2025-03-11 Council Regular Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Supple at 7:05 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Council Present:
Mary Supple, Mayor; Sharon Christensen; Walter Burk; Sean
Hayford Oleary; and Rori A. Coleman-Woods.
Staff Present:
Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Mary Tietjen, City Attorney;
Melissa Poehlman, Community Development Director, Kristin
Asher, Public Works Director; Michelle Friedrich, City
Clerk; Jay Henthorne, Police Chief; and Rachel Lindholm,
Sustainability Specialist.
Others Present: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Supple led the Pledge of Allegiance.
OPEN FORUM
Mayor Supple reviewed the participation options for residents at the Council meeting including in-
person comments, comments by voicemail or email, and an option to request to participate virtually
with advance notice. Mayor Supple noted more information on submitting comments can be
reviewed at www.richfieldmn.gov/citycouncil.
Leule Assmrew discussed his concern about the proposals for new rules that would affect how
short-term rentals are operated. He commented on the benefits of having short-term rentals in the
community.
Sarah Marasigan noted that she is a short-term rental owner. She discussed that they have set
many rules to ensure that guests are respectful.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Council Meeting
March 11, 2025
City Council Meeting Minutes -2- March 11, 2025
MOTION: made by Council Member Hayford Oleary, seconded by Council Member Christensen to
approve the minutes of the: (1) City Council Work Session Meeting from February 25, 2025, and
(2) City Council Regular Meeting from February 25, 2025.
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #1
COMMUNITY MEMBERS COMMENDATION
Police Chief Henthorne noted that he is here tonight to honor two outstanding community members
who helped save someone's life. He read aloud a letter of commendation. The two community
members, Aubrey Carlson and Chase Simpson, called 911 swiftly on a very cold night in February
to report someone lying in the road. He presented each with their commendations.
ITEM #2
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: made by Council Member Coleman-Woods, seconded by Council Member Burk to
approve Agenda as presented.
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #3
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Rodriguez presented the consent calendar.
A. Consider: Approval of Part 1 of the West Metro Multi-Community Wellhead Protection Plan; and
Adoption of a resolution authorizing participation in the development of Part 2 of the West Metro
Multi-Community Wellhead Protection Plan. (Staff Report No. 32)
RESOLUTION NO. 12305
RESOLUTION APPROVING WEST METRO MULTI-COMMUNITY WELLHEAD
PROTECTION PLAN (PART 1) AND AUTHORIZING CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE
DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REMAINDER OF THE PLAN (PART 2)
B. Consider approval of a Temporary On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor license for the Richfield
Foundation's A Toast to Richfield event to take place on Thursday, May 1, 2025, in the atrium
area of Woodlake Center, located at 6601 Lyndale Ave South. (Staff Report No. 33)
C. Consider the approval of an agreement allowing Richfield Department of Public Safety to accept
grant monies from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, the Edward Byrne
Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. (Staff Report No. 34)
RESOLUTION NO. 12306
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY/POLICE TO
ACCEPT THE EDWARDS BYRNE MEMORIAL GRANT (JAG) FOR FROM THE OFFICE OF
JUSTICE PROGRAMS TO PURCHASE LAPTOPS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYEES
MOTION: made by Council Member Christensen, seconded by Council Member Hayford Oleary to
approve the consent calendar.
Motion carried: 5-0
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ITEM #4
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS, IF ANY, REMOVED FROM CONSENT
CALENDAR
None.
ITEM #5
PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDER THE RATIFICATION OF PREVIOUSLY
APPROVED ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS TO CITY CODE SECTION 550:
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED BY
THE CITY COUNCIL ON JANUARY 14, 2025. (STAFF REPORT NO. 35)
Council Member Hayford Oleary presented Staff Report 35 and opened the public hearing.
MOTION: made by Council Member Hayford Oleary, seconded by Council Member Coleman-Woods
to close the public hearing.
Motion carried: 5-0
MOTION: made by Council Member Hayford Oleary, seconded by Council Member Burk to approve
an ordinance amending Chapter V of the Richfield Code of Ordinances pertaining to floodplain
management regulations.
BILL NO. 2024-16
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER V OF THE RICHFIELD CODE OF ORDINANCES
PERTAINING TO FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #6
CONSIDER THE APPROVAL OF THE SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE
UPDATING REQUIREMENTS FOR MAINTENANCE OF FOWL, AUTHORIZE A
RESOLUTION TO ADD THE PERMIT APPLICATION FEE TO THE EXISTING
FEE SCHEDULE, AND AUTHORIZE A SUMMARY ORDINANCE PUBLICATION
VIA RESOLUTION. (STAFF REPORT NO. 36)
Council Member Christensen presented Staff Report 36.
Clerk Friedrich presented a public comment submitted through email from Kathy B. She discussed
the increased number of mice due to the many chickens in the area. She noted that Richfield needs
to regulate the coops.
Council Member Burk asked a question regarding the three-year period relating to permits.
Sustainability Specialist Lindholm explained within the three-year period, if there is an issue, the
process will then restart and will require proof the issue has been resolved.
Mayor Supple asked for clarification of language changes from the first reading to the second
reading. Sustainability Specialist Lindholm explained the ordinance changes and noted the permit
will last three years, and the permit fee has been reduced.
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Mayor Supple asked if the issues discussed in the public comment about large flock sizes would be
addressed in the permit process. Sustainability Specialist Lindholm noted information will be included
within permit process and education. Sustainability Specialist Lindholm also discussed the rehoming
process and rules for fowl.
Mayor Supple inquired about the City’s plans for rolling this out, considering there are already many
residents with flocks in place. Specialist Lindholm noted communication resources include City
webpages, Facebook pages, and newsletters to let residents know and relay the fowl ordinance
permit requirements.
MOTION: made by Council Member Burk, seconded by Council Member Hayford Oleary to allow
staff to amend section subdivision 5g., to make the process clear when a permit is revoked.
Motion carried: 5-0
MOTION: made by Council Member Christensen, seconded by Council Member Hayford Oleary to
approve the second reading of an ordinance updating requirements for maintenance of fowl, adopt
a resolution to add the permit application fee to the existing fee schedule, and authorize a summary
ordinance publication via resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 12307
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING FOWL AND BIRD REGISTRATION AND INSPECTION FEES
PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF APPENDIX D OF THE ORDINANCE CODE OF THE
CITY OF RICHFIELD
BILL NO. 2025-01
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER IX OF THE RICHFIELD CODE OF ORDINANCES
PERTAINING TO MAINTENANCE OF FOWL; SUBSECTION 905.37 OF THE RICHFIELD CITY
CODE
RESOLUTION NO. 12308
RESOLUTION APPROVING SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF AN ORDINANCE REPEALING
AND REPLACING SECTION 905.37 OF THE CITY CODE PERTAINING TO MAINTENANCE
OF FOWL
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #7
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Rodriguez provided details about a public comment from a previous meeting
concerning Consent Calendar items. City Manager Rodriguez also discussed a new legislative bill
that would allow multi-family housing in any commercially zoned district, and could impact the City,
highlighting that the financial and stability outlooks at both the state and federal levels have
deteriorated since the last discussion. City Manager Rodriguez updated the Council on the 4d tax
status eligible for the Penn Station and Beacon developments, noting 4d developments are taxed
at a lower percentage which shifts the burden onto other Richfield property taxpayers.
Community Development Director Poehlman added additional context regarding the proposed bill
and noted the bullet points provided to Council prior to the meeting are cause for concern.
Community Development Director Poehlman noted the lack of flexibility regarding our most
valuable commercial land within the city. Community Development Director Poehlman noted the
proposed bill to allow housing in primary commercial corridors, is at odds with Council’s strategic
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goal to diversify and increase the commercial tax base percentage. Community Development
Director Poehlman noted studies from the EPA and the American Medical Association reference
long-term health impacts of citizens living near busy roads near commercially zoned districts.
Community Development Director Poehlman indicated review of the next comprehensive plan will
include consideration of housing along Interstate-494.
City Manager Rodriguez added Richfield has a strong reputation supporting affordable housing
and would be an effective voice to discussions at the legislative level.
Mayor Supple indicated support of staff’s position regarding the bill, with some compromises in
amending the proposed legislation to be purposeful in not impacting cities, like Richfield, that
support affordable housing but also protecting cities with limited commercially zoned districts.
Council Member Hayford Oleary explained the context behind the bill to the new Council
Members. He also explained his position on the bill. He noted that he would rather see a position
that is limited to the City’s issue rather than blanket opposition to the bill.
Council Member Hayford Oleary offered context to Council Members Burk and Coleman-Woods
from previous Council discussion, noting they were not yet sworn in as Council. Council Member
Hayford Oleary noted the Council had previously talked about this bill when the legislative platform
was under review. He noted, at that time, much of the Council decided not to take a position on it,
and it wasn't included in the platform. Council Member Hayford Oleary indicated hesitation to
revisit this topic so soon. Council Member Hayford Oleary noted while the bill is being considered,
and personally being somewhat open to it, added the importance of understanding that many
cities reserve large commercial areas, and have refused to allow affordable housing or
apartments. Council Member Hayford Oleary noted this bill proposed to make such land available
for housing in areas that need it in Minnesota. Council Member Hayford Oleary indicated the
foremost responsibility to Richfield, but the State is pursuing this bill to increase affordable housing
availability across Minnesota.
Council Member Hayford Oleary disagreed with the staff’s environmental justice reasoning, and
noted the city has long allowed housing along I-494, and if better options are sought, there should
be focus on designating land farther from freeways for multi-family housing, not banning more
areas from housing. Council Member Hayford Oleary noted Richfield’s limited commercial land is
unique and would prefer advocating for an exemption for cities with a low percentage of
commercial land. Council Member Hayford Oleary concluded this position would better represent
Richfield’s interests while still supporting the broader goal of affordable housing in Minnesota.
Council Member Coleman-Woods noted agreement with Council Member Hayford Oleary’s
stance.
Council Member Burk also noted his agreement with Council Member Hayford Oleary.
Council Member Christensen stated she agrees with Council Member Hayford Oleary, and
mentioned the city needs to keep a healthy mix of commercial and affordable housing.
Mayor Supple clarified the Council discussion and noted a compromise for Richfield regarding the
bill would be to include language that specifies cities with less than 20 percent commercial tax
base would be exempt from the multi-family requirement being placed in a commercially zoned
area.
Council Member Hayford Oleary briefly mentioned two legislative items he is personally involved
in. Council Member Hayford Oleary noted the first legislative item allows cities to use different
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design manuals for streets; and noted he will provide feedback to the legislation regarding his own
personal experience with the street variance process. Council Member Hayford Oleary noted the
second legislative item he will comment on is a state ban on cities having parking minimums.
Council Member Hayford Oleary noted he supported last year, and while Richfield doesn’t have a
position on this, he will be speaking in favor of it and wanted to make everyone aware.
ITEM #8
CLAIMS AND PAYROLL
MOTION: made by Council Member Hayford Oleary, seconded by Council Member Christensen to
approve the following claims and payrolls:
U.S. BANK 03/06/2025
A/P Checks: 334834-335082 $1,007,391.51
U.S. BANK 03/07/2025
Payroll: 194913-195228;
44131-44133 manual checks $1,146,472.44
TOTAL $2,153,863.95
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #9
HATS OFF TO HOMETOWN HITS
Council Member Burk stated he had nothing to report.
Council Member Hayford Oleary noted that Richfield hosted the Transportation Summit last week
and staff gave a great presentation about Public Works winter snowplowing operations. Council
Member Hayford Oleary thanked the community and staff for supporting and promoting Richfield in
the Strongest Town contest.
Council Member Christensen added that over the past few weeks, she has been involved in the
Citizen Police Academy. She shared that it has been a great learning experience.
Council Member Coleman-Woods congratulated the Athena Award finalists at Richfield High School,
and included Aniiya Johnson, Zarihana Rennie, Desirai Chappell, Mandy Mendelblatt, Emma
Govenat, and Audrey Olson.
Mayor Supple gave hats off to Director Poehlman and the Youth Frontiers Program. Mayor Supple
noted that Community Development Director Poehlman was invited to participate in a women's
leadership conference for high schoolers. Mayor Supple also thanked the Public Works Department
for plowing the heavy snow.
ITEM #10
A CLOSED SESSION MEETING PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA STATUTES,
SECTION 13D.05, SUBD. 3(B) FOR AND ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGED
MEETING TO DISCUSS PENDING LITIGATION; MICHAEL P. KLABUNDE VS.
CITY OF RICHFIELD, ET AL., U.S. DISTRICT COURT, DISTRICT OF
MINNESOTA. COUNCIL WILL MOVE TO THE EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE
City Council Meeting Minutes -7-March 11, 2025
ROOM FOR THE CLOSED SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING. (STAFF
REPORT NO. 37)
Mayor Supple stated, “Council is moving into a closed-session meeting pursuant to Minnesota
Statutes, Section 13D.05, Subd. 3(b) for an attorney-client privilege discussion regarding pending
litigation; Michael P. Klabunde vs. City of Richfield, et al., U.S. District Court, District of M innesota.
MOTION: made by Council Member Burk, seconded by Council Member Coleman-Woods to recess
the regular meeting and move into a closed session meeting.
Motion carried: 5-0
The regular meeting was recessed to closed session at 8:05 p.m.
Mayor Supple stated, “The Council will now reconvene the regular meeting following the closed-
session meeting.”
The Council meeting was reconvened at 8:55 p.m.
ITEM #11 ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: made by Council Member Coleman-Woods, seconded by Council Member Christensen
to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m.
Motion carried: 5-0
Date Approved: March 25, 2025
Mary Supple
Mayor
Michelle Friedrich Katie Rodriguez
City Clerk City Manager