2025-06-24 Regular Council Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Supple at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Council Present:
Mary Supple, Mayor; Walter Burk; Sharon Christensen; 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; and Michelle Friedrich, City
Clerk.
Others Present: Hennepin County Commissioner Goettel, Tynika Smith; Terry
Smith, Director of the Metropolitan Council Housing and
Redevelopment Authority.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Supple led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ITEM #1
2025 GENE AND MARY JACOBSEN CITIZEN OF THE YEAR PRESENTATION
Mayor Supple invited Kim Jacobsen to present the award.
Mr. Jacobsen introduced the award, providing background information before presenting it to
Tynika Smith. He recognized Ms. Smith’s accomplishments and her volunteer contributions to the
community. Ms. Smith expressed her gratitude, praised the community’s support, and encouraged
continued kindness.
ITEM #2
HENNEPIN COUNTY UPDATE -- COMMISSIONER GOETTEL
Mayor Supple welcomed Hennepin County Commissioner Goettel to Richfield.
Commissioner Goettel provided an update, noting a tribute in memory of Melissa Hortman and her
husband following their passing. Commissioner Goettel presented a breakdown of Hennepin
County 2025 expenditures and shared information regarding investments in affordable housing in
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Council Meeting
June 24, 2025
City Council Meeting Minutes -2- June 24, 2025
Hennepin County, noted the Elevate Hennepin program that connects entrepreneurs with 1-on-1
mentorship in Hennepin County. Commissioner Goettel highlighted partnerships with County
schools, emphasizing Hennepin County has one of the strongest school-based behavioral health
systems in the nation. Commissioner Goettel discussed efforts to expand mental health support
across the county. Commissioner Goettel reviewed the work of the Human Services Department
within the community including access to aging and disability services, mental health and
substance use services, and progress toward child safety and well-being. Commissioner Goettel
noted current and future road construction projects in Hennepin County. Commissioner Goettel
thanked Council and staff for their work and for the opportunity to present at the Council meeting.
ITEM
#3
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: made by Councilmember Hayford Oleary, seconded by Councilmember Burk to approve
Agenda with the removal of agenda item 6.
City Attorney Tietjen noted removal request of item 6 was to allow the item to be heard by an
independent hearing officer. Council requested information on the hearing schedule.
Motion carried: 5-0
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.
Karole Kelly discussed recent, derogatory comments posted on the City of Richfield's social media
site regarding the PRIDE event. Ms. Kelly noted the importance of safety, kindness, and a
welcoming environment. Ms. Kelly noted supporting efforts and ensuring all people are seen, and
that Richfield is inclusive. Ms. Kelly thanked Council for making Richfield a welcoming community.
Christina Kelley noted that she does not support the ban of menthol cigarettes. Ms. Kelley stated
the concerns she has with the ban on flavored cigarettes and opined the ban hurts businesses.
Kareem Wazwaz, tobacco shop owner for over 30 years, does not support ban and noted that
banning flavored menthol is harming his business. Mr. Wazwaz added that he takes many steps to
prevent selling to minors, noting that minors will find other ways to buy these products that may be
more dangerous. Mr. Wazwaz requested Council reconsider the ban on menthol tobacco.
Larry Ernster discussed a past case of prohibiting flavored tobacco sales in 2023. Mr. Ernster
stated that the owner of Richfield Tobacco should be reprimanded, and their license should be
revoked for not obeying the ordinances in the City of Richfield.
Susan Hamlin, non-resident of Richfield, does not support the ban on menthol cigarettes. Ms.
Hamlin noted support of Richfield Tobacco and stated that she would not like to see the owner's
business suffer from the ban.
City Clerk Friedrich read an email from Sloan Martin stating their disappointment with the
destruction of basketball hoops in the City parks.
City Council Meeting Minutes -3- June 24, 2025
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: made by Councilmember Christensen, seconded by Councilmember Burk to approve the
minutes of the: (1) City Council Work Session from June 10, 2025, and (2) City Council Regular
Meeting from June 10, 2025.
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #4
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Rodriguez presented the consent calendar.
A. Consider adoption of a resolution authorizing the City to affirm the monetary limits on
statutory municipal tort liability. (Staff Report No. 78)
RESOLUTION NO. 12326
RESOLUTION AFFIRMING MUNICIPAL TORT LIABILITY LIMITS ESTABLISHED
BY MINNESOTA STATUTES 466.04
B. Consider the approval of setting a public hearing to be held on July 22, 2025, to consider
the issuance of new On-Sale Wine and 3.2 Percent Malt Liquor licenses for SK Food, LLC
dba K-ChiMac, located at 6420 Nicollet Avenue South. (Staff Report No. 79)
C. Consider the approval of an agreement for Prosecution Services with the City of Richfield
and H/J Law. (Staff Report No. 80)
D. Consider accepting the bid tabulation and authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to take
all necessary steps to award and execute a contract with the responsible low bidder for the
73rd Street Safe Routes to School project (SP 157-593-003) upon authorization from
MnDOT and authorize the City Manager to approve contract changes up to $175,000
without further City Council consideration. Accepting the bid tabulation is only a formal
acknowledgement of the City’s receipt of bids for the project. It does not include an award
of the contract. (Staff report No. 81)
E. Consider a resolution accepting a Hennepin County Youth Sports Equipment Grant in the
amount of $10,000 for the purchase of skate aids, hockey equipment, rental skates, and
rink dividers at the Richfield Ice Arena, and authorize staff to execute a grant agreement.
(Staff Report No. 82)
RESOLUTION NO. 12327
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A HENNEPIN COUNTY YOUTH SPORTS EQUIPMENT
GRANT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,000, FOR THE PURCHASE OF ICE SKATING
EQUIPMENT FOR THE RICHFIELD ICE ARENA.
F. Consider a resolution accepting two State of Minnesota Solar on Public Buildings Program
Grants for $67,064 and $68,785 to purchase and install solar energy equipment on the
roofs of the Richfield Ice Arena and the Richfield Public Works building. (Staff report No.
83)
RESOLUTION NO. 12328
City Council Meeting Minutes -4- June 24, 2025
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING TWO MINNESOTA SOLAR ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS
PROGRAM GRANTS, FOR $67,064 AND $68,785, FOR THE PURCHASE OF
SOLAR ENERGY EQUIPMENT FOR THE RICHFIELD ICE ARENA AND THE
RICHFIELD PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING.
MOTION: made by Councilmember Hayford Oleary, seconded by Councilmember Christensen
to approve the consent calendar.
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #5
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS, IF ANY, REMOVED FROM CONSENT
CALENDAR
None.
ITEM #6
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REVOCATION
OF A TOBACCO LICENSE ISSUED TO RICHFIELD TOBACCO & VAPE
OUTLET, DBA SMOKE & PURE VAPE, LOCATED AT 6535 NICOLLET AVENUE
SOUTH, FOR EGREGIOUS FLAVORED PRODUCT AND CANNABIS SALES
VIOLATIONS (STAFF REPORT NO. 84)
Public Hearing item was removed from the agenda.
ITEM #7
CONSIDER AN AMENDMENT TO THE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH
METRO HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO OPERATE UP TO
FIVE ADDITIONAL HOUSING UNITS UNDER THE FAMILY AFFORDABLE
HOUSING PROGRAM. (STAFF REPORT NO. 85)
Council Member Burk presented Staff Report 85.
Terry Smith, Director of Metro Housing and Redevelopment Authority provided a background on the
coop item.
Council shared their appreciation for working to provide more affordable housing options in Richfield.
MOTION: made by Councilmember Burk, seconded by Councilmember Coleman-Woods to approve
an amendment to the Cooperative Agreement with Metro Housing and Redevelopment Authority to
operate up to five additional housing units under the Family Affordable Housing Program.
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #8
CONSIDER APPOINTMENT TO FILL A VACANCY ON THE TRANSPORTATION
COMMISSION. (STAFF REPORT NO. 86)
Councilmember Christensen presented Staff Report 86.
City Council Meeting Minutes -5- June 24, 2025
MOTION: made by Councilmember Christensen, seconded by Councilmember Coleman-Woods to
approve the appointment of Jacob Olsen as Transportation Commissioner commencing on June 24,
2025, and expiring January 31, 2026.
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #9
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Rodriguez shared Deputy Chief Mike Flaherty is retiring and noted his last day will be
June 25, 2025. City Manager Rodriguez thanked him for his years of dedicated service. Council
expressed appreciation to Deputy Chief Flaherty for his years of service.
ITEM #10
CLAIMS AND PAYROLL
MOTION: made by Councilmember Coleman Woods, seconded by Councilmember Hayford Oleary
to approve the following claims and payroll:
U.S. BANK 06/20/2024
A/P Checks: 336807-337219 $1,816,019.67
Payroll: 197470-197861 $1,133,137.31
TOTAL $2,949,156.98
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #11
HATS OFF TO HOMETOWN HITS
Councilmember Hayford Oleary expressed excitement for the 4th of July celebration and is thankful
for the 4th of July Committee for its work on planning the celebration.
Councilmember Burk thanked the Public Works Department for working on water quality and for
sending out that information.
Councilmember Coleman-Woods thanked City staff for working to keep them safe as elected
officials.
Councilmember Christensen noted appreciation for the Richfield 4th of July Committee. She also
mentioned the Committee still needs volunteers and provided the information for volunteering.
Mayor Supple thanked everyone who attended the State of the Community event. She also
thanked everyone involved in the Juneteenth pop-up event.
ITEM #12
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: made by Councilmember Hayford Oleary, seconded by Councilmember Christensen to
adjourn the meeting at 8:13 p.m.
City Council Meeting Minutes -6-June 24, 2025
Motion carried: 5-0
Date Approved: July 22, 2025
Mary B. Supple
Mayor
Michelle Friedrich Katie Rodriguez
City Clerk City Manager