2025-02-11 Council Work Session
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
City Council Work Session
February 11, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Supple called the work session to order at 5:45 p.m. in the Bartholomew Room.
Council Present:
Mary Supple, Mayor; Sharon Christensen; Walter Burk, Sean Hayford
Oleary, Rori A. Coleman-Woods
Staff Present:
Sack Thongvanh, Assistant City Manager; Paul Smithson, Nature Center
Manager; Karl Huemiller, Recreation Services Director; Jill Murphy,
Recreation Program Manager; Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk; and Courtney
Miller, Senior Analyst.
ITEM #1
UPDATE ON EXHIBITS FOR THE NEW WOOD LAKE NATURE CENTER
Recreation Services Director Huemiller provided a summary of the agenda and turned the first item
over to Wood Lake Nature Center Manager Paul Smithson.
Wood Lake Nature Center Manager Smithson provided an update on the progress of planning new
exhibits for the Nature Center building. He showcased examples of the exhibits and emphasized
the goal of creating an engaging space for visitors and noted the building windows will offer views
of the surrounding natural areas. Wood Lake Nature Center Manager Smithson reviewed the
various exhibits and shared themes to be incorporated throughout the building. Mayor Supple
asked where the animal ambassadors for the exhibits would be housed. Manager Smithson
explained the animal ambassadors would be temporarily housed in appropriate city buildings
during construction. He discussed the different animal ambassadors that will be present in the
exhibits.
Councilmember Burk expressed his appreciation for the design, noting that it features minimal
screens and is highly engaging.
Councilmember Hayford Oleary noted the history of the Wood Lake Nature Center property, can be
traced back further than 1970, prior to the Nature Center's establishment. Councilmember Hayford
Oleary also offered suggestions regarding the Watershed map.
Councilmember Burk inquired about the possibility of adding a science exhibit. Recreation Services
Director Huemiller responded that no current plans exist for science exhibits, but it is open for
discussion. Recreation Services Director Huemiller also mentioned rotating exhibits have been
considered.
City Council Work Session Minutes
-2-February 11, 2025
ITEM #2 DISCUSSION OF DONALDSON PARK BUILDING SCHEMATIC DESIGN
Recreation Program Manager Murphy provided an overview of the current building. She presented
pictures of the building and its layout, and noted the current building does not meet ADA standards.
Recreation Program Manager Murphy mentioned staff are considering the Donaldson Park building
as a potential recreation services center for the west side of the City. Recreation Program Manager
Murphy outlined the proposed uses for the new building and discussed design plans, which involve
incorporating the existing structure. Recreation Program Manager Murphy presented the site plan
and design options, each including interior and two exterior restrooms. Recreation Program
Manager Murphy provided a cost breakdown for each design option, including the option of a
completely new building. After staff feedback, she noted option one appeared to be the best fit for
the community and displayed a drawing of what it would look like.
Recreation Services Director Huemiller discussed the building size rationale and discussed the
locks on the building.
Councilmember Hayford Oleary expressed concerns regarding the wide variation in park building
designs throughout the city and the inconsistencies in their designs. Recreation Services Director
Huemiller explained that creating buildings with a unique "Richfield" look can be more costly,
whereas redesigning existing buildings tends to be more cost effective.
Councilmember Coleman-Woods inquired about plans to make the park solar-friendly or
incorporate green energy. Recreation Services Director Huemiller responded that while Donaldson
Park may not be as environmentally focused with green energy as Wood Lake Nature Center,
energy options are being explored.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Supple adjourned the work session at 6:51 pm.
Date Approved: February 25, 2025
Mary B. Supple
Mayor
Michelle Friedrich Katie Rodriguez
City Clerk City Manager