112723 PC MinutesCALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Holmvig-Johnson at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
M/Hooey, S/Stursa, to approve the minutes of the Regular Planning Commission
meeting of October 23, 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/Surma, to approve the agenda.
Motion carried: 6-0.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Planning Commission Meeting
November 27, 2023
Planning Commissioners Present: Cole Hooey, Eddie Holmvig-Johnson, Benjamin Surma, James
Rudolph, Matt Taraldsen, and Brett Stursa
Commissioners Excused: Brendan Kennealy
Staff Present: Sam Crosby, Planner II and Ruby Villa, Assistant Planner
Others Present:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
ITEM #2
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO ALLOW
MICRO UNITS AS AN ACCESSORY USE TO RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS.
STAFF REPORT NO. 16)
Planner Crosby presented Staff Report No. 16.
Planner Crosby addressed multiple questions from the commission regarding
interpretation of the Sacred Communities bill, as well as general questions concerning religious
institutions in Richfield.
Chair Holmvig-Johnson opened the public hearing. There were no callers or speakers.
M/Hooey, S/Surma, to close the public hearing.
Motion carried: 6-0.
M/Rudolph, S/Hooey, to (1) recommend approval of an ordinance amendment to allow
micro units as an accessory use to religious institutions.
Motion carried: 6-0.
ITEM #3 LIAISION REPORTS
Community Services Commission: Commissioner Rudolph had no report.
City Council: Commissioner Kennealy was absent.
Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA): Commissioner Stursa reported that the
HRA is accepting applications for a seat on the HRA and EDA until December 15th of
this year. At its last meeting, the HRA approved an MOU with the owners of La Vaquita
Mexican Market to continue discussions of the development at 1430 66th St. The HRA
also approved an MOU with Lyndale Gardens, with the HRA agreeing to contribute up to
500,000 for capital costs and a financial match for sewer charges to help facilitate
development at the last remaining parcel that is yet to be developed on the site.
Richfield School Board: Chair Holmvig-Johnson had no report.
Transportation Commission: Commissioner Surma had no report.
Chamber of Commerce: Commissioner Hooey had no report.
Sustainability Commission: Commissioner Taraldsen had no report.
ITEM #4 CITY PLANNER’S REPORT
The first reading for the Aster Commons project was held on November 14th. A few
members of the public spoke in favor of the request. The second reading and the rest of the