2026-04-14 Work Session Minutes
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
City Council Work Session
April 14, 2026
ITEM #1
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Supple called the work session to order on April 14, 2026, at 5:05 p.m., in the Bartholomew
Room.
Council Present:
Absent:
Mary Supple, Mayor; Walter Burk, Sean Hayford Oleary, Sharon
Christensen, Rori A. Coleman-Woods.
None.
Staff Present:
Guests:
Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Sack Thongvanh, Assistant City Manager;
Kristin Asher, Public Works Director; Chris Link, Assistant Public Works
Director; Karl Huemiller, Recreation Director; Melissa Poehlman, Community
Development Director; Julie Urban, Assistant Community Development
Director; Jennifer Anderson, Support Services Manager; and Michelle
Friedrich, City Clerk.
Katrina Joseph, City Prosecuting Attorney; Greg Holly, City Prosecuting
Attorney.
ITEM #2
ITEM DISCUSSION
a. City Council Policy Proposals.
City Manager Rodriguez reviewed the policy topic order and gave a brief overview of the work
session discussion items. She noted Council Members ranked policy proposals in order of
importance with the highest-ranked item 1. Kratom Policy; followed by 2. the Sidewalk Policy; 3.
Section 8 Discrimination Prohibition Policy; and 4. Gun Safety Policy.
Kratom Policy Discussion
Mayor Supple introduced the Kratom Policy topic, citing concerns about limited regulation and its
growing discussion at local and state levels. Support Services Manager Anderson reported
increased attention to the issue, noted differing views on regulation of natural and synthetic forms,
and confirmed local availability. Staff added the Advisory Board of Health will conduct further review
with policy consideration anticipated in early 2027. Council supported continued research, including
health impacts, youth access, and other unregulated substances, with staff assessing availability
including online access, with general Council agreement on the proposed timeline and process for
future policy consideration.
City Council Work Session Minutes -2-April 14, 2026
Gun Safety Policy Discussion
Mayor Supple introduced the gun safety policy topic, noting that state-level action is unlikely in the
near term. She emphasized the importance of discussing potential local options despite legal
limitations, citing recent community impacts, including the Annunciation Catholic Church shooting.
Mayor Supple added the topic was brought forward to explore possible approaches, even if
immediate policy changes may be constrained.
City Prosecuting Attorney Joseph provided legal context on firearm regulation, noting that state
preemption currently prevents municipalities from enacting or enforcing stricter gun laws than state
law. They explained that even if preemption were lifted, local regulations would likely face significant
legal challenges, including constitutional issues and potential litigation. Courts, particularly at the
federal level, have recently taken a narrow view of firearm restrictions, making enforcement and
defense of local ordinances difficult. Staff emphasized these constraints while acknowledging the
council’s role in setting policy.
Council and City Prosecuting Attorney Joseph discussed future prospects for firearm-related
legislation, noting that issues such as ghost guns and other regulations may reemerge depending on
legislative changes. City Prosecuting Attorney Joseph reiterated that local ordinances would remain
unenforceable under current state preemption and could face legal challenges even if allowed.
Council noted examples from other cities, such as adopting contingent ordinances, were discussed.
Council also considered more targeted approaches—such as restrictions in public buildings—as
potentially more defensible, while acknowledging ongoing legal, political, and enforcement
uncertainties. City Manager Rodriguez noted Council would be provided more information on the
topic at a future work session.
Sidewalk Policy Discussion
Council Member Hayford Oleary introduced a discussion on developing a long-term sidewalk and
street design policy, emphasizing a “100-year vision” that incorporates sidewalks during
reconstruction, traffic calming measures, and safer street design. Discussion included challenges
related to tree placement, infrastructure constraints, and costs associated with grants, retrofitting,
and maintenance.
Council and staff discussed balancing future sidewalk expansion planning with consideration of
roadway width, tree canopy planning, and safety needs—particularly in residential areas and school
zones. There was general support for a long-term, network-based pedestrian plan and prioritization
of sidewalk connections. Staff and council also noted financial considerations, including
infrastructure costs and future maintenance, emphasizing that the policy should establish minimum
goals and direction first, and balancing funding strategies to follow accordingly through future
planning processes and budgets.
Section 8 Discrimination Policy Discussion
Council Member Burk introduced the Section 8 Discrimination Prohibition Policy topic related to
affordable housing. He noted the proposed ordinance would prohibit landlords from discriminating
against prospective tenants. Staff provided an update on potential tenant protections, including non-
discrimination policies related to Section 8 housing. Discussion included landlord feedback,
administrative burdens, and ongoing efforts through the “Bring It Home” program, which aims to
support tenants and landlords using housing vouchers.
Council discussed feedback from landlords regarding pre-eviction protections and researching the
financial impacts to landlords. Staff noted current workload and that conditions differ from when the
temporary emergency pre-eviction protection ordinance was initially adopted. Council and staff
discussed obtaining additional landlord input before considering a permanent change to pre-eviction
notice requirements and Section 8 policies. Council was divided with some members supporting
City Council Work Session Minutes -3-April 14, 2026
further study and allowing the current emergency ordinance to expire, while others supported
extending the emergency ordinance.
Council and staff discussion included challenges related to housing programs, landlord participation,
and regulatory requirements. Council discussed impacts with a temporary extension to the existing
emergency ordinance and noted when the current emergency ordinance is set to expire. Council
directed staff to implement the staff suggested timelines to consider both pre-eviction notification and
Section 8 policy changes, including additional feedback from landlords and tenants, and allowing the
current emergency pre-eviction notification ordinance to expire.
ITEM #3 ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Supple adjourned the work session at 6:56 p.m.
Date Approved: April 28, 2026
Mary B. Supple
Mayor
Michelle Friedrich Katie Rodriguez
City Clerk City Manager