11-09-2022 Council Work Session WORK SESSION
RICHFIELD MUNICIPAL CENTER, BARTHOLOMEW ROOM
NOVEMBER 9, 2022
5:45 PM
Call to order
1. Consider the City's proposed legislative priorities for 2023.
Adjournment
Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Requests must be made at
least 96 hours in advance to the City Clerk at 612-861-9739.
AGENDA SECTION:Work Session Items
AGENDA ITEM #1.
STAFF RE P ORT NO. 28
WORK SESSION
11/9/2022
RE P O RT P RE PA RE D B Y: C hris S wanson, Management A nalyst
D E PA RTME NT D IRE C TO R RE V IE W:
O THE R D E PA RTM E NT RE V IE W:
C ITY MA NA G E R RE V IE W: K atie Rodriguez, C ity Manager
11/2/2022
I T E M F O R WO RK S E S S IO N:
Consider the City's proposed legislative priorities for 2023.
E X E C UT IV E S UM M ARY:
Annually, the City of Richfield legislative priorities have been compiled in collaboration with various City
departments and stakeholders. The priorities are a list of policy positions and measures the city supports at
the state and regional level and bonding requests for city projects. This list of priorities is a summary
document to help steer the City’s legislative advocacy and outreach in the coming year.
City staff has pulled together a proposed list of legislative priorities for the City Council to review. Based on
prior discussions with the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) and Richfield's contracted lobbyist, it is
recommended the City legislative platform includes to 3-5 top priorities, that all items are within the scope of
the City’s purview, and that the City Council adopt the legislative priorities formally. City staff is available to
answer any questions City Council has on the priorities.
Proposed Top Legislative Priorities
Support a bonding bill that includes item H.F. 664 / S.F. 1308 that appropriates $10,000,000 to deconstruct
the existing nature center building at W ood Lake Nature Center and renovate the site, and to predesign,
design, construct, furnish, and equip a new nature center building. The project also includes landscaping
around the new center and renovation of the trails. This beloved and vital regional asset is 50 years old and is
in need of a new building and improved trail system that meets the demands of its high-use, award-winning
environmental education program and essential urban green space.
Support legislation which would provide the City of Richfield the authorization to propose a local sales tax
(L S T) to support regionally significant park projects. I f the LS T legislation is approved, the regionally
significant park projects will be sent to voters for approval via referendum. This priority will be discussed
further at a work session on December 8, 2022 to determine what projects will be included in the final
legislative platform.
Support local control of Emergency Medical Services (E MS). The current laws do not provide meaningful
oversight of the ambulance service providers. There are no response time requirements or control of
ambulance billing rates within the Primary Service Areas. We support local control to determine who is best
able to provide E MS services in our community.
Staff has also included a list of additional legislative positions which are attached to this report. City staff is
available to answer any questions City Council has on the priorities.
Final Adoption
The final list of legislative priorities will be brought to the City Council for adoption at the December 13 City
Council meeting. By adopting the legislative platform formally, the City Council shows these priorities are in
the best interest of the community and provides increased visibility for the issues.
Legislative Breakfast
We will present the City’s adopted legislative platform to elected representatives at the annual legislative
breakfast scheduled from 7:45 a.m. through 9:15 a.m. on December 20th. The representatives will have time
to ask staff follow up questions about the City’s platform and present their priorities for the 2023 legislative
session.
D IRE C T I O N NE E D E D:
City Council should provide feedback and direction on the proposed 2023 legislative priorities
B AC K G RO UND INF O RM AT I O N:
A.H IS TOR IC AL C ON T E X T
B.P OL IC IE S (resolutions, ordinances, regulations, statutes, etc):
C.C R IT IC AL T IMIN G IS S U E S:
D.F IN AN C IAL IMPAC T:
There may be public expenditures associated with the priorities if specific projects are selected to
receive the requested funding from the State. I f that occurs, the actual funding structure will be
presented at a future City Council meeting.
E.L E GAL C ON S ID E R AT ION:
ALTE R N AT IV E(S):
City Council may choose to not adopt the legislative priorities as a whole, or adopt a modified list of priorities.
P R IN C IPAL PAR TIE S E X P E C TE D AT ME E TIN G:
AT TAC H ME N T S:
D escription Type
2023 D raft L egislative P riorities E xhibit
(DRAFT)CITY OF RICHFIELD
2023 LEGISLATIVE POSITIONS
Richfield staff is available to provide detailed information on any of the items listed on this handout and to provide testimony.
THE CITY OF RICHFIELD…
Support legislation that addresses the widening existing economic, racial, health and education gaps, and the
adverse impacts a warming climate will have on our most vulnerable communities. As a city, we are providing
local tools and support for residents, but there is need for more relief and legislation beyond city -level
jurisdiction. We continue to support collaborative efforts with its representatives on legislation that expands
labor rights, housing affordability and protections, as well as access to affordable healthcare.
Support local officials who know what tools and programs best support our residents. We support local
decision-making authority and oppose statutory changes that erode local authority and decision making.
Oppose the imposition of legislative mandates that increase local costs without a corresponding state
appropriation or funding mechanism. Unfunded mandates may increase local property taxes and this additional
cost impedes cities’ ability to fund traditional services.
Contact: Maria Regan Gonzalez, Mayor, 612-500-3862, MRegan@richfieldmn.gov
Katie Rodriguez, City Manager, 612-861-9702, KRodriguez@richfieldmn.gov
TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES-
Support a bonding bill that includes item H.F. 664 / S.F. 1308 that appropriates $10,000,000 to deconstruct the
existing nature center building at Wood Lake Nature Center and renovate the site, and to predesign, design,
construct, furnish, and equip a new nature center building. The project also includes landscaping around the
new center and renovation of the trails. This beloved and vital regional asset is 50 years old and is in need of a
new building and improved trail system that meets the demands of its high-use, award-winning environmental
education program and essential urban green space.
Support legislation which would provide the City of Richfield the authorization to propose a local sales tax (LST)
to support regionally significant park projects. If the LST legislation is approved, the regionally significant park
projects will be sent to voters for approval via referendum.
Support local control of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The current laws do not provide meaningful
oversight of the ambulance service providers. There are no response time requirements or control of
ambulance billing rates within the Primary Service Areas. We support local control to determine who is best
able to provide EMS services in our community.
Contact: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager, 612-861-9702, KRodriguez@richfieldmn.gov
Chris Swanson, Management Analyst, 612-861-9712, CSwanson@richfieldmn.gov
(DRAFT)CITY OF RICHFIELD
2023 LEGISLATIVE POSITIONS
Richfield staff is available to provide detailed information on any of the items listed on this handout and to provide testimony.
EXECUTIVE
The city supports legislation which allows cities greater flexibility for remote participation for city council,
board and commission members under the Open Meeting Law, while addressing the public’s needs to be
fully informed of city decision-making. Specifically the Legislature should amend the Open Meeting Law to
allow city council, board and commission members to participate in meetings without making their remote
location open and accessible to the public, allow the medical exception to be used without a declaration of a
state of emergency, and remove the cap for the medical and military exceptions.
Contact: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager, 612-861-9702, KRodriguez@richfieldmn.gov
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Oppose the elimination of current Minnesota Law (Coleman Act) that allows an open wholesale system for
alcoholic beverages (spirits). Elimination of the Coleman Act would result in exclusivity brand ownership and
ultimately raise wholesale and retail consumer prices, compress the municipal liquor store’s profit margins, and
lower service levels in all distribution channels.
Support full reimbursement to cities for the cost of providing continued health insurance coverage for police
and firefighters disabled or killed in the line of duty. From 7/1/17 to today, the City paid $302,498 towards
continued health insurance benefits, of which only $ 64,037 was reimbursed by the State.
Support reimbursement to cities for the cost of covering employees who are out on military leave. While
employees are out, cities have to pay for 5 paid military leave days in a calendar year. Additionally, ci ties are
obligated to pay for employee coverage for military leave through overtime expenses. The City of Richfield has
seen a number of employees out on military leave for an extended period of time, which leads to increased cost
with no reimbursement.
Support legislative action to address increasing workers’ compensation costs and the presumptive clause for
coverage for Police Officers and Firefighters for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Due to the rise in
employee PTSD cases and their associated cost, we request a revision of the language currently in the Senate
Bill and Department of Labor regulations in order to review the presumption in worker’s compensation cases.
Support policies that provide opportunities for employees diagnosed with PTSD to receive treatment for PTSD
that could result in continued employment with the local government. We also support the League of
Minnesota Cities duty disability working group recommendations relating to mental health wellness within lo cal
government.
Support splitting revenue from mail or online vehicle transactions with deputy registrars and increase both
filing fees and appropriations to the vehicle services operating account. This increased must be redistributed as
processing revenue for deputy registrars.
Contact: Sack Thongvanh, Assistant City Manager, 612-861-9708, SThongvanh@richfieldmn.gov
(DRAFT)CITY OF RICHFIELD
2023 LEGISLATIVE POSITIONS
Richfield staff is available to provide detailed information on any of the items listed on this handout and to provide testimony.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Oppose legislation or rule change that limits local authority related to the decision-making functions performed
by cities when setting city budgets to provide city services. The City supports authority for cities to charge fees
that are reasonably related to the cost of providing the service, permit or license. We oppose legislation that
would require specific methods to pay for city services or would place caps on city fees.
Support Housing Infrastructure Bonds for affordable housing.
• Support legislation for the preservation and rehabilitation of naturally occurring affordable housing properties.
• Support local autonomy in the development and approval of comprehensive plans and official controls.
• Support an amendment the Minnesota State Building Code to allow cities to require electric vehicle
infrastructure in new construction.
• Support amendment to the TIF statute to allow 10% of units at 30% of the Area Median Income in a Housing TIF
District.
Contact: Melissa Poehlman, Community Development Director, 612-861-9766, MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov
FINANCE
Support maintaining and increasing Local Government Aid.
Support current formula and distribution of Fiscal Disparities and oppose shifting to fund projects.
Support state action to identify and strengthen state and local cybersecurity capabilities. We support funding to
evaluate local government cyber vulnerabilities, single points of failure, and fixes, and, the ability for municipal
governments to apply for grant funding or assistance to solve these weaknesses.
Contact: Kumud Verma, Finance Manager, 612-861-9723, KVerma@richfieldmn.gov
FIRE
Support continued funding of the Hometown Hero’s Assistance Program.
Oppose efforts to limit the use of residential fire sprinklers. We support working collaboratively with the
stakeholders to provide the safest and most cost effective homes.
Oppose efforts to legalize and expand fireworks within the state.
Contact: Mike Dobesh, Fire Chief, 612-243-4502, MDobesh@richfieldmn.gov
PUBLIC SAFETY
Support additional regulation of products containing hemp-derived THC or cannabinoid products. There is a
need for more legislation to address regulatory, public safety, employment, taxation, and public health
concerns arising from the new law enacted during the 2022 legislative session allowing the sale of certain edible
products containing hemp-derived THC.
(DRAFT)CITY OF RICHFIELD
2023 LEGISLATIVE POSITIONS
Richfield staff is available to provide detailed information on any of the items listed on this handout and to provide testimony.
Support Police Officer Safety, Health, and Wellness (Protecting the Protectors) legislation. This legislation is
similar to the Hometown Heroes Act that was recently passed to protect the fire personnel. This legislation
would provide law enforcement agencies with training for emotional resiliency and understanding of trauma.
Additionally, it would create peer support groups, provide mental health checks/therapy, suicide
prevention/awareness and family support.
Support legislation that provides a way for all persons to obtain a Driver License (regardless of citizenship
status.) Individuals will learn the rules of the road and become qualified to safely operate a motor vehicle. Auto
insurance is required to be a licensed driver.
Support the Arbitration Revision Act, creating a more objective arbitration process by having the Office of
Administrative Hearings handle all the police officer termination grievances.
Support the Officer Integrity Act, allowing for a Minnesota Licensed Peace Officer to be terminated from public
employment without opportunity to challenge the remedy of termination should the basis for termination be
willful or intentional dishonesty, deception, or similar unethical or illegal conduct that is deemed sufficient to
imperil their credibility in court testimony. We oppose limiting an officer’s due process right to arbitration.
Support legislation focused on retention and recruitment of law enforcement officers.
Contact: Jay Henthorne, Public Safety Director, 612-861-9828, JHenthorne@richfieldmn.gov
RECREATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
Support efforts for the proper labeling of compostable products and not allow products with misleading claims
to be sold or distributed in the State (H.F.1165 / S.F. 2243).
Support Hennepin County funding that would expand infrastructure at the local level for th e creation of
compost processing sites and/or anaerobic digesters.
Support legislation that would designate all solid waste taxes generated to the state’s SCORE fund to support
sustainability efforts.
Contact: Amy Markle, Recreation Services Director, 612-861-9354, AMarkle@richfieldmn.gov
PUBLIC WORKS
Introduce/Support a maximum local contribution to County and State projects and limit long-term ownership
and major maintenance responsibility placed on local agencies. Cost participation requirements related to trunk
highways and county state aid projects place too high of a burden on local agencies, promoting inequality and
disparities in cities like Richfield.
Support a state-wide, comprehensive and stable water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure funding
source to address Minnesota’s aging infrastructure to ensure Minnesota communities remain a great place to
live and competitive place to do business.
Introduce/Support legislation that would create or increase grant programs for local agencies statewide to
combat Emerald Ash Borer on public and private property.
Oppose any legislation that would eliminate or reduce the ability to use State Aid funds for local projects,
including lane reductions.
(DRAFT)CITY OF RICHFIELD
2023 LEGISLATIVE POSITIONS
Richfield staff is available to provide detailed information on any of the items listed on this handout and to provide testimony.
Oppose any legislation or rule change that limits local authority related to use of public rights-of-way (small cell,
for example).
Support state laws that provide limited liability to commercial salt applicators that are certified through an
established voluntary salt applicator certification program.
Contact: Kristin Asher, Public Works Director, 612-861-9795, KAsher@richfieldmn.gov