12-12-2023 Work Session CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
City Council Work Session
December 12, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Supple called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m. in the Bartholomew Room.
Council Members
Present:
Mary Supple, Mayor; Sean Hayford Oleary; Ben Whalen, Simon Trautmann;
and Sharon Christensen
Staff Present:
Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Chris Swanson, Management Analyst;
Dustin Leslie, City Clerk; Jay Henthorne, Police Chief; Karl Huemiller,
Recreation Services Director; Mike Dobesh, Fire Chief; Melissa Poehlman,
Community Development Director; Sack Thongvanh, Assistant City
Manager; Rachel Lindholm, Sustainability Specialist; Kristin Asher, Public
Works Director; Joe Powers, City Engineer; and Paul Smithson, Woodlake
Nature Center Manager.
ITEM #1
WOOD LAKE BUILDING PROJECT UPDATE AND TIMELINE
Director Huemiller introduced the topic and Manager Smithson to the Council.
Woodlake Nature Center Manager Smithson gave the presentation including the history of the
Woodlake Nature Center, the history of the project, an overview of HGA, next steps in the process,
construction manager at risk overview, timeline of events, and community engagement.
Council Member Whalen asked if trails around the nature center would also be approved.
Director Huemiller confirmed there would be trail improvements.
There was a discussion about what the Local Sales Tax would be able to cover if it were
approved. Management Analyst Swanson noted there is a lot of flexibility in the Local Sales Tax
funds.
Council Member Hayford Oleary spoke about neighborhoods being cut off from the nature
center area and asked staff to look at different options for accessible entrances.
Council Member Hayford Oleary asked if there was any private funding. Program Manager
Smithson spoke about donations and volunteer groups.
Council Member Whalen asked who would be leading the Local Sales Tax education
campaign. City Manager Rodriguez stated there was no formal group yet, but some community
members have shown interest.
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Council Member Trautmann spoke about how the whole community would need to be
engaged in the process. Recreation Director Huemiller spoke about outreach campaign strategies.
Council Member Whalen spoke about the need to reach out to kids and teens since they
would be big users of the nature center. City Manager Rodriguez spoke about getting the schools
involved in student feedback.
ITEM #2 CONSIDER THE CITY’S PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR 2024
City Manager Rodriguez introduced the topic and spoke about 2023 legislative successes as
well as the top 2024 legislative priorities.
Director Asher spoke about the Nicollet Avenue bonding request as well as the supporting
limits on local contributions and ownership of county and state projects.
Council Member Hayford Oleary stated it seemed like an uphill battle on limiting local
contributions for it to be a top priority. City Manager Rodriguez spoke about the importance of
educating on the topic now and the difficulties of cost shares rolling down to the cities who struggle
with keeping up the on the additional burden.
Fire Chief Dobesh spoke about support for local control of emergency medical services.
Assistant City Manager Thongvanh spoke about legislative priorities for Administrative
Services.
There was a conversation between the Council and staff about taxing streaming services for
fiber use.
Director Poehlman spoke about legislative priorities in the Community Development
Department.
Council Member Whalen spoke about the importance of supporting Housing Infrastructure
Bonds and other financing capital for affordable housing. He also spoke about the importance of
getting clarifications regarding comprehensive plans.
Council Member Hayford spoke about not being comfortable with supporting legislation to
allow two-family and accessory dwelling units by-right but retain local autonomy in the development
and approval of official controls. Council Member Whalen asked what happens if the full council did
not fully agree on a priority. City Manager Rodriguez spoke about the priority vetting process.
City Manager Rodriguez spoke about the Finance Department’s legislative priorities.
Fire Chief Dobesh spoke about the Fire Department’s legislative priorities.
Police Chief Henthorne spoke about public safety legislative priorities.
Council Member Whalen and Chief Henthorne discussed the support of an update to state
statute on use of reasonable force by SROs. Police Chief Henthorne spoke about what the update
would entail.
Director Asher spoke about Public Works legislative priorities.
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Director Huemiller spoke about Recreation and Sustainability priorities.
Council Member Whalen asked staff to look at language around connecting people more
sustainability funding from the state and federal government.
City Manager Rodriguez summarized the discussions.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Supple adjourned the work session at 6:55 pm.
Date Approved: January 9, 2024
Mary B. Supple
Mayor
Dustin Leslie Katie Rodriguez
City Clerk City Manager