2025-05-13 PC_Council Work Session MinutesCITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
City Council Work Session
May 13, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Supple called the work session to order at 5:45 p.m. in the Bartholomew Room.
Council Present: Mary Supple, Mayor; Sharon Christensen; Walter Burk, Sean Hayford
Oleary, Rori A. Coleman-Woods
Staff Present:
Guests:
Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Sam Crosby, Community Development
Planner; Melissa Poehlman, Community Development Director; Courtney
Miller, Senior Analyst; Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk.
Planning Commission; Lance Bernard, TC2 Planner
ITEM #1 DISCUSS FURTHER POTENTIAL CHANGES TO THE MR-2 AND MR-3 ZONING
DISTRICTS.
Planner Crosby provided a summary of the work session item, Missing Middle Housing.
Lance Bernard, TC2 Planner, provided a summary of the project's purpose. Mr. Bernard noted that
the project aims to increase housing options, support walkable communities, optimize land use,
and promote affordable housing. Mr. Bernard provided details on the community engagement
outreach they have conducted.
Planner Crosby explained that the project is divided into three tiers, with Tier One previously
discussed in a past work session. Planner Crosby noted Tier Two focuses on parking placement
and building setbacks, with an emphasis on locating parking behind buildings to support a
pedestrian-friendly streetscape. It also addresses building massing and architectural expression,
including increasing window placement to enhance natural light, ventilation, and visual appeal.
Additionally, the design aims to reduce blank walls to create a more attractive and engaging
building frontage. Council and staff reviewed faux window use and noted faux windows would not
be used unless necessary.
Planner Crosby proceeded with the tier three discussion, noting the focus is exterior materials,
colors, and lighting. Tier three also focuses on sidewalks, landscaping, and screening. Planner
Crosby explained that the use of neon colors will be prohibited on the exterior, and the use of
primary and secondary colors will be limited. Finished metals will also be limited on the exterior of
the building. She noted that six-foot-wide sidewalks will be required along public streets and minor
landscaping changes. She provided details on the next steps of the project.
City Council Work Session Minutes -2-May 13, 2025
Council and staff discussed air conditioning units, unit placement and noise. Staff responded no
issues with new units, however existing units present challenges. Council expressed interest in
exploring more flexible zoning that allows single-family homes and apartment buildings within the
same zone in the future.
Council and staff reviewed the Sustainability Commission perspective relating to storing recycling
outdoors. Staff noted the Sustainability Commission was very supportive of flexibility.
Council, Planning Commission, and staff reviewed the process of public input in the administrative
approval process for projects, and recognized some projects have parameters that cannot be
changed, and reviewed public comment opportunities for such projects may sometimes give the
false impression that the comments received could influence the outcome. Council acknowledged
both perspectives and suggested finding a balanced approach. Council and staff reviewed the
administrative review process. The Planning Commission added that residents who are passionate
about housing issues are encouraged to get involved earlier in the planning process to help shape
policies from the outset.
Council, Planning Commission, and staff discussed allowing only passenger vehicles to park on the
street, excluding commercial or other vehicle types, and discussed light pollution. Planning
Commission, Council, and staff discussed lighting restrictions for single-family homes and
consistent lighting levels between buildings. Staff responded that current lighting regulations do not
apply to single-family homes. Planning Commission noted the idea of extending regulations but
emphasized the importance of considering enforceability. Council noted the proposed lighting
guidelines were too restrictive and expressed support for allowing some decorative lighting.
Planner Crosby provided a summary of the discussion.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Supple adjourned the work session at 6:40 p.m.
Date Approved: May 27, 2025
Mary B. Supple
Mayor
Michelle Friedrich Katie Rodriguez
City Clerk City Manager