11-24-09 WorksessionJ
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special Worksession
November 24, 2009
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Goettel at 6:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Debbie Goettel, Mayor; Sue Sandahl; Pat Elliott; Fred Wroge; and Tom
Fitzhenry.
Staff Present: Steven Devich, City Manager; John Stark, Community Development Director;
Bill Fillmore, Municipal Liquor Operations Director; and Cheryl Krumholz,
Recording Secretary.
Item # I DISCUSSION WITH MINNESOTA LIFE COLLEGE REGARDING FUTURE
EXPANSION PLANS
Kathryn Thomas, Minnesota Life College Executive Director, discussed the college's
programs, success stories in Richfield over the past 15 years and growth possibilities with Ryan
Companies developing a space plan.
Ms. Thomas reviewed potential sites in Richfield, including along Penn Avenue from 62nd
Street to 66th Street; 66th Street and Cedar Avenue; and 77th Street/Pillsbury and Pleasant Avenues
along the railroad tracks, and a funding capital campaign.
Council Member Wroge questioned the college paying property taxes.
Ms. Thomas explained the college is non-profit but if students purchase townhomes, that
would be taxed.
Community Development Director Stark, further explained the applicant must apply for tax
exemption and the college's current status of paying property taxes and alternatives.
Community Development Director Stark also stated, to date, Ron Clark has no formal
arrangement with the City related to the 77th Street/Pillsbury and Pleasant Avenues site but is
planning to request in January, that the HRA approve an exclusive rights agreement.
Community Development Director Stark added that Minnesota Life College needs two to three
acres and several factors including traffic volume, pedestrian safety, and distractions for the students
are considered when sites are reviewed.
Item #2 DISCUSSION WITH RICHFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Special Worksession Minutes -2- November 24, 2009
Steve Lindgren, Chamber President; Pat Brekken, 2009 Board Chair; and Tim Carter,
incoming 2010 Board Chair, discussed ways to improve the business climate in Richfield with greater
support for small businesses, including "Proposed Principles for Redevelopment" prepared b the
Chamber in 2001-2001, and housing redevelopment in the 77th Street/Pleasant Avenue area and
along Lyndale Avenue from 66th to 62nd Streets. Providing Richfield Chamber of Commerce board
members an opportunity to bid on City projects and encourage the process include local service
providers were also discussed.
City Manager Devich explained the quote and bid process requirements under State Statute.
There is a fiduciary responsibility to balance cost comparisons when selecting providers.
Council Member Elliott suggested the Chamber compile a list of vendors/service providers on
their board and provide it to City staff for reference.
Council Member Sandahl suggested the City Council and Chamber be provided the quote and
bid process requirements.
The City Council consensus was to have an Out & About segment with the Chamber to
promote use of Richfield businesses.
The City Council consensus was to conduct a future worksession with the Chamber to discuss
their redevelopment principles.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:56 p.m.
Date Approved: November 24, 2009
~G~
Cheryl K umhol
Recording Secretary