2026-03-10 Regular Council MinutesITEM #1 CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Supple at 7:00 p.m. on March 10, 2026, in the Council
Chambers.
Council Present:
Absent:
Mary Supple, Mayor; Walter Burk, Sean Hayford Oleary, Rori A.
Coleman-Woods
Council Member Sharon Christensen was excused.
Staff Present:
Guests:
Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Sack Thongvanh, Assistant City
Manager; Matt Hardegger, Transportation Engineer; Melissa
Poehlman, Community Development Director; Mary Tietjen,
City Attorney; and Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk.
Kyle O’Donnell Burrows, Metro Transit Arterial BRT Planning
Manager; Ryan Wilson, MnDOT West Area Manager.
ITEM #2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Supple led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ITEM #3 APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: made by Council Member Hayford Oleary, seconded by Council Member Burk to
approve the agenda as presented.
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, and Council
Member Coleman-Woods.
Motion carried: 4-0
ITEM #4 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: made by Council Member Coleman-Woods, seconded by Council Member Burk to
approve the minutes of the (1) City Council Work Session from February 17, 2026, and (2) City
Council Work Session from February 24, 2026, and (3) Regular Meeting from February 24, 2026.
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, and Council
Member Coleman-Woods.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Council Regular Meeting
March 10, 2026
City Council Meeting Minutes -2- March 10, 2026
Motion carried: 4-0
ITEM #5
OPEN FORUM
Mayor Supple noted the individuals wishing to speak during Open Forum and reviewed the three-
minute time limit for public comments and explained the use of time warning cards to alert the
speaker when their time is almost expired. Attendees were reminded to listen respectfully to all
speakers. Instructions were given for speakers to state their name and city of residence before
speaking.
Six residents addressed the Council during the Open Forum opportunity.
Marjorie Curtis, Richfield resident, thanked the council for the opportunity to speak and shared
concerns from residents at a local assisted living facility regarding recent immigration enforcement
activity. Ms. Curtis noted worries about potential impacts if caregiving staff were unable to report to
work and asked the Council to consider community impacts, including effects on vulnerable
residents and psychological stress, and economic considerations.
Theresa Guthrie, Richfield resident, expressed appreciation for the acknowledgment of mental
health impacts related to recent immigration enforcement activity and stated that these impacts
affect the broader community as well. Ms. Guthrie shared personal reflections on the situation and
expressed gratitude for positive community connections.
Nicole Cleland, Richfield resident, commented on ongoing community impacts from recent
immigration enforcement activity and noted volunteer efforts to support affected residents. Ms.
Cleland also raised concerns about potential federal access to personal or surveillance data,
including license plate reader technology, and asked how the council addresses these issues.
Ginny Morin, Richfield resident, asked clarifying questions about a proposed item related to
allocating city funds to nonprofit services and expressed concern about the process for approving
additional funding. Ms. Morin requested that the item be tabled until there is greater opportunity for
residents to provide input on how city funds are allocated.
Alicia Waters, Richfield resident, provided comments on Richfield’s Climate Action Plan,
commending its goals and objectives while suggesting improvements related to outdoor lighting.
Ms. Waters recommended reducing the number of lights at night, dimming and changing the color
of necessary lights to amber, using shields to direct lighting, and incorporating motion sensors. Ms.
Waters noted that these measures could save energy and costs, improve human health and wildlife
outcomes, reduce light pollution, and support multiple climate action goals.
Ava McKnight, Richfield resident, commented on the recent Council work session, commending
efforts on invasive species planning and pavement use, and raised concerns about lighting in Vets
Park, noting it can be blinding and unsafe for those with visual impairments. Ms. McKnight also
asked whether local birders have been consulted for input on park planning.
ITEM #6
PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
a. Proclamation Celebrating Women’s History Month.
City Council Meeting Minutes -3- March 10, 2026
Mayor Supple read and presented the proclamation to Human Rights Commissioners Angella
Mixon and Commissioner Kim Lutes.
The Human Rights Commissioners reflected on the contributions of women leaders in Richfield,
noting their role in paving the way for future generations in government and public service, and
emphasized the strength, vision, and care of women in the city, and their role in supporting
vulnerable neighbors and sustaining community resilience.
ITEM #7
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Rodriguez presented the consent calendar.
a. Approve Disbursements/Claims
U.S. BANK 2-27-2026
A/P Checks/ETF’s: (2-14-2026 - through 2-27-2026) $2,354,796.53
Payroll (2/27/2026) Includes health insurance premiums for
March 2026 $1,418,993.20
TOTAL $3,773,789.73
b. Consider approval of a resolution authorizing staff to accept a Hennepin County Lifeguard
Services Grant in the amount of $50,000 to assist with funding the hiring and retention of
lifeguard staff at the Richfield Outdoor Pool, and authorizing staff to enter into the grant
agreement and execute the funds as prescribed.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-12410
AUTHORIZING STAFF TO ACCEPT A HENNEPIN COUNTY LIFEGUARD SERVICES
GRANT
c. Consider the approval of a resolution authorizing City of Richfield Recreation Services
Director Karl Huemiller to submit a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Outdoor
Recreation Grant in the amount of $500,000 for the Veterans Park Improvement Project on
behalf of the City of Richfield and is authorized to execute such agreements as necessary
to implement the project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-12411
AUTHORIZING CITY OF RICHFIELD RECREATION SERVICES DIRECTOR KARL
HUEMILLER TO SUBMIT A MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANT APPLICATION
d. Consider approval of a resolution authorizing staff to enter into a Source Water Protection
Grant Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Health for a grant in the amount of
$11,208.26 to be used in support of Richfield's Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention
Program.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-12412
AUTHORIZING STAFF TO ENTER INTO A SOURCE WATER PROTECTION GRANT
AGREEMENT WITH THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR A GRANT IN
THE AMOUNT OF $11,208.26 TO BE USED IN SUPPORT OF RICHFIELD'S CROSS
CONNECTION AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION PROGRAM
MOTION: made by Council Member Hayford Oleary, seconded by Council Member Coleman-
Woods to approve consent calendar items 7a-d as presented.
City Council Meeting Minutes -4- March 10, 2026
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, and Council
Member Coleman-Woods.
Motion carried: 4-0
ITEM #8
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS, IF ANY, REMOVED FROM CONSENT
CALENDAR
None.
ITEM #9
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
ITEM #10
PROPOSED ORDINANCES
None.
ITEM #11
RESOLUTIONS
a. Labor Agreement with The International Association of Firefighters, Local 1215
(firefighters, lieutenants, and captains) for 2026-2027.
Council Member Coleman-Woods presented the staff report to consider approval of a two-year labor
agreement with the International Association of Firefighters, Local 1215, covering firefighters,
lieutenants, and captains for 2026–2027. The agreement includes cost-of-living and market
adjustments, increases to clothing and equipment allowances, an additional pay step for captains, and
updated benefits consistent with other employee groups. Council Member Coleman-Woods noted the
proposed action is to approve the agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute it.
Assistant City Manager Thongvanh noted staff were available for questions and expressed
appreciation to those involved in the negotiation process, including the city manager, staff, fire chief,
union representatives, and Richfield firefighters for their contributions and service to the community.
Council thanked the union representatives and city staff for negotiating in good faith to complete the
labor agreement.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-12413
APPROVING LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF RICHFIELD AND THE
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIREFIGHTERS, LOCAL 1215 BARGAINING
UNIT FOR YEARS 2026-2027
MOTION: made by Council Member Coleman-Woods, seconded by Council Member Burk to adopt
a resolution approving the provisions of the 2026-2027 labor agreement with the International
Association of Firefighters, Local 1215, and authorize the city manager to execute the agreements.
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, and Council
Member Coleman-Woods.
Motion carried: 4-0
City Council Meeting Minutes -5- March 10, 2026
b. Consider a resolution of support for Metro Transit's recommendation to route the K Line
Bus Rapid Transit line on Nicollet Avenue through Richfield.
Council Member Burk presented the staff report supporting Metro Transit’s recommendation to
route the K Line Bus Rapid Transit line on Nicollet through Richfield.
Kyle O’Donnell Burrows, Metro Transit Arterial BRT Planning Manager, presented Metro Transit’s
Arterial Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Plan to identify the next three planned arterial lines. The planned
lines would be the J, K, and L lines and would be constructed between 2030 and 2035. Mr.
O’Donnell Burrows reviewed evaluation criteria for candidate corridors, with Nicollet Avenue
through Minneapolis, Richfield, and Bloomington corridor scoring the highest, and was proposed to
be the K Line, after the J Line on West 7th Street in Saint Paul. Mr. O’Donnell Burrows added
additional study is planned before selecting the L Line. Mr. O’Donnell Burrows noted the timeline
includes recommendations to the Metropolitan Council in early 2026, submission of the J Line for
regional solicitation in spring 2026, and initiation of K Line planning in 2027.
MOTION: made by Council Member Burk, seconded by Council Member Hayford Oleary, to
approve the resolution of support for the Metro K Line Project.
Council expressed support for the K Line project and suggested extending the south terminus to
the American Boulevard Orange Line station to improve access. Council and staff discussed
Nicollet Avenue and 66th Street improvements, noting reconstruction south of 66th Street will begin
this summer, while the segment to Highway 62 remains unconfirmed pending inclusion in the
County’s CIP. Staff confirmed current reconstruction has been coordinated to accommodate future
BRT platforms and elements.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-12414
SUPPORT FOR THE METRO K LINE PROJECT
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, and Council
Member Coleman.
Motion carried: 4-0
c. Consider approval of a resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to execute a
Memorandum of Understanding with MnDOT related to future improvements at the 76th
Street and I-35W Interchange.
Council Member Coleman-Woods presented the staff report for item 11c, authorizing the Mayor
and City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MnDOT for future
improvements at the 76th Street and I-35W interchange. Council Member Coleman-Woods
reviewed the proposed MOU establishes a process for the City and MnDOT to collaboratively plan
and construct the improvements.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-12415
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A MEMORANDUM
OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION RELATED TO PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLIST SAFETY
IMPROVEMENTS AT THE 76TH STREET AND I-35W INTERCHANGE
MOTION: made by Council Member Coleman-Woods, seconded by Council Member Burk to adopt
a resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding
with MnDOT related to future improvements at 76th Street and I-35W interchange.
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, and Council
Member Coleman-Woods.
Motion carried: 4-0
City Council Meeting Minutes -6- March 10, 2026
d. Consider a resolution approving the project layout and providing Municipal Consent for
Phase 2 of the I-494 Corridor Vision Project and repeal Resolution No. 12397.
Council Member Hayford Oleary presented the staff report for item 11d, which outlines the MnDOT
request to Council to reconsider municipal consent for a Highway 494 project previously denied on
January 13, 2026, due to a condition requiring pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements at the
76th Street and I-35W interchange. Staff have since negotiated a memorandum of understanding
with MnDOT to plan and implement these improvements over the coming years. Council Member
Hayford Oleary reviewed Project 2 of the 494 Corridor Vision includes E-ZPass lane construction
on I-494, pavement reconstruction on I-35W, bridge and interchange upgrades, and related
improvements in both Richfield and Bloomington.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-12416
PROVIDING MUNICIPAL CONSENT TO THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION FOR THE I-494 CORRIDOR VISION PROJECT 2 PROPOSED
FINAL LAYOUT (SP 2785-462) REPEALING RESOLUTION NO 12397
MOTION: made by Council Member Burk, seconded by Council Member Coleman-Woods to
approve the project layout and provide municipal consent for I-494 Corridor Vision Project 2
Proposed Final Layout (SP 2785-462) and repeal Resolution No. 12397.
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, and Council
Member Coleman.
Motion carried: 4-0
ITEM #12
OTHER BUSINESS
a. Consider approval of allocation of awards and agreements for services with the
recommended non-profit organizations and authorize the Mayor and City Manager to
execute agreements for services between the City of Richfield and the non-profit
organizations.
Council Member Burk presented staff report 12a, for approval of allocation of awards and
agreements for services with seven non-profit organizations and authorizing the mayor and city
manager to execute agreements for services between the city of Richfield and non-profit
organizations to be provided in 2026. Council Member Burk noted the 2026 city budget includes
funding for organizations that provide social services that are deemed to be of public benefit to the
city and the community in general and reviewed the 2026 budget includes $97,584 for this purpose.
Community Development Director Poehlman added this budgeted item received preliminary
approval in August and ratified in December of 2025. She noted that a committee evaluates the
non-profit organization proposals each year.
MOTION: made by Council Member Burk, seconded by Council Member Hayford Oleary to
approve allocation of awards and agreements for services with the recommended non-profit
organizations and authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute agreements for services
between the City of Richfield and the non-profit organizations.
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, and Council
Member Coleman.
Motion carried: 4-0
b. Consideration of the alternate appointment to fill vacancy on Advisory Board of Health.
City Council Meeting Minutes -7- March 10, 2026
Council Member Hayford Oleary presented staff report 12b, considering appointment of a
previously designated alternate to fill a vacancy on the Advisory Board of Health following a
commissioner’s resignation.
MOTION: made by Council Member Hayford Oleary, seconded by Council Member Coleman-
Woods to approve the appointment of Jacob Peterson as Advisory Board of Health Commissioner,
commencing on March 10, 2026, and expiring January 31, 2027.
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, and Council
Member Coleman.
Motion carried: 4-0
ITEM #13
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Rodriguez reported at the last meeting there were seven speakers, with three people
presenting requests or questions not previously addressed. City Manager Rodriguez noted there
have been multiple requests for assistance for residents that have been impacted by heightened
immigration enforcement whose cars are abandoned and then towed. She noted the towing
company that the city uses will charge the towing fee and one day of storage if people can prove
that their car was towed because of immigration enforcement. City Manager Rodriguez noted car
storage is an expensive portion of the total fee.
City Manager Rodriguez reported on her proposal with Richfield Leadership Network, of a $5-
10,000 contract to assist residents whose vehicles were impounded due to immigration
enforcement. She noted Council directed staff to prepare an agreement with Attorney Tietjen and
the Richfield Leadership Network. City Manager Rodriguez reviewed the nonprofit board has not
yet met to consider the proposal, and the item will be brought back to a future Council meeting.
She added the funding may require a modest budget increase of 5–10%, which staff expect can be
absorbed without exceeding the executive department’s budget.
City Manager Rodriguez reported an issue brought forth by a resident regarding the temporary
emergency pre-eviction notice and requested that it be a permanent pre-eviction notice. City
Manager Rodriguez noted that to consider changing it permanently, staff would need to complete
more engagement and noted Council discussion for direction.
City Manager Rodriguez noted there was a resident that opined that it is not the city’s responsibility
to provide financial support to businesses.
City Manager Rodriguez reported that staff to continue to explore the development of a local
program to support struggling businesses and are also advocating at the state level for relief. She
noted several businesses have been severely impacted, with up to 10 closures, and mentioned the
effects of reduced commercial activity and impacts of shifting property tax burdens onto residents.
City Manager Rodriguez added a strong commercial sector is important to the city’s overall health,
and staff continue to work on solutions.
City Manager Rodriguez reported on the concern raised by a resident regarding lighting in
Richfield, including the blue color and brightness of new LED lights and their impact on people and
wildlife. She noted staff, in consultation with Council, are reviewing specific locations, including a
specific public works building, and will install shields to direct light downward at the building. She
concluded ongoing evaluation and adjustments will continue.
Council clarified the towing item will not be voted on until March 24, allowing residents time to
provide input to Council or comment during open forum. Council shared updates on Veterans Park,
City Council Meeting Minutes -8-March 10, 2026
including lighting improvements in the parking lot, improvements to trails and the pavilion, and mini-
golf concession stand upgrades. Further updates will be provided as the work progresses.
ITEM #14 COUNCIL DISCUSSION
a.Hats off to Hometown Hits.
Council Member Burk thanked and recognized the Human Rights Commission who accepted the
proclamation at the meeting. Council Member Burk complimented the commission for the work they
do.
Council Member Coleman-Woods expressed gratitude for being the only Black member and one of
the women on the City Council, thanked the City for its proclamations supporting civic participation,
and noted excitement about the Richfield basketball team’s progress toward the state tournament.
Council Member Hayford Oleary thanked the residents of Village Shores for their engagement on
city issues, including downtown branding and local lakes, and acknowledged staff and the project
team for hosting the Wood Lake Nature Center beam-raising ceremony.
Mayor Supple recognized city staff for launching the new website, noting it is a significant
improvement. Mayor Supple also highlighted Richfield’s advocacy on state transportation cost
participation policies and engagement on municipal impacts of Operation Metro Surge. Mayor
Supple acknowledged the Girl Scouts for their ongoing community involvement, including
upcoming City Hall tours in April, and participation in Girl Scout Day at the Capitol.
b.Council Liaison Reports
None.
ITEM #15 ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: made by Council Member Burk, seconded by Council Member Hayford Oleary to adjourn
the meeting at 8:14 p.m.
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, and Council
Member Coleman-Woods.
Motion carried: 4-0
Date Approved: March 24, 2026
Mary Supple
Mayor
Michelle Friedrich Katie Rodriguez
City Clerk City Manager