072523 PC MinutesCALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Holmvig-Johnson at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
M/ Surma, S/Hooey, to approve the minutes of the Regular Planning Commission meeting of
June 26, 2023.
Motion carried: 6-0.
OPEN FORUM
Chair Holmvig-Johnson reviewed the options to participate in the open forum. There were no
callers or speakers.
ITEM #1 APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
M/ Stursa, S/Kennealy, to approve the agenda.
Motion carried: 6-0.
ITEM #2
CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST TO AMEND A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF THE PRESCHOOL AND DAYCARE AT 7132
PORTLAND AVENUE TO 330 CHILDREN.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Planning Commission Meeting
July 24, 2023
Planning Commissioners Present: Brendan Kennealy, Cole Hooey, Eddie Holmvig-Johnson,
Benjamin Surma, Brett Stursa, and James Rudolph
Commissioners Excused: Matt Taraldsen
Staff Present: Sam Crosby, Planner II and Ruby Villa, Assistant Planner
Others Present: Jeremy Reinicke
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes -2- June 26, 2023
Planner Crosby presented Staff Report No.11 and mentioned her conversation with a
neighboring property owner.
After a couple questions of staff, Chair Holmvig-Johnson opened the public hearing.
The applicant, Jeremy Reinicke addressed the Commission.
M/Rudolph, S/Kennealy, to close the public hearing. Motion carried: 6-0.
Several Commissioners voiced their support for the request.
M/Rudolph, S/Surma, to approve the request as recommended by staff.
Motion carried: 6-0.
ITEM #3 LIAISION REPORTS
Community Services Commission: Commissioner Rudolph reported that the Woodlake Nature
Center project had been approved by the Minnesota State Legislature.
City Council: Commissioner Kennealy reported that the Council held a regular meeting on
June 27th in which the Council approved a liquor license for Toma Mojo Grill and the renewal
of cable television franchise with Comcast of Minnesota, Inc. On July 11th, the Council held a
work session to discuss the new adult use cannabis law, including potential city regulations
related to zoning, number of businesses allowed, and allowing hemp versus cannabis in liquor
stores. On July 11th, the council also held a regular meeting to consider a request for a
Conditional Use Permit to allow Blossomtime Montessori to use St. Nicholas Episcopal
Church.
Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA): Commissioner Stursa reported that there is an
open seat on the HRA, for which applications are being accepted through July 30th. The HRA
agreed to be a conduit for a multi-family housing revenue bond for $10 million for the Upper
Post Flats development in the Fort Snelling area. The HRA approved an agreement for
Homes within Reach to buy rehab and sell up to two homes under the new home program for
income qualifying households. Also, the HRA approved a redevelopment agreement with
Beacon Interfaith Housing for the development on 66th and Portland Ave. The HRA also
approved an amended agreement and TIF for the development at 101 66th Street. Lastly, the
HRA terminated Best Buy’s minimum assessment agreement with multiple compromises on
both ends.
Richfield School Board: Holmvig-Johnson had no report.
Transportation Commission: Surma reported that the Commission’s last regular meeting did
not take place. The 77th street underpass is now open. There are also several ongoing
transportation projects such as the 65th street construction and the intersection of 65th and
Lyndale Ave. The I-494 project is just beginning, ramp closures are expected in the next few
weeks. On local streets, there is work going on to replace traffic signals at 77th and Lyndale
Ave, as well as at 76th and 70th along Nicollet Ave.
Chamber of Commerce: Hooey had no report.
Sustainability Commission: Taraldsen was absent.
ITEM #4 CITY PLANNER’S REPORT