2025-08-26 Regular Council MinutesITEM #1 CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Supple at 7:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Council Members 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 Pohlman, Community Development Director; Jennifer
Anderson, Support Services Manager; Kristin Asher, Public
Works Director; Sam Crosby, City Planner; Michelle Friedrich,
City Clerk; and Mark McKinley, Administrative Assistant.
Others Present: None.
ITEM #2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Supple led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ITEM #3 APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: made by Council Member Hayford Oleary, seconded by Council Member Burk, to
approve Agenda as presented. Mayor Supple stated that she would like to pull item F from the
consent calendar and consider it after the consent calendar.
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #4 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: made by Council Member Hayford Oleary, seconded by Council Member
Christensen, to approve the minutes of the: Approval of the Minutes of the (1) City Council
Work Session from August 12, 2025, and (2) City Council Regular Meeting from August 12,
2025.
Motion carried: 5-0
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Council Meeting
August 26, 2025
City Council Meeting Minutes -2- August 26, 2025
ITEM #5
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 that more information on submitting
comments can be reviewed at www.richfieldmn.gov/citycouncil.
Rod Sather, Richfield resident, stated that he would like to see short-term rentals limited in
Richfield. He noted that houses in Richfield should remain for families and not businesses.
ITEM #6
PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
None.
ITEM #7
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Supple removed item F from the consent calendar for discussion.
City Manager Rodriguez presented the consent calendar.
A. Approve Disbursements/Claims
B. Consider approval of a Temporary On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor license for St. Peter Catholic
Church, located at 6730 Nicollet Avenue South, for their Tri Fest Harvest 2025 event taking
place September 20-21, 2025.
C. Consider approval of a Temporary On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor license for October Fest event
scheduled to take place October 4, 2025, at Fred Babcock VFW #5555, located at 6715
Lakeshore Drive.
D. Consider approval of a request for temporary expansions of the licensed premises for
Thompson's Fireside Pizza, Inc. d/b/a Fireside Foundry located at 6736 Penn Avenue South,
and Sandy's Tavern located at 6612 Penn Avenue South, to allow for the outside service of
beer and malt beverages in their parking lot on Sunday, September 21, 2025, in conjunction
with Richfield's Penn Fest event.
E. Consider approval of the first reading of an ordinance amending subsection 905.40 of the
Richfield City Code pertaining to the feeding of wildlife.
G. Consider approval of a Grant Compliance Agreement with MSP Lupe Richfield LLC regarding
a Tax Base Revitalization Account Seeding Equitable Environmental Development Grant for
6501 Portland Avenue South.
H. Consider approval of a Loan Agreement with Penn Station Apartments, LLLP, for a Local
Housing Initiatives Account Grant.
City Council Meeting Minutes -3-August 26, 2025
MOTION: made by Council Member Hayford Oleary, seconded by Council Member
Christensen, to approve the consent calendar not including item F.
Motion carried: 5-0
Mayor Supple mentioned she did not pull item H but has received questions from residents about the
status of the Penn Station project. Mayor Supple confirmed the project is moving forward while meeting
all city parking requirements including underground parking for residents.
ITEM #8 CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS, IF ANY, REMOVED FROM CONSENT
CALENDAR
F.Consider approval of a first reading of an ordinance amending sections 1135 and 925 of the
Richfield City Code of Ordinances pertaining to temporary outdoor portable storage
containers.
City Manager Rodriguez presented the Staff Report.
Council Member Burk suggested amending the ordinance to allow for multiple smaller
containers rather than just one larger container and focusing more on the total size of the
containers. He noted he would like the ordinance to be explicit in not allowing for human or
animal habitation. He noted that 30 days does not seem long enough for renovations. He
suggested lengthening the time to benefit residents and staff.
Mayor Supple also noted that 30 days does not seem long enough. She asked if they could
extend it to 60 days. Support Services Manager Anderson noted that the issues with storage
containers are due to the condition of the containers. She noted that they receive many
complaints about the appearance and the excessive length of the containers on the property.
Mayor Supple noted that she would like to see a 60-day limit.
Council Member Hayford Oleary suggested leaving the limit at 30 days but expanding the
reasons that staff could allow up to 6 months. City Attorney Tietjen stated that she would
recommend leaving the limit at 30 days, but stated that it can be extended due to reasons that
staff deems appropriate for the property.
Council Member Coleman-Woods affirmed she would like the language to account for a longer
window for residents in remodeling situations.
Council Member Burk added he does not want to make it more difficult for residents to move
and store their material.
Mayor Supple noted that consensus was met to extend to 60 days. Council discussed other
amendments to the ordinance.
Council came to a consensus that measuring the container(s) by total size instead of amount
of containers on the property would be preferred but still limiting the total number of containers
overall to 2 at a maximum of 90 days.
Council Member Hayford Oleary asked for clarification on section 1B and 1D of the ordinance.
Support Services Manager Anderson let Council know she would get back to them about the
concerns.
City Council Meeting Minutes -4-August 26, 2025
Council Member Hayford Oleary expressed concerns about requiring the storage pod to be
stored only on the resident’s driveway. Support Services Manager Anderson explained her
concerns with heavy objects in yards and that she feels the city should be consistent in what
they allow to be put in grass.
Council Member Hayford Oleary asked if you could get a permit to park the pod in the street.
Support Services Manager Anderson explained you need to get a permit to park a dumpster
on the street.
Council Member Christensen mentioned some dumpster rental companies will not rent to you
if you do not have a driveway to store the dumpster.
City Manager Rodriguez asked to clarify if the city should explicitly state these pods are not for
habitation.
MOTION: made by Council Member Coleman Woods, seconded by Council Member Burk, to
make the discussed amendments to the ordinance including banning habitation, updating to a
60 day limit, updating the number of containers, and updating the total amount of days per
calendar year.
Motion carried: 5-0
MOTION: made by Council Member Christensen, seconded by Council Member Burk, to
approve the first reading of an ordinance amending sections 1135 and 925 of the Richfield City
Code of Ordinances pertaining to temporary outdoor portable storage containers as amended.
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #9 PROPOSED ORDINANCES
A.First reading of ordinance changes related to multifamily development regulations (MR2 &
MR-3 zoning district updates).
Council Member Hayford Oleary presented the Staff Report.
City Planner Crosby provided some updates that were made since the work session
discussions.
Council Member Burk asked how much public notice is given in the process before staff
approves. Planner Crosby stated that they will provide about a month's notice before projects
begin, but after staff’s decision. Council Member Burk noted that he has concerns about not
letting residents have an opportunity to voice concerns before staff approval.
Council Member Hayford Oleary asked for clarification on what staff is allowed to approve.
Planner Crosby noted that staff can approve any plans that meet code and have the authority
to approve a minor deviation of up to 10%. Council Member Hayford Oleary discussed that
public comment on these items that meet code may be unnecessary. Council Member Burk
stated that he would still like to give Residents a chance to speak on these items. Director
Pohlman discussed that the discretion the Council has now is the most they will have for this
item. She explained that if a building meets the code requirements Staff nor the City Council
would have the ability to deny it.
Council had further discussion on the details of the ordinance and public input.
City Council Meeting Minutes -5- August 26, 2025
Council Member Burk explained he does not agree to vote on this motion because of the limited
options the public have related to providing feedback on each project.
Mayor Supple asked why some meetings and developers are required to meet with residents
when others aren’t.
City Planner Crosby explained that neighborhood meetings are typically held by developers for
more complex land use projects. They are required by policy with PUD’s or any rezoning or
comprehensive plan amendment, are suggested for mixed use projects.
Council Member Hayford Oleary asked if rezoning requires an open house. Staff confirmed.
Mayor Supple asked for clarification on what properties this zoning change would impact. Staff
explained the ordinance update.
Council Member Hayford Oleary explained his concerns with air conditioning units being
removed from the variance process and his reasoning.
MOTION: made by Council Member Hayford Oleary, seconded by Council Member
Christensen, to amend the ordinance to remove the changes to 509.13 regarding central air
conditioning units.
Motion carried: 5-0
Council Member Hayford Oleary explained his excitement to updating these zoning
requirements.
Council Member Burk explained what he would like to see in the ordinance and thanked the city
planner for the effort.
MOTION: made by Council Member Hayford Oleary, seconded by Council Member Coleman
Woods, to approve the first reading of ordinance changes related to multifamily development
regulations (MR2 & MR-3 zoning district updates) with the amendment.
Motion carried: 4-1 (Burk)
B. First reading of an ordinance regulating the use and licensing of short-term rentals.
Council Member Christensen presented the Staff Report.
Support Services Manager Anderson mentioned that there was some discussion regarding what
section 1199.05 pertains to. She noted that they have provided some further information
regarding that section. Attorney Tietjen explained further what that section means. She asked
the Council for clarification on what they would like to add to the language in this section.
Council Member Hayford Oleary stated that he would prefer not to have this requirement.
Council Member Coleman Woods stated that she would like to limit the number of short-term
rental licenses to 2 per owner. Council Member Burk agreed with limiting to 2 licenses. He noted
that he would like to limit it to 1 license to non-Richfield residents. Council Member Christensen
noted her agreement with Council Member Burk. Council discussed further the options on
limiting the licensing of short-term rentals by business owner.
Director Poehlman discussed challenges with the tracking of rental units if Council wants to
limitrentals for each owner.
Attorney Tietjen stated that they will most likely need further discussion on this item. She stated
that more staff may need to be involved, and they can discuss more at the second reading.
City Council Meeting Minutes -6-August 26, 2025
Mayor Supple asked about current rental owners being permitted to continue their business after
this ordinance passes. City Attorney Tietjen deferred to the Council for how to address that
issue.
Council Member Hayford Oleary expressed concern about current property owners who
vocalized good faith concerns related to the short-term rental ordinance. Mayor Supple
explained how she supports the ordinance but the limit is where she has concerns.
Council Member Burk asked to add language banning registered sex offenders from receiving
a short-term rental license. Council Member also asked about setting a limit on the total number
of rentals in the city.
City Manager Rodriguez explained the need to receive details from Council as to why they want
a limit on the total number of short-term rental licenses.
Council Member Burk explained that short-term rentals are a policy concern because they take
away residential housing.
MOTION: made by Council Member Coleman-Woods, seconded by Council Member
Christensen to approve the first reading of an ordinance regulating the use and licensing of
short-term rentals.
Motion carried: 5-0
C.Consider the second reading and hold a Public Hearing for an ordinance amending section
601 of the Richfield City Code of ordinances pertaining to solid waste disposal, collection,
and hauling.
Council Member Coleman-Woods presented the Staff Report and opened the public hearing.
No residents participated.
MOTION: Made by Council Member Coleman-Woods, seconded by Council Member Hayford
Oleary to close the public hearing.
Motion carried: 5-0
MOTION: Made by Council Member Coleman-Woods, seconded by Council Member Hayford
Oleary to approve the second reading amending section 601 of the Richfield City Code
pertaining to solid waste disposal, collection, and hauling.
Motion carried: 5-0
Mayor Supple expressed excitement about these changes and the impact on trash flow. Council
Member Coleman-Woods thanked the Sustainability Commission.
ITEM #11 RESOLUTIONS
None.
ITEM #12 OTHER BUSINESS
A.Consideration of the appointment of Rose Thompson to Sustainability Commission.
Council Member Burk presented the staff report.
City Council Meeting Minutes -7-August 26, 2025
MOTION: made by Council Member Burk, seconded by Council Member Hayford Oleary to
approve appointment of Rose Thompson to Sustainability Commission.
Motion carried: 5-0
Mayor Supple thanked Rose for joining the Sustainability Commission and explained how
other youth residents can be involved. Council Member Burk thanked Rose.
Mayor Supple mentioned a resident at the meeting requested he receive time to speak to the
Council and that it would occur after the City Manager’s Report and Council Discussion.
ITEM #13 CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Rodriguez shared information regarding Mr. Lowry’s concerns of speeding. City
Manager Rodriguez shared an update about the work Public Safety has done over the past
two years to mitigate these concerns including increasing patrols, arrests, citations issued,
speed tracking signs, and reports completed.
ITEM #14 COUNCIL DISCUSSION
A.Hats off to Hometown Hits.
Mayor Supple gave a hats off to solid waste specialist Zach McCarty for his work around the
494 construction.
Council Member Christensen gave a hats off to the paper shredding event September 4 at the
Richfield Ice Arena.
Council Member Coleman-Woods gave a hats off to Coach Ty, who recently lost his son.
Council Member Hayford Oleary gave a hats off to the residents who attended the Penn Avenue
open house and Council Member Burk for arriving before him.
Council Member Burk gave a hats off to the residents at Oliver Ave S and 65th St. area who
invited him to a sit-down with residents. Council Member Burk also gave a hats off to the crews
updating Donaldson Park.
Mayor Supple gave a hats off to the educators and students starting the school year.
MOTION: made by Mayor Supple, seconded by Council Member Burk to allow a
resident to speak during open forum for 3 minutes.
Motion carried: 5-0
Phillip Lowry, Richfield resident expressed concerns related to road noise. Mr. Lowry provided
additional information to Council related to his experience.
ITEM #15 ADJOURNMENT
City Council Meeting Minutes -8-August 26, 2025
MOTION: made by Council Member Hayford Oleary, seconded by Coleman-Woods to adjourn
the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
Motion carried: 5-0
To Be Approved: September 9, 2025
Mary Supple
Mayor
Michelle Friedrich Katie Rodriguez
City Clerk City Manager