01-26-98 Regular
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
January 26, 1998
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENTATION OF COLORS AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Kirsch led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Members Present:Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Michael Sandahl; Susan Rosenberg; Russ
Susag; and Kristal Stokes.
Staff Present :James Prosser, City Manager; Steven Devich, Administrative
Services Director; Thomas Ferber, City Clerk; Bruce Palmborg,
Community Development Director; Mike Eastling, Public Works
Director; Gretchen Blank, Recreation Services Director; William
Fillmore, Liquor Operations Director; Randy Hughes, Operations
Coordinator; Al Payne, Community Services Manager; and Corrine
Thomson, City Attorney.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M/Stokes, S/Rosenberg to approve the minutes of the Regular City Council
Meeting of January 12, 1998; the minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of January
21, 1998; and the Special City Council Meeting of January 22, 1998.
Council Meeting Minutes-2-January 26, 1998
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #1INTRODUCTION OF UNDEFEATED “RICHFIELD COMETS”, RICHFIELD
SOCCER ASSOCIATION BOYS UNDER 12, DIVISION 3 WINNERS OF
MINNESOTA YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION STATE TOURNAMENT
Council Member Rosenberg acknowledged the accomplishments of the Richfield
Comets and introduced Jim Young, President of the Richfield Soccer Association and
coach of the Richfield Comets. Mr. Young introduced the following members of the
undefeated Richfield Comets, Richfield Soccer Association boys under 12, Division 3
winners of the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association State Tournament:
Eric BarahonaAndy Berg
Scott BihariAndy Graf
Cory JohnsonRyan Johnson
Wade JohnsonStuart Lindgren
Josh KypkeJosh Nelson
Nate NuhringKris Pulford
James SeePhil Sherman
Greg Young
Item #2PRESENTATION OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR RICHFIELD RESPONSE TEAM
Hennepin County Commissioner Randy Johnson presented the National
Association of Counties Achievement Award to the City recognizing the work of the
Richfield Response Team. He stated that the Richfield Response Team is a model which
will be used in other cities in the County and across the country.
Mayor Kirsch acknowledged City staff for their efforts as part of the Richfield
Response Team.
Item #3PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING AUGSBURG PARK
AS REGISTERED PEACE SITE . C.L.NO. 13
Council Member Susag read a proclamation designating Augsburg Park as a
registered Peace Site which is a place where people are involved and committed to:
Council Meeting Minutes-3-January 26, 1998
x
Protecting the environment
x
Promoting intercultural understanding and celebrating cultural differences.
x
Seeking peace within themselves and relationships with others.
x
Reaching out in service to others.
x
Working towards world law with justice.
He invited the public to participate in the joint Peace Site and Winter Family Fun
Day Celebration on Sunday, February 8, 1998 at Augsburg Park.
Item #4PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING FEBRUARY 5, 1998
AS NATIONAL GIRLS AND WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY IN RICHFIELD.
C.L. NO. 14
Council Member Sandahl read a proclamation designating February 5, 1998 as
National Girls and Women in Sports Day in Richfield.
Council Member Stokes presented certificates to representatives of the following
local sports organizations in recognition of their dedication to providing opportunities in
sports for young female athletes:
East Richfield Baseball
West Richfield Little League
Richfield Girls Softball Association
Richfield Girls Fast Pitch, Inc.
Richfield Youth Soccer Association
Richfield Girls Basketball Association and Booster Club
Richfield Gymnastics Club
Richfield Hockey Association
Item #5OPPORTUNITY FOR PERSONS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON
ANY ITEM NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA.
Birgit Johnson, 6332 13th Avenue, stated she was a member of the Friends of
Veterans Memorial Park and that it was time to move forward to replace the trees in the
park and preserve it as a protected natural area.
Dorothy Hoffman, 6438 11th Avenue, discussed her review of past newspaper
articles regarding the proposed City garage project at Veterans Memorial Park. She
observed that there had been a better process for public input for projects like the
Sheridan Park redevelopment. She stated the desire that Veterans Memorial Park be
restored to the way it was previously. She suggested that the Sun-Current newspaper
Council Meeting Minutes-4-January 26, 1998
have a designated corner to list community meetings and that the City conduct information
meetings two or three different times to allow more people the opportunity to attend.
Carol Newby, 6400 11th Avenue, stated that the Friends of Veterans Memorial
Park will soon change to Friends of Richfield Parks. She invited interested residents to
join in the effort with the Friends, Greening Project, and City staff in taking the opportunity
to come together to restore the park.
Roger Ose, 6824 Tenth Avenue, thanked the City Council for their leadership and
all that they have done. He volunteered to contribute to the costs and to serve on any
committee involved with replanting trees at Veterans Memorial Park.
Ollie Hoffman, 6438 11th Avenue, stated he also would be willing to help and
support the effort to replant the park. He asked if there were any plans as of yet to do so.
City Manager Prosser stated that he is recommending that the Community Services
Commission coordinate a planning process with a broad base of participants.
Mr. Hoffman stated concern that they were in charge when the trees were cut down
and that he hopes they include the interested people in the process.
Council Member Rosenberg stated that the Community Services Commission will
work with the Friends of Veterans Memorial Park and anyone else to move forward on this
issue. She stated the Community Services Commission will be meeting on February 10.
Don Wanschura, 7505 Dupont Avenue, stated that the future of Veterans Memorial
Park should only be to replant the park as it was with no buildings, hockey rinks, or soccer
fields.
Item #6 COUNCIL APPROVAL OF AGENDA
M/Stokes, S/Sandahl to approve the agenda.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #7 CONSENT CALENDAR
A.APPROVED SETTING MAY 4, 1998 FOR 1998 LOCAL BOARD OF REVIEW
C.L. 15
B.APPROVED FILING PAY EQUITY REPORT WITH MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT
OF EMPLOYEE RELATIONS C.L. 16
Council Meeting Minutes-5-January 26, 1998
C.APPROVED AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN CONSENT AND
CONFLICT WAIVER RELATED TO WARDEN OIL SITE C.L. 17
D.APPROVED PURCHASE OF THREE MIDSIZE VEHICLES FROM SUPERIOR
FORD, INC. THROUGH HENNEPIN COUNTY JOINT PURCHASING
AGREEMENT FOR PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE USE IN
TOTAL AMOUNT OF $44,058 C.L. 18
E.APPROVED PURCHASE OF FIVE FORD CROWN VICTORIAS FULL-SIZED
POLICE SEDANS THROUGH HENNEPIN COUNTY COOPERATIVE
PURCHASING PROGRAM FOR PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT SQUAD CAR
USE IN TOTAL AMOUNT OF $100,800 C.L. 19
F.APPROVED PURCHASE OF THREE SINGLE AXLE GROSS WEIGHT CAB
CHASSIS FROM BOYER TRUCKS, INC. THROUGH HENNEPIN COUNTY
COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PLAN FOR USE AS DUMP TRUCKS BY STREET
MAINTENANCE DIVISION OF PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN TOTAL
AMOUNT OF $142,935 C.L. 20
M/Sandahl, S/Susag to approve the consent calendar.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #8PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE
AMENDMENTS TO RICHFIELD CITY CODE AND ZONING CODE
RELATED TO STORM WATER. C.L. NO. 21
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 21 regarding proposed
ordinance amendments to the Richfield City Code and Zoning Code to bring it into
compliance with the requirements of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.
M/Sandahl, S/Susag to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0.
M/Susag, S/Stokes that this constitutes Second Reading of Bill No. 1998-2,
amending Sections 835 and 720 of the City Code and Sections 526 and 541 of the Zoning
Code that it be published in the official newspaper and that it be made part of these
minutes.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #9CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS CITY ADVISORY
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS. C.L. NO. 22
Council Meeting Minutes-6-January 26, 1998
Mayor Kirsch stated that the City Council had interviewed over 50 applicants on
January 21 and 22, 1998. He stated the City Council was impressed with the number and
quality of the applicants, making for very difficult choices.
M/Sandahl, S/Susag to approve the following applicants:
COMMISSIONAPPOINTMENTTERM EXPIRES
ADVISORY BOARD OF HEALTH
-Katherine BreeggmanJanuary 31, 2001
Patricia DanieleJanuary 31, 2001
Denise EckermanJanuary 31, 2001
Sarah ParsonsJanuary 31, 2001
Lillian GrossJanuary 31, 2001
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
-Helmut WenshauJanuary 31, 2001
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION-
Arnie AuchstetterJanuary 31, 2001
Richard JabsJanuary 31, 2001
William StarkeyJanuary 31, 2001
Brian McGlinnJanuary 31, 1999
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
-Odell Brown, Jr.January 31, 2001
Maria ConleyJanuary 31, 2001
Linda WilkinsJanuary 31, 2001
PLANNING COMMISSION
-Kenneth MeterJanuary 31, 2001
Brenda BjorklundJanuary 31, 2001
Mitchell HadleyJanuary 31, 2001
FRIENDSHIP CITY COMMISSION
-Chad LeversonJanuary 31, 2001
Carol MortensonJanuary 31, 2001
Stephanie StollJanuary 31, 2001
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #10CONSIDERATION OF FEASIBILITY STUDY AND OTHER PERTINENT
INFORMATION REGARDING CONSTRUCTION OF SECOND INDOOR
SHEET OF ICE AT VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK OF RICHFIELD.
C.L.NO. 23
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 23 regarding whether or not to
proceed with a feasibility study and other pertinent information regarding the request from
the Richfield ICE Group for the construction of a second indoor sheet of ice at the
Richfield Ice Arena in Veterans Memorial Park.
Council Meeting Minutes-7-January 26, 1998
John Easterwood, 7121 Morgan Avenue, spokesperson for the Richfield ICE
Group, presented a detailed report on their proposal for a second ice rink including some
of the following information:
Is there a immediate need for a second sheet of ice?
Women’s hockey is the fastest growing sport in Minnesota history. Since its
start in 1995, women’s high school hockey in the state has grown in number of
teams from 24 to 83.
The City of Richfield, encompassing just seven square miles, is unique, home to
two high schools with hockey programs - each with expanding women’s
programs. Practice time will soon be needed for eight (four boy’s, four
women’s) high school teams, including junior varsity teams.
Four categories of Richfield youth need additional ice, most by next year:
1.Both Holy Angels and Richfield need girl’s junior varsity teams. Richfield
needs to add their team next fall. Holy Angels will do the same the following
year.
2.The Richfield Hockey Association, which serves elementary and junior high
age girls and feeds school teams, has only one girls team spanning an age
group in which boys have three levels and many teams. The hockey
association needs to add one girls team next year or begin sending Richfield
players to neighboring communities’ teams. State law mandates equal ice
time for girls.
3.Students on existing Holy Angels teams must drive to Edina and Marriucci
Arena for most of their practice time. For ice alone, Holy Angels and the
youth association must send $20,085/yr. out of Richfield. Holy Angels
needs to double its ice use in Richfield. A Holy Angels (8th/9th grade) boys
Bantam team will be added beginning in 1999.
4.The youth hockey association needs to offer teams for boys and girls who
want to play inexpensive, less competitive “C Level” hockey that can serve
many more children.
Mr. Easterwood reviewed a chart entitled “Richfield Ice Usage 1997-98 and
Projections for 1998-1999.” The increase (difference) in critical ice need
projected for next year is 409 hours.
Is the expansion important for the community?
First-ring suburbs like Richfield compete with each other and with outlying “ex-
urbs” for stable families and committed residents. Now, child-centered services
and life cycle fitness amenities are becoming important criteria by which families
assess the communities in which they will live and raise their children.
Council Meeting Minutes-8-January 26, 1998
Richfield’s current facility offers no opportunity to promote a greater variety of
community uses: expanded open skating for families and youth, indoor broom
ball leagues organized for students at the schools, the new adult sport of
synchronized skating, and off-season in-line skating leagues.
Its single ice rink actually has a deterrent impact on youth skating. Current
Richfield figure skaters must join a club in Bloomington because there are not
sufficient ice hours for a club to practice or exist in Richfield.
Nearby suburban communities have larger updated facilities for youth skating,
giving them a competitive edge over Richfield in projecting. A second rink
would allow youth programs to grow, and others to be reintroduced.
Is there reason to believe that a second ice sheet will be economically
sustainable?
Single rink facilities are obsolete from an operations and marketing standpoint,
making it impossible to staff efficiently or to attract large tournaments, figure
skating clubs (and their instructors schools), and off season (and non-prime
hour) league play.
Arena staffing and operating costs will be reduced per hour of ice time because
more efficient equipment will be installed and staffing should require less than
double the existing staff. A second rink should actually cost less to operate, per
hour of rental ice.
Bond rates are low right now making this a good time to issue bonds.
Richfield is located in a prime ice marketing area both locally an nationally.
Local area ice users around us are traveling farther than to Richfield, to fill
overflow ice needs. For example, south Minneapolis high schools and their
youth associations are closer to Richfield than to Minnehaha Academy where
they (and some Richfield Hockey Association teams) practice.
Nationally, Bloomington, with its multi-rink facility, is able to attract and conduct
national tournaments because of its proximity (farther than Richfield’s) to the
Mall of America.
Richfield’s prime travel location also makes it an ideal site for practice and
tournaments conducted by major private hockey programs.
Private league play (like Minnesota Show Case Hockey) conducted by private
entrepreneurs for year-round off-season hockey would welcome an opportunity
to conduct their whole season of spring and fall games in Richfield’s centralized
location.
Is it reasonable to believe a second ice sheet can be built by this fall?
Council Meeting Minutes-9-January 26, 1998
Dave Bye, a Holy Angels booster member and project manager for PCL
Construction Services Inc. prepared a schematic concept for a second rink,
construction estimates and a proposed construction schedule which would
result in construction completion by November 17, 1998. He estimated the cost
to be in the range of $2 million to $2.6 million dollars.
What are the consequences of not adding the second sheet of ice?
The manager of the ice arena indicates that given the plans for expansion of
just hockey programs in the City next year, someone will not be able to use ice
in the arena. The question that will become pressing by early October will be:
“Who gets pushed out and who decides?”
Should policy equalize girls at the expense of boys? Limit the hours that both
high schools are provided? Rebuild recreational youth teams to the demise of
established traveling programs? Or just serve high school programs at the
expense of the youth hockey association? In any choice, some Richfield youth
will suffer.
According to the arena manager, there is an informal policy that gives first
priority to city programs, of which there are approximately 950 hours (just under
a third of all hours currently rented). Second priority goes to the high schools,
Third priority goes to the youth programs - the largest financial contributor to the
ice arena. Apparently at the time that the policy was formulated, the Academy
of Holy Angels was not a major factor. Difficult decisions loom.
Mr. Easterwood stated that the Richfield ICE Group requests the following action:
1.Authorize and direct the completion of soils exploration and provide a
geotechnical report for areas where a second ice sheet may feasibly be added
to the existing arena.
2.Select or authorize a consultant to work in conjunction with City staff,
appropriate city commissions and the ICE Group to:
a)Obtain a determination from the DNR whether a second ice sheet may be
built,
b)Draw up a scope of work for issuing a design/build Request for Proposal
(RFP) to select an arena designer/builder,
c)Cause appropriate notice and first readings to be given in order to permit
the Council to act on February 23, 1998, on issuing an RFP and initiating
bond funding, and
d)Direct that property notice be given and a hearing scheduled at the
appropriate time, to permit the amendment of the city CIP if necessary.
Mr. Easterwood stated this request does not ask that the City make a final
determination whether a second rink should proceed to construction at this time, or even
whether an RFP for the selection of a design/build firm should be issued. He stated the
work of the consultant requested is to permit the City to obtain all additional information
Council Meeting Minutes-10-January 26, 1998
required for those decisions to be made in a timely fashion. He indicated if that can be
completed by February 23, the additional steps requested (to give notice and first reading)
would permit the City to decide at that time whether to authorize construction of an arena
and whether to authorize it in time to serve the needs of community ice users in the
coming year.
Council Member Susag stated that the City Council has the obligation to review
many issues related to this proposal including financing, revenue projections, whether the
DNR would allow the building in the park, the impact on the park, determination of need
for additional parking, and whether accomplishing a review of these issues is feasible in
this time frame.
Dave Bye, 6002 Timberglade Circle, Bloomington, a project manager for PCL
Construction, indicated that the second ice sheet can be constructed in six months. He
stated if the RFP could be issued February 23, the final decision could occur in March,
still leaving enough time to get it built this year. He answered questions from the City
Council about the scheduling and cost impacts on construction of a delay. He indicated
that at some point the extra cost of winter construction and loss of premium ice time by a
delay would mean it might be wiser to delay to next year.
Council Member Rosenberg asked if the current parking area was adequate.
Mr. Bye stated that had not yet been determined.
Council Member Stokes asked how much money is being spent by the groups for
ice time outside of Richfield and what is the availability of ice time in the area considering
the additional of ice sheets in other cities.
Tim Ellis, 6932 17th Avenue, stated that $20,085 was spent on ice time outside of
Richfield by Holy Angels and the Richfield Hockey Association.
Mr. Easterwood stated they would have to survey to determine the availability of
additional ice time in the area.
Council Member Rosenberg asked about the number of figure skaters.
Mr. Easterwood stated he did not know since most figure skaters currently go
outside of Richfield.
Council Member Susag stated that the Community Services Commission is working
on the Master Park Plan and this request needs to be coordinated with that plan. He
stated that the affect on current use, soils issues, financials substantiation and operating
costs need to be investigated.
City Manager Prosser indicated that part of determining the feasibility would be to
look at the soils, DNR approval and financials.
Council Meeting Minutes-11-January 26, 1998
Dennis Manson, 6901 Park Avenue, asked what the cost would be for the project.
Mr. Easterwood responded that the estimated cost is $2 million to $2.6 million
dollars.
Council Member Sandahl stated that the second sheet of ice is needed to allow for
gender equity.
M/Susag, S/Rosenberg to proceed with the preliminary work including a feasibility
study and other pertinent information regarding the construction of a second enclosed ice
sheet.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #11CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH RICHFIELD
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK NETWORK. C.L. NO. 24
City Manager Prosser reviewed Council Letter No. 24 regarding a proposal to
establish the Richfield Community Feedback Network to expand communications
including special emphasis on receiving feedback from residents regarding views on
development proposals, capital improvements, general community needs, adequacy of
information about projects, requests for services, feedback on staff performance, feedback
on City services and other similar issues.
The concept of a community feedback network includes the following basic elements:
x
Volunteers from the community would be requested to serve as members of the
Community Feedback Network. Special emphasis would be placed on including
individuals not previously involved with City government. Ideally, 50 to 100
individuals would be recruited for these positions.
x
Community organizations, churches, civic groups, service clubs and
representatives from school organizations would be specifically solicited to
participate in the network.
x
A mechanism would be established to assure that network members would receive
detailed information on community issues they identify as important.
x
A mechanism would be established to report feedback received from network
members to the City Council and staff in order to shape public policy, improve
communication and service to the community. The information would also be used
to help identify priorities, future challenges, previously unidentified problems,
service enhancements and service refinements.
x
Network members would be requested to meet with neighbors, friends and others
from the community as a basis for expanding feedback to the City. Support for this
expanded network would be provided as requested by the network members.
Council Meeting Minutes-12-January 26, 1998
x
The League of Women Voters will be requested to assist the City in establishing
and supporting the network.
Council Member Sandahl suggested discussion at a Study Session to further
develop the concept.
Council Member Susag stated support for the concept but concern about the size
of the network. He passed out a copy of a chapter from Parkinson’s Law to Council
Members to read.
M/Kirsch, S/Rosenberg to authorize establishment of the Richfield Community
Feedback Network.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #12AIRPORT STATUS REPORT
City Manager Prosser discussed the need for expanded community input and
participation in the north-south runway mitigation plan. He stated the City is seeking the
involvement and input of citizens generally but especially those east of Portland Avenue
who will be impacted the most.
Ollie Hoffman, 6438 11th Avenue, asked about the impact of signing a document
given to him by the MAC which would waive certain rights.
City Manager Prosser stated that the City Attorney could review the document.
Larry Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, asked if the mitigation plan called for
redevelopment.
City Manager Prosser stated that it would mean redevelopment along Cedar
Avenue and to the far north. He stated it could impact 500 units of multi-family and
possibly 500 units of single family dwellings. He indicated that the potential costs of
redevelopment may discourage the MAC from building the north-south runway because of
the mitigation costs.
Mr. Wozniczka referred to comments from Mr. Brauer at the November 25 Planning
Commission meeting and stated concern that the MAC may do what they did in New Ford
Town and Rich Acres - take the property and not let Richfield redevelop it. He indicated
that airport counsel Steve Pflaum stated this was a valid concern at the December 22
Planning Commission meeting. Mr. Wozniczka stated he felt this was not the right
approach and that the MAC should have to mitigate on their own property. He stated he
disagreed with the proposed mitigation strategy.
Council Meeting Minutes-13-January 26, 1998
City Manager Prosser stated that we have talked about a 100 meter high wall next
to the runway. He stated the City does not want the MAC to acquire the property.
Discussion followed regarding interpretation of Mr. Pflaum’s opinion regarding the
mitigation strategy.
Item #13LEGISLATIVE REPORT
None.
Item #14COUNCIL DISCUSSION ITEMS
Council Member Sandahl read the following statement:
“I am reminded of the adage “never give a politician a chance to speak” that’s code
for: if you do - pack a lunch, but I will be different. I will make this as brief as possible.
There comes a time in every endeavor when it is time to “exit stage right”. Although I
have enjoyed my tenure on the city council I am announcing this evening that this will be
my last term as Council Member at Large. We have accomplished a lot in the last 13
years and of that I am proud. We have also had some miscue as evidenced by out last
council meeting. This decision, by the way, has nothing to do with that meeting or that
controversy. There have been personal ups and downs, mostly ups. Although most who
sought me out questioned my IQ and integrity, I did get some thank you’s from time to
time. This is a great community, a great place to work, a great place to live. I feel very
honored to have been allowed to serve the community of Richfield.
I have had the pleasure of working with and meeting a lot of people over the last 13
years. At the risk of offending those I have omitted or forgotten I feel obliged to mention
several people who have been a source of support and inspiration to me. They have
even, at times, humbled me. First of all, let me thank my past and current fellow council
members. Thanks to the current council of Susan Rosenberg, Russ Susag, Kristal
Stokes, and Mayor Marty Kirsch. There are also a few others that stand out, like John
Hamilton. Bill Bullock, Don Priebe, Howard Bunce, Ivan Ludeman, Juanita Collins, Don
Hassenstab, and of course Edwina Garcia. I didn’t always agree with them on every
issue, but I respected them because they took the time and made the effort to serve the
citizens of Richfield. There are a great many other people that have entered my life
during my tenure in office. I appreciate all of them regardless of whether they were
opponents or supporters. There are some city staff that bear special mention. We have
the best police, fire, public works, recreation services, community development, liquor
store operations and administrative services anywhere. They are without equal. Thank
you Dave Buzicky, Vaughn Lambert, Tom Fitzhenry, and all the other public safety folks
that have been there when I needed them. When my parents were sick, when it was time
to make the rounds during National Night Out they were there just as they are for all of the
Council Meeting Minutes-14-January 26, 1998
citizens of Richfield. Thanks to Cheryl Krumholz and the other staff keeping track of all
the administrative details required to do this job. I especially want to thank Steve Devich
who has suffered under my, hopefully, light hearted attacks. Which brings me to the city
staff member I need to thank the most. We have here in Richfield a city manager that is
the envy of every city that has seen him in action over at the state capitol. We have not
always agreed and we have had our differences in vision, but Jim is the most
knowledgeable, honest, hard working city manager anywhere. Next, I want to thank those
that have helped with my various campaigns; first and most importantly Shirley Hokanson
and Gertrude Ulrich. Without their counsel and support I would have been in even more
trouble. In addition, there are a host of people, including Shirley Johnson, Margaret
Severe, Warren Olson, the Scaglias, Jim Collins, and all those who worked on my various
campaigns. I have also appreciated the help and support provided by all my constituents,
but especially those that have sought me out or contacted me. All have helped to provide
a view point that was informative. Larry Wozniczka has had an immeasurable effect on
my work on the city council. There are also those constituents that are somewhat older
and therefore much wiser that I, who I remember from my days as a teenager growing up
here in Richfield, that have had a profound effect on me during my term of office, on my
outlook, and on my decision making. Bob and Marilyn Jensen, Don Anderson, Steve
Lindgren, Jim Swanson, Liz Swanson, and all the others from the Chamber of Commerce,
St. Richard’s, Boy Scouts, Little League, Optimists, and DFL and the school system who
have kept me humble and shown an interest in how we might work together to provide a
better Richfield. Most importantly, I want to thank; my parents Phyllis and Dick, and John,
Bryan, Jenny, and Sue for their unending support for my work as a member of the
Richfield City Council. They all helped to campaign, to take endless messages, and to
put up with my absence from their soccer games, basketball games, concerts, and all
manner of other school activities. Without the support of my family I would not have been
able to do this job.
I am honored and have enjoyed this opportunity to help Richfield. Although I will
be stepping down from this elected office next January 1, I very much want to continue to
serve the citizens of Richfield in other ways.
In conclusion, thank you all, it has been an interesting 13+ years.”
Mayor Kirsch invited the public to attend the Richfield Remodeling Fair at Richfield
High School on Saturday, January 31, 1998.
Item #15CLAIMS AND PAYROLL
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl that the following claims and payrolls be approved:
RICHFIELD BANK & TRUST CO.
Checks: 72989-73000, 73839-73842$19,465.31
H/C: 73891-74217$899,292.51
Council Meeting Minutes-15-January 26, 1998
FIRSTAR BANK
Payroll: 110420-110714$524,889.59
Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:10 p.m.
Date Approved: 2/9/98
Martin J. KirschMayor
Thomas P. FerberJames D. Prosser
City ClerkCity Manager