun and reflected on how people invest in the
community and thanked staff for submitting applications for financing and funding that are outside of
the city’s tax base.
Council Member Supple thanked the Mithun family and recognized the importance of the
sewer rehabilitation project.
Motion carried 5-0.
ITEM #4
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS, IF ANY, REMOVED FROM CONSENT
CALENDAR
None.
City Council Meeting Minutes -5- April 12, 2022
ITEM #5
CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CONTRACT WITH THE
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL 1215 FOR THE
CONTRACT PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2022 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT. (STAFF
REPORT NO. 67)
Council Member Whalen presented Staff Report 67.
City Manager Rodriguez acknowledged and appreciated HR Manager Krista Guzman and the
firefighters for the negotiations.
Council Member Whalen echoed the appreciation of the firefighters and everyone else that
has worked on the negotiations to make similar benefits and rates to all employees.
M/W halen, S/Supple to adopt a resolution approving the provisions of the 2022-2023 labor
agreement with the International Association of Firefighters Local 1215 bargaining unit and authorize
the City Manager to execute the agreement.
RESOLUTION NO. 11969
RESOLUTION APPROVING LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF RICHFIELD AND THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
FIREFIGHTERS (IAFF), LOCAL 1215 BARGAINING UNIT FOR THE
YEAR 2022 AND 2023
Council Member Trautmann expressed appreciation for the firefighters throughout the
pandemic and their essential function to the community.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez mentioned the firefighter badging ceremony that was held last week
and recognized the fire department and their families for their dedication during the staff shortage.
Council Member Supple was appreciative of the professional development that was happening
in the fire department even during the difficult moments.
Motion carried 5-0.
ITEM #6
CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR AN AMENDED PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT,
FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN, AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW
CONSTRUCTION OF A BUILDING ADDITION TO AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
AT 6500 NICOLLET AVENUE SOUTH. (STAFF REPORT NO. 63)
Council Member Supple presented Staff Report 63.
Community Development Director Poehlman stated that this item is only for the applicant to
prepare a plan for the parking within the timeframe, not to build specifically.
Council Member Supple offered an amendment to the resolution that would go to the end of
the lease ending in January 31, 2024 instead of two years which would be April 2024 causing a gap.
City Council Meeting Minutes -6- April 12, 2022
Council Member Hayford Oleary stated that the timeframe is already short comparatively to
the other agreements and would not support the amendment to the resolution as the applicant would
have to create alternative plans if there is a gap in parking.
Council Member Whalen asked the applicant if the proposed resolution would coincide with
the timeframe they have for the project. Lisa Hendricks stated that the resolution would work with their
timeframe and hoped that the agreement be drafted quickly, would not include provisions to revoke
their certificate of occupancy, and the fee structure of the penalties. Council Member Whalen asked
about the status of the agreement and Community Development Director Poehlman stated that the
agreement would be done separately from this agenda item and City Attorney Tietjen stated that a
draft agreement could be available at the end of next week.
Council Member Hayford Oleary asked the applicant if they are planning on pursuing the
amendment to permit structured parking now or in the future which is a public hearing for the April 25
Planning Commission meeting. Lisa Hendricks stated that they will be not be pursuing the permit at
this time if this item is approved. Council Member Hayford Oleary asked staff to clarify that if the
applicant pays the fines that the certificate of occupancy would not be affected. Director Poehlman
stated that it would be of the best interest to retain the ability to revoke a permit but the language in
the agreement would state specifically the penalties and if revocation were to happen which is not
something that the City would want to do.
Council Member Supple made a motion for an amended resolution; there was no second and
motion was withdrawn.
M/Supple, S/Hayford Oleary to approve the attached resolution authorizing an amended
Planned Unit Development, a Final Development Plan, and a Conditional Use Permit.
RESOLUTION NO. 11970
RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO A PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT, FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN, AND CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF A BUILDING
ADDITION TO AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AT 6500 NICOLLET
AVENUE SOUTH
Council Member Hayford Oleary asked for clarification on imposing penalties. Director
Poehlman stated that it would be detailed in the contract with a timeline that would help the applicant
achieve success without financial penalties. Council Member Hayford Oleary thanked staff for utilizing
Council’s feedback from the previous meeting into tonight’s resolution.
Council Member Whalen echoed the last comment from Council Member Hayford Oleary and
appreciated the work that the applicant and staff did to come to a resolution.
Council Member Supple was pleased that the project can move forward as she understands
the importance of providing more space for education but expressed concerns about parking during
the winter if there is no parking close to the building.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez thanked the young student leader and others from Partnership
Academy for coming to the meeting tonight.
Motion carried 5-0.
Lisa Hendricks thanked staff and council for working through the issues with Partnership
Academy to find a resolution.
City Council Meeting Minutes -7- April 12, 2022
ITEM #7
CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING A REQUEST FOR AN AMENDED
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT, FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A MIRCO-BREWERY AND
BREWPUB/TAPROOM AT 6402 LYNDALE AVENUE SOUTH. (STAFF REPORT
NO. 68)
Agenda Item Removed.
ITEM #8
CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR A SITE PLAN APPROVAL AND A VARIANCE
FOR A DAYCARE, TAKE-OUT RESTAURANT, AND EVENT SPACE AT 6436
PENNAVENUE SOUTH. (STAFF REPORT NO. 69)
Council Member Trautmann presented Staff Report 69.
M/Trautmann, S/Supple to approve a proposed site plan and deny a variance at 6436 Penn
Avenue South
RESOLUTION NO. 11971
RESOLUTION APPROVING A SITE PLAN AND DENYING A
VARIANCE FOR OFF-STREET PARKING FOR A DAYCARE, TAKE-
OUT RESTAURANT, AND EVENT SPACE AT 6436 PENN AVENUE
SOUTH
Council Member Hayford Oleary asked about securing parking through a covenant. Director
Poehlman stated that this is a common problem and it is difficult to get permanent rights to use
someone’s property for parking. Council Member Hayford Oleary expressed confusion on why the
reduction for bicycle parking stalls would not be applied. Director Poehlman stated that it was brought
up at the Planning Commission and the zoning code is written so that the Council may offer the
reduction however the use of this space is questionable on how many people would bike to pick up
their child from daycare or go to an event. Council Member Hayford Oleary understood the statement
and stated that it is tough to guess how people are going to travel to destinations. He also stated that
he does not agree with the denial of the variance as there would be options.
Council Member Whalen wished that the applicant was here to ask what events would be
happening at the venue and how people would be arriving to the venue. Director Poehlman did not
speak directly to the applicant about the proposed event center. Council Member Whalen stated that
parking should not stop a business from starting however the plans are very disproportionate to the
parking available.
Council Member Trautmann echoed the hesitation of Council Member Whalen and asked if the
applicant would have to return with another variance or covenant. Director Poehlman stated that this
would be the final decision unless the applicant decided to appeal.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez expressed sadness that they could not come back to council for
approval. Director Poehlman stated that the business would still be able to operate so long as they
find the additional parking. Council Member Trautmann asked for further clarification and Director
Poehlman stated that the site plan is conditionally approved on the applicant meeting the parking
requirements so that the item does not need to be brought back to Council.
City Council Meeting Minutes -8- April 12, 2022
Council Member Supple asked if they were to only to do the daycare and take-out that they
would be able to operate. Director Poehlman stated that they can submit revised building plans
without the event center to be approved for only the daycare and take-out which would not need
further Council action.
Council Member Hayford Oleary expressed his support for the item in light of the discussion
and stated that the bar is too high for our parking requirements.
Motion carried 5-0.
ITEM #9
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Rodriguez thanked Council for their patience in returning to in-person meetings
and mentioned the updates that have happened to Council Chambers for hybrid meetings. She gave
a brief covid update.
Council Member Whalen asked about the laptops in Council Chambers being used for work
sessions and City Manager Rodriguez stated that she would ask about the use of them in other
conference rooms.
ITEM #10
CLAIMS AND PAYROLL
M/Trautmann, S/Supple that the following claims and payrolls be approved:
U.S. Bank 4/12/2022
A/P Checks: 304986 – 305439 $1,383,351.68
Payroll: 169259 – 169565 $ 771,233.40
TOTAL $2,154,585.08
Motion carried 5-0
ITEM #11
HATS OFF TO HOMETOWN HITS
Council Member Whalen thanked Communications and Engagement Manager Neil Ruhland
for his leadership on both the communications side and the community engagement side and wished
him well for his future endeavors. He also thanked the Planning Commission for their work on finding
compromise and solutions to the brewery project and shared his disappointment for the permit being
pulled.
Council Member Supple mentioned the Friendship City Commission’s ox cart display at City
Hall and the Arts Commission’s poetry around Richfield Lake that would be updated. As Earth Day
approaches, she thanked residents that she has seen picking up trash as the snow melts. She also
called attention to the Community Development department as they have gone above and beyond as
the work session prior to the meeting was a discussion regarding the redevelopment of the Hub. She
also wished the best for Communications Manager Ruhland.
Council Member Hayford Oleary commented briefly on the item that was pulled from the
agenda by stating that our residents really care about this community and support the development of
City Council Meeting Minutes -9-April 12, 2022
Downtown Richfield. He also thanked the staff that worked on the proposed development to address
the concerns and issues around it.
Council Member Trautmann thanked Brixmor for coming to the work session to discuss the
redevelopment of the Hub. He congratulated Neil Ruhland who helped to build trust and left the city
better than he found it and wished him well. He extended great appreciation to Mayor Regan
Gonzalez as she will not be running for reelection and stated how she has influenced the community
for the better.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez thanked Council Member Trautmann for the kind words and stated
that she loved her time as Mayor to make Richfield a better community. She also thanked
Communications Manager Neil Ruhland for his excellent work and shared excitement for his future.
She echoed the thanks to Community Development staff for their exceptional work while being
understaffed and in reference to the item that was pulled from the agenda, she appreciated people’s
passion and excitement and reiterated that residents should be respectful even if opinions differ. She
also mentioned that the Gene and Mary Jacobson Outstanding Citizen Award nominations are being
accepted until April 29.
ITEM #12 ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:13 p.m.
Date Approved: April 26, 2022
Kari Sinning Katie Rodriguez
City Clerk City Manager
Mary B. Supple, Mayor Pro Tempore