06-14-2022 Work SessionCITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Joint City Council and Planning
Commission Work Session
June 14, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
The work session was called to order by Mayor Regan Gonzalez at 6:01 p.m. in the
Bartholomew Room.
Council Members
Present:
Maria Regan Gonzalez, Mayor; Mary Supple; Simon Trautmann; Sean
Hayford Oleary; and Ben Whalen
Planning
Commission
Members Present:
Brett Stursa; Brendan Kennealy; and Cole Hooey
Planning
Commission
Members Absent:
James Rudolph, Chair; Ben Surma; Kathryn Quam; and Eddie Holmvig-
Johnson
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Melissa Poehlman, Community Development
Director; Chris Swanson, Management Analyst; and Kelly Wynn,
Administrative Assistant
ITEM #1 CONTINUED DISCUSSION REGARDING MISSING MIDDLE HOUSING
Mayor Regan Gonzalez turned the work session over to Community Development Director
Poehlman.
Director Poehlman discussed the process overview, missing middle housing recap, visual
preference survey, and overall direction along with staff recommendations. She also spoke of building
size preference, policy direction regarding size
Council Member Whalen expressed concern regarding size.
Commissioner Hooey asked if a resident could purchase two single family homes and tear
down then build one home across two parcels.
Director Poehlman stated residents could build across two parcels so building width could be
considered in discussions
Council Member Hayford Oleary asked about the various divisions and how they would be
affected.
Joint City Council and Planning Commission
Work Session Minutes -2-June 14, 2022
Director Poehlman stated R1 would be left alone. She then discussed entry/doorway
preferences.
Council Member Supple asked for clarification from lot line.
Director Poehlman explained it is the side lot line that is concerned. She also spoke of parking
preferences and recommendations, overall design, recommendations and next steps.
Commissioner Stursa appreciated the side yard setback and asked how realistic it would be to
build a duplex on most of the Richfield lots.
Director Poehlman said staff has done research and duplexes can fit on as low as 45 foot lots.
She then stated staff would like to have a demonstration lot to display layouts.
Council Member Hayford Oleary expressed support for staff's work. He expressed a desire to
eliminate the garage requirement, rather than reduce to 1 stall, and noted that most Richfield homes
were built prior to any garage requirement.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez asked the group for feedback on the garage requirement.
Commissioner Hooey said he did not see a compelling argument for requiring a garage, but
asked the group for further discussion.
Commissioner Kennealy agreed with Hooey and wondered if garage requirement could
prevent new building.
Council Member Trautmann stated that our policies should most accommodate those for
whom costs like a garage requirement could make a different in ability to build.
Director Poehlman would like to weigh in with Environmental Health staff when it comes to
storing things outside. There was general consensus this should be considered / investigated.
Council Member Supple was not concerned with removing garage requirement, but thought
ensuring outdoor storage was important.
Council Member Whalen and Hooey discussed some outstanding questions about removing
garage requirement, such as impact on home value, and questions about garbage bin placement.
Council member Whalen stated an argument against not requiring a garage is that it could make a
property less valuable in the future. Commissioner Hooey stated that not having a garage could make
a home less valuable or attractive, but also that not having a garage was common among homes in
Minneapolis.
Council Member Supple asked about homes currently being built that are more than 50%
garage/house visibility.
Director Poehlman stated it would affect permits that come in after the new guidelines are
approved.
Council Member Hayford Oleary shared preference of 50% of width versus façade.
Council Member Whalen one entry versus two seems like an unnecessary restriction. He then
asked about the possibility of triplex or four-plex buildings being allowed. He stated he would like to
allow a porch to be considered habitable space.
Joint City Council and Planning Commission
Work Session Minutes -3- June 14, 2022
Commissioner Hooey discussed the side entry access and asked how much of a disturbance it
is for residents.
Director Poehlman stated staff was discussing a set in door to comply with a 5 foot access to
neighboring lot line.
Council Member Supple believes duplexes will fit in most neighborhoods.
Commissioner Kennealy supported recommendations.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez also supported recommendations and is not opposed to multiple entry
doors.
Commissioner Kennealy asked about encouraging individual investors versus corporate
investors.
Council Member Trautmann asked about the availability HRA dollars to support this process.
Director Poehlman stated there are dollars available if this were to be passed but there is not
currently a program for investors.
Commissioner Hooey stated he would rather see individual investors versus corporates.
Commissioner Hayford Oleary asked if an ADU would be allowed on the same lot as a duplex.
Director Poehlman stated they have not explored that but it most likely would be allowed.
Council Member Supple asked about rules regarding a ‘bed and breakfast.’
Director Poehlman stated a resident could build a duplex but then would need a conditional
use permit to use part of it as a ‘bed and breakfast.’ She spoke of the importance to adopt this
process now and exploring additional options moving forward.
Commissioner Stursa prefers garages to be flush with habitable space on the front of homes.
Council Member Trautmann and Commissioner Kennealy stated a garage to be flush with a
porch would be suitable.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez and Commissioner Hooey echoed Commissioner Stursa’s comments.
Council Member Supple doesn’t have strong feelings either way
Director Poehlman recapped that there is not strong consensus for either side. Staff will do
some more research.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez complimented staff and commissioners to prioritize affordability and
diverse use of housing. She expressed excitement to have such options for residents.
ADJOURNMENT
The work session was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:51 p.m.
Joint City Council and Planning Commission
Work Session Minutes -4-June 14, 2022
Date Approved: June 28, 2022, as amended
Maria Regan Gonzalez
Mayor
Kelly Wynn Katie Rodriguez
Administrative Assistant City Manager