12-12-2023 City Council WS Agenda W O R K S E S S IO N
R IC H F IE L D MU N IC IPAL C E N TE R, B AR TH O LO ME W R O O M
D E C E MB E R 12, 2023
5:30 P M
C all to order
1.Wood L ake B uilding P roject Update and Timeline
2.C onsider the C ity's proposed legislative priorities for 2024.
A djournment
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.
WORK SESSION
12/12/2023
RE P O RT P RE PA RE D B Y: P aul S mithson, Wood L ake Nature C enter Manager
D E PA RTME NT D IRE C TO R RE V IE W: K arl Huemiller, A cting Recreation S ervices D irector
12/5/2023
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
12/7/2023
I T E M F O R WO RK S E S S IO N:
Wood Lake Building Project Update and Timeline
E X E C UT IV E S UM M ARY:
Wood Lake Nature Center (WL N C) is a public facility that opened in 1971 serving anyone who
enters free of charge, connecting them to the natural world through both passive and programmed
learning opportunities. T he current building, which was built over 50 years is no longer able to serve
all the needs of the community.
A project team of City staff was formed in February of 2021 and a local architectural firm, HGA, was
contracted for the predesign process. The team worked for months on the pre-design of a new building,
visiting other nature centers, administering surveys, and analyzing nature center processes. The pre-design
process identified community needs for the new building, a general preliminary design, and a cost model.
I n 2023 the City, using the pre-design concept, secured $15 million in funding, $12 million in state bonding
money, and $3 million in federal funding. I n the 2023 legislative session, the City also received authorization
for a sales tax referendum that could provide the final $10 million needed for the project.
W ith the majority of the project fund secured, the project team distributed an invitation-only RF P to six
qualified firms for architectural and engineering services for the design and construction administration of the
new nature center building at W ood Lake. A thorough review of the proposals was made, and three firms were
interviewed by a panel of city staff consisting of technical experts from Public Works, Community
Development, and Recreation Services. Staff then contacted references for each of the firms. Through this
process, HGA was selected for the project due to their technical expertise, experience with similar
scale projects, and being the most cost-effective finalist.
W ith an Architectural firm selected, the next step will be to distribute an RFQ for a Construction Manager at
Risk. (C MA R) This will be followed by an invitation for qualified Construction Managers to submit a proposal
and be interviewed for the C MA R role. Along with a C MA R, a display design company must also be selected.
The C MA R, display company, and architectural firm will work as a team with the City through the design and
construction process to ensure that the new Wood Lake Nature Center Building meets the needs of the entire
community.
The building design process will go through four phases, each phase honing the design with construction
planned to start in the spring of 2025. A general timeline is as follows:
Conceptual Design – J anuary to February
Schematic Design – February to J une
Design Development – J une to September
Construction Documents Development – September to December
Through each of these phases, a team of City staff and consultants will be engaging with residents, nature
center visitors, and other stakeholders to ensure that the building is accessible and welcoming to everyone.
D IRE C T I O N NE E D E D:
Staff is asking Council to provide feedback on the process and ask questions ahead of awarding the
contract to H G A at the Council meeting.
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
Wood Lake Nature Center Background
Wood L ake Nature C enter (W L NC ) is a public facility that opened in 1971 and has always been free of
charge. The center serves anyone who enters and helps connect them to the natural world through both passive
and programmed learning opportunities. C urrently, 60-70% of all site visitors are from the region and 30-40%
visit from Richfield. We also are a short 10-minute drive to the Minneapolis International A irport and frequently
host visitors from around the country and the world. Wood L ake Nature C enter serves as the gateway for
guests to explore the 150-acre park that surrounds it. There are over 3 miles of gentle hiking and cross-country
ski trails for all to experience the many benefits of nature in three native Minnesota biomes: the forest, wetland,
and prairie.
P eople of all ages and abilities are served at W L NC and a large focus has always been on student education.
W L NC has had an invaluable 50-year partnership with the local Richfield P ublic S chool D istrict; each student
from preschool through 5th grade participates in 2-3 free environmental education field trips a year.
A pproximately 70% of the district’s students are of color and have a 60-80% free and reduced lunch rate. We
also annually host dozens of other school groups from across the region, including schools such as L ucy L aney
in North Minneapolis where the students have accessed the center via the Metro Transit B us S ystem. We
regularly host S ci Tech A cademy, a S omali school. In previous years, we have been fortunate to secure grant
funding for L ittle E arth schools to come to multiple environmental education programs throughout the academic
year. B eing an accessible and affordable site has always helped the center to attract a large diversity of
schools from across the 7-county metropolitan area. We anticipate more space with a new building will allow for
several groups at a time to schedule programs; with our current building, we are very limited by space. The
additional space will also serve as valuable space for community groups and residents to utilize for meetings
and special events. A lso, educational exhibits and learning spaces are not fully accessible and are dated. A
new building would afford the needed opportunity to design a fully accessible building that includes an inclusive
multimodal approach to exhibits.
Project Pre-Design
A project team was formed in F ebruary of 2021 that included C ity of Richfield staff (A my Markle, D ave
C onrads, P aul S mithson, and Rachel L indholm), and a group from the local architectural firm, HGA . The
project team took a field trip to the new Westwood Hills Nature C enter and learned about their process as well
as worked for months on the pre-design of a new building. The pre-design process identified community needs
for the new building, a general preliminary design, and a cost model.
F ollowing the pre-design process, the city was able to use the materials developed to raise funds for the
project. In 2023 the C ity secured $15 million in funding, $12 million in state bonding money, and $3 million in
federal funding. In the 2023 legislative session, the C ity also received authorization for a sales tax referendum
that could provide the final $10 million needed for the project.
Architect Interview Process
On October 13, 2023, the Wood L ake Nature C enter B uilding P roject Team put out an invitation-only RF P for
architectural and engineering services for the design and construction administration of the new nature center
building at Wood L ake. S ix firms who have done similar work in the region were invited to submit proposals
outlining their experience with similar projects, members of their project team, and approach to the project
including community engagement and design schedules. Of the six firms invited, five submitted proposals, and
three were invited to interviews based on the content of their proposals. S taff took into account the firms'
understanding of the project, technical competence, experience with similar buildings, and the cost of their
services.
A n interview panel was formed, consisting of members of the Wood L ake Nature C enter B uilding P roject
Team as well as technical experts including the city engineer and a community development planner. In the
interviews, the three firms introduced their teams, presented their project schedules, design development
process, and technical expertise, and answered questions from staff. F ollowing the interviews staff contacted
references for each of the design firms.
Architect Selection
Out of this process, HGA was selected as the best firm for the Wood L ake Nature C enter B uilding P roject.
HGA has the expertise to design and administer the construction of a building on a site with the complexities of
Wood L ake Nature C enter. They have experience working on municipal nature centers and community
buildings having recently provided similar services for the construction of Westwood Hills Nature C enter in S t.
L ouis P ark, MN, and the P lymouth C ommunity C enter in P lymouth, MN. HG A is a large firm with in-house staff
for all aspects of design and construction administration, creating a strong and cohesive project team. They
were the only firm to have an equity coordinator as part of the project team. The C ity also has experience
working with HG A from the predesign process and HG A was the most cost-effective option among the firms
interviewed with a cost of 9.37% of the building construction cost, or $1,685,956.
B .E QU ITAB L E OR S T R AT E GIC C ON S ID E R AT ION S OR IMPAC T S
Equity: There is a large focus on equity in public engagement during the design process, which was
emphasized during the architect interviews and was a key factor in the selection of a firm. The new building will
allow more accessibility to more groups. C urrent A D A guidelines will be met which currently are not. D esign
also includes the goals of including feedback from a variety of community stakeholders, including the disability
community, the L atine community, low-income residents, residents who live close to Wood L ake, visitors to
Richfield, students who visit, and many more groups.
Strategic Plan: This project best aligns with the strategic plan priority of S ustainable Infrastructure addressing
all sub-initiatives of asset management, comprehensive funding, and sustainability efforts.
C .P OL IC IE S (resolutions, ordinances, regulations, statutes, exc):
The architect will help the C ity comply with S B 2030 and B 3 standards, which are requirements as a part of
receiving state bonding funds. More city ordinances and other regulations will come into play later in the
building and design process.
D .C R IT IC AL T IMIN G IS S U E S:
The project has been budgeted with a start date of January 2024. To keep on this timeline we interviewed
several architectural firms in November and determined a staff recommendation in early D ecember.
A dditionally, to start planning in J anuary the C ity needs to execute a contract in D ecember 2023. S taff are
working to have the architect, C MAR, and exhibit team on board in January 2024.
Proposed General Timeline for 2024-2025:
Jan-F eb: programming/concept
F eb-Jun: S chematic D esign
Jun-S ep: D esign D evelopment
S ep-J an: C onstruction D ocuments
E .F IN AN C IAL IMPAC T:
The total services fee for the architectural services is $1,685,956.
Total Project Cost: $25 million
Construction Costs: $18 million
Includes escalation, design contingency, construction contingency, general conditions, construction
management fees, bonds/insurance, and permitting.
Project Soft Costs: $7 Million
Includes professional services fees, fixtures/furniture/equipment (F F E ), exhibits, testing/inspections, survey,
AV /Technology, owner contingency, etc.
Funding:
S tate B onding - $12 million
F ederal Grants - $3 million
Unsecured F unding - $10 million (B onds paid by S ales Tax Option or P roperty Taxes depending on outcome
of referendum)
F.L E GAL C ON S ID E R AT ION:
S taff followed the RF P process and interviewed several firms before deciding on the staff recommendation.
ALTE R N AT IV E(S):
None
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
Wood L ake Nature C enter B uilding P roject Timeline
Update P resentation
Wood Lake Nature Center
Building Project
Wood Lake Overview
Project History
Pre-design concept – 2021
Funding
•State Bonding 2023
•Federal Grant
•Local Sales Tax Option
•City Funds
RFP for architects
Selection Process
•RFP process – 6 firms invited
•Interviews/Presentations - 3 firms invited
•Interview panel of staff technical experts
–Public Works
–Community Development
–Recreation Services
Why HGA
•Expertise
•Experience
•Focus on Equity
•Past work with City
•Most Cost Effective
Next Steps
•Contract with HGA
•RFPs for
–Construction Manager at Risk
–Exhibit Company
•Design Process - January
Why a CMAR?
•Collaboration in design phase
•Maximize local participation
•Construction Estimate Checks
•Guaranteed maximum price
•Reduced risk for the City
City
Architect CMAR
Sub
Contractors
Timeline
Questions
AGENDA SECTION:Work Session Items
AGENDA ITEM #2.
STAFF RE P ORT NO. 42
WORK SESSION
12/12/2023
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
12/6/2023
I T E M F O R WO RK S E S S IO N:
Consider the City's proposed legislative priorities for 2024.
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
I ntroduce and support a bonding request for $10,000,000 to supplement the C ity’s estimated local cost-share
for the Hennepin County’s upcoming Nicollet Avenue (C S A H 52) reconstruction project.
Introduce and support limits on local contributions, ownership, and major maintenance
responsibilities for County and State projects. Current one-size-fits-all cost participation
requirements related to trunk highways and county state aid projects place too high of a burden on
cities like Richfield.
Support increased accountability for 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. W e 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 J anuary 9 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 J anuary 12th. The representatives will have time to
ask staff follow up questions about the City’s platform and present their priorities for the 2024 legislative
session.
D IRE C T I O N NE E D E D:
City Council should provide feedback and direction on the proposed 2024 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 .E QU ITAB L E OR S T R AT E GIC C ON S ID E R AT ION S OR IMPAC T S
E quity C onsideration:
The included legislative priorities have the ability to foster equity by enacting policies that dismantle systemic
barriers and, on the inverse, laws can be used to perpetuate historic inequalities. The city hopes that through
the included priorities we can increase opportunities, safeguard marginalized communities, and help begin to
address historical injustices.
S trategic C onsiderations:
T he intent of many of the the included legislative priorities is to strengthen or maintain the city's
ability to provide a high level of service to our residents. T he included priorities touch on all five
of the cities adopted goals included in the Strategic Plan.
C .P OL IC IE S (resolutions, ordinances, regulations, statutes, exc):
D .C R IT IC AL T IMIN G IS S U E S:
E .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 S tate. If that occurs, the actual funding structure will be presented at a future C ity
C ouncil meeting.
F.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
D raft 2024 L egislative P riorities B ackup Material
(DRAFT) CITY OF RICHFIELD
2024 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: Mary Supple, Mayor, 612-866-8829, Msupple@richfieldmn.gov
Katie Rodriguez, City Manager, 612-861-9702, KRodriguez@richfieldmn.gov
TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES-
• INTRODUCE AND SUPPORT a bonding request for $10,000,000 to supplement the City’s estimated local
cost-share for the Hennepin County’s upcoming Nicollet Avenue (CSAH 52) reconstruction project.
• INTRODUCE AND SUPPORT limits on local contributions, ownership, and major maintenance responsibilities
for County and State projects. Current one-size-fits-all cost participation requirements related to trunk
highways and county state aid projects place too high of a burden on cities like Richfield.
• SUPPORT increased accountability for Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
Contact: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager, 612-861-9702, KRodriguez@richfieldmn.gov
Chris Swanson, Management Analyst, 612-861-9712, CSwanson@richfieldmn.gov
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
• OPPOSE the elimination of the current Minnesota Law (Coleman Act) that allows an open wholesale system
for alcoholic beverages. Elimination of the Coleman Act would result in exclusive 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 continued funding for 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. The recent appropriation
to fully fund for the next five years is critical to cities trying to cover the shortfall locally: Since mid-2017, the
City has paid $302,498 towards continued health insurance benefits, of which only $64,037 was reimbursed
by the State. We have submitted $85,000 in reimbursement for 2022/23.
(DRAFT) CITY OF RICHFIELD
2024 LEGISLATIVE POSITIONS
Richfield staff is available to provide detailed information on any of the items listed on this handout and to provide testimony.
• SUPPORT reimbursement to cities for the cost of covering employees who are out on military leave. While
employees are out, cities must pay for 15 paid military leave days in a calendar year. Additionally, cities are
obligated to pay for employee coverage for military leave through overtime expenses, which leads to
increased costs with no reimbursement.
• SUPPORT legislation that would provide ongoing full state funding for the 2023 duty disability law that
includes paid time off for mental health treatment, emotional trauma training for pre-service and in-service
for police officers, and initiatives and programs that provide peer support, emotional trauma training, early
intervention, and mental health treatment.
• SUPPORT splitting revenue from mail or online vehicle transactions with deputy registrars and increase filing
fees and appropriations to the vehicle services operating account. This increase must be redistributed as
processing revenue for deputy registrars.
• SUPPORT a modest CITY fee on companies using the public right -of-way for digital/video streaming services
to support local communication work.
• SUPPORT a modest STATE fee on digital/video streaming services to be used to support local
communication work.
• SUPPORT annual funding similar to state support of public radio and public television for local cable
broadcasting.
Contact: Sack Thongvanh, Assistant City Manager, 612-861-9708, SThongvanh@richfieldmn.gov
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
• SUPPORT legislation to clarify that cities’ comprehensive plans are exempt from review under the
Minnesota Environmental Rights Act (MERA).
• SUPPORT ongoing support of Housing Infrastructure Bonds and other financing capital for affordable
housing.
• SUPPORT amendment to the TIF statute to allow 10% of units at 30% of the Area Median Income in a
Housing TIF District.
• SUPPORT legislation prohibiting housing discrimination of Section 8 and other rental assistance voucher
holders.
• SUPPORT legislation to allow two-family and accessory dwelling units by-right but retain local autonomy in
the development and approval of official controls.
• SUPPORT transfer of pooled tax increment to Affordable Housing Trust Funds on a permanent basis.
Contact: Melissa Poehlman, Community Development Director, 612-861-9766, MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov
FINANCE
• SUPPORT maintaining and increasing Local Government Aid.
• SUPPORT the current formula and distribution of Fiscal Disparities and OPPOSE shifting funds based on
specific projects.
(DRAFT) CITY OF RICHFIELD
2024 LEGISLATIVE POSITIONS
Richfield staff is available to provide detailed information on any of the items listed on this handout and to provide testimony.
• 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 fund ing or assistance to solve these weaknesses.
Contact: Kumud Verma, Finance Manager, 612-861-9723, KVerma@richfieldmn.gov
FIRE
• SUPPORT efforts to ensure that firefighters are protected from the emerging threat of Lithium -Ion Battery
fires.
• OPPOSE efforts to limit the use of residential fire sprinklers. We support working collaboratively with
stakeholders to provide the safest and most cost-effective homes.
• OPPOSE efforts to legalize and expand fireworks within the state.
• SUPPORT continued funding of the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program.
Contact: Mike Dobesh, Fire Chief, 612-243-4502, MDobesh@richfieldmn.gov
PUBLIC SAFETY
• SUPPORT an update to MN Statute of 121A as it relates to clarification on use of reasonable force by SRO’s
or those that enter a contract with the school. This could be defining officers working on a contractual basis
in an off-duty role as “An Agent of the school”.
• SUPPORT Police Officer Safety, Health, and Wellness (Protecting the Protectors) legislation. Like the
Hometown Heroes Act, 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 and awareness and family support to officers and their loved
ones.
• SUPPORT legislation focused on retention and recruitment of law enforcement officers.
Contact: Jay Henthorne, Public Safety Director, 612-861-9828, JHenthorne@richfieldmn.gov
PUBLIC WORKS
• 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.
• OPPOSE any legislation that would eliminate or reduce the ability to use State Aid funds for local projects,
including lane reductions.
• 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.
(DRAFT) CITY OF RICHFIELD
2024 LEGISLATIVE POSITIONS
Richfield staff is available to provide detailed information on any of the items listed on this handout and to provide testimony.
Contact: Kristin Asher, Public Works Director, 612-861-9795, KAsher@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 legislation that would designate all solid waste taxes to the state’s SCORE fund to supporting
sustainability efforts.
• SUPPORT legislation around extended producer responsibility for paper and packaging.
Contact: Karl Huemiller, Interim Recreation Services Director, 612-861-9387, KHuemiller@richfieldmn.gov