09-26-2023 Work SessionCITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
City Council Work Session
September 26, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Supple called the work session to order at 5:45 p.m. in the Bartholomew Room.
Council Members
Present:
Council Members
Absent:
Charter
Commissioners
Present:
Mary Supple, Mayor; Sean Hayford Oleary; Ben Whalen; Simon Trautmann;
and Sharon Christensen
Martin Kirsch, President; Reed Bornholdt; and Bill Bullock
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Dustin Leslie, City Clerk; Chris Swanson,
Management Analyst; Jay Henthorne, Police Chief
ITEM #1 THIRD DISCUSSION ON THE CHARTER COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR AMENDMENTS TO THE CURRENT CITY CHARTER
City Manager Rodriguez introduced the conversation and the Charter Commission members
to Council.
City Attorney Tietjen gave the presentation including the background and reviews of the
proposed Charter amendments. She also gave context into the conversations regarding Mayoral
emergency powers.
Council Member Whalen spoke about the chain of command in emergencies. He also spoke
about updated language in the FEMA proposed language to make it more flexible – specifically
changing “will” to “may.” City Attorney Tietjen stated that language could provide more flexibility.
Council Member Hayford Oleary stated the new language proposal had clear chain of
command language which he liked.
Council Member Whalen asked if having a list on the FEMA proposed language limits the city
in how they can respond. City Attorney Tietjen stated it would not as the list is not something that
needs to be completely checked off in an emergency.
City Council Work Session Minutes
-2-September 26, 2023
Council Member Trautmann stated he was not comfortable with eliminating the checks and
balances of the charter with these changes.
Police Chief Henthorne outlined the emergency management process and how he, as
Emergency Management Director, would support affected departments during an emergency.
Council Member Hayford Oleary stated the current language was not consistent and should be
changed to be more direct.
Council Member Trautmann stated there could be consequences of giving the Mayor more
powers without consent of the Council in emergencies.
There was a conversation between staff, Council, and the Charter Commission members
about past conversations with how they came to language choices and the pros and cons of each.
Council Member Hayford Oleary asked what would happen if they kept the original language in
the charter. City Attorney Tietjen stated the whole Council would have to vote on declaring a situation
an emergency.
Police Chief Henthorne spoke about difficulties another city experienced because of similar
language and stated he did not want the same to happen Richfield.
Council Member Trautmann stated he would support language that gave the Mayor the ability
to remove staff members not willing to perform during an emergency. City Attorney Tietjen stated that
would implicate other parts of the charter and give Council Members the ability to remove staff which
they cannot do now.
Council Member Trautmann suggested the following language which the Council agreed to: “In
time of public danger or emergency the Mayor may, as needed, direct the City manager, and the
designated Emergency Director as part of the emergency response system to maintain order and
enforce the law and to respond to the emergency including, but not limited to, requesting assistance
from federal, state, and local agencies as may be needed.”
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Supple adjourned the work session at 6:45 pm.
Date Approved: October 10, 2023
Mary B. Supple
Mayor
Dustin Leslie Katie Rodriguez
City Clerk City Manager