06-15-98 Special
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special Joint City Council/HRA/Planning Commission/
Community Services Commission Meeting
June 15, 1998
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch and HRA Chair Pro Tempore
Helmberger at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
City Council
Members Present:Martin J. Kirsch, Mayor; Russ Susag; Kristal Stokes; and Susan
Rosenberg (arrived at 7:14).
HRA Members
Present:Joan Helmberger, Chair Pro Tempore; Kristal Stokes; and Russ
Susag.
Staff Present:James Prosser, Executive Director; Steve Devich, Acting City Clerk;
and Bruce Nordquist, Housing & Redevelopment Manager.
Planning Commission
Members Present:Mitchell Hadley, William Killian, Terry Ahlstrom, Daniel Linnihan,
Brenda Bjorklund, and Kenneth Meter.
Community Services
Commission
Members Present:Robert Dietl, Tim Erlander, Carolyn Krohn, Richard Jabs, and Arnold
Auchstetter.
Item #1CONDUCT A STUDY SESSION REGARDING THE STATUS OF RICHFIELD
LAKE AREA. HRA LETTER NO. 32
Special Council Meeting Minutes-2-June 15, 1998
City Manager Prosser introduced the study topic and Michael Schroeder, Hoisington-
Koegler. Mr. Schroeder reviewed the design detail of the Richfield Lake Area Project,
focusing on those concepts which may have been modified since the last design plan. He
described how pedestrian movement through the area would be accomplished and described
public open spaces that would be created. Mr. Schroeder also discussed the commercial
and housing elements that could be introduced into the project. Mr. Schroeder also
presented the plans of the Richfield State Agency for the area and pathways throughout the
area.
In summarizing, Mr. Schroeder reviewed the general nature of the concerns of
residents voiced at the public meetings. He stated that the overall tone of the comments was
positive. Mr. Schroeder stated that a meeting with CSM Developers regarding other project
areas in Richfield was also conducted. He finished by saying that discussions were
continuing with Lyndale Hardware to determine what their role will be in the area.
Fred Hoisington, Hoisington - Koegler, consultant, described the next steps that would
likely be followed in this “Work in Process”. Mr. Hoisington stated that at this point
neighborhoods (residential) would not be included in the master plan unless they wish to be
included. Mr. Hoisington described traffic and transit issues, project timing and design
guidelines. He stated that the next open house meeting is planned for August 13th. After
that time the matter of a master plan will be brought to the necessary public bodies.
Chair Pro Tempore Helmberger asked about the post office and how it would fit into
the plan.
Mr. Hoisington responded that the post office would like to have retail and distribution
centers. He stated that the distribution center is something the post office would like kept at
its current location.
Planning Commission Member Killian asked about Lyndale Garden Center.
Mr. Hoisington stated that MnDOT and Lyndale Garden are now talking about how
much of the business might be taken for storm water ponding and how it would affect the
business.
There was general discussion concerning Lyndale Garden and Lyndale Hardware and
how they might relate to the new project concept design.
There was general discussion concerning the types of housing that were anticipated.
Mr. Hoisington described the types of commercial/retail that would be sought for the area.
Community Services Commission Member Erlander asked if the townhomes would be
market rate.
City Manager Prosser responded that the housing would be mixed use with a majority
being market rate.
Community Services Commission Member Jabs asked a question regarding the
nature of the comments gathered regarding the project.
Special Council Meeting Minutes-3-June 15, 1998
Housing & Redevelopment Manager Nordquist stated that it ranged from being very
positive toward the proposed redevelopment to opposition to any change at all.
There was general discussion regarding the advantages and disadvantages of
skyways in the area.
Mayor Kirsch and Chair Pro Tempore Helmberger thanked the Hoisington-Koegler
group for the informative presentation.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 7:52 p.m. The
HRA meeting was recessed for five minutes.
Date Approved:
Martin J. Kirsch
Mayor
Steven L. DevichJames D. Prosser
Acting City ClerkCity Manager