01-09-2024 Work SessionCITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
City Council Work Session
January 9, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Supple called the work session to order at 5:45 p.m. in the Bartholomew Room.
Council Members
Present:
Council Members
Absent:
Mary Supple, Mayor; Sean Hayford Oleary; Ben Whalen, and Sharon
Christensen
Simon Trautmann
Staff Present:
Guests
Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Chris Swanson, Management Analyst;
Dustin Leslie, City Clerk; Karl Huemiller, Recreation Services Director
Liz Veaderko, Project Manager – Design and Construction Division Manager
–Facility Services; Scott Diumstra Director – Libraries Department; Margo
Geffen, Director – Facility Services Department; Christi Duffy, Design and
Construction Division Manager; Matthew Kruntoriad, Principal Architect from
MSR Design; Scott Berger, Architect and Project Manager from MSR
Design; David Hough, Hennepin County Administrator; and Debbie Goetel,
Hennepin County Commissioner.
ITEM #1 UPDATE ON HENNEPIN COUNTY SOUTHDALE LIBRARY PROJECT
City Manager Rodriguez introduced the guests from Hennepin County.
Veaderko and Kruntoriad gave the presentation covering the following: library location, project
schedule, library use overview, feedback received, partnerships, challenges and opportunities,
regional trail connections, and preliminary site plan.
Mayor Supple asked if the 2nd floor would be at-grade. Kruntoriad confirmed that it would be
at-grade.
Council Member Hayford Oleary asked if the square footage would be the same as the old
library. Kruntoriad confirmed that the public facing part of the library would be the same square
footage.
Veaderko and Kruntoriad continued with the presentation covering possible transit options,
outdoor activities, landscaping, and design initiatives.
Mayor Supple spoke about opportunities to work with Edina to share the Arts Center.
City Council Work Session Minutes
-2-January 9, 2024
Council Member Hayford Oleary stated he liked that the library would be staying in the same
location rather than moving to the Southdale mall. He also stated he was disappointed in the site plan
which seemed too car oriented. He further stated that he would like to see the building closer to the
street so it would be more accessible for pedestrians. He also said he was happy about the trail
connections.
Council Member Hayford Oleary and County Administrator Hough spoke about feedback
received from the Edina Planning Commission and Edina City Council.
Council Member Christensen asked where the current library collection would be housed
during construction. Veaderko stated they would be put in storage. County Administrator Hough
stated staff would investigate options for a possible pop-up library.
Council Member Whalen spoke about how youth groups could use the space and that he
hoped conversations about programming would include after school programs. He also spoke about
sustainability and parking.
Council Member Whalen and County Administrator Hough spoke about mixed-use options like
housing for the extra spaces. Administrator Hough stated they looked at the possibility but would have
to relinquish the property for there to be housing.
Mayor Supple spoke about the green spaces and was happy with how they would be utilized.
She also said she was excited about the geothermal heating.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Supple adjourned the work session at 6:48 pm.
Date Approved: January 23, 2024
Mary B. Supple
Mayor
Dustin Leslie Katie Rodriguez
City Clerk City Manager