2025-10-28 Work Session Minutesk "ITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
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The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro Tempore Hayford Oleary at 5:46 p.m. in the
Bartholomew Conference Room.
Council Present., Sean Hayford Cleary, Mayor Pro Tempore; Sharon
Christensen; Walter Burk; Sean Hayford Oleary; and Rod A.
Coleman -Woods.
Absent: Mary Supple, Mayor.
Staff Present., Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Jan Youngquist, Economic
Development Manager; Sam Crosby, City Planner; Melissa
Poehiman, Community Development Director; Kate Aitchison,
Communications Manager; Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk
Others Present: Ryan Short, CivicBrand Cofounder; Erin Vrieze-Daniels,
Economic Development Authority (EDA) Chair; Gordon
Hanson, EDA Commissioner; John Young, EDA Commissioner
arrived at 6:04 pm.
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Economic eTeio�Tae_ M79'j"r#7rr7i#7" f,
strategy, engagement, and community feedback highlights and challenges. Economic
Development Manager Youngquist introduced CivicBrand Cofounder Ryan Short. Mr. Short
reviewed the Placemaking Playbook, the branding process of focusing on merging downtown
identity with small, incremental improvements across Richfield to achieve goals. Discussion
covered opportunities for public art, trail connections, signage, and activation of underused spaces
such as parking lots and other potential, public gathering areas.
Council and commissioners emphasized the importance of cohesive branding, clear signage, and
pedestrian -friendly gathering areas, while ensuring improvements align with existing city character.
Council and commissioners supported activating spaces through seasonal uses, food trucks, and
community art, but expressed differing views on specific locations.
Mr. Short presented three branding design concepts — Shapes, Patchwork, and Line — with
Option 2 (Patchwork), receiving the most support for its flexibility and vibrant design. Discussion
City Council Meeting Minutes -2- October 14, 2025
highlighted the need for consistent signage, internal design standards, and public engagement in
final branding decisions.
Public comments supported continued use of "The Hub," requested community input on colors an*'
-..rt, and raised concerns about maintenance and cost.
Economic Development Manager Youngquist provided a summary of the Council and EDA
discussion and noted support for continued placemaking efforts, exploration of Option 2 brandi a
designs, and implementation of temporary/tactical projects before permanent installation. I
Mayor Pro Tempore Hayford Oleary adjourned the meeting at 6:52 pm.
Michelle Friedrich Katie Rodriguez
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City Clerk City Manager
2`025-10-28 Work Session Minutes
Final Audit Report 2025-11-19
Created: 2025-11-18
By: Michelle Friedrich (mfriedrich@richfieldmn.gov)
Status: Signed
Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAAYbhIY5yx8NU5JoEMIIKq0o3ks831fNNN
Document created by Michelle Friedrich (mfriedrich@richfieldmn.gov)
2025-11-18 - 10:40:53 PM GMT
Document emailed to Sean Hayford Oleary (shayfordoleary@richfieldmn.gov) for signature
2025-11-18 - 10:40:57 PM GMT
Email viewed by Sean Hayford Oleary (shayfordoleary@richfieldmn.gov)
2025-11-19 - 4:21:51 PM GMT
Document e-signed by Sean Hayford Oleary (shayfordoleary@richfieldmn.gov'
Signature Date: 2025-11-19 - 4:22:10 PM GMT - Time Source: server
Agreement completed.
2025-11-19 - 4:22:10 PM GMT