04-11-2023 Work Session CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
City Council Work Session
April 11, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Supple called the work session to order at 6:31 p.m. in the Bartholomew Room.
Council Members
Present:
Council Members
Absent:
Mary Supple, Sharon Christensen, Simon Trautmann, Sean Hayford Oleary
Ben Whalen
Staff Present:
Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Sack Thongvanh, Assistant City Manager;
Dustin Leslie, City Clerk; Scott Kulzer, Administrative Analyst; Kristin Asher,
Public Works Director; Russ Lupkes, Utilities Superintendent; and Chris
Swanson, Management Analyst
ITEM #1
PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST, SCOTT KULZER, WILL BRIEFLY
PRESENT THE FRAMEWORK FOR A PROPOSED PROGRAM THAT
WOULD ALLOW RICHFIELD PROPERTY OWNERS TO HAVE CHARGES
RESULTING FROM THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF PRIVATE
SANITARY SEWER SERVICE LINES APPLIED TO THE PARCEL'S PROPERTY
TAXES VIA SPECIAL ASSESSMENT
City Manager Rodriguez introduced the topic and Administrative Analyst Kulzer to Council.
Administrative Analyst Kulzer gave the report to Council including background information,
sewer line issues, common repair options, details about the special assessment program, and
considerations for approval.
Mayor Supple asked if bad soil quality could affect the sewer lines and if parts of the city with
poor soil quality have more issues. Public Works Director Asher stated the problem areas are
scattered and not affected by soil quality.
Council Member Trautmann asked if instead of charging interest, if staff could charge a fee so
Muslim residents could participate in the program. Administrative Analyst Kulzer stated they could
make that change.
Mayor Supple read a statement from absent Council Member Whalen who stated he fully
supported the program and wrote about personal experiences he had with having to replace a sewer
line.
City Council Work Session Minutes
-2-April 11, 2023
Council Member Hayford Oleary asked if the program was only for emergency repairs or if
residents could request proactive repairs. Administrative Analyst Kulzer stated residents could
participate in the program proactively.
Council Member Hayford Oleary asked if the 5-year payment plan was the default option and
why that was chosen. Administrative Analyst Kulzer stated the 5-year payment plan was easiest to
administer and track.
Council Member Hayford Oleary suggested the city promote the program to residents rather
than just work with residents who called in with sewer line issues. He stated that some residents may
not think to contact City Hall for help when they have sewer line issues.
Council Member Hayford Oleary asked if there was any risk of contractors taking advantage of
residents knowing the city has this program available. Utilities Superintendent Lupkes stated staff
would advise residents to stay local when receiving quotes but there was a risk of contractors raising
prices to take advantage of people. Administrative Analyst Kulzer stated they would encourage
residents to get multiple quotes. City Manager Rodriguez suggested having staff make multiple
quotes a requirement.
Mayor Supple stated she was grateful for staff coming up with a way to help residents with
financial hardships.
Council Members came to consensus and stated they supported the program with the 5-year
plan.
Administrative Analyst Kulzer gave a short update on the city’s Emerald Ash Borer program.
He stated he has received interest from about 30 residents so far. He further stated there would be a
Council memo regarding the program in the next month.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Supple adjourned the work session at 6:54 pm
Date Approved: April 25, 2023
Mary B. Supple
Mayor
Dustin Leslie Katie Rodriguez
City Clerk City Manager