2025-11-12 Work Session MinutesITEM #1 CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Supple at 5:46 p.m. in the Bartholomew Conference
Room.
Council Present:
Absent:
Mary Supple, Mayor; Walter Burk; Sean Hayford Oleary; and
Rori A. Coleman-Woods
Sharon Christensen
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Kristin Asher, Public Works
Director; Karl Huemiller, Recreation Director; Melissa
Poehlman, Community Development Director; Jenell Brooks,
Fire Chief; Jennifer Anderson, Support Services Manager;
Courtney DesCamps, Senior Analyst; Michelle Friedrich, City
Clerk
ITEM #2 EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE DINNER AND MEETING
Mayor Supple opened the discussion on effective governance and thanked directors and council
members who participated in the survey. She noted receipt of the strategic plan report and invited
Council comments, also thanking staff for preparing a simplified version of the report.
Council and staff discussed effective governance, meeting procedures, and improvements to
agenda preparation. Key items included clarifying motion and discussion processes, reducing late
packet revisions, and adjusting first and second ordinance readings items to allow more Council
input.
Staff provided brief departmental updates, including progress on infrastructure planning, the GIS
position, and challenges with short-term rentals and upcoming food truck licensing discussions.
Council and staff reviewed strategic plan progress, noting economic development challenges and
the importance of realistic assessments. Roles of Council vs. staff were clarified, and better
communication channels for handling resident concerns were requested. Staff clarified the
distinction between policy decisions (Council) and administrative processes (staff), noting Council
members are the City’s elected representatives and public spokespeople.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
City Council Work Session
November 12, 2025
City Council Meeting Minutes -2-November 12, 2025
ITEM #3 ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Supple adjourned the meeting at 6:41 pm.
Date Approved: November 25, 2025
Mary Supple
Mayor
Michelle Friedrich Katie Rodriguez
City Clerk City Manager