2026-01-13 Work Session MinutesCITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
City Council Work Session
January 13, 2026
ITEM #1 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Supple called the work session to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Bartholomew Room.
Council Present:
HRA Present:
Remote Access:
Mary Supple, Mayor; Walter Burk, Sean Hayford Oleary, Rori A. Coleman-
Woods.
Gordon Hanson, Commissioner; John Young, Commissioner.
Council Member Christensen participated remotely via interactive technology
for an excused medical reason.
Staff Present:
Guests:
Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Melissa Poehlman, Community
Development Director; Julie Urban, Assistant Community Development
Director; and Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk.
Aaron Diederich, Lupe Development; Keith Matte, BKBM; Greta Norris,
Pope Design; Steve Minn, Lupe Development; Jesse Symynkywicz, Damon
Farber; and Jake Steen, Larkin Hoffman.
ITEM #2 ITEM DISCUSSION
a.Presentation of a revised housing development proposed by Lupe Development for the
American Legion site at 6501 Portland Avenue, Richfield.
Community Development Director Poehlman introduced the presentation and reminded Council and
the Housing Redevelopment Authority of the zoning code and flexibility, without a variance in some
areas. Community Development Director Poehlman noted four questions for Council and HRA
consideration regarding the revised project proposal, including (1) whether the plan warrants
flexibility related to the reduced parking ratio, the absence of a required building step-back, and the
placement of parking within the green buffer adjacent to the park; (2) whether the proposed
affordability structure--80% of units in each building at or below 60% AMI with the remaining 20%
yet to be determined, adequately addresses the HRA’s concern that the project not be fully income-
restricted; (3) whether the project design meets the HRA’s expectations for funding consideration;
and (4) whether Council and HRA members are willing to consider resolutions of support for funding
applications at this time given the lack of specificity regarding affordability and tax-based financing.
City Council Work Session Minutes -2-January 13, 2026
The development team presented an updated project proposal reflecting revisions made since the
June presentation, incorporating civil engineering, architecture, and landscape design input and
ongoing coordination with city staff. The team emphasized the importance of the site, its proximity to
parkland and community amenities, and their commitment to high-quality design that integrates with
the surrounding neighborhood. Updates included revised building massing, step-backs, reduced
building lengths, enhanced pedestrian connections, courtyards oriented to Portland Avenue and
Veterans Memorial Park, expanded green space, and added sustainability features such as solar
readiness. The landscape and engineering teams outlined plans for improved streetscapes, public
connections, stormwater management, fire access, and utility infrastructure, noting challenges
related to sewer capacity and site grading. The developer also presented data supporting a reduced
parking ratio, requested flexibility on EV charging requirements due to cost and utilization concerns,
and outlined the proposed affordability mix of 80% of units at or below 60% AMI. The team
requested candid feedback on the design, consideration of zoning and parking flexibilities,
assistance with neighborhood engagement, and potential resolutions of support for future funding
applications. Council and HRA provided initial feedback noting significant design improvements,
lingering concerns about building step-backs and EV parking, and the need for further staff review.
ITEM #3 ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Supple adjourned the work session at 6:54 p.m.
Date Approved: January 27, 2026
Mary B. Supple
Mayor
Michelle Friedrich Katie Rodriguez
City Clerk City Manager