121624 HRA Minutes
HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
December 16, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Vrieze Daniels called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
HRA Members
Present:
Erin Vrieze Daniels, Chair; Gordon Hanson; Sean Hayford Oleary; and
Mary Supple
HRA Members
Absent:
John Young
Staff Present: Melissa Poehlman, Executive Director; Jan Youngquist, Economic
Development Manager; and Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk.
OPEN FORUM
Chair Vrieze Daniels noted the process of remote Open Forum participation. Executive Director
Poehlman explained remote participation can be requested ahead of time by contacting a
Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) staff person via phone or email. No residents
participated in the Open Forum public comment opportunity.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
MOTION: made by Supple, seconded by Hanson to approve the minutes of the regular Housing
and Redevelopment Authority Minutes from November 18, 2024.
Motion carried: 4-0
ITEM #1
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
MOTION: made by Hayford Oleary, seconded by Hanson to approve the agenda.
Motion carried: 4-0
HRA Meeting Minutes -2- December 16, 2024
ITEM #2
APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR
Executive Director Poehlman presented the consent calendar.
A. Consideration of the approval of an Amendment to the Agreement with
the Center for Energy and Environment to provide loan and remodeling
advising services to Richfield homeowners for 2025. (Staff Report No. 25)
MOTION: made by Hayford Oleary, seconded by Vrieze Daniels, to approve Consent
Calendar item 2.A.
Motion carried 4-0
ITEM #3
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS, IF ANY, REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT
CALENDAR
None.
ITEM #4
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A FUNDING AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$750,000 WITH HOPTIMISTIC, LLC
Economic Development Manager Younquist provided an overview of the history of funding
agreement assistance for developments and outlined the Housing and Redevelopment
Authority (HRA) request.
Tim Dahlman, owner of Luce Line Brewing Company, shared that his business has been
operating since 2020. He emphasized the quality of his beverages and the dedication of his
staff. Mr. Dahlman also highlighted his collaborations with the cities of Wayzata and
Plymouth to organize community events. He noted that his establishments are dog-friendly
and aim to create a welcoming and enjoyable environment for the local communities.
Commissioner Supple and staff discussed the $750,000 funding gap, which aligns with the
HRA request as estimated by the developer.
Commissioner Hayford Oleary and staff reviewed the potential applicability of SAC credits for
the project.
The HRA Commission expressed consensus in support of the funding agreement with
Hoptimistic, LLC.
MOTION: made by Supple, seconded by Hanson, to approve the funding agreement in the
amount of $750,000 with Hoptimistic, LLC.
The Commission acknowledged the amount was reasonable and commented on the positive
impact the project would have on energizing the downtown area. Chair Vrieze Daniels noted
the project aligns with the vision for the downtown Richfield location.
Motion carried 4-0
HRA Meeting Minutes -3- December 16, 2024
ITEM #5
HRA DISCUSSION ITEMS
None.
ITEM #6
HRA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Executive Director Poehlman reported that Aster Commons received $3 Million of LCDA federal
funding, and Penn Station received $850,000 of Met Council LHIA funding.
ITEM #7
CLAIMS
MOTION: made by Hanson, seconded by Supple to approve the following claims:
U.S. BANK 12/16/2024
HRA Checks: #37164-37178 $8,730.47
Section 8 Checks: #136327-136403 $225,504.84
TOTAL $234,235.31
Motion carried: 4-0
ITEM #8
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 7:14 p.m.
Date Approved: January 21, 2025
Erin Vrieze Daniels
Chair
Michelle Friedrich Melissa Poehlman
City Clerk Executive Director
Erin Vrieze Daniels (Jan 22, 2025 15:27 CST)