03-07-1994 SpecialCITY OF RICHFYELD, MINNESOTA
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 7, 1994
CITY COUNCIL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Susan Rosenberg; and
Russ Susag.
MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: Michael Sandahl; and Don Priebe.
STAFF PRESENT: James Prosser, City Manager; and Thomas
Ferber, City Clerk.
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL: Dottie Rietow, Chair; and Ken Morris,
Special Assistant to the Chair.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 7:30 a.m.
Item #I DISCUSSION OF METROPOLITAN ISSUES AND POLYCIES WITH
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL CHAIR, DOTTIE RIETOW
Dottie Rietow, Chair of the Metropolitan Council, explained
the revised focus of the Metropolitan Council will be on the
following core areas:
1) Land use
2) Regional investments
3) Transportation
4) Housing
5) Water supply and quality
Chair Rietow reviewed the Regional Blueprint that the Council is
developing to address these issues in a comprehensive
interdisciplinary method. She stated the Council wants to work
with local governments and stakeholders on the front end to
address problems.
Council Member Rosenberg stated that Richfield is currently
revising its Comprehensive Plan and asked about the role of the
Metropolitan Council in this process.
Chair Rietow stated that the Council staff is available to
provide assistance and input throughout the process.
Council Susag asked for clarification on the Met Council
core focus related to water supply.
Chair Rietow discussed the environmental issues related to
non-point source pollution and the three major rivers in the
area.
Mayor Kirsch indicated the core issue that impacts Richfield
the most is transportation because of the location of major
freeways and the adjacent airport. He reviewed the status of the
High Speed Bus legislative initiative.
Special Meeting Minutes -2- March 7, 1994
Chair Rietow indicated that transportation is a mayor issue
for the area. She stated support for the dual track process and
that funding is one of the biggest problems in addressing
transportation issues. She complemented the innovation of the
cities in initiating the High Speed Bus proposal.
City Manager Prosser outlined Richfield's concerns regarding
the Runway 4-22 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and
the north-south runway.
Chair Rietow stated the Metropolitan Council had not
approved the Runway 4-22 DEIS. She indicated that the dual track
process will result in a decision to continue at the present site
or build a new airport.
City Manager Prosser reviewed Richfield's concerns about the
I-35W/62 Crosstown commons congestion causing 62 Crosstown
traffic to use local streets as an alternative.
City Manager Prosser reviewed Richfield housing programs
indicating the need for more resources to assist in these
efforts.
Chair Rietow reviewed the Metropolitan Council credit
enhancement legislative proposal that may help some communities
with financing these types of programs.
Council Member Rosenberg reviewed the initiation of a Human
Services Planner/Coordinator position in the City to work in the
community as a catalyst for human services.
Chair Rietow asked what the City saw as the mayor issues
with which assistance is needed from the Metropolitan Council.
City Manager Prosser reviewed priorities involving the
following issues:
1) Housing
2) Transportation
3) Airport
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:27 a.m.
Date Approved : 3/ 14/ 94
Martin J Ki Mayor
-
Thomas P. Ferber J me D. Prosser
City Clerk C ty Manager