042224 PC Minutes (final)CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Vice-chair Kennealy at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
M/Taraldsen, S/Surma, to approve the minutes of the Regular Planning Commission
meeting of March 25, 2024.
Motion carried: 5-0.
OPEN FORUM
Vice-chair Kennealy reviewed the options to participate in the open forum. There were no
callers or speakers.
ITEM #1 APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
M/Surma, S/Taraldsen, to approve the agenda.
Motion carried: 5-0.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Planning Commission Meeting
April 22, 2024
Planning Commissioners Present: Cole Hooey, Benjamin Surma, Matt Taraldsen, Stephanie
Hollman, and Brendan Kennealy
Commissioners Excused: Eddie Holmvig-Johnson and Brett Stursa
Staff Present: Sam Crosby, Planner II and Ruby Villa, Assistant Planner
Others Present:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
ITEM #2
CONTINUE A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A REQUEST BY
PARTNERSHIP ACADEMY TO AMEND THEIR PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT TO EXTEND THE TIMEFRAME FOR COMPLYING WITH
THE PARKING AGREEMENT TO MAY 29, 2024.
Planner Crosby presented Staff Report No. 8.
In response to Commissioner Taraldsen, Planner Crosby stated that she was certain the
request would be before the Planning Commission by the next Planning Commission meeting.
M/Surma, S/Taraldsen, to continue the public hearing to the May 29, 2024 Planning
Commission meeting.
Motion carried: 5-0.
ITEM #3
CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION FINDING THAT THE
ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITION OF 6525 PENN AVENUE SOUTH BY
THE HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FOR MULTI-
FAMILY HOUSING IS CONSISTENT WITH THE RICHFIELD
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
Planner Crosby presented Staff Report No. 9.
Commissioner Surma inquired as to the HRA’s timeline on acquiring the property. Planner
Crosby stated that there is a May 18th deadline on acquiring the property.
Commissioner Hooey asked if the planned use of a property “matters” when approving
acquisition by the HRA, and if they are two separate things. Planner Crosby confirmed that they
are two separate things.
Commissioner Taraldsen questioned whether the HRA had already voted on acquisition
and disposition of the property. Planner Crosby confirmed that the HRA had made a motion to
approve acquisition and disposition, contingent on approval of the resolution before the Planning
Commission.
Several Commissioners expressed their approval in committing the property to housing.
Commissioner Hollman asked staff if there will be opportunities for public input if the
concept plan and project for affordable housing on the site moves forward. Planner Crosby
clarified that the HRA has only agreed to hold the property for the developer; it has not approved
the actual project itself. Once a formal application for land use approvals is received by the City,
there will be a public hearing and multiple opportunities for public input from neighbors and
residents.
M/Surma, S/Taraldsen, to adopt a resolution finding that the acquisition and disposition of
6526 Penn Avenue South is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
Motion carried: 5-0.
ITEM #4
CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION FINDING THAT THE
ACQUISITION OF 1620 - 78TH STREET EAST BY THE HOUSING AND
REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY IS CONSISTENT WITH THE RICHFIELD
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
Planner Crosby presented staff report No. 10.
In response to Commissioner Hooey, Planner Crosby confirmed that the site in question
has been under discussion in relation to the Velodrome. There have not been any other
discussions regarding other projects on the site.
M/Taraldsen, S/Hollman, to adopt a resolution finding that the acquisition of 1620 78th
Street East is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
Motion carried: 5-0.
LIAISION REPORTS
Community Services Commission: Commissioner Hollman stated that the Commission is
making progress on the Woodlake Nature Center project and has an RFP out for a
Construction Manager. The Commission is also working on Donaldson Park and have
applied for a grant for playground equipment. The Commission is also seeking design
feedback regarding the new Donaldson Park building.
City Council: Chair Holmvig-Johnson was absent.
Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA): Commissioner Stursa was absent.
Richfield School Board: Commissioner Kennealy had no report.
Transportation Commission: Commissioner Surma stated that the Commission had a
presentation from Public Works, giving an overview of the recent completion of the City’s
six to seven yearlong mill and overlay program. The Commission also discussed the
continuing outreach and preliminary design process that Hennepin County is conducting
for the Nicollet Avenue reconstruction.
Chamber of Commerce: Commissioner Hooey had no report.
Sustainability Commission: Commissioner Taraldsen had no report.
ITEM #5 CITY PLANNER’S REPORT