2026-06-09 City Council Agenda
Richfield City Council Agenda
June 9, 2026 -- 7:00 PM
Richfield Municipal Center
Council Chambers
6700 Portland Avenue South
1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approval of the Agenda
4. Approval of Minutes
a. Meeting Minutes from the City Council Work Session from May 26, 2026.
b. Meeting Minutes from the City Council Meeting from May 26, 2026.
5. Open Forum
Participants can share their comments in person, by voicemail, or email, and may also request to
participate virtually. For more information on submitting comments, refer to the Council Agenda and
Minutes page on richfieldmn.gov/citycouncil
6. Proclamations and Presentations
a. Proclamation celebrating Juneteenth.
b. Proclamation celebrating Ava Wiederholt.
7. Consent Calendar
Consent Calendar contains several separate items, which are acted upon by the City Council in one
motion. Once the Consent Calendar has been approved, the individual items and recommended
actions have also been approved. No further Council action on these items is necessary. However,
any Council Member may request that an item be removed from the Consent Calendar and placed
on the regular agenda for Council discussion and action. All items listed on the Consent Calendar
are recommended for approval.
a. Approve Disbursements/Claims.
b. Consideration of a Professional Service Agreement with TC2 to assist the City with the
2050 Comprehensive Plan update.
c. Resolution supporting the City of Richfield's selection to host a Minnesota GreenCorps
Member.
d. Consider a resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to execute two Active
Transportation Grant Agreements with the Metropolitan Council.
8. Consideration of Items, if Any Removed From Consent Calendar
9. Public Hearings
10. Proposed Ordinances
11. Resolutions
a. Consideration of a policy for use of the 4d (1) tax classification as a tool to create and
preserve affordable housing.
12. Other Business
a. Consider and approve either a 46-day in-person or an 18-day early voting period for
2026 based on new election legislation passed on May 15, 2026, establish an absentee
ballot board with Hennepin County, and a city absentee ballot board on election days,
and as needed throughout the 46 days of absentee voting.
13. City Manager’s Report
14. Council Discussion
a. Hats off to Hometown Hits
b. Council Liaison Reports
15. Closed Session
a. Closed Session City Manager Evaluation.
16. Adjournment
Page 1 of 98
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.
Includes Materials - Materials relating to these agenda items can be found in the Council Chambers Agenda Packet book located by
the entrance. The complete Council Agenda Packet is available electronically on the City of Richfield website.
Page 2 of 98
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
City Council Work Session
May 26, 2026
ITEM #1
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Supple called the work session to order on May 26, 2026, at 5:45 p.m., in Bartholomew
Conference Room.
Council Present:
Excused:
Mary Supple, Mayor; Walter Burk, Sean Hayford Oleary, and Sharon
Christensen.
Rori A. Coleman-Woods.
Staff Present:
Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Chris Link, Assistant Public Works Director;
Joe Powers, City Engineer; and Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk.
ITEM #2
ITEM DISCUSSION
a. Sidewalk and Tree Planting Discussion
City Engineer Powers introduced the sidewalk and tree policy and Assistant Public Works Director
Link led a discussion on the future of the City’s sidewalk policy, including residential street design,
tree placement, sidewalk construction, maintenance responsibilities, and long-term planning
considerations. Council generally supported planting boulevard trees 7–10 feet from the curb with
consistent placement by block to preserve tree health and maintain flexibility for future sidewalk
installation. Council and staff favored a context-sensitive approach to residential sidewalks,
prioritizing collector streets, school routes, and other high-use pedestrian corridors, while considering
sidewalk installation during future street reconstruction projects. Further discussion included
balancing pedestrian connectivity, urban tree canopy, parking, roadway space, ADA accessibility,
construction and maintenance costs, snow removal responsibilities, stormwater impacts, and long-
term funding options. Council expressed interest in exploring a potential petition process for
neighborhood-requested sidewalks, including possible assessments, and generally supported
sidewalks on both sides of collector streets while maintaining flexibility based on roadway conditions.
Council also emphasized the importance of public engagement through the Comprehensive Plan
process, requested opportunities to review high-level engagement questions, and supported using
multiple outreach methods to gather community feedback.
Staff concluded necessary information to proceed was received and noted Council direction to
continue developing policy options, engagement strategies, and recommendations for future Council
consideration.
ITEM #3
ADJOURNMENT
Page 3 of 98
City Council Work Session Minutes -2- May 12, 2026
Mayor Supple adjourned the work session at 6:52 p.m.
Date Approved: June 8, 2026
Mary B. Supple
Mayor
Michelle Friedrich Katie Rodriguez
City Clerk City Manager
Page 4 of 98
ITEM #1
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Supple at 7:00 p.m. on May 26, 2026, in the Council
Chambers.
Council Present:
Excused:
Mary Supple, Mayor; Walter Burk, Sean Hayford Oleary, and
Sharon Christensen.
Rori A. Coleman-Woods.
Staff Present:
Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Sam Ketchum, serving in
place of Mary Tietjen, City Attorney; and Michelle Friedrich,
City Clerk.
ITEM #2
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Supple led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ITEM #3
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
MOTION: made by Council Member Hayford Oleary, seconded by Council Member Burk to approve
the agenda as presented.
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, and Council
Member Christensen.
Motion carried: 4-0
ITEM #4
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: made by Council Member Hayford Oleary, seconded by Council Member Burk to approve
the minutes of the (4a) City Council Work Session from May 12, 2026, and (4b) Regular Meeting
from May 26, 2026.
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, and Council
Member Christensen.
Motion carried: 4-0
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Council Regular Meeting
May 26, 2026
Page 5 of 98
City Council Meeting Minutes -2- May 26, 2026
ITEM #5
OPEN FORUM
Mayor Supple noted the process for individuals wishing to speak during Open Forum and reviewed
the three-minute time limit for public comments and explained the use of time warning cards to alert
the speaker when their time is almost expired. Instructions were given for speakers to state their
name and city of residence before speaking.
One resident addressed the Council during the Open Forum opportunity.
Birgit Johnson, Richfield resident, discussed a recent police shooting, emphasizing the importance
of reporting suspicious activity, addressing property crime through law enforcement, and
maintaining respectful public discourse. Ms. Johnson reflected on the circumstances of the
deceased individual, acknowledged broader social challenges and the demands placed on law
enforcement, and raised questions about firearm access, accountability, and prevention measures.
ITEM #6
PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
a. Proclamation Celebrating Pride Month.
Mayor Supple read the proclamation celebrating Pride Month. The proclamation was received by
Kim Lutz.
ITEM #7
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Rodriguez presented the consent calendar.
a. Approve Disbursements/Claims
U.S. BANK Thru 05-22-2026
A/P Checks/ETF’s: (05-02-2026 thru 05-14-2026) $2,694,807.28
Payroll (5-22-2026) $1,110,829.06
TOTAL $3,805,636.34
b. Approve a work order in the amount of $680,570 with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., for
engineering services for the 69th Street Reconstruction Project.
c. Consider approval of a request for a new Secondhand Goods Dealer License for EcoATM,
LLC, located at 826 West 66th Street (inside Speedway).
d. Consider the approval of the second reading of an ordinance amending Subsection 210.01
of the City Code related to City Council salaries for 2027 and 2028 and summary
publication of said ordinance.
BILL NO. 2026-05
AMENDING SUBSECTION 210.01 OF THE CITY CODE RELATED TO CITY COUNCIL
SALARIES FOR 2027 AND 2028
RESOLUTION 12425
APPROVING SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF AN ORDINANCE PERTAINING TO CITY
COUNCIL SALARIES (BILL 2026-05)
Page 6 of 98
City Council Meeting Minutes -3- May 26, 2026
MOTION: made by Council Member Burk, seconded by Council Member Christensen, to approve
consent calendar items 7a-d as presented.
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, and Council Member
Christensen.
Motion carried: 4-0
ITEM #8
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS, IF ANY, REMOVED FROM CONSENT
CALENDAR
None.
ITEM #9
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
ITEM
#10
PROPOSED ORDINANCES
None.
ITEM
#11
RESOLUTIONS
None.
ITEM #12
OTHER BUSINESS
a. Consider an alternate appointment to fill vacancy on the Human Rights Commission.
Council Member Burk presented staff report 12a to consider an alternate appointment of Jocelynn
Klos to the Human Rights Commission with a term commencing on May 27, 2026, and expiring on
January 31, 2029.
MOTION: made by Council Member Burk, seconded by Council Member Christensen, to appoint
Jocelynn Klos to the Human Rights Commission with a term commencing on May 27, 2026, and
expiring on January 31, 2029.
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, and Council Member
Christensen.
Motion carried: 4-0
ITEM
#13
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Rodriguez expressed appreciation to Representative Mike Howard, Senator Melissa
Wiklund, city council members, the mayor, and Public Works staff for their efforts in securing
Page 7 of 98
City Council Meeting Minutes -4- May 26, 2026
$2 million in funding for the Nicollet Avenue reconstruction project, and for supporting related
advocacy and bonding activities.
ITEM #14
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
a. Hats off to Hometown Hits.
Council Member Christensen noted nothing to report at this time.
Council Member Hayford Oleary thanked the Honoring All Veterans Memorial Board for its Memorial
Day event and reported on a recent infrastructure tour hosted for approximately 25 attendees from
across the country. Council Member Hayford Oleary shared that participants expressed positive
feedback about the city's infrastructure projects and noted a conversation about the rainbow
roundabout, which highlighted significance as a welcoming community symbol for some visitors.
Council Member Burk commented on the appearance of the newly completed pool facility, expressing
appreciation to residents who supported funding for the project. Council Member Burk encouraged
community members to visit and enjoy the facility.
Mayor Supple recognized National Public Works Week and thanked the Public Works Department for its
contributions to city operations and public safety. Mayor Supple also expressed appreciation to the
Honoring All Veterans Memorial Board and volunteers for organizing the Memorial Day ceremony, which
included musical performances by the Richfield Symphonic Band, a color guard presentation, a flyover
performance by the T6 Thunder, and remarks from keynote speaker Lieutenant Lee of the Special
Guerrilla Unit, recently recognized as veterans by the State of Minnesota.
b. Council Liaison Reports
No reports were discussed.
ITEM
#15
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: made by Council Member Christensen, seconded by Council Member Burk to adjourn the
meeting at 7:19 p.m.
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, and Council Member
Christensen.
Motion carried: 4-0
Date Approved: June 8, 2026
Mary Supple
Mayor
Michelle Friedrich Katie Rodriguez
City Clerk City Manager
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Proclamation of the City of Richfield
WHEREAS, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, declaring
“that all persons held as slaves” within the rebellious states “are, and henceforward shall be free”; and WHEREAS, the Emancipation Proclamation did not apply to states loyal to the Union, including border states
with a considerable enslaved population; and WHEREAS, many slaveholders worked to keep word of the proclamation from enslaved persons, and some went so far as to forcefully relocate over 150,000 enslaved Black persons into Texas; and WHEREAS, on June 19th, 1865, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued and two months after the surrender of the Confederacy, over 250,000 Black Americans embraced freedom by executive decree in what became known as Juneteenth, or Freedom Day; and WHEREAS, Juneteenth marks our country’s second Independence Day, celebrating freedom and justice, and emphasizing the achievements of Black Americans after gaining their freedom; and
WHEREAS, in the wake of the Civil War, the Constitution of the United States was amended for the 14th time to include the promise that America will not “deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the
laws,” and WHEREAS, the City of Richfield is committed to doing the work required to deconstruct systemic racism, honor
the promise of the 14th Amendment, and secure an equitable future for all citizens; Now, THEREFORE, I, Mary Supple, mayor of Richfield, on behalf of the Richfield City Council, do acknowledge the relevance of June 19, 1865 as commemorate June 19th, 2026 as Juneteenth Freedom Day in the City of Richfield, and call on the people of Richfield to observe this day with appropriate programs, activities and ceremonies, and continue to honor the contributions of African Americans throughout the year. PROCLAIMED this 9th day of June, 2026.
Mary B. Supple, Mayor
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Proclamation of the City of Richfield
WHEREAS, The City of Richfield is proud to recognize and celebrate residents
who demonstrate community spirit, perseverance, and leadership through their
accomplishments and dedication to growth; and
WHEREAS, Ava Wiederholt, a 17-year-old athlete and Richfield resident, has
shown extraordinary dedication and determination in earning a gold medal at the state
level in artistic gymnastics and qualifying for the USA Special Olympics Games at the
University of Minnesota this June; and
WHEREAS, Ava’s gymnastics journey started at 8 years old and has been fueled
by ambition, tenacity, and constant support from her friends, family, and coaches; and
WHEREAS, Gymnastics has helped Ava sharpen her leadership skills with
younger kids and new teammates, as well as emboldening her to try new things with
confidence; and
WHEREAS, Outside of gymnastics, Ava enjoys dancing, cheerleading, being on
the adaptive bowling team, crocheting, bracelet making, and painting; and
WHEREAS, Ava encourages everyone to get involved with the Special Olympics in
some way; There are many different sports from traditional ones and her advice to
inspire young athletes is to always try, never give up, and train hard; and
WHEREAS, The City of Richfield celebrates Ava’s accomplishments and
recognizes the pride and inspiration she brings to our residents through leading by
example;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mary Supple, Mayor of the City of Richfield, on behalf of the
Richfield City Council, do hereby proclaim June 9, 2026, as Ava Wiederholt Day in
the City of Richfield and urge Richfield residents to support the Special Olympics
games through volunteering on the Special Olympics USA website and attending
June 20 through 26 at the University of Minnesota.
PROCLAIMED this 9th day of June, 2026.
Mary B. Supple, Mayor
Page 10 of 98
City Council Meeting 6/9/2026
Agenda Section: Consent Calendar
Agenda Item: 7.b.
Report Prepared By:
Sam Crosby, City Planner
Department Director:
Melissa Poehlman, Community Development Director
Item for Consideration:
Consideration of a Professional Service Agreement with TC2 to assist the City
with the 2050 Comprehensive Plan update.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In the seven-county metro area, cities, towns and counties are required to update their
Comprehensive Plan every 10 years, which is a substantial undertaking that requires
significant time and resources beyond staff’s capacity. To aid in this task, staff published
a Request for Proposals and received four responses (WSB, Confluence, Bolton &
Menk, and TC2). Staff held in-person interviews with both Bolton & Menk and TC2.
While both firms were excellent candidates, based on their knowledge of the City and
creative public engagement strategy, staff is recommending that the City hire TC2. TC2
has assembled a team tailored to serve the City of Richfield’s specific needs, including
members from the firms HKGi, Humanize MN, and Zan and Associates. Staff is
confident that the team assembled by TC2 has the knowledge and skills to best guide
us through this process. TC2 will provide these services at a cost not-to-exceed
$149,930.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
By Motion: Approve the Professional Services Agreement with TC2 for the
Comprehensive Plan update.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
▪ The Request for Proposals was released on February 13, 2026.
▪ Proposals were due March 27, 2026.
▪ A subcommittee of staff from across various departments reviewed the proposals
and narrowed the pool to Bolton & Menk and TC2.
▪ Interviews were held on April 21, 2026.
▪ City staff and the consultants participated in a joint brainstorming session to
formulate the approach for public engagement on May 11, 2026. The consensus
was that young people, Latinx, and those that are typically under-represented
should be the areas of focus regarding outreach. Also, that engagement should
be creative, innovative, and fun, with the first phase focused on listening and the
second phase focused on discussion.
Page 11 of 98
▪ Through refining the scope, the commission and board engagement was
streamlined (one steering committee, joint work sessions) and city-wide post
mailings were added.
EQUITABLE OR STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS OR IMPACTS
Equity:
Outreach and engagement must reach a broad and diverse spectrum of the community
in order to plan for the future equitably. The City must employ intentional strategies to
actively and meaningfully engage underrepresented communities, such as partnering
with community-based leaders, using multiple languages, and reaching out directly to
historically marginalized groups.
Ultimately, the Comprehensive Plan itself will help guide the City’s decisions in areas
impacting equity, such as strengthening affordable housing, enhancing access to multi-
modal transportation, and targeting improvements in historically dis-invested areas.
Strategic Plan:
Updating the Comprehensive Plan supports three of the five strategic outcomes:
community development, sustainable infrastructure and equity and inclusion.
POLICIES (RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, REGULATIONS, STATUTES, ETC.)
In the seven-county metro area, cities, towns and counties are required to update their
Comprehensive Plan every 10 years. Local Comprehensive Plans must align with the
Metropolitan Council’s Regional Plan.
CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES
• Local plans are due to the Metropolitan Council by December 31, 2028. Prior
to this submittal, there is a six-month adjacent jurisdiction review period.
• While an exact timeline is still being worked out, it is anticipated that the
process will kick-off later this year, with the bulk of engagement spanning
2027.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
• Total estimated cost for the preparation of the City's Comprehensive Plan is
approximately $150,000.
• To help manage costs, staff will play a significant role in the preparation and
coordination of the Comprehensive Plan.
• The Community Development department budgets $12,850 annually in order to
avoid an exceptionally large budget increase in years when Comprehensive
Planning is underway.
• The remaining $21,500 will be split between the 2027 and 2028 Community
Page 12 of 98
Development budgets.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
State Statute 473.858 requires local governments within the seven-county metro area to
review, and, if necessary, update their comprehensive plan to reflect the metropolitan
system statement within three years of receipt.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S)
Decide not to hire the TC2 team.
ATTACHMENTS
1. TC2_Proposal
2. Comp_Plan_Contract_TC2_5-29-26
Page 13 of 98
PROPOSAL FOR
RICHFIELD 2050
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
MARCH 27, 2026
In partnership with HKGi, Humanize MN, and Zan Associates
Page 14 of 98
AppendixCover Letter Team Overview ScheduleExperience & References Response
to Questions Work Program Fee
PAGE +1City of Richfield | 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Subject: City of Richfield 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Dear Sam,
It’s that time again when 181 communities across the region begin the important work of updating their
Comprehensive Plans to align with Metropolitan Council requirements. While we’d love to collaborate
with every community, we know the most meaningful partnerships come from prioritizing where we
can make the greatest impact. Richfield is at the top of our list.
The TC2 crew truly enjoys working with Richfield, and we would be honored to help carry your vision
forward through another successful update process. Our familiarity with Richfield’s unique character
and aspirations gives us a strong foundation to build upon, ensuring this update is not just a compliance
exercise, but a strategic roadmap for the future.
Lance Bernard will serve as the Project Manager with over 20 years of experience in community
planning and a frequent collaborator in Richfield, having led the last Comprehensive Plan update. TC2’s
team is complemented by Community Liaisons from Humanize MN and Zan Associates, who will play
a key role in leveraging established relationships with community-based organizations and community
members to help guide the update process. TC2 will also be joined by Jeff Miller, AICP from HKGi,
who will provide technical support for the housing analysis and subarea updates.
We’re excited about the chance to work with you and the community as you begin this ten-year update.
More importantly, we’re committed to making sure this update is a community-driven plan
and brings a fresh perspective that reflects today’s changing markets and trends that weren’t part
of the conversation during the last update. If you have any questions, I can be reached at 320-420-7768
or lbernard@transportationcollaborative.com.
Sincerely,
Lance Bernard, Director of Planning
March 27, 2026
Sam Crosby, AICP
City Planner
City of Richfield
6700 Portland Avenue
Richfield, MN 55423
Click on tabs
to navigate
OUR CONNECTION TO RICHFIELD
Our team brings more than 20 years of experience working with Richfield and the surrounding
communities, giving us a real understanding of where the community has been and where
it hopes to go. Over time, the work we’ve done and the relationships we’ve built have made
Richfield feel like home. More importantly, we offer fresh perspectives and show up as
innovators, collaborators, and listeners who care deeply about helping the community move
forward in a way that feels true to its character and goals. Below are examples of our team’s
experience in and around the community.
• 2026 Public Works Consulting Services Pool
• 66th Street Reconstruction (Hennepin County)
• Day-to-Day Planning Services for Community Development
• Edina Comprehensive Plan Update (2018)
• I-35W at I-94 (MnDOT)
• I-494 Mixed-Use Redevelopment Opportunities Brochure & RFI
• I-494/I-35W Interchange Study (MnDOT)
• I-494/TH 62 Feasibility Study (MnDOT)
• Interim Transportation Planner for Public Works
• Livable Communities Grant Assistance
• Missing Middle Zoning Ordinance Updates
• Morningside Neighborhood Flood Mitigation Study (Edina)
• Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction in Bloomington (Hennepin County)
• Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction in Richfield (Hennepin County)
• Penn Avenue Safety Improvements (Hennepin County)
• Richfield Community Center Parking Study
• Richfield Comprehensive Plan Update (2008 & 2018)
• Richfield Pedestrian Master Plan
• Veterans Park Area Overlay District
Page 15 of 98
Experience & References Response
to Questions Work Program Schedule Fee Appendix
PAGE +2City of Richfield | 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Cover Letter Team Overview
HKGi OVERVIEW
HKGi was established in 1982 to provide
community-based planning and landscape
architecture services to clients throughout the Upper Midwest. For more than forty years we
have used a collaborative, community-based planning approach to help clients build great
places for people to live, work, and play.
COMMUNITY-CENTERED PLANNING
The input we collect about a community’s strengths, values,
needs, and challenges provides the foundation for our work.
HKGi’s planners leverage their experience and creativity to
produce strategies that respond to community input and
position the city for future success.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
HKGi’s professionals are passionate about helping stakeholders
establish a community vision that inspires lasting support. This
work requires the ability to develop big-picture ideas, balanced with
the knowledge of how to create action-oriented plans. HKGi’s focus on community planning
means we know how to encourage communities to think big, and we understand how to
translate those ideas into plans that make achieving the community’s vision feasible.
HOUSING EXPERIENCE
Jeff Miller, AICP will be leading the housing elements of the plan update. HKGi’s recent housing
experience includes:
• St. Louis Park, MN: Zoning and housing audit, rewrite of residential zoning districts
• Northfield, MN: Housing study
• Onalaska, WI: Housing study
• Grand Marais, MN: Housing study and residential zoning districts revisions
• Ironwood, MI: Housing study
• Winona County, MN: Housing study
• Itasca County, MN: Housing study
TC2 OVERVIEW
At TC2, our culture is rooted in collaboration, creativity, and a shared
commitment to meaningful outcomes. We are a team of planners,
engineers, “plangineers,” strategists, and communicators who believe that
planning should be people-centered, inclusive, and fun. Our vision is to
partner with others who share our values, cultivating diverse perspectives,
empowering communities, and delivering work that reflects both technical excellence and
human connection.
Founded in 2021, TC2 is a TGB firm with a team that brings over 100 years of combined
experience across the Midwest. Our core service lines include community planning,
transportation planning, traffic engineering, community engagement, and civil design. Whether
we’re shaping long-range transportation plans or facilitating neighborhood visioning sessions,
our work is grounded in data, driven by collaboration, and designed to serve communities today
and into the future.
COMMUNITY PLANNING
At TC2, our Community Planning work is grounded in collaboration,
data, and design. We work closely with residents, stakeholders,
and agency partners to explore community goals and co-create
actionable strategies. From master plans to long-range plans,
our approach blends data analysis with inclusive engagement
to shape places that reflect the values and aspirations of the
people who live there. With experiences as public and day-to-
day planners, our approach emphasizes the need for actionable
outcomes and building of support for implementation. We believe
community education and collaboration are cornerstones of this approach.
PROJECT MANAGER
Lance Bernard will serve as the project manager for this effort. He’s been connected to Richfield’s
planning work since the 2008 comprehensive plan update and brings more than 20 years of
community planning experience to TC2. Working alongside Stephanie Falkers, AICP, a longtime
collaborator, their team supports communities with comprehensive plan updates, zoning
code projects, and everyday planning needs. They’re both excited to continue partnering with
Richfield and build on the trusted relationship already in place.
Page 16 of 98
Experience & References Response
to Questions Work Program Schedule Fee Appendix
PAGE +3City of Richfield | 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Cover Letter Team Overview
HUMANIZE MN OVERVIEW
Humanize MN is a Black-owned consulting firm specializing in
human-centered, equity-focused engagement, planning, facilitation,
and training services for public-sector partners. We collaborate with
community-based organizations (CBOs), state and local agencies,
and multidisciplinary consulting firms to ensure underserved and historically overburdened
communities have meaningful opportunities to influence policies, plans, and project decisions.
Our work is grounded in deep relationship-building, culturally informed engagement strategies,
lived experience navigating barriers to equitable public services and infrastructure, and a core
belief that community priorities and needs should inform public decision-making processes.
HUMANIZE MN SERVICES
Our core capabilities include designing and implementing inclusive engagement plans;
facilitating listening sessions, focus groups, and community outreach events; advising on
equitable planning practices; supporting comprehensive planning processes and land use policy
development; and conducting equity analyses and assessments that translate community
insights into actionable recommendations. Humanize MN brings trusted partnerships with CBOs,
strong multilingual communication skills, including Somali and English, and proven experience
supporting state and local governments in delivering transparent, community-informed, and
equity-driven projects and plans.
HUMANIZE MN EXPERIENCE
Our team has direct experience coordinating with Metropolitan
Council frameworks and the multimodal planning priorities
that shape local Comprehensive Plans across the seven-county
metropolitan area. From statewide transportation equity
initiatives to community-level engagement with school districts,
families, and youth-serving organizations, Humanize MN operates
comfortably across sectors and scales of government, always
centering the people most affected by public decisions.
ZAN ASSOCIATES OVERVIEW
Since 2001, Zan Associates (Zan) has established a reputation
for building communities by elevating people’s voices
through authentic, creative, and equitable engagement
and communications. We work on a diverse range of public
infrastructure projects and center our engagement on equitable outcomes. We build consensus
around challenging issues, create inclusive messages that resonate, and facilitate meaningful
dialogue.
ZAN PROCESS
Zan’s process includes developing a shared understanding
of project goals and benefits, conducting a customized
equity analysis, creating inclusive engagement activities,
providing communications tools using plain language and
informative visuals, and providing high-level facilitation for
all types of meetings. In addition, Zan integrates an equity-
based perspective into all projects and builds meaningful
project partnerships with stakeholders and community-based
organizations.
ZAN EXPERIENCE
Zan has a long history of engaging communities throughout Richfield and the surrounding
communities. This includes building community support for a new design on Nicollet Avenue
that emphasizes safe and efficient mobility for all users, meeting with Spanish-speaking
residents to discuss the future of Penn Avenue, and completing citywide engagement to inform
the City’s first Pedestrian Master Plan. Zan staff know, live in, and love Richfield.
Page 17 of 98
Experience & References Response
to Questions Work Program Schedule Fee Appendix
PAGE +4City of Richfield | 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Cover Letter Team Overview
Abdullahi Abdulle
Community Liaison +
Policy Planner
Maya Sheikh
Community Liaison +
Plan Element Support
Javier
Whitaker-Castañeda
Community Liaison
Eve Vanagas
Plan Element Support
YOUR CORE TEAM
Lance Bernard
Project Manager
Dan Edgerton, AICP
Multimodal Support +
Community Liaison
Stephanie Falkers, AICP
Land Use
Our team brings a breadth of experience that
enables us to effectively address every element
of the plan. We are structured around a highly
collaborative approach, assigning clear lead
roles for each plan element while ensuring
strong cross-support across all disciplines.
This integrated model allows us to leverage
individual expertise, maintain consistent
communication, and deliver a cohesive,
well-aligned plan.
Our integrated model is also based on
the idea that land use is a central topic of
discussion, especially in Richfield as we assess
redevelopment opportunities and revisit
subareas. Gaining a clear understanding of
existing land use patterns and future growth
trends helps guide all other elements of the
plan. This foundation shapes how we address
housing needs, plan for parks and open space,
evaluate transportation options, support
resource protection, and plan for utilities and
infrastructure.
TC2
HKGi
Humanize MN
Zan Associates
Jeff Miller, AICP
Housing +
Subarea Studies
Samantha Matuke, AICP
Multimodal
Ally de Alcuaz
GIS Analyst
Trey Joiner
Engagement
Coordinator
70+ Staff
Team Support
Planners, Landscape Architects, Urban Designers,
Traffic Engineers, Civil Designers, Engagers,
Strategists, Communication Specialists, Marketing/
Graphic Designers
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PAGE +5City of Richfield | 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Cover Letter Team Overview
• Apple Valley
• Burnsville
• Carver County (2018 & 2028 underway)
• Chaska
• Columbia Heights
• Dakota County
• Eagan
• Edina
• Eden Prairie
• Farmington, Minnesota
• Fridley
• Greenfield
• Inver Grove Heights
• Lakeville (2018 & 2028 underway)
• Maple Grove
• Maplewood
• Minnetonka
• Mound
• New Brighton
• Norwood Young America
• Plymouth
• Richfield
• Rogers (2018 & 2028 underway)
• Rosemount
• Roseville
• South St. Paul
• St. Francis
• St. Louis Park
• Stillwater
• Victoria
• White Bear Lake
• White Bear Township
• Woodbury
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE EXPERIENCE
Our team brings extensive experience with Metropolitan Comprehensive Plans and has worked together frequently across regional planning projects. TC2 works as a collaborative, drawing on our shared experience
and complementary areas of expertise between partners. This map highlights our core team’s comprehensive planning experience and shows where team members have worked together during the previous
comprehensive plan cycle. Abdullahi, the founder of Humanize MN, brings additional experience from his time with the Metropolitan Council Local Planning Assistance division during the 2018 comprehensive plan
update cycle, as an Associate Transportation Planner with the City of Minneapolis, and as an Equity Planning Coordinator at MnDOT.
Plans with cross-rm coordinationApple ValleyBurnsvilleEaganGreeneldInver Grove HeightsLakevilleMaple Grove
MaplewoodMinnetonkaRicheldSt. FrancisStilllwaterVictoriaWoodbury
Plans for inner-ring communitiesColumbia Heights (cross-rm collaboration)EdinaFridley (cross-rm collaboration)St. Louis Park (cross-rm collaboration)
Past PlansCarver CountyChaskaDakota CountyEden PrairieFarmingtonMoundNew BrightonNorwood Young America
PlymouthRogersRosemountRosevilleSouth St. PaulWhite Bear LakeWhite Bear Township
TC2, HKGi, and Zan Comprehensive
Plan Experience (2008 & 2018)
Cross-Firm Coordination
Inner-Ring Communities
Past Plans
REFERENCES
Tina Goodroad, AICP
Community Development
Director
City of Lakeville
(952) 985-4421
tgoodroad@lakevillemn.gov
20195 Holyoke Ave.
Lakeville, MN 55044
Sean Walthers, AICP
Deputy Community
Development Director
City of St. Louis Park
(952) 924-2574
swalther@stlouisparkmn.gov
5005 Minnetonka Blvd.
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Nathan Koster, AICP
Senior Department
Administrator, Public Works
Hennepin County
(651) 420-9917
nathan.koster@hennepin.us
1600 Prairie Dr.
Medina, MN 55430
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PAGE +6City of Richfield | 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Cover Letter Team Overview
Planning Creativity in Action Relationship-Based Planning Strategy
TC2Rondo Restorative Neighborhood Area Plan (2025): This plan demonstrates how creativity can shape stronger
solutions when the planning process is truly led by the community. Instead of relying on standard planning methods,
TC2 designed a process built around lived experience and invited residents to guide the content, tools, and discussions.
We used creative engagement techniques such as story gathering, arts-based activities, and culturally grounded
conversations that made participation easy and meaningful. These approaches allowed community members to define
what restorative planning meant to them and to shape strategies focused on cultural identity, healing, community
wealth, and the legacy of Rondo. The result was a plan that was more authentic and impactful because the community
created it from the start.
Penn Avenue Safety Improvements (ongoing): Our work on the Penn Avenue project shows how a relationship-driven approach can meet community needs in a genuine and practical way. As the business liaison, Lance has built trust by showing up consistently and becoming a familiar, reliable face for business owners along the corridor. Instead of relying on surveys or one-time meetings, we created an ongoing dialogue where business owners can share concerns about construction impacts, access, and long-term economic vitality. By listening first, responding quickly, and advocating for the solutions they identify, we have created an authentic process that reflects their day-to-day realities. This approach ensures that planning decisions are grounded in the lived experience of the people who work and live on the corridor and that the project moves forward with true community partnership rather than surface-level engagement.HKGiSt. Louis Park Comprehensive Plan Update (2018): HKGi established a Place Types Framework in the land use
chapter. Rather than relying on a traditional framework of land use classifications, separated into residential, commercial,
and industrial uses, we encouraged the City to take a more holistic approach to identifying the types of places that are
desired in the community. In the 2040 Plan, these Place Types provided a framework to analyze existing land uses and
development patterns, as well as future land use and development directions. When the City undertook a full rewrite
of its zoning code, the Place Types Framework was used to analyze current zoning districts and propose new districts,
particularly the desired mix of uses, development scale, and level of pedestrian character.
St. Louis Park Comprehensive Plan Update (2018): The initial phase of community engagement included
four Neighborhood Planning Workshops, aimed at gaining input from all 35 neighborhoods. Turnout for the
90-minute long Neighborhood Workshops was high, over 130 residents participating. The Workshops were held at
four different community centers located around the City, with participants organized by neighborhood to play a
Neighborhood Features Game. The game was designed to gather input from residents about their preferences for
future developments and to identify common issues and opportunities related to the topics of Development, People,
Mobility, and Environmental Assets. Humanize MNElectric Vehicle Focus Group for East African Drivers, MNDOT (January–May 2025): Minnesota’s clean transportation planning efforts risked missing the perspectives of East African professional drivers, a rapidly growing group in rideshare, medical transport, and trucking. Recognizing that traditional engagement would not reach this community, Abdullahi designed a culturally tailored focus group using a community-based TV and radio platform, drawing on his Somali language skills and trusted relationships. This creative, community-centered approach surfaced concerns about EV technology, charging access, affordability, and range anxiety that would not have emerged through standard outreach. The insights directly informed MnDOT’s clean transportation strategy and demonstrated how creative planning can design engagement around people’s lived realities to produce more inclusive and effective solutions.
Olson Memorial Highway Preliminary Design, MnDOT (ongoing): Our efforts on this project demonstrates
how a relationship-based planning strategy creates meaningful results for communities and decision makers. Rather
than treating community based organizations (CBOs) as one-time outreach partners, we built ongoing relationships
that allowed them to shape engagement activities and bring forward the priorities of residents who would be most
affected by design decisions. By supporting CBO led listening sessions, story collection events, and pop-ups and by
carefully documenting community input, we ensured MnDOT received insight grounded in trust rather than surface
level feedback. Zan AssociatesParticipatory Street Design Game: Zan Associates demonstrated planning creativity by developing a hands-on
engagement tool that transformed complex street-design tradeoffs into an interactive, accessible activity for community
members. Recognizing that decisions about travel lanes, bike facilities, sidewalks, parking, and landscaping can be
difficult to communicate, Zan created a scaled cross-section allocation game that allowed participants to physically “build
their dream street” within real right-of-way constraints. This creative tool, used during the Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction
project in Richfield, helped residents experience the same spatial limitations that planners face, sparking deeper
conversations about priorities like pedestrian space, bike safety, greening, and business access. The resulting insights
directly informed the design team’s preferred layout, ensuring the final corridor design aligned with community values
while meeting technical and operational needs.
44th & France Subarea Plan – City of Edina (2018): The City’s 2018 Comprehensive Plan update for the 44th
and France Commercial District is an example of relationship-based planning that successfully aligned the needs of
residents, City Council, and advisory boards. Zan Associates formed and facilitated a Community Advisory Committee
of local residents and property owners to navigate tension between redevelopment pressures and neighborhood
character concerns. By establishing clear ground rules, outlining fixed versus flexible elements, and structuring
each meeting around transparent agendas and decision points, the process built trust and enabled the group to
reach consensus. The resulting development concept, a mixed-use building that transitions in height to respect
adjacent residential areas, balanced market, regulatory, and community priorities, demonstrating how intentional
relationship-centered engagement can produce outcomes supported by all parties.
RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS
Creativity and strong relationships are foundational to our planning approach. The table to the right highlights examples from each firm demonstrating how creative thinking led to effective solutions
and how relationship-based strategies aligned the needs of residents, elected officials, and boards and commissions in community-wide planning efforts.
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PAGE +7City of Richfield | 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Cover Letter Team Overview
WORK PROGRAM
Our work program is designed to modernize the Comprehensive Plan by integrating the community’s
past work, lived experiences, and emerging trends. It also reflects the City’s desire for a fresh, creative
approach that responds to evolving market conditions, new state and regional policy frameworks, and a
deeper understanding of community aspirations for the future.
TASK 1 – PROJECT INITIATION, MANAGEMENT, & COMPLIANCE FRAMEWORK
Task 1 kicks off the update by getting organized and establishing a framework to guide the work ahead.
1.1 Kickoff & Project Management
The project team will launch the update with a kickoff meeting to confirm goals, establish
communication protocols, and define expectations for community and staff involvement. The kickoff
will also revisit lessons learned from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and identify early opportunities to
streamline coordination across departments (Community Development, Public Works, HRA, Parks and
Recreation, etc.). We anticipate conducting staff workshops and holding bi-weekly virtual check-ins
between Lance and the Project Manager to review the schedule, monitor the budget, and discuss
project deliverables.
1.2 Metropolitan Council Requirements & Compliance Matrix
We will prepare a detailed compliance roadmap aligning Richfield’s update with Imagine 2050
requirements, including minimum residential density standards (Urban designation), transit station area
density requirements, housing diversity expectations in every residential land use category, affordable
housing need allocation, and water supply, wastewater, and surface water documentation, as well
as climate mitigation and adaptation requirements and pedestrian-first planning with multimodal
integration. This matrix will guide every subsequent task to ensure regulatory alignment from the start.
1.3 Community Engagement Plan (CEP)
We have reserved a substantial portion of the project budget to support a meaningful, three-phase
community engagement process led by Community Liaisons (see Task 9). To ensure these resources are
used effectively, we will work closely with Richfield staff to decide where and when our team should be
present in the community.
As we design this engagement plan, we must remain mindful of how community members may prefer
to participate and the level of comfort they feel engaging with government during a time when trust
and feelings of safety vary widely. This makes it especially important to rely on our Community Liaisons,
whose established relationships and cultural understanding help create welcoming environments
where residents feel heard, respected, and supported.
Deliverables
Project Management Plan, Metropolitan Council Compliance Matrix, Community
Engagement Plan, Staff Workshops (3), Bi-Weekly Project Management Meetings,
Monthly Invoicing
TASK 2 – EXISTING CONDITIONS, TRENDS, & POLICY AUDIT
This task delivers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary audit of existing goals, policies, and conditions to
identify gaps and opportunities, while also gathering direction for potential goal updates.
2.1 Goal Setting
We will refine the 2040 plan’s goals and policies, defined in Chapter 4 Goals & Policies, by focusing
early on confirming the community’s values, lived experiences, and long-term aspirations. These
conversations will take place at the outset of the engagement process and will be led by our Community
Liaisons discussed in Task 9.
2.2 Policy, Code & Plan Audit
We will review all relevant plans and determine synergies and disconnects with the Comprehensive
Plan’s goals and policies. Findings will highlight compliance gaps, outdated assumptions, and areas
where the community’s values have evolved.
2.3 Land Use & Development Trends
We will analyze market shifts, redevelopment patterns, and demographic change to inform sub-area
revisions. Trends will be examined community-wide and for their influence on areas such as the I-494
Corridor, Penn Avenue Corridor, the Hub area, “Downtown,” aging commercial areas, and mixed-use
nodes. This review will help update Chapter 2 Community Direction.
2.4 Demographics & Base Maps
This task will focus on updates to Chapter 3 Demographics, documenting past trends and updating
the City’s 2050 socioeconomic forecasts. Resources are allocated across our work program to support
mapping needs, with the understanding that City staff will provide the data needed for analysis.
Deliverables Chapter 2 Community Direction (Draft), Chapter 3 Demographics (Draft), Chapter 4
Goals and Policies Chapter (Draft)
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Cover Letter Team Overview
TASK 3 – FUTURE LAND USE & SUBAREA FRAMEWORK DEVELOPMENT
This task translates Richfield’s aspirations into a forward-looking physical framework that meets
Metropolitan Council requirements while remaining grounded in local context.
3.1 Defining “Mixed‑Use” for Richfield
We help define Richfield-specific definitions of mixed-use land use categories to more accurately
reflect local goals, priorities, and development context. This work will distinguish between vertical
and horizontal mixed-use, define the differences between activity-oriented and neighborhood-scaled
mixed-use, and identify the types of development intensities that best support transit. It will also
outline performance criteria such as active frontages, expectations for the public realm, and access and
mobility needs. Together, this definition will form a strong foundation for future land use decisions and
zoning updates.
3.2 Faith‑Based Institution Land Use Strategy
Recognizing that faith institutions are evolving in how they use land, we will develop guidance
framework to support potential housing integration, community facilities, or site reuse while respecting
neighborhood context.
3.3 Transit and Density
We will work with staff to establish appropriate land use guidance within a ½ mile radius of high-
frequency transit stations to meet new Metropolitan Council requirements, including planning for an
average of at least 30 residential units per acre. This work will focus on concentrating local growth in
areas best served by transit to leverage infrastructure investments, support transit ridership, and foster
compact, mixed-use, and walkable neighborhoods.
3.4 Subarea Guidance
We will revisit and reimagine Richfield’s key subareas, including the I-494 Corridor, the Penn Avenue
Corridor, and the Hub Area, with a fresh and thoughtful approach that reflects evolving market
conditions and community priorities from Task 2. This work will include determining what mixed-use
should mean within each subarea and how the desired mix of uses aligns with today’s development
realities.
As part of this effort, we will evaluate whether housing remains appropriate along major transportation
corridors considering public health research and local concerns related to air quality, noise, and long-
term livability. Through this process, each subarea will be shaped by a clear vision, a set of guiding
principles, a concept map, and policy direction that help Richfield advance equitable development,
support economic resilience, and create healthy, vibrant places for current and future residents.
Deliverables
Chapter 5 Land Use (Draft), Future Land Use Map (Draft), Sub-Area Updates,
Mixed-Use Definition & Typology, Transit Corridor Density Strategy, Faith-based
Institution Land Use Strategy
TASK 4 – HOUSING GOALS & HRA STRATEGIES
This task focuses on strengthening Richfield’s housing goals, aligning strategies with regional
requirements, and identifying new tools or partnerships that can further support the impressive work
already being done by the HRA.
4.1 Housing Goals and Policies
Richfield has already carried out many of the housing strategies from the previous Comprehensive Plan,
including allowing a wider range of housing types in all residential categories, permitting accessory
dwelling units, expanding missing middle housing options, and exploring ways to preserve naturally
occurring affordable housing. This task will focus on adding new goals and policies that further
support housing affordability, additional missing middle opportunities, and community development
partnerships that were not included in the previous plan.
4.2 Affordable Housing & Density Compliance
We will confirm Richfield’s regional affordable housing allocation and ensure the Future Land Use Map
guides sufficient land at required minimum densities. Strategies will include coordinated land use
guidance, policy support, and zoning recommendations.
4.3 HRA STRATEGIES
This task will focus on deeper, more strategic conversations with HRA staff to understand emerging
needs and determine what new tools, programs, or policy approaches could further strengthen the
department’s work. The task will also incorporate a thoughtful look at anti-displacement strategies and
how the City and HRA can proactively support stability for residents as market conditions continue to
evolve. Through these discussions, we will help shape a next generation housing strategy that builds on
past successes while preparing the HRA for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Deliverables Chapter 6 Housing (Draft), Regional Affordable Housing Allocation Compliance
Analysis, HRA Tools & Strategies
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Deliverables Chapter 7 Transportation (Draft), Updated Mobility Network Maps, Active
Transportation Plan and Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan Integration
TASK 6 – PLAN INTEGRATION
We are prepared and ready to collaborate with others in integrating the City’s related plans into the
Comprehensive Plan update, including the Richfield–Bloomington Water Management Organization
Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan, the City’s Surface Water Management Plan, the
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, the Climate Action Plan, and the Parks and Recreation System
Update. It is assumed those who are developing these plans will be responsible for ensuring their
compliance with Metropolitan Council requirements.
6.1 Coordination and Collaboration
This task includes the resources necessary to ensure the above plans are seamlessly incorporated and
that their goals, policies, and technical requirements are carried forward in a consistent and coordinated
manner. Our community engagement process can also be tailored to support updates to other plans.
Deliverables
Chapter 8 Park Systems Plan (Draft), Chapter 9 Public and Private Utilities (Draft),
Climate Action Plan Chapter – New (Draft), Plan Integration Coordination and
Management
TASK 7 – IMPLEMENTATION ROADMAP & FIRST‑WAVE CODE REVIEW
This task will prepare an actionable and realistic plan for implementation.
7.1 Implementation Matrix
Utilizing the analysis and outcomes of previous tasks, we will identify actions that advance the policies
and outlines defined within the Comprehensive Plan. A matrix will be created to inform future actions,
highlighting responsibilities, timelines (near/mid/long-term), priorities, funding resources, and
partnerships for each action.
7.2 First‑Wave Zoning Code Recommendations
Draft zoning concepts addressing mixed-use districts/overlays, residential neighborhood standards,
TOD/station-area land use changes, pedestrian-first design elements, and sustainability and green
infrastructure requirements.
Deliverables Chapter 10 Implementation Chapter (Draft)
TASK 5 – TRANSPORTATION & ACTIVE MOBILITY INTEGRATION
This task integrates emerging mobility policies and consistency with Metropolitan Council requirements.
5.1 Richfield Sweet Streets Policy
We will work closely with Public Works and the Richfield Transportation Commission to explore how
emerging mobility policies can continue to strengthen and complement the City’s Sweet Streets
program. This includes evaluating the potential development of a Neighborhood Traffic Calming
program and determining how such a program should be reflected in the Comprehensive Plan. As part
of this task, we will also review policy approaches related to how the City defines “expansion” and
“reconstruction” projects, along with the potential benefits and community impacts associated with
different types of transportation investments. This analysis will help clarify how these definitions shape
project priorities and influence long-term outcomes for safety, mobility, and neighborhood vitality.
Overall, this task will guide the City in identifying the most appropriate policy directions to advance
and incorporate into the Comprehensive Plan so that future transportation decisions are well grounded,
aligned with revisions to the Regional Solicitation program, and reflective of the community’s goals.
5.2 Multimodal Baseline & Network Gaps
This task will update Richfield’s multimodal network maps to meet the Metropolitan Council’s new
requirements, which emphasize documenting all travel modes and identifying network gaps. Building
on recent bicycle and pedestrian planning work, as well as crash and safety data, we will evaluate
overall network connectivity and highlight the most significant barriers to safe walking, biking, and
transit use.
5.3 Bike & Pedestrian Plan Integration
Richfield has completed extensive multimodal planning and implementation in recent years, and this
progress, along with the changes that have taken place since adoption of the Active Transportation
Plan and the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan, will be fully reflected in the 2050 Comprehensive Plan.
The updated plan will present new strategies for strengthening connections across the community,
improving safe routes to schools, and enhancing access to transit corridors and mixed-use areas.
5.4 Transit Coordination & Future Mobility
We will use findings from recent transit studies to update the plan and identify transit-supportive
development opportunities, ensuring alignment with the transit-density requirements addressed in
Task 3.3. This work will include refining policies that respond to emerging mobility trends, planned
transit improvements, and regional system connections such as future BRT corridors.
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Cover Letter Team Overview
TASK 8 – ADOPTION PROCESS & METROPOLITAN COUNCIL SUBMITTAL
This task will carefully account for all required timelines associated with review periods, public hearings,
and final adoption. The schedule outlined on page 11 also reflects the necessary sequencing and
completion of other planning efforts that must occur before the Comprehensive Plan can be considered
ready for the six-month review.
8.1 Draft Plan
We will prepare a draft plan for staff review that not only updates the document to meet Metropolitan
Council requirements, but also modernizes it to reflect the City’s past work, the community’s revised
goals, and findings from previous tasks. We anticipate that the overall look and feel of the plan will
remain largely the same, with a refreshed presentation.
8.2 Public Review Draft & Hearings
We will prepare the plan for public review, Planning Commission consideration, and City Council
adoption. At this stage in the process, we typically hand off the adoption phase to City staff, who serve
as the implementers of the plan and the primary public-facing representatives of the project.
8.3 Metropolitan Council Coordination & Final Submittal
We will conduct a pre-submittal review with the Council, revise accordingly, and support the City
through the regional review and approval process.
Deliverables Administrative Draft Plan, Public Review Draft, Final Adopted 2050 Comprehensive
Plan, Metropolitan Council Submittal Package
TASK 9 ‑ COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community engagement will be a central element of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan update. This task
establishes a structured, proactive, and relationship-driven approach that ensures community voices
shape all major components of the plan. The engagement strategy will be led by Community Liaisons
who bring cultural competency, neighborhood-level knowledge, and strong connections to the
community members and community-based organizations most affected by planning decisions.
Community Liaisons as Connectors: Community Liaisons will function as trusted bridges between
community members, community-based organizations (CBOs), City Commissions, and the project team.
Their deep connections allow them to elevate lived experiences, cultural perspectives, and community
priorities that might otherwise go unheard. They will help translate public input into clear themes and
actionable insights throughout the update.
We anticipate that our Community Liaisons would engage with four CBOs throughout Phases I and II,
as described in the tasks below. These conversations will primarily take the form of group discussions
rather than formal presentations, ensuring a more authentic, relationship-driven process.
9.1 Phase I: Goal Setting, Listening, and Discovery
The first phase begins with the Community Liaisons listening and uncovering new themes that
represent the range of lived experiences throughout the community. They will lead early meetings,
pop-up events, and conversations that bring forward residents’ experiences, priorities, and concerns.
This early work of listening and identifying themes will guide the development of clear goals, which in
turn will shape how each chapter is updated so that it reflects the real experiences of people who live in
Richfield.
9.2 Phase II: Modernize the Plan to Reflect Goals
This engagement phase is viewed as an opportunity to modernize the Comprehensive Plan by using the
revised goals to guide updates to the system plans and better reflect current community aspirations,
lived experiences, and quality-of-life expectations. More importantly, it will provide an opportunity
to report back to community-based organizations and the City Council and Commissions on how the
revised goals are guiding updates to the plan.
9.3 Phase III: Celebrate & Share Outcomes
We will host a community celebration in an open house format that brings together residents, CBOs,
and stakeholders to review the updated plan. Community Liaisons, together with their partner CBOs,
will promote the event and explain how the plan has been updated in response to community feedback,
helping the community clearly understand the link between their input and the resulting changes.
Feedback gathered during this stage will guide final refinements before the plan enters the formal
review and adoption process.
9.4 Community‑Wide Engagement
Throughout the process, Community Liaisons will provide regular summaries of engagement findings
to City Council and Commissions (e.g., Human Rights Commission and Transportation Commission).
This ongoing communication ensures that recommendations and policy discussions are grounded in
community validated input and informed directly by the community rather than assumptions. A project
website using a StoryMap format will also be created to offer an interactive and enjoyable way for
everyone to participate throughout the entire planning process. Regular updates will occur to ensure
the project website stays fresh and informative.
Deliverables
Community Based Listening Sessions (8), Commission Updates (6), Planning
Commission Updates (3), City Council Updates (3), Pop-Up Events (6), Open House
(1), and Project Website
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Cover Letter Team Overview
2026 2027 2028
APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3/Q4
Task Alignment
PROJECT STARTPhase 1: Goal Setting, Listening, and Discovery
Phase 2: Modernize the Plan to Reflect Goals
Phase 3: Celebrate & Share Outcomes
TASK 9: ENGAGEMENT MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3/Q4
Pop-Up Events 3 3
Community-Based Listening Sessions 4 4
Online Engagement Launched Survey Updates Updates Updates Updates Updates Updates Updates Updates Updates Ongoing
Community Celebration (open house)1
Council and Commission Updates + Staff Workshops
Planning Commission (1)1 1 1 Staff Led
Human Rights Commission 1 1 1
Transportation Commission 1 1 1
City Council 1 1 1 Staff Led
City Staff/Consultant Team Workshops 1 1 1
COMMUNITY-DRIVEN SCHEDULE
Our schedule is shaped by the community engagement activities that guide each phase of the update, including community-led meetings, pop-up events, and regular updates to the Council and commissions. The
project timeline shows that most plan development and engagement will be completed within the first 16 months. The year 2028 will focus on the required six-month review and the integration of other work and
Metropolitan Council feedback. We will work with staff to tailor this schedule to align with expectations.
Task 1: Project Initiation
Task 2: Existing Conditions
Task 3: Land Use
Task 4: Housing
Task 5: Transportation Task 6: Plan Integration
Task 7: Implementation Task 8: Adoption (6-Month Review)Task 8.1 Draft Plan
CBOs help promote Open House CBO Open House Participation
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Cover Letter Team Overview
FEE ESTIMATE
Our fee estimate is based on our current understanding of the project and on the assumption that
the existing Comprehensive Plan continues to serve the community well. We understand that the key
factors shaping this update are the Metropolitan Council’s new requirements (see below) and outcomes
from our proposed work program.
Minimum Density Standards: Cities must meet updated minimum residential density
requirements based on their community designation. Thus, Richfield is expected to guide
development at a minimum net density of twenty-five units per acre, up from the previous
twenty units per acre. The current Comprehensive Plan is in alignment with the increased
density requirement.
Housing Diversity: Plans must guide land uses that support a mix of housing types. At
a minimum, low-density residential areas must now support at least two distinct housing
types, such as detached homes, townhomes, or accessory dwelling units, to support greater
housing diversity. Richfield’s current zoning reflects this requirement, and this update will
revise the future land-use categories accordingly.
Housing Policy Implementation: The Council has introduced a new Housing Policy
Toolkit to support cities in meeting affordable housing goals. Richfield’s affordable
housing allocation for the region is 294 units by 2040. We will utilize this toolkit as part of
Task 4.
Climate Action Integration: Cities must now incorporate statewide greenhouse gas
reduction targets, aiming for a 50 percent reduction by 2030 and net zero emissions by
2050. This includes strategies for mitigation and adaptation across sectors. We will leverage
the City’s Climate Action Plan to address this requirement as part of Task 6.
Natural Systems and Water Supply Planning: Plans must address surface water,
wastewater, and water supply systems with updated tools and examples provided by
the Council. We leverage the City’s water plans, which are being developed separately, to
address this requirement as part of Task 6.
Pedestrian Infrastructure: Plans must support safe, accessible, and connected
pedestrian networks that link neighborhoods to key destinations. Plans should incorporate
design principles that accommodate walking and biking for all ages and abilities, and align
local pedestrian systems with regional trails and transit. We will address this requirement as
Our approach will ensure that Richfield’s plan meets all minimum requirements,
while leveraging new tools and resources to modernize the existing plan.
part of Task 5.
We will collaborate closely with staff to modernize the plan, while avoiding a full-scale rewrite.
Throughout the process, we will look for opportunities to create efficiencies, maximize study resources,
and streamline the overall effort. We will also work with staff to determine the role they would like to
play in strengthening community engagement activities. We are happy to continue to tailor our scope
and fee to meet the City’s expectations.
Task Description Estimate Percent of Fee
1.0 Project Initiation and Compliance Framework $8,092 7%
2.0 Existing Conditions, Trends, and Policy Audit $10,188 9%
3.0 Future Subarea Framework Development $8,764 8%
4.0 Housing Goals and HRA Strategies $10,336 9%
5.0 Transportation and Active Mobility Integration $7,879 7%
6.0 Plan Integration $9,460 8%
7.0 Implementation Roadmap and First-Wave Code Review $4,268 4%
8.0 Draft Plan, Adoption, and Metropolitan Council Submittal $21,014 18%
9.0 Community Engagement $33,430 29%
Meeting Resources $900 1%
Travel/Mileage $450 0%
Total $114,781 100%
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to Questions Work Program Schedule Fee
PAGE +13City of Richfield | 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Cover Letter Team Overview
Appendix - Resumes
Page 27 of 98
AppendixExperience & References Response
to Questions Work Program Schedule Fee
PAGE +14City of Richfield | 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Cover Letter Team Overview
LANCE BERNARD
Project Manager
Phone: 320-420-7768
Email: lbernard@transportationcollaborative.com
Lance brings over 20 years of experience to TC2 leading a variety of planning projects. Lance’s work has touched on all aspects of planning, including comprehensive/land use plans, neighborhood studies, public health initiatives, expanded multimodal planning, corridor studies, parking and micro-mobility assessments, asset management, and grant funding coordination. His approach is built on trust and genuinely listening to community needs, aspirations, and desires.
BACKGROUNDBACHELOR OF ARTS, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/URBAN AFFAIRSST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY (2003)
AFFILIATIONSPast President, APA MNPast Legislative Co-Chair, APA MNMetro District Representative, APA MN
EXPERTISECOMMUNITY PLANNINGLand Use PlanningComprehensive Planning
Neighborhood Studies
Redevelopment PlansStrategic Frameworks
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
Multimodal Planning
Corridor StudiesAsset ManagementFinancial Planning/Grant AssistanceParking Studies
System Analysis
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTStakeholder FacilitationEngagement Materials and Activities
RICHFIELD 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, RICHFIELD, MNProject Manager
STILLWATER 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, STILLWATER, MN
Project Manager
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MNProject Manager
VICTORIA 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, VICTORIA, MN
Support Staff
CARVER COUNTY 2050 TRANSPORTATION PLAN, CARVER COUNTY, MNProject Manager
CARVER COUNTY PARKS AND TRAIL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND FUNDING STRATEGIST
Project Manager
MISSING MIDDLE HOUSING ZONING UPDATE, RICHFIELD, MNProject Manager
RONDO RESTORATIVE NEIGHBORHOOD AREA PLAN, SAINT PAUL, MN
Lead Planner
COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLANS (E.G., SHERBURNE, BENTON, KANABEC, OTTER TAIL, AND STEARNS COUNTY)Project Manager
WILLMAR ZONING ORDINANCE UPDATE, WILLMAR, MN
Support Staff
DILWORTH SUBAREA STUDIES AND ZONING UPDATESProject Manager
MIXED-USE ZONING DISTRICT UPDATES, STILLWATER, MN
Project Manager
SCANDIA CITY CENTER STUDY, SCANDIA, MNTransportation Planner
LOT D DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK, DULUTH, MN
Project Manager
TRAIL CROSSING GUIDELINES, THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICTLead Planner
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Note: Projects include those completed with another firm
Page 28 of 98
AppendixExperience & References Response
to Questions Work Program Schedule Fee
PAGE +15City of Richfield | 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Cover Letter Team Overview
Stephanie recently joined TC2 and brings over 15 years of experience leading a variety of community, transportation, and environmental planning projects. She enjoys working
closely with a community to explore goals and identify future actions and investments through collaboration with staff, residents and stakeholders. With thoughtful planning, sound
community engagement, and appropriate analysis, the possibilities are endless. Stephanie’s planning approach utilizes the exploration of big data to understand potential issues,
confirming perspectives with community input, to inform the creation of strategies and solutions. She works with stakeholders and partners across a variety of projects to facilitate
dozens of open houses, stakeholder meetings, and other engagement events. Stephanie’s engagement approach focuses on providing everyone a seat at the table, creating
opportunities to share ideas, and facilitating discussions of trade-offs and strategies to define a collaborative approach.
BACKGROUND
BACHELOR OF LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTURE, NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY (2010)
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN, NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY (2010)
AFFILIATIONSMetro District Representative, APA MN
EXPERTISECOMMUNITY PLANNINGLand Use Planning
Comprehensive Planning
Zoning OrdinancesNeighborhood StudiesDay-to-Day Planning ServicesSmall Area Plans
Implementation Plans
Strategic Frameworks
TRANSPORTATION PLANNINGMultimodal Planning
Corridor Studies
Streetscape and PlacemakingImpact Assessment
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Stakeholder Facilitation
Engagement Materials and Activities
MISSING MIDDLE ZONING UPDATES, RICHFIELD, MN
Planner
CEDAR AVENUE LAND USE STUDY, LAKEVILLE, MNLand Use Lead
WAYZATA 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, WAYZATA, MN
Project Manager
NORWOOD YOUNG AMERICA 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, NORWOOD YOUNG AMERICA, MNProject Manager
ROGERS 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, ROGERS, MN
Project Manager
WASHINGTON COUNTY 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, WASHINGTON COUNTY, MNProject Manager
ARRIVE + THRIVE SMALL AREA PLAN, ST LOUIS PARK, MN
Project Manager
PENN AVENUE PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENTS, HENNEPIN COUNTY, MN Land Use Planner
SUPERIOR ZONING ORDINANCE UPDATES, SUPERIOR, WI
Project Manager
WITH WILLMAR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, WILLMAR, MNProject Manager
OUR WORTHINGTON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, WORTHINGTON, MN
Project Manager
WAYZATA BOULEVARD LAND USE AND CORRIDOR STUDY, WAYZATA, MNProject Manager
MARSHALL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE, MARSHALL, MN
Project Manager
IMAGINE ISANTI COUNTY 2045 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE, ISANTI COUNTY, MNProject Manager
MILLE LACS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN UPDATE, MILLE LACS COUNTY,
MN
Project Manager
SUPERIOR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, SUPERIOR, WIProject Manager
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
““““One of the best parts of my job is getting to know the people that
make up each community we work in. I enjoy understanding what
they love about the place they call home, and their ideas for how to
make it even better. I also enjoy immersing myself in the community, serving as an extension of staff. STEPHANIE FALKERS, AICP
Note: Projects include those completed with another firm
Land Use
Page 29 of 98
AppendixExperience & References Response
to Questions Work Program Schedule Fee
PAGE +16City of Richfield | 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Cover Letter Team Overview
SAM MATUKE, AICP
Multimodal
Samantha joined the TC2 team in 2022 as a Lead Planner. She is experienced in community and transportation planning, public engagement, graphic design, grant writing, and urban design. With an educational background in Architecture and City Planning, she brings a unique perspective to all her projects. Sam believes her role as a planner is to bring tools and resources to communities, which they can utilize to shape their best future.
BACKGROUNDBACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE, U OF MN (2016)
MASTERS DEGREE, CITY AND RE-
GIONAL PLANNING, CORNELL (2019)
EXPERTISECOMMUNITY PLANNINGLand Use Planning
Comprehensive Planning
Zoning Updates
TRANSPORTATION PLANNINGTransportation Plans
System Analysis
Multimodal Planning
Safe Routes to School
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Meeting Facilitation
Public Participation
GRAPHIC DESIGNContent Creation
Logo & Visual Design
Web Design
SUPERIOR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, SUPERIOR, WI
RIVER FALLS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN + OUTDOOR
RECREATION PLAN, RIVER FALLS, MN
WILLMAR ZONING CODE UPDATE, WILLMAR, MN
RAMSEY COUNTY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
WASHINGTON COUNTY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
MISSING MIDDLE ZONING UPDATES, RICHFIELD, MN
WEST MISSISSIPPI REGIONAL TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY,
MPRB
MICROTRANSIT POLICY FRAMEWORK, METROPOLITAN
COUNCIL, MN
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
ALLY DE ALCUAZ
GIS Analyst
Ally joined the TC2 team in 2024 as a GIS Analyst and Planner. She
is experienced in translating planning issues through GIS reporting
and technical analysis. She applies her interest in GIS and data
driven planning to her work and enjoys collaborating with others
to find solutions. She also led the development of the StoryMap for
Richfield’s Missing Middle Housing zoning update. She continues
to find innovative ways to clearly communicate complex planning
topics through simple and compelling visuals created with mapping
programs.
BACKGROUND
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, ENVIRON-
MENTAL SCIENCE, SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY (2016)
MASTERS DEGREE, URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA-HUMPHREY (2019)
EXPERTISE
SYSTEM ANALYTICS
Performance MeasuresData Analytics GIS Systems & Mapping
Web-Based Dashboards
TRANSPORTATION PLANNINGSystem Analysis Multimodal Accessibility
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Graphics and Design
DOWNTOWN STILLWATER WAYFINDING PLAN, STILLWATER, MN
REGION 5 AND 7E TRANSPORTATION PLANS, MNDOT
WASHINGTON COUNTY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
SCANDIA CITY CENTER STUDY, SCANDIA, MN
RONDO RESTORATIVE NEIGHBORHOOD AREA PLAN, SAINT PAUL,
MN
801 HIGHWAY 284 SUBAREA/LAND USE STUDY, WACONIA, MN
MIDTOWN GREENWAY TRAIL EXPANSION PLANNING STUDY,
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
DOWNTOWN HIBBING PARKING STUDY AND DEVELOPMENT
REVIEW, HIBBING, MN
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Note: Projects include those completed with another firm
Page 30 of 98
AppendixExperience & References Response
to Questions Work Program Schedule Fee
PAGE +17City of Richfield | 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Cover Letter Team Overview
EVE VANAGAS
Plan Element Support
Eve Vanagas is a Community Engagement Planner who joined
TC2 in the summer of 2024. She brings a creative and relation-
ship-centered approach to public engagement, believing that every
meaningful project begins with empowering community members
to shape their future. Eve’s background in government relations,
political communications, and strategic planning informs her ability
to design inclusive engagement strategies and facilitate impactful
conversations. Her work spans a variety of planning contexts, from
corridor redesigns to regional park plans.
BACKGROUND
BACHELOR OF ARTS, POLITICAL
SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (2022)
BACHELOR OF ARTS, ECONOMICS, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (2022)
MASTER’S DEGREE, URBAN AND
REGIONAL PLANNING, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (2024)
EXPERTISECOMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTStrategy Development
Engagement Materials & Activities
Meeting Facilitation
Feedback AnalysisWeb Development
PLANNING
Strategic Planning
Land Use PlanningComprehensive PlanningPark & Trail Plans
Technical Support/Graphic Design
RONDO NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS IMPROVEMENT STUDY, SAINT
PAUL, MN
MIDTOWN GREENWAY TRAIL EXPANSION PLANNING STUDY,
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
CARVER COUNTY ON-CALL PARKS & TRAIL PLANNING SERVICES
DILWORTH SUBAREA STUDIES AND ZONING UPDATES
DOG LEASH ORDINANCE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT,
MINNETONKA, MN
NORTH MISSISSIPPI REGIONAL PARKS PLAN,
MINNEAPOLIS PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD *
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
MAYA SHEIKH
Community Liaison + Plan Element Support
Maya Sheikh joined the TC2 team in the summer of 2023 as a Planner. She brings experience in political communications, strategic development, community planning, public health, and community engagement, supported by strong graphic design abilities. Maya’s research skills allow her to analyze complex issues, translate findings into clear insights, and inform thoughtful planning recommendations. Her curiosity, positive attitude, and strong work ethic help her advance projects and empower communities to make meaningful changes and address challenges.
BACKGROUND
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, PSYCHOLOGY, LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO (2018)
MASTER’S DEGREE, URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (2023)
MASTER’S DEGREE, PUBLIC HEALTH, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (2023)
EXPERTISECOMMUNITY PLANNINGLand Use Planning
Zoning Updates
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTStrategy DevelopmentPublic Participation
MULTIMODAL PLANNINGPedestrian/Bikeway SystemsSafe Routes to SchoolCorridor Mobility Studies
GRAPHIC DESIGNConcept and Visual DesignWeb Design
POLICYLINK EQUITY CAUCUS SUPPORT, OAKLAND, CA
MISSING MIDDLE ZONING UPDATES, RICHFIELD, MN
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT TRAIL CROSSING STUDY
RED LAKE NATION ENHANCING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
THROUGH TRAILS AND PARKS STUDY
PENN AVENUE PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENTS, HENNEPIN
COUNTY, MN
WILLMAR ZONING ORDINANCE, WILLMAR, MN
MICROTRANSIT POLICY FRAMEWORK, METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
SAFE STREETS & ROADS FOR ALL COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY
ACTION PLAN, ST. CLOUD APO
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Note: Projects include those completed with another firm
Page 31 of 98
AppendixExperience & References Response
to Questions Work Program Schedule Fee
PAGE +18City of Richfield | 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Cover Letter Team Overview
TREY JOINER
Engagement Coordinator
Trey Joiner is a forward-thinking community engagement advocate with over a decade of experience in transportation planning and design. Trey thrives in helping city governments and transportation planning organizations effectively communicate with neighborhoods and local stakeholders, ensuring that community voices guide meaningful outcomes. He places strong value on integrating community input throughout project development, including collaborating with community-based organizations to shape more inclusive, responsive planning efforts.
BACKGROUND
BACHELOR OF ARTS, URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING, UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA
EXPERTISE
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
COMMUNICATION STRATEGY
MEETING FACILITATION
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
MULTIMODAL SYSTEMS
URBAN PLANNING
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
INTERAGENCY COORDINATION
PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE ANALYSIS
SAFETY ANALYSIS
FRANKLIN STATION REDESIGN - RENEW THE BLUE, METRO
TRANSIT
CEDAR AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION ENGAGEMENT SERVICES,
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
LOWRY AVENUE PHASE 2 ENGAGEMENT, HENNEPIN COUNTY, MN
RONDO RESTORATIVE NEIGHBORHOOD AREA PLAN, SAINT PAUL,
MN
GRAND AVENUE SOUTH BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION, MINNEAPOLIS,
MN
DOG LEASH ORDINANCE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT,
MINNETONKA, MN
35TH AVENUE NORTH FLOOD MITIGATION COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT, MINNEAPOLIS, MN
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Page 32 of 98
AppendixExperience & References Response
to Questions Work Program Schedule Fee
PAGE +19City of Richfield | 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Cover Letter Team Overview
ABDULLAHI ABDULLE
Community Liaison + Policy Planner
Abdullahi Abdulle is a multilingual urban planner and military vet-
eran with over a decade of experience advancing human-centered
planning, policy development, and meaningful community engage-
ment. He holds a Master’s degree in Urban Planning and is recog-
nized for authentically engaging underserved and overburdened
communities in government decision-making across transportation,
housing, land use, and public services. In 2020, he became the first
person of color elected to the New Brighton City Council, where
he contributed to creating the city’s first-ever climate action plan,
living streets plan, and land use, zoning, and comprehensive plan
implementation decisions.
BACKGROUND
MA, URBAN PLANNING, MINNESOTA
STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO
BS, CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT,
MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO
CERTIFICATIONS
CERTIFICATE IN TRANSPORTATION
EQUITY FUNDAMENTALS, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, 2022
CERTIFICATE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
MANAGEMENT, MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO, 2016 FACILITATOR, REGIONAL HIGHWAY IMPACTS STUDY
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
CBO OUTREACH LEAD, OLSON MEMORIAL HIGHWAY
PRELIMINARY DESIGN, MNDOT
LEAD FACILITATOR, DIVERSE BICYCLING PERSPECTIVES FOCUS
GROUP, MNDOT
CO-FACILITATOR, SENIOR LEADERS INSTITUTE (SLI), MINNESOTA
MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
LEAD, GAPS ANALYSIS FOR HOMELESS YOUTH, MINNESOTA
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
JEFF MILLER, AICP
Housing + Subarea Studies
Jeff will provide planning expertise to this project, leveraging his comprehensive planning experience in communities similar to Richfield and his past experience providing services to the City.
Jeff has more than twenty-five years of experience leading and contributing to community planning projects throughout the metropolitan region. His areas of expertise include comprehensive and neighborhood redevelopment planning, housing, land use, and regulatory tools such as development codes and design guidelines.
BACKGROUND
MASTER OF PLANNING, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
B.A., ECONOMICS, ST. OLAF COLLEGE, NORTHFIELD, MN
REGISTRATIONAMERICAN INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED
PLANNERS, CERTIFICATION #025995
AWARDS
2025 APA MN COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AWARD - 2045 WINONA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
2022 APA MN SUCCESS IN IMPLEMENTATION AWARD - URBAN VILLAGE MASTER PLAN; WOODBURY,
MN
2019 APA MN EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AWARD -
RED WING 2040 COMMUNITY PLAN
66TH AND PORTLAND LAND USE STUDY, RICHFIELD, MN
CEDAR AND 77TH LAND USE STUDY, RICHFIELD, MN
MR-2 AND MR-3 ZONING CODE UPDATE, RICHFIELD, MN
I-494 CORRIDOR STUDY AND MIXED-USE ZONING ORDINANCE,
RICHFIELD, MN
2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, ST. LOUIS PARK, MN
2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, OSSEO, MN
2040 COMMUNITY PLAN, RED WING, MN
2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, ROSEVILLE, MN
2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, CHASKA, MN
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
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AppendixExperience & References Response
to Questions Work Program Schedule Fee
PAGE +20City of Richfield | 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Cover Letter Team Overview
JAVIER WHITAKER-CASTAÑEDA
Community Liaison
Javier Whitaker-Castañeda is an Engagement + Communications
Specialist with over four years of experience in communications,
event planning, and engagement with multiple community-focused
organizations across the Twin Cities metro. He has experience
creating intentional and accessible outreach campaigns with
immigrant communities and language barrier communities. Javier
led multicultural engagement in the City of Richfield as part of Hen-
nepin County’s Penn Avenue project and is a fluent Spanish speaker.
He believes that asking the right questions and a focus on inclusive
planning creates more livable cities for everyone. He has a Bachelor
of Arts in Political Science and Spanish from Amherst College.
BACKGROUND
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN POLITICAL
SCIENCE + SPANISH / AMHERST COLLEGE
EXPERTISE
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTFluent in SpanishCross Culture Engagement
Event Planning
Communications
MarketingStrategy DevelopmentEngagement Materials & Activities
Meeting Facilitation
Feedback Analysis PENN AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION, HENNEPIN COUNTY
TRAVEL BEHAVIOR INVENTORY / METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
LEAD FREE SPRWS PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SERVICES, SAINT PAUL REGIONAL WATER SERVICES (SPRWS)
GRAND AVENUE CONSTRUCTION COMMUNICATIONS, CITY OF SAINT PAUL
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
DAN EDGERTON, AICP
Multimodal Support + Community Liaison
Dan is a Vice President at Zan Associates and brings over 18 years of experience in multimodal transportation planning and design, public and stakeholder engagement, and project delivery. He is an accomplished engagement professional and brings an ideal combination of experience and expertise in mentorship and planning to advise project staff on engagement for this project. He understands the complex relationship between community values, technical constraints, and agency policy direction and is passionate about engaging communities and stakeholders in relevant and meaningful conversations to inform project solutions. Dan is also a longtime resident of Richfield and a former member of the Richfield Transportation and Community Services Commissions.
BACKGROUND
MASTER OF URBAN + REGIONAL PLANNING / MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN FINANCE, INSURANCE, + REAL ESTATE / SAINT CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY
REGISTRATIONAMERICAN INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED
PLANNERS
EXPERTISEProject Management
Technical Analysis
Community EngagementTransportation PlanningStrategic VisioningFacilitation
EDINA COMPREHENSIVE & SMALL AREA PLANS, CITY OF EDINA
NICOLETT AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION, HENNEPIN COUNTY
RICHFIELD PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN, RICHFIELD, MN
REGIONAL SOLICITATION EVALUATION, METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
PENN AVENUE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS, RICHFIELD, MN
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
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1
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Professional Services Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made this ___ day of June, 2026 by and
between the City of Richfield, a Minnesota municipal corporation located at 6700 Portland Ave,
Richfield, MN 55423 (the “City”), and TC2, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the
State of Delaware, with its main office located at 17515 26th Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55447-
1601, (the “Contractor”).
I. SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED. The Contractor will perform for the City the services as specified
in its scope of services which is incorporated into this Agreement as Exhibit A (the “Scope”).
All professional services provided by the Contractor under this Agreement shall be provided in
a manner consistent with the level of care and skill ordinarily exercised by professional
consultants currently providing similar services. If any terms, rights, or obligations in the
Proposal conflict with the terms, rights, or obligations of this Agreement, the language of the
Agreement will be deemed applicable and controlling over the language in the Proposal.
II. COST OF SERVICES. For the tasks outlined in the Proposal, the City shall pay the Contractor
the fees at the rates, and at the total amounts, listed in Exhibit B (the “Fee Schedule”). The
Professional Fee includes all professional services and all expenses related to the Proposal.
The City shall not be responsible for payment for any additional work performed by the
Contractor that is not expressly listed on the Proposal or otherwise pre- approved by the City in
writing. The Contractor shall submit itemized invoices for the services it provides to the City on
a monthly basis. The itemized invoices shall clearly identify all work completed. Invoices
submitted will be processed and paid in the same manner as other claims made to the City.
The sum stipulated for services shall be considered an “Hourly-Not to Exceed” cost to the City,
subject only to adjustments for changes in scope of services performed.
III. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT. Notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary,
this Agreement may be terminated as follows: (1) the parties, by mutual written agreement,
may terminate this Agreement at any time; (2) the Contractor may terminate this Agreement in
the event of a breach of the Agreement by the City, upon providing 30 days’ written notice to
the City; (3) the City may terminate this Agreement with written notice to Contractor at any
time at its option, for any reason or no reason at all.
IV. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. All services provided pursuant to this Agreement shall be
provided by the Contractor as an independent contractor and not as an employee of the City
for any purpose. All officers, employees, subcontractors, and agents of the Contractor, or any
other person engaged by the Contractor in the performance of work or services pursuant to
this Agreement, shall not be considered employees of the City. All actions which arise as a
consequence of any act or omission on the part of the Contractor, its officers, employees,
subcontractors, or agents, or other persons engaged by the Contractor in the performance of
work or services pursuant to this Agreement, shall not be the obligation or responsibility of the
City. The Contractor, its officers, employees, subcontractors, or agents shall not be entitled to
Page 35 of 98
2
any of the rights, privileges, or benefits of the City’s employees, except as otherwise stated
herein.
V. INDEMNIFICATION. The Contractor, and any and all officers, employees, subcontractors, and
agents of the Contractor, or any other person engaged by the Contractor in the performance of
work or services pursuant to this Agreement, shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the
City and its officials, employees, contractors, and agents from any loss, claim, liability, and
expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses of litigation) arising from, or
based in the whole, or in any part, on any negligent act or omission by the Contractor, its
officers, employees, subcontractors, and agents, or any other person engaged by the
Contractor in the performance of work or services pursuant to this Agreement. In no event
shall the City be liable to the Contractor for consequential, incidental, indirect, special, or
punitive damages. Nothing in this Agreement shall constitute a waiver or limitation of any
immunity or limitation on liability to which the City is entitled under Minnesota Statutes,
Chapter 466 or otherwise.
VI. INSURANCE. The Contractor agrees that before any of the services can be performed
hereunder, the Contractor shall procure at a minimum: worker’s compensation Insurance as
required by Minnesota state law; professional liability in an amount not less than
$3,000,000.00 per claim and $3,000,000 in the aggregate; commercial general liability in an
amount of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate. To meet
the commercial general liability requirements, the Contractor may use a combination of
excess and umbrella coverage. The Contractor shall provide the City with a current certificate
of insurance listing the City as an additional insured with respect to the commercial general
liability and umbrella or excess liability. Such certificate of liability insurance shall contain a
statement that such policies shall not be canceled or amended unless 30 days’ written notice
is provided to the City, 10 days’ written notice in the case of non- payment.
VII. CONFLICT OF INTEREST. The Contractor shall use best efforts to meet all professional
obligations to avoid conflicts of interest and appearances of impropriety.
VIII. THIRD PARTY RIGHTS. The Parties to this Agreement do not intend to confer on any third party
any rights under this Agreement.
IX. NOTICES. Any notices permitted or required by this Agreement shall be deemed given when
personally delivered or upon deposit in the United States mail, first class and postage fully
prepaid, and addressed to the addresses above, or at such other address as either party may
provide to the other by notice given in accordance with this provision.
X. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
A. Entire Agreement. This Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement between the City
and the Contractor, and supersedes any other written or oral agreements between the City
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3
and the Contractor. This Agreement can only be modified in writing signed by the City and
the Contractor.
B. Data Practices Act Compliance. Data provided, produced, or obtained under this
Agreement shall be administered in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data
Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13. The Contractor will immediately report to
the City any requests from third parties for information relating to this Agreement. The
Contractor agrees to promptly respond to inquiries from the City concerning data requests.
C. Audit. The Contractor must allow the City, or its duly authorized agents, and the state
auditor or legislative auditor reasonable access to the Contractor’s books, records,
documents, and accounting procedures and practices that are pertinent to all Services
provided under this agreement for a minimum of six years from the termination of this
Agreement.
D. Choice of Law and Venue. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of Minnesota. Any disputes, controversies, or claims arising
under this Agreement shall be heard in the state or federal courts of Minnesota and the
parties waive any objections to jurisdiction.
E. No Assignment. This Agreement may not be assigned by either party without the written
consent of the other party.
F. No Discrimination. The Contractor agrees not to discriminate in providing products and
services under this Agreement on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, national origin,
disability, age, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, or religion.
G. Agreement Not Exclusive. The City retains the right to hire other additional contractors in
the City’s sole discretion.
H. Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are severable. If any portion of this
Agreement is, for any reason, held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be contrary to
law, such decision will not affect the remaining provisions of theAgreement.
I. Waiver. Any waiver by either party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement will not
affect, in any respect, the validity of the remainder of this Agreement.
J. Compliance with Laws. The Contractor shall exercise due professional care to comply
with applicable federal, state, and local laws, statutes, rules, ordinances, and regulations
in effect as of the date the Contractor agrees to provide the applicable services detailed in
Exhibit A.
K. Headings. The headings contained in this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of
reference only and shall in no way define, limit, or affect the scope and intent of this Agreement.
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4
[remainder of page left intentionally blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed, or caused to be executed by their duly
authorized officials, this Agreement as of the date first written above.
THE CITY OF RICHFIELD: CONTRACTOR:
By: ____________________ By: ____________________
Mary Supple, Mayor Craig Vaughn, CEO
Date: __________ Date: __________
By: ____________________
Katie Rodriguez, City Manager Date: ______________
Page 38 of 98
1
RICHFIELD 2050 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
SCOPE OF SERVICES
Task 1: Project Management
Task 1 kicks off the update by getting organized and establishing a framework to guide the
work ahead.
1.1 Kickoff & Project Management
The project team will begin the update with a kickoff meeting to confirm goals, establish
communication protocols, and define expectations for community and staff involvement.
The kickoff will also revisit lessons learned from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and identify
early opportunities to streamline coordination across departments (Community
Development, Public Works, HRA, Parks and Recreation). The consultant will coordinate
with department staff as needed and hold bi-weekly virtual check-ins with the City’s
Project Manager to review the schedule, monitor the budget, and discuss project
deliverables.
1.2 Metropolitan Council Requirements & Compliance Matrix
The consultant will prepare a compliance roadmap aligning Richfield’s update with Imagine
2050 requirements, including minimum residential density standards (Urban designation),
transit station area density requirements, housing diversity expectations in every
residential land use category, affordable housing need allocation, and water supply,
wastewater, and surface water documentation, as well as climate mitigation and
adaptation requirements and pedestrian first planning with multimodal integration. This
matrix will guide every subsequent task to ensure regulatory alignment from the start.
1.3 Community Engagement Plan (CEP)
The consultant will develop a Community Engagement Plan (CEP) that aligns with Task 9.
The CEP will outline a schedule and associated communications for three phases of
engagement.
Task Deliverables
1. Project Management
2. Metropolitan Council Compliance Matrix
3. Community Engagement Plan
Exhibit A
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2
4. Coordination with City Staff
5. Bi-Weekly Project Management Meetings
6. Monthly Invoicing
Task 2: Community Engagement
This task outlines the community engagement activities that will occur over three phases.
2.1 Phase I: Reflect - What does Richfield mean to you, today, and in the
future?
The first phase will focus on the values and lived experiences of the community. It will
include both digital engagement and intentional in-person events to engage directly with
community members in their own spaces. It will also feature an arts-based activity that
invites people to submit an art piece such as a photo, poem, drawing, short video, story, or
sculpture that expresses what Richfield means to them. Outcomes will be used to inform
the second phase of engagement, update the plan’s vision, goals, and strategies, and craft
the plan’s direction, while documenting key themes.
Phase I Tasks
1. Collaborate with staff to prepare marketing and communications content, including
online/electronic newsletters.
2. Develop a project website with a survey and interactive tools for community input.
3. Create a contact list and email list serve for project updates.
4. Prepare for and attend one (1) Steering Committee meeting.
5. Prepare content for and attend one (1) joint City Council and Planning Commission
work session.
6. Prepare for and attend up to eight (8) community pop-ups or touchpoints with
community-based groups.
7. Prepare a summary of the phase one public engagement results.
8. Provide monthly website updates and social media content for staff to post.
2.2 Phase II: Discuss - reflections and proposed plan changes.
This phase focuses on the future. It includes sharing the outcomes of the arts-based
engagement effort in a way that demonstrates how community contributions are shaping
the plan update. It includes developing a community-centered activity that presents
community artwork alongside clear, accessible summaries of key themes and insights.
These materials will illustrate how community voices are interpreted and translated into
revised goals and plan directions.
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Phase II Engagement will also take place both online and through approachable formats
such as small gatherings, pop-up displays, and facilitated discussions in familiar
community locations. The community will also be invited (Open House #1) to reflect on
what resonates, identify what may be missing or misrepresented, and offer additional
perspectives based on lived experience.
This phase of engagement is intended to validate what was heard, demonstrate how input
is being used to update the comprehensive plan, and gather feedback on the proposed
changes to the plan.
Phase II Tasks
9. Collaborate with staff to prepare marketing and communications content, including
online/electronic newsletters.
10. Update project website with interactive tools for community input.
11. Prepare for and attend one (1) Steering Committee meeting.
12. Prepare content for and attend one (1) joint City Council and Planning Commission
work session.
13. Prepare for and attend up to eight (8) community pop-ups or touchpoints with
community-based groups.
14. Prepare and post mail one (1) community-wide one-pager to promote the open house.
15. Provide monthly website updates and social media content for staff to post.
16. Prepare a summary of the Phase two public engagement results.
17. Prepare for and attend one (1) open house.
2.3 Phase III: Celebrate - confirm and commit to Richfield’s future.
This final phase focuses on sharing the draft plan document and celebrating the
community’s role in shaping it, while creating a clear transition from planning to
implementation. Building on earlier phases, this effort will present the full draft plan in a
story-driven format that explicitly connects community input, especially artistic
submissions and lived experiences, to the plan’s final goals, strategies, and priorities.
Selected artworks and narratives will be integrated alongside plan highlights to
demonstrate how community voices have directly informed outcomes.
Engagement will center on a community-wide event (Open House #2) and complementary
pop-up displays that combine elements of a celebration, exhibit, and feedback
opportunity. Community members will be invited to:
• See how their contributions shaped the final plan.
• React to and affirm the draft plan changes.
• Identify any final refinements before adoption.
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4
This phase will close the loop in a celebratory way, reinforcing transparency and
accountability while fostering a sense of shared ownership and community pride. It
ensures community members not only see themselves reflected in the plan but also
understand how it will guide future decisions and investments.
This phase will build confidence in the plan, strengthen trust in the process, and inspire
continued community engagement as Richfield moves from vision to action.
Phase III Tasks
18. Collaborate with staff to prepare marketing and communications content, including
online/electronic newsletters.
19. Update project website with interactive tools for community input.
20. Prepare for and attend one (1) Steering Committee meeting.
21. Prepare content for and attend one (1) joint City Council and Planning Commission
work session.
22. Prepare and post mail one (1) community-wide one-pager to promote the open house.
23. Prepare for and attend one (1) open house.
Task 3: Existing Conditions
This task will develop content to update Chapter 2 Community Direction, Chapter 3
Demographics and Chapter 4 Goals and Strategies Chapter.
3.1 Goal Setting
The consultant will refine the 2040 Comprehensive Plan’s goals and strategies, by focusing
early on confirming the community’s values, lived experiences, and long-term aspirations.
These conversations will take place at the outset of the engagement process.
3.2 Policy, Code & Plan Audit
The consultant will review all relevant plans and determine synergies and disconnects with
the 2040 Comprehensive Plan’s goals and strategies. Findings will highlight compliance
gaps, outdated assumptions, and areas where the community’s values have evolved.
3.3 Land Use & Development Trends
The consultant will review market shifts, redevelopment patterns, and demographic
change to inform subarea revisions. Trends will be examined community-wide and for their
influence on areas such as the I-494 Corridor, Cedar Avenue Corridor, “Downtown,” aging
commercial areas, and mixed-use nodes. This review will help update Chapter 2
Community Direction.
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5
3.4 Demographics & Base Maps
This task will focus on updates to Chapter 3 Demographics, documenting past trends and
updating the City’s 2050 socioeconomic forecasts. Resources are allocated across our
work program to support mapping needs, with the understanding that City staff will provide
the City’s available data, consultant may need to supplement from other sources.
Task Deliverables
1. Chapter 2 Community Direction (Draft)
2. Chapter 3 Demographics (Draft)
3. Chapter 4 Goals and Strategies Chapter (Draft)
Task 4: Land Use
This task will develop content to update Chapter 5 Land Use.
4.1 Defining “Mixed-Use” for Richfield
The consultant will help define Richfield specific definitions of mixed-use land use
categories to reflect local goals, priorities, and development context more accurately. This
work will use an economic development lens to distinguish between vertical and horizontal
mixed-use, define the differences between activity oriented and neighborhood scaled
mixed-use, and identify the types of development intensities that best support transit. It
will also outline performance criteria such as active frontages, expectations for the public
realm, and access and mobility needs. Together, this definition will form a strong
foundation for future land use decisions and zoning updates.
4.2 Quasi-Public Land Use Strategy
Recognizing that faith-based institutions are evolving in how they use land, the consultant
will help develop guidance framework to support potential housing integration, community
facilities, or site reuse while respecting neighborhood context.
4.3 Transit and Density
The consultant will work with the city to determine the appropriate land use guidance
within a ½ mile radius of highway BRT, ¼ mile radius of arterial BRT and ¼ mile along high-
frequency transit stations to meet new Metropolitan Council requirements. This work will
focus on concentrating local growth in areas best served by transit to leverage
infrastructure investments, support transit ridership, and foster compact, mixed-use, and
walkable neighborhoods.
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6
4.4 Subarea Guidance
The consultant will revisit Richfield’s key subareas, including the I-494 Corridor, the Cedar
Avenue Corridor, the Penn Avenue Corridor, and the “Downtown”, with a fresh and
thoughtful approach that reflects evolving market conditions and community priorities
from Tasks 2 and 4. This work will include determining what mixed-use should mean within
each subarea and how the desired mix of uses aligns with today’s development realities as
well as future economic development goals.
As part of this effort, the consultant will evaluate whether housing remains appropriate
along major transportation corridors considering public health research and local
concerns related to air quality, noise, and long-term livability. Through this process, each
subarea will be shaped by a clear vision, a set of guiding principles, a concept map, and
policy direction that help Richfield advance equitable development, support economic
resilience, and create healthy, vibrant places for current and future residents.
Task Deliverables
1. Chapter 5 Land Use (Draft)
a) Future Land Use Map (Draft)
b) Update Sub Area Narratives
c) Mixed-Use Definition & Typology
d) Transit Corridor Density Strategy
e) Quasi-Public Land Use Strategy
Task 5: Housing
This task will develop content to update Chapter 6 Housing.
5.1 Housing Goals
Richfield has already carried out many of the housing strategies from the 2040
Comprehensive Plan, including allowing a wider range of housing types in all residential
categories, expanding missing middle housing options, and exploring ways to preserve
naturally occurring affordable housing. This task will focus on updating goals and strategies
that support housing affordability, preserve and create housing options, additional missing
middle opportunities, and community development partnerships that were not included in
the previous plan.
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5.2 Affordable Housing & Density Compliance
The consultant will confirm Richfield’s regional affordable housing allocation and ensure
the Future Land Use Map guides sufficient land at required minimum densities. Strategies
will include coordinated land use guidance, policy support, and zoning recommendations.
5.3 Housing Strategies
This task will focus on deeper, more strategic conversations with housing staff to
understand emerging needs and determine what new tools, programs, or strategies could
further strengthen the department’s work. Through these discussions, the consultant will
help the City shape a next generation housing strategy that builds on past successes while
preparing the HRA for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Task Deliverables
1. Chapter 6 Housing (Draft)
a) Regional Affordable Housing Allocation Compliance Analysis
b) HRA Tools & Strategies
Task 6: Transportation
This task will develop content to update Chapter 7 Transportation.
6.1 Transportation Goals
The consultant will work closely with Public Works and the Steering Committee to explore
how emerging mobility strategies can continue to strengthen and complement the City’s
existing transportation goals and practices. This includes evaluating the potential
development of a Neighborhood Traffic Calming program and determining how such a
program should be reflected in the Comprehensive Plan. Engagement for this portion of the
plan will include specific focus on existing and future sidewalk networks throughout the
city. As part of this task, the consultant will also review approaches related to how the City
defines “expansion” and “reconstruction” projects, along with the potential benefits and
community impacts associated with different types of transportation investments. This
analysis will help clarify how these definitions shape project priorities and influence long-
term outcomes for safety, mobility, and neighborhood vitality.
Overall, this task will guide the City in identifying the most appropriate directions to
advance and incorporate into the Comprehensive Plan so that future transportation
decisions are well grounded, aligned with revisions to the Regional Solicitation program,
and reflective of the community’s goals.
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8
6.2 Multimodal Baseline & Network Gaps
This task will update Richfield’s multimodal network maps to meet the Metropolitan
Council’s new requirements, which emphasize documenting all travel modes and
identifying network gaps. Building on recent bicycle and pedestrian planning and
implementation work, as well as crash and safety data, the consultant will evaluate overall
network connectivity and highlight the most significant barriers to safe walking, biking, and
transit use.
6.3 Bike & Pedestrian Plan Integration
Richfield has completed extensive multimodal planning and implementation in recent
years, and this progress, along with the changes that have taken place since adoption of
the Active Transportation Plan and the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plans, will be fully
reflected in the 2050 Comprehensive Plan. The updated plan will present new strategies for
strengthening connections across the community, improving safe routes to schools, and
enhancing access to transit corridors and mixed-use areas.
6.4 Transit Coordination & Future Mobility
The consultant will use findings from recent transit studies to update the 2040
Comprehensive Plan and identify transit-supportive development opportunities, ensuring
alignment with the transit density requirements addressed in Task 3.3. This work will
include refining policies that respond to emerging mobility trends, planned transit
improvements, and regional system connections such as future BRT corridors.
Task Deliverables
1. Chapter 7 Transportation (Draft)
a. Revised Complete Streets Policies, if needed
b. Updated Transportation and Mobility Network Maps at the Local and Regional
Level
c. Active Transportation Plan and Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan Integration
Task 7: Plan Integration
This task will incorporate plans into the update that are being prepared outside of this
scope, including the Richfield–Bloomington Water Management Organization
Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan, the City’s Surface Water Management Plan,
the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, the Climate Action Plan, and the Parks and
Recreation System Update. It is assumed those who are developing these plans will be
responsible for ensuring their compliance with Metropolitan Council requirements.
7.1 Coordination and Collaboration
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9
This task translates the above plans into the required Comp Plan chapters, ensuring they
are seamlessly integrated and that their goals, strategies and technical requirements are
maintained in a consistent and well-coordinated manner. The above plans may also be
included as appendices to the Comp Plan as needed to meet more technical
requirements.
Task Deliverables
1. Chapter 8 Parks Systems Plan
2. Chapter 9 Public & Private Utilities
3. Chapter 10 Climate and Natural Systems
4. Natural Resources Chapter (new) to meet Metropolitan Council Requirements
Task 8: Implementation
This task will develop content to update Chapter 11 Implementation.
8.1 Implementation Matrix
Utilizing the analysis and outcomes of previous tasks, the consultant will identify actions
that advance the policies and outlines defined within the Comprehensive Plan. A matrix
will be created to inform future actions, highlighting responsibilities, timelines
(near/mid/long-term), priorities, funding resources, and partnerships for each action.
8.2 Zoning Code Recommendations
Zoning code recommendations will be made to address mixed-use districts/overlays,
residential neighborhood standards, TOD/station area land use changes, pedestrian-first
design elements, and sustainability and green infrastructure requirements.
Task Deliverables
1. Chapter 11 Implementation Chapter (Draft)
Task 9: Adoption
This task will account for all required timelines associated with review periods, public
hearings, and final adoption.
9.1 Draft Plan
The consultant will prepare a draft plan for staff review that not only updates the document
to meet Metropolitan Council requirements but also modernizes it to reflect the City’s past
work, the community’s revised goals, and findings from previous tasks. We anticipate that
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10
the overall structure and outline of the plan will remain generally the same, with a refreshed
presentation.
9.2 Public Review Draft & Hearings
The consultant will prepare the plan for public review, Planning Commission consideration,
and City Council adoption. City staff will take lead at this point, but the consultant team
will continue to support staff in the public hearing, jurisdictional review, and adoption
process, particularly in relation to ensuring that all plan requirements set forth by the
Metropolitan Council are satisfied.
9.3 Metropolitan Council Coordination & Final Submittal
The consultant will conduct a pre-submittal review with the Council, revise accordingly,
and support the City through the regional review and approval process.
Task Deliverables
1. Final Plan for Staff and Public Review
2. Prepare materials for and attend the public review and adoption process with Planning
Commission and City Council - two (2) meetings
3. Metropolitan Council Submittal Package
4. One (1) Final Plan in an ADA accessible PDF format
5. Six (6) printed and bound color copies
Page 48 of 98
Team Member Lance Trey Sam Ally Maya Eve TC2 Total
Hours
TC2
Total Cost Jeff Support HKGI Total
Hours HKGi Total Cost Abdullah
i
Humanize MN Total Hours
Humanize MN
Total Cost Dan Javier Zan Assoc.
Total Hours
Zan Assoc.
Total Cost
Total
Task Cost
Hourly Rates $201 $170 $152 $130 $119 $117 $195 $120 $200 $240 $122
1.0 PROJECT MANAGEMENT 33 4 0 0 3 0 40 $7,670 8 0 8 $1,560 4 4 $800 6 0 6 $1,440 $11,470
1.1 Kick-Off and Project Management 30 2 0 0 0 0 32 $6,370 8 0 8 $1,560 4 4 $800 6 0 6 $1,440 10,170$
1.2 Met Council Requirements & Compliance Matrix 2 0 0 0 3 0 5 $759 0 0 0 $0 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 759$
1.3 Community Engagement Plan (CEP)1 2 0 0 0 0 3 $541 0 0 0 $0 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 541$
2.0 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 36 15 0 0 32 60 143 $20,614 0 0 0 $0 68 68 $13,600 4 88 92 $11,696 $45,910
2.1 Phase I (up to 8 pop-ups/touchpoints, 1 Steering Committee Meeting, 1 CC/PC Work session)12 6 0 0 12 12 42 $6,264 0 0 0 $0 32 32 $6,400 2 42 44 $5,604 18,268$
2.2 Phase II (up to 8 pop-ups/touchpoints, 1 Steering Committee Meeting, 1 CC/PC Work session, 1 Open House, 1 Newsletter)12 5 0 0 12 24 53 $7,498 0 0 0 $0 32 32 $6,400 2 42 44 $5,604 19,502$
2.3 Phase III (1 Steering Committee Meeting, 1 CC/PC Work session,1 Open House, 1 Newsletter)12 4 0 0 8 24 48 $6,852 0 0 0 $0 4 4 $800 0 4 4 $488 8,140$
3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS 8 0 0 10 34 2 54 $7,188 0 0 0 $0 4 4 $800 0 0 0 -$ $7,988
3.1 Goal Setting 2 0 0 0 8 0 10 $1,354 0 0 0 $0 4 4 $800 0 0 0 $0 2,154$
3.2 Policy, Code and Plan Audit 2 0 0 0 6 0 8 $1,116 0 0 0 $0 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 1,116$
3.3 Land Use and Development Trends 2 0 0 6 4 2 14 $1,892 0 0 0 $0 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 1,892$
3.4 Demographics & Base Maps 2 0 0 4 16 0 22 $2,826 0 0 0 $0 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 2,826$
4.0 LAND USE 10 0 8 4 18 8 48 $6,824 6 20 26 $3,570 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 $10,394
4.1 Defining "Mixed-Use" for Richfield 2 0 0 0 6 0 8 $1,116 2 4 6 $870 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 1,986$
4.2 Quasi-Public Land Use Strategy 2 0 0 0 6 0 8 $1,116 0 0 0 $0 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 1,116$
4.3 Transit and Density 2 0 8 4 0 0 14 $2,138 0 0 0 $0 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 2,138$
4.4 Subarea Guidelines 4 0 0 0 6 8 18 $2,454 4 16 20 $2,700 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 5,154$
5.0 HOUSING 6 0 0 4 0 0 10 $1,726 6 40 46 $5,970 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 $7,696
5.1 Housing Goals 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 $402 2 12 14 $1,830 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 2,232$
5.2 Affordable Housing and Density Compliance 2 0 0 4 0 0 6 $922 2 16 18 $2,310 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 3,232$
5.3 Housing Strategies 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 $402 2 12 14 $1,830 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 2,232$
6.0 TRANSPORTATION 4 0 16 8 6 0 34 $4,990 0 0 0 $0 0 0 $0 8 0 8 $1,920 $6,910
6.1 Transportation Goals 1 0 4 0 0 0 5 $809 0 0 0 $0 0 0 $0 8 0 8 $1,920 2,729$
6.2 Multimodal Baseline and Network Gaps 1 0 4 6 0 0 11 $1,589 0 0 0 $0 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 1,589$
6.3 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Integration 1 0 6 0 6 0 13 $1,827 0 0 0 $0 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 1,827$
6.4 Transit Coordination and Future Mobility 1 0 2 2 0 0 5 $765 0 0 0 $0 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 765$
7.0 PLAN INTEGRATION 14 0 8 12 24 24 82 $11,254 0 0 0 $0 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 $11,254
7.1 Plan Integration 14 0 8 12 24 24 82 $11,254 0 0 0 $0 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 11,254$
8.0 IMPLEMENTATION 4 0 0 0 8 0 12 $1,756 2 4 6 $870 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 $2,626
8.1 Implementation Matrix 2 0 0 0 4 0 6 $878 1 2 3 $435 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 1,313$
8.2 Zoning Code Recommendations 2 0 0 0 4 0 6 $878 1 2 3 $435 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 1,313$
9.0 ADOPTION 26 0 16 16 50 32 140 $19,432 8 12 20 $3,000 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 $22,432
9.1 Draft Plan 14 0 8 16 42 32 112 $14,852 6 8 14 $2,130 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 16,982$
9.2 Public Review Draft and Hearings (1 Planning Commission Meeting and 1 City Council Meeting)8 0 4 0 8 0 20 $3,168 2 4 6 $870 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 4,038$
9.3 Met Council Coordination and Submittal 4 0 4 0 0 0 8 $1,412 0 0 0 $0 0 0 $0 0 0 0 $0 1,412$
HOUR TOTALS 141 19 48 54 175 126 563 81,454.00$ 30 76 106 $14,970 76 76 15,200.00$ 18 88 106 15,056.00$ $126,680
Meeting Resources (snacks)200$ -$ 200$ 200$ 600$
Translation Services -$ 150$ 300$ 450$
Newsletter Mailing (2 community-wide mailings)20,000$ -$ -$ 20,000$
Meeting Materials, Prints, & Supplies 1,500$ -$ -$ 1,500$
Travel/Mileage 200$ 100$ 200$ 200$ 700$
Total $149,930
Task
23P207 HIGHWAY SYSTEM HARMS STUDY PROPOSAL April 11, 2024 TC2 Submittal
Exhibit B
Page 49 of 98
City Council Meeting 6/9/2026
Agenda Section: Consent Calendar
Agenda Item: 7.c.
Report Prepared By:
Zach McCarty, Solid Waste Specialist
Department Director:
Karl Huemiller, Recreation Director
Item for Consideration:
Resolution supporting the City of Richfield's selection to host a Minnesota
GreenCorps Member.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
City staff were notified that a host site application to the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency's Minnesota GreenCorps program was approved, contingent on support from
the City. If the resolution is approved, the City will host a member from September 2026
to August 2027. The GreenCorps member would assist the City in collecting data and
implementing new programs to increase waste reduction rates among residents and
City departments, as well as improve access to residents who historically have not
participated in waste reduction programs. Specific projects include hosting events to
educate residents on recycling and repair resources, data collection on the current
status of bulky item disposal in the City, and expanding access to waste diversion
opportunities at multi-unit residential buildings.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
By Motion: Approve the resolution supporting the City of Richfield's agreement to
host a Minnesota GreenCorps member and authorizing the City Manager to
execute a host site agreement with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The City has hosted GreenCorps members previously from 2018 to 2019 and 2021 to
2022. This partnership saw the launch of multiple resources that still exist today,
including Richfield's organics drop-off program, the free resources for residents
participating in an organics program, and multi-unit residential recycling education.
Since last hosting a member, staff have continued to implement programs to improve
access to waste reduction resources, including swaps, electronics recycling/paper
shredding events, and partnering with the County's fix-it hub program. These programs
have had high rates of engagement from residents, with many participants expressing a
desire to have more resources to help keep items out of landfills. Staff continues to
strive to meet this demand but are often hampered by lack of capacity to study and pilot
new programs. A GreenCorps member would assist in continuing the development of
these resources, helping the City achieve goals in its Climate Action Plan and Hennepin
County's Solid Waste Management Plan, particularly around the repair, reuse, and
reduction of waste.
EQUITABLE OR STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS OR IMPACTS
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Large portions of the GreenCorps member's proposed activities aim to reduce barriers
to accessing environmentally responsible disposal methods, with a particular focus on
expanding access to these resources at multi-unit residences. Additionally, the member
will be tasked with developing resources and programs that can be accessed regardless
of a participant's English proficiency.
POLICIES (RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, REGULATIONS, STATUTES, ETC.)
None
CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES
A signed host site agreement from the City Manager is due to the MPCA by June 30,
2026.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There will be a small financial impact for hosting a GreenCorps member. The City will
be responsible for the costs associated with necessary IT equipment, the member's
project-related mileage reimbursement, and providing up to $600 in matching funds for
professional development. These costs were budgeted in the 2026 Sustainability budget
and will be covered by SCORE funding from the county, intended for waste reduction
initiatives.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
None.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S)
None.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2026-06-09 Resolution 12XXX GreenCorps (R1)
Page 51 of 98
City of Richfield June 9, 2026
County of Hennepin
State of Minnesota
RESOLUTION NO. 12XXX
Motion by:
Seconded by:
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE CITY OF RICHFIELD’S SELECTION
TO HOST A MINNESOTA GREENCORPS MEMBER
WHEREAS, the City of Richfield highly values sustainability and is actively working to help the
community mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change; and
WHEREAS, the City of Richfield is currently undertaking multiple waste management related
initiatives, including broadening residential organics collection, improving opportunities for residents to
reduce and donate bulky waste, and sharing education around reuse and waste reduction; and
WHEREAS, the City of Richfield was selected to host an AmeriCorps member from the
Minnesota GreenCorps, a program of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), for the 2026-
2027 program year; and
WHEREAS, the City is committed to implementing the proposed project as described in the
host site application, and in accordance with pre-scoped position description; and
WHEREAS, the MPCA requires that the City of Richfield enter into a host site agreement with
the MPCA that identifies the terms, conditions, roles and responsibilities;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Richfield,
Minnesota, that the City of Richfield hereby agrees to enter into and sign a host site agreement with
the MPCA to carry out the member activities specified therein and to comply with all of the terms,
conditions, and matching provisions of the host site agreement and authorizes and directs the City
Manager to sign the grant agreement on its behalf.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota this June 9, 2026.
VOTING AYE VOTING NAY
Supple, Mary Supple, Mary
Burk, Walter Burk, Walter
Christensen, Sharon Christensen, Sharon
Coleman-Woods, Rori Coleman-Woods, Rori
Hayford Oleary, Sean Hayford Oleary, Sean
Mary Supple, Mayor
ATTEST:
Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk
Page 52 of 98
City Council Meeting 6/9/2026
Agenda Section: Consent Calendar
Agenda Item: 7.d.
Report Prepared By:
Matt Hardegger, Transportation Engineer
Department Director:
Kristin Asher, Public Works Director
Item for Consideration:
Consider a resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to execute two
Active Transportation Grant Agreements with the Metropolitan Council.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Engineering is currently developing final design plans for two sidewalk projects funded
through the 2024 Regional Solicitation process. These projects are on 73rd Street and
Diagonal Boulevard between Portland Avenue and Cedar Avenue, and on 64th Street
between Lyndale Avenue and Portland Avenue.
In order for grant funds to be disbursed by the Metropolitan Council, the city must enter
into grant agreements with the agency.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
By Motion: Approve the resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to
execute two Active Transportation Grant Agreements with the Metropolitan
Council.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
In 2024, Richfield was awarded grants for two sidewalk projects through the
Metropolitan Council's Regional Solicitation program. These grants were funded with
Regional Sales and Use Tax revenue created in 2023 by the Minnesota Legislature.
Both projects were brought forward for public engagement during the summer and fall of
2025, with final design plans developed following engagement. The 73rd Street project
is expected to have a bid opening in late June, with construction beginning in late
August or early September. The 64th Street project is still in negotiations with the
railroad about the crossing location and is expected to be bid by the end of 2026, for
2027 construction.
The 73rd Street/Diagonal Boulevard project was originally awarded $1,046,040 in grant
funds. Staff requested a scope change following public engagement to remove the new
sidewalk element between Bloomington Avenue and Cedar Avenue, and instead re-
pave the existing trail. This request included the return of some grant funding, since the
scope of the project was reduced and an element was removed. This change will create
a single pedestrian walkway on the north side of the street continuously from Harriet
Avenue to Cedar Avenue. The scope change was approved at the May 20, 2026 TAB
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meeting, with the revised grant amount of $901,200.
Additional historical context about design decisions for the project can be found in the
November 25, 2025 agenda packet, if desired.
EQUITABLE OR STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS OR IMPACTS
Entering into an agreement with the Metropolitan Council for grant fund disbursement is
standard city business. Equitable and Strategic considerations for these projects can be
found in the November 25, 2025 agenda packet.
POLICIES (RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, REGULATIONS, STATUTES, ETC.)
Funding for this program is authorized by MN Statute, section 473.4465. Both streets
are classified as collector routes, which should have a sidewalk on one side of the road
under Richfield's current sidewalk inclusion policy.
CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES
Grant agreements must be executed prior to the disbursement of funding for the project.
Fifty percent of the funds for this program are disbursed at the point that 1) the
agreement has been executed, 2) the plans have been approved by the Metropolitan
Council, and 3) a contract has been executed with the project contractor.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The current engineer's estimate for 73rd Street/Diagonal Boulevard is $1,094,697.50
(95% design completion). The current engineer's estimate for 64th Street is $1,058,832
(90% design completion).
The City of Richfield will receive up to $901,200 from the Metropolitan Council for the
73rd Street/Diagonal Boulevard project and up to $853,660 for the 64th Street project.
Both projects require a 20% local match. For 73rd Street/Diagonal Boulevard, this will
require a local match of up to $225,300, which will be paid for using Franchise Fees.
For 64th Street, the local match is up to $213,415, which will be paid for using a
combination of Franchise Fees and State Aid funds where eligible (portions of the
project east of Nicollet Avenue).
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
These agreements have been reviewed by the City Attorney and they will be available
for questions.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S)
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2026-06-09_Resolution_12XXX Met_Council_Sidewalk_Grant (R1)
2. SG-25M-AT-12 Richfield 73rd St. Sidewalk_Grant_Agreement (R1)
3. 2025.11.14_139183_73rd Layout
4. SG-25M-AT-13 Richfield 64th_Grant Agreement (R1)
5. 2025.11.14_64th_Layout
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City of Richfield June 9, 2026
County of Hennepin
State of Minnesota
RESOLUTION NO. 12XXX Motion by: Seconded by:
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF METROPOLITAN COUNCIL AGREEMENTS
SG-25M-AT-12 & SG-25M-AT-13 SETTING GRANT TERMS AND CONDITIONS
FOR THE DISBURSEMENT OF REGIONAL SALES AND USE TAX REVENUE FUNDING
FOR ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS
WHEREAS, the City of Richfield has applied to the Metropolitan Council for two grants from
the Regional Sales and Use Tax Revenue Account; and
WHEREAS, the projects will construct pedestrian routes on 73rd Street and Diagonal
Boulevard from Portland Avenue to Cedar Avenue and on 64th Street from Lyndale Avenue to
Portland Avenue; and
WHEREAS, the Transportation Advisory Board has given notice that funding for these
projects is available; and
WHEREAS, the maximum amount of the grant for 64th Street has been determined to be
$853,660 with a required local match of 20%; and
WHEREAS, the maximum amount of the grant for 73rd Street/Diagonal Boulevard has been
determined to be $901,200 with a required local match of 20%; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Richfield does hereby agree to the
terms and conditions of the grant consistent with Minnesota Statutes, and will pay any additional
amount by which the cost exceeds the estimate, and will return to the Regional Sales and Use Tax
Revenue Account any amount appropriated for the project but not required. The Mayor and City
Manager are authorized to execute a grant agreement and any amendments thereto with the
Metropolitan Council concerning the above-referenced grants.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota this 9th day of June, 2026.
VOTING AYE VOTING NAY
Supple, Mary Supple, Mary
Burk, Walter Burk, Walter
Christensen, Sharon Christensen, Sharon
Coleman-Woods, Rori Coleman-Woods, Rori
Hayford Oleary, Sean Hayford Oleary, Sean
Mary B. Supple, Mayor
ATTEST:
Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk
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Grantee: City of Richfield SG-25M-AT-12
Project: 73rd Street Sidewalk
Grant Amount: $901,200.00 Council Action: Business Item No. 2024-196;
TAB Action Transmittal 2026-25
Required 20% Match: $225,300.00 Council Action Date: August 28, 2024;
TAB Action Transmittal April 9, 2026
Additional Local Funds: $0.00
Total Project Cost: $1,126,500.00
Funding Authority: Minnesota Statutes, section 473.4465
Funding Source: Regional Transportation Sales and Use Tax Revenue
Effective Date: Date Agreement is Executed
Project Activity Period: January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2028
Expiration Date: December 31, 2028
Grant Administrator: Arin Knutson
AGREEMENT
THIS GRANT AGREEMENT is made and entered into by and between the Metropolitan
Council (“Council”) and the GRANTEE (“Grantee”) each acting by and through their duly
authorized representatives.
RECITALS:
1. Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.9915, requires the Council to impose a metropolitan-area
regional transportation sales and use tax and under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.4465, the
Council must specify the purposes for which the “sales tax revenue” must be used.
2. Minnesota Statutes, section 473.4465, subdivisions 2 and 3 make five percent of the sales tax
revenue available for grants to support active transportation within the metropolitan area and
authorize the Transportation Advisory Board to establish eligibility requirements and a
selection process to provide the grant awards.
3. The Grantee sought funding in connection with an application through the Regional
Solicitation submitted in response to the Council’s notice of availability of grant funds and will
use the grant funds made available under this Agreement to help fund the “Project” identified
in the application.
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4. The Council awarded active transportation grant program funds to the Grantee subject to any
terms, conditions, and clarifications stated in its Council Action, and with the understanding
that the “Project” identified in the application will proceed to completion in a timely manner,
all grant funds will be expended prior to the “Expiration Date” identified above and Project
construction will be completed before the “Expiration Date.”
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council and the Grantee agree as follows:
I. PROJECT; APPROVED BUDGET AND MATERIAL REPRESENTATIONS
1.01 Project. The Grantee agrees to perform and complete in a satisfactory and proper manner
the Project specified in Exhibit A in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
The Project describes the activities to be completed by the Grantee and a proposed schedule for
the completion of the Project. All Project activities must be consistent with the approved scope of
work and the approved budget detailed below. Any proposed change to the Project must adhere to
the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) Scope Change Policy.
There are three types of scope changes: administrative, informal, and formal. Administrative scope
changes are considered minor and can be reviewed and approved by Council staff. Informal scope
changes that do not substantively impact the regional benefit of the Project may be approved by
Council staff and completed with an executed grant contract amendment. Formal scope changes
are changes deemed have the potential to significantly alter the estimated regional benefits of the
Project and must go through the formal committee process and be approved by the TAB. In all
cases a Grantee initiates a scope change request by submitting a signed letter of request outlining
the changes being requested and subsequent impacts to the Project outcomes.
1.02 Approved Budget; Budget Variances. The Grantee will complete the Project in
accordance with the approved budget specified in Exhibit A. The Grantee may reallocate up to
twenty percent (20%) of the Grant Amount among the grant-funded activities provided: (a) the
grant funds may be used only for Project activities for which the Council awarded the grant funds;
(b) the reallocation does not significantly change the Project deliverables; and (c) the Grantee
receives written permission from Council staff prior to reallocating any grant funds. Budget
variances that exceed twenty percent (20%) must be made by written amendment of this
Agreement. Notwithstanding the aggregate or net effect of any variances, the Council’s obligation
to provide grant funds under this Agreement shall not exceed the Grant Amount identified on Page
1 of this Agreement.
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1.03 Use of Contractors. The Grantee may engage contractors to perform Project activities.
However, the Grantee retains sole responsibility to the Council for performance of the Project
activities and the use of contractors does not relieve the Grantee from any of the Grantee’s
obligations under this Agreement. If the Grantee contracts with any contractors to perform any
part of the Project activities, the contract shall include provisions requiring the contractor to:
A. Maintain all records and provide all reporting as required by this Agreement; and
B. Defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Council and its members, employees,
and agents from and against all claims, suits, demands, damages, judgments, costs,
interest, and expenses relating to the contractor’s performance of the contracted
work; and
C. Provide and maintain insurance carrying levels and types of coverage appropriate
for the contracted work and naming the Council as an additional insured, and
provide to the Grantee—prior to commencement of the contracted work—a
certificate of insurance evincing such insurance coverage; and
D. Be an independent contractor for the purposes of completing the contracted work;
and
E. Acknowledge that the contract between the Grantee and the contractor does not
create any contractual relationship between the Council and the contractor.
1.04 Project Plans. The Grantee will be required to submit final project plans for Council
review and approval. Final project plans must ensure that the Project is substantially the same as
what was described in the application, that basic design standards are met from the MnDOT
Facility Design Guide or other applicable design standards, and that requirements of the Americans
with Disabilities Act are being met. The Grantee’s final project plans must be reviewed and signed
by an accredited engineer that attests that the plan meets the minimum standards.
1.05 Right-of-Way Acquisition. Prior to the release of any grant funds, the Grantee must
provide documentation that shows that all necessary land rights are under the control of the Grantee
for the duration of the project and any necessary agreement(s) are in place. The Grantee must
follow all applicable state standards concerning right-of-way acquisition.
1.06 Small Disadvantaged Businesses. If a project receives a grant award greater than
$750,000 and the Grantee plans to bid out work to a subcontracting firm, the Grantee must work
with the Council’s Office of Equity & Equal Opportunity (OEEO) to set subcontracting goals
through the Metropolitan Council’s Underutilized Business (MCUB) Program. If the Grantee
already has an equivalent contracting program in place and provides evidence of such program to
the Council the MCUB requirement can be waived.
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1.07 Material Representations. All representations made or contained in the Grantee’s
application for grant assistance are material representations of fact upon which the Council relied
in awarding this grant assistance and are incorporated by reference into this Agreement.
II. AUTHORIZED USE OF GRANT FUNDS
2.01 Authorized Uses. The Grantee is authorized to use the grant funds only for costs directly
incurred for the Project activities described in the application for grant funds and specified in
Exhibit A and only during the Project Activity Period specified in Paragraph 7.01 and identified
on Page 1 of this Agreement. No other use of the grant funds is permitted.
2.02 Eligible Costs. Eligible project costs must be consistent with the TAB Eligible Project
costs which include, but are not limited to: construction, crossing aids, lighting, streetscaping,
and wayfinding.
2.03 Ineligible Costs. Costs for studies, preliminary engineering, design, right-of-way, and
construction engineering are not eligible for reimbursement.
III. GRANT AMOUNT AND DISBURSEMENTS
3.01 Grant Amount. The Council will make available to the Grantee a grant of up to the “Grant
Amount” identified on page 1 for the Project. The Council’s obligation under this Agreement shall
not exceed the Grant Amount. The Council shall bear no responsibility for cost overruns that may
be incurred by the Grantee, or any of its contractors, in the performance of the Project activities.
3.02 Disbursement of Grant Funds. Grant funds will be disbursed by the Council as follows:
A. The first 50% of the Grant Award will be disbursed by the Council after the
following conditions have been met:
i. This Agreement is fully executed by all parties.
ii. Council staff approval of Grantee’s final project plan sheets.
iii. Council receipt of Grantee’s signed construction contract.
B. Upon full expenditure of the initial 50% of the Grant Award, Grantees must submit
a Grantee Invoice using the form provided by the Council’s authorized agent
(“Invoice”).
C. The Invoice must describe the eligible Project Activities undertaken during the
invoice period, itemize the expenditures for which the advance payment was
utilized, and identify the corresponding activity line. This submission must also
include supporting documentation pursuant to Paragraph 4.01.
D. Subject to verification of the submitted Invoice (and the required documentation)
and approval for consistency with this Agreement, the Council will approve the
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expenditure of the 50% advance payment of the Grant Award. The Council may
deny part, or all of the submitted Grantee Invoice believed to be unwarranted or
unjustified.
E. The remaining 50% of the Grant Award will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis
after satisfactory review and approval of the expenditure of the initial 50% advance
payment and upon receipt of an Invoice or Invoices from the Grantee.
F. Each Invoice must describe the eligible Project activities undertaken during the
invoice period, itemize the expenditures for which reimbursement is requested, and
identify the corresponding grant activity line. Each request must also include
supporting documentation pursuant to Paragraph 4.01.
G. Subject to verification of each Invoice (and the required documentation) and
approval for consistency with this Agreement, the Council will disburse a requested
amount to the Grantee within thirty-five (35) days after receipt of a properly
completed and verified Invoice. The Council may deny part, or all of any
reimbursement request believed to be unwarranted or unjustified.
H. No reimbursement payment will be made, which would cause the disbursement of
grant funds to exceed, cumulatively through such payment, the Grant Amount.
I. Disbursement of any grant funds or approval of any report is not a Council waiver
of any Grantee noncompliance with this Agreement.
3.03 Interest Earnings. If the Grantee earns any interest or other income from the grant funds
received from the Council under this Agreement, the Grantee will use the interest earnings or
income only for the purposes of implementing the Project activities described or identified in
Exhibit A.
3.04 Loss of Grant Funds. The Grantee agrees to remit to the Council in a prompt manner:
(1) any unspent grant funds, including any grant funds that are not expended prior to the
Expiration Date identified on Page 1 of this Agreement; (2) any grant funds that are not used for
the authorized purposes; (3) and any interest earnings described in Section 3.03 that are not used
for the purposes of implementing the grant-funded Project activities described or identified in
Exhibit A. For the purposes of this Agreement, grant funds are “expended” prior to the
Expiration Date if the Grantee pays or is obligated to pay for expenses of eligible grant-funded
Project activities that occurred prior to the Expiration Date and the eligible expenses were
incurred prior to the Expiration Date.
IV. ACCOUNTING AND RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
4.01 Accounting and Records. The Grantee agrees to establish and maintain accurate and
complete accounts and records relating to the receipt and expenditure of all grant funds received
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from the Council. Notwithstanding the expiration and termination provisions of Sections 7.02,
7.03, 7.04, and 7.05 such accounts and records shall be kept and maintained by the Grantee until
the latest of (1) a period of six (6) years following the completion of the Project activities described
or identified in Exhibit A, or (2) six (6) years following the expenditure of grant funds, or (3) if
any litigation, claim, or audit is commenced during either such period, when all such litigation,
claims or audits have been resolved. Accounting methods shall be in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles.
If the Grantee engages any contractor to perform any part of the Project activities, the Grantee
must include in its contract provisions requiring the contractor to establish and maintain Project
information in accordance with the provisions of this Paragraph 4.01.
4.02 Audit. The above accounts and records of the Grantee shall be audited in the same manner
as all other accounts and records of the Grantee are audited and may be audited or inspected on
the Grantee’s premises or otherwise by individuals or organizations designated and authorized by
the Council at any time, following reasonable notification to the Grantee, for a period of six
(6) years following the completion of the Project activities or six (6) years following the
expenditure of the grant funds, whichever occurs earlier. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes,
section 16C.05, subdivision 5, the books, records, documents, and accounting procedures and
practices of the Grantee that are relevant to this Agreement are subject to examination by the
Council and either the Legislative Auditor or the State Auditor, as appropriate, for a minimum of
six (6) years.
V. SEMI-ANNUAL AND FINAL REPORTING
5.01 Semi-Annual Reporting. During the Grant Activity Period the Grantee must submit semi-
annual progress reports to the Council by July 31 and January 31 of each calendar year of this
Agreement. In its report, the Grantee shall describe the current Project spending and projected
spending from January to June, and from July to December. The report shall also include the
construction activities taken during the reporting period. The Grantee shall provide sufficient
documentation thereof and such other information as the Council’s staff reasonably requests.
5.02 Final Report. Prior to the final reimbursement, the Grantee shall submit to the Council a
final project report for Council review and approval. The Grantee must submit the closeout
requirements in a format determined by the Council providing the total Project receipts and
expenditures, summarizing all Project activities, and containing a certification by the Grantee’s
authorized financial representative (e.g., CFO, Financial Director) that all grant funds were
expended in accordance with this Agreement.
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VI. MONITORING AND CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS
6.01 Monitoring Activities. To assist the Council in monitoring compliance with this
Agreement, the Grantee agrees to attend Grantee meetings as requested by the Council and to
permit site visits by Council staff during business hours upon reasonable notice. The Grantee
agrees to submit to the Council a copy of any promotional information regarding the Project
disseminated by the Grantee during the term of this Agreement.
6.02 Changed Conditions. The Grantee must notify the Council immediately of any changes
in conditions, law, ordinance, or regulation, or any other event that may affect the Grantee’s ability
to complete the Project activities in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
6.03 Consultation. If the Grantee, for any reason, determines that the Project or any portion of
it should not be undertaken, or that there should be a change in the scope of costs of the Project
activities or any portion of them, the Grantee shall submit to the Grant Administrator a statement
describing the situation and the reasons for the Grantee’s determination. The review of these
proposed changes will then follow the TAB Scope Change Policy, as described in Section 1.01.
VII. AGREEMENT TERM
7.01 Project Activity Period. The Grantee will complete all Project activities during the period
identified as “Project Activity Period” on page 1. Grant funds may not be used by the Grantee to
cover costs incurred for any Project activities taking place prior to or after the Project Activity
Period.
7.02 Project Commencement. A formal solicitation for bids must be advertised by December
31, 2026. The Grantee may seek an extension by submitting a written letter of request for TAB
approval. If the Grantee does not commence the project by the deadline and does not seek an
extension, the Council may cancel the award.
7.03 Term. This Agreement is effective upon execution of this Agreement by the Council.
Unless terminated pursuant to Sections 7.05 or 7.06, this Agreement expires on the Expiration
Date identified on Page 1 of this Agreement. Failure of the Grantee to timely execute this
Agreement does not extend the Expiration Date. The Grantee has ninety (90) calendar days after
the Expiration Date to provide documentation and information necessary to close out this
Agreement and receive disbursements for grant-funded Project activities as prescribed in Section
2.01. If the Grantee fails to provide necessary documentation and information during this ninety
(90)-day close-out period, the Grantee shall not be eligible to receive any unpaid grant funds, and
the Council will not disburse any unpaid grant funds to the Grantee. This ninety (90)-day closeout
period does not extend any Grantee reporting deadlines established in this Agreement or authorize
the Grantee to expend or commit any grant funds after the Expiration Date.
7.04 Amendments and Extension. The Council and the Grantee may amend this Agreement
by mutual agreement. Amendments or an extension of this Agreement shall be effective only on
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the execution of written amendments signed by the Council and the Grantee. If the Grantee needs
a change to the Project, additional time within which to complete the grant-funded activities and
commence the Project, a change in the budget, or a change in grant-funded activities the Grantee
must submit to the Council at least ninety (90) calendar days prior to the expiration date, a
complete, written amendment request. All requirements must be met for a request to be considered
complete. The Expiration Date may be extended, but the period of any extension shall not exceed
one (1) year beyond the original expiration date identified on Page 1 of this Agreement.
7.05 Termination for Cause. This Agreement may be terminated by the Council for cause as
reasonably determined by the Council at any time upon thirty (30) calendar days’ written notice to
the Grantee or if the Project has not commenced as set out in Paragraph 7.02. If this Agreement is
terminated prior to the Expiration Date, the Grantee shall receive payment on a pro rata basis for
eligible Project activities described or identified in Exhibit A that have been completed prior to
the termination.
7.06 Termination by Council for Noncompliance. If the Council finds that the Grantee failed
to comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Council may terminate this
Agreement at any time following seven (7) calendar days written notice to the Grantee and upon
failure of the Grantee to cure the noncompliance within the seven-day period. Noncompliance
includes failure to make reasonable progress toward completion of the Project. Upon the Council
finding of noncompliance, the Council may cease payment of invoices during any period of
noncompliance and may require the Grantee to repay the Grant Funds in full or in a portion
determined by the Council. Nothing herein shall be construed to limit the Council’s legal remedies
to recover the Grant Funds.
7.07 Effect of Grant Closeout or Termination. The closeout or termination of this Agreement
does not invalidate continuing obligations imposed on the Grantee by this Agreement. The
closeout or termination of this Agreement does not alter the Council’s authority to disallow costs
and recover Grant Funds on the basis of a later audit or other review and does not alter the
Grantee’s obligation to return any Grant Funds due to the Council as a result of later refunds,
corrections, or other transactions. If the Council determines the Grantee has failed to comply with
the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the applicable provisions of the Active
Transportation Grant Program, the Council may take any action to protect the Council’s interests
and may refuse to disburse additional grant funds and may require the Grantee to return all or part
of the grant funds already disbursed.
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VIII. CONTACT PERSONS, GRANT ADMINISTRATOR
8.01 Contact Persons. The authorized contact persons for receipt of notices, reports, invoices,
and approvals under this Agreement are:
Metropolitan Council: Grantee:
Arin Knutson Matt Hardegger
Metropolitan Council City of Richfield
390 Robert Street North 1901 East 66th Street
St. Paul, MN 55101-1805 Richfield, MN 55423
(612) 349-7643 612-861-9792
Arin.Knutson@metc.state.mn.us mhardegger@richfieldmn.gov
Or such other person(s) as may be designated in writing for itself by either party.
8.02 Notices. Any notice in connection with this Agreement will be in writing and delivered by
(a) personal delivery, (b) an overnight express courier, (c) confirmed e-mail, or (d) certified or
registered mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested. Notices will be deemed to be
effective upon personal delivery, one (1) day after deposit with an overnight express courier, five
(5) days after deposit in the mail, or upon receipt of the notice e-mail. Notices will be sent to a
Party at its address set forth above or such other address as that Party may specify in writing
pursuant to this section.
8.03 Council’s Grant Administrator. The Council’s Grant Administrator for purposes of
administration of this Agreement is the person identified as the “Grant Administrator” on Page 1
of this Agreement, or such other person as may be designated in writing by the Council. The Grant
Administrator is not authorized to execute amendments to this Agreement on behalf of the Council.
IX. GENERAL CONDITIONS
9.01 Conflict of Interest. The members, officers, and employees of the Grantee must comply
with all applicable state statutory and regulatory conflict of interest laws and provisions.
9.02 Warranty of Legal Capacity. The individuals signing this Agreement on behalf of the
Grantee and on behalf of the Council represent and warrant on the Grantee’s and the Council’s
behalf respectively that the individuals are duly authorized to execute this Agreement on the
Grantee’s and the Council’s behalf respectively and that this Agreement constitutes the Grantee’s
and the Council’s valid, binding, and enforceable agreements.
9.03 Effective Date. This Agreement is effective on the date this Agreement is fully executed
by both Parties’ authorized representatives.
9.04 Assignment Prohibited. The Grantee shall not assign this Agreement to any third party
nor transfer any Project activities responsibilities without receiving the prior express written
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consent of the Council. The Council may condition such consent on compliance by the Grantee
with terms and conditions specified by the Council.
9.05 Indemnification. The Grantee assumes liability for and agrees to defend, indemnify, and
hold harmless the Council, its members, officers, employees, and agents, from and against all
losses, damages, expenses, liability, claims, suits, or demands including, without limitation,
attorney’s fees arising out of, resulting from, or relating to, the performance of the Project activities
by the Grantee or the Grantee’s employees, agents, or contractors. Neither the Council nor the
Grantee waives any immunities or limits on liability provided by Minnesota Statutes chapter 466
or other applicable state or federal law.
9.06 Nondiscrimination. The Grantee agrees not to discriminate against any employee,
applicant for employment, or participant because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin,
sex, gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity
in a local civil rights commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age; and further agrees to take
action to ensure that applicants and employees are treated equally with respect to all aspects of
employment, including selection for training, rates of pay, and other forms of compensation.
When the Project is completed, the Grantee will operate and maintain the Project in compliance
with Minnesota Statutes, section 363A.12, regarding non-discrimination in the provision of public
services.
9.07 Acknowledgement. The Grantee will appropriately acknowledge the financial assistance
made available by the Council under this Agreement in any promotional materials, reports, and
publications relating to the Project.
9.08 Compliance with Law; Obtaining Permits, Licenses and Authorizations. The Grantee
will conduct the Project activities in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws,
ordinances, or regulations. The Grantee is responsible for obtaining and complying with all
federal, state, or local permits, licenses, and authorizations necessary for conducting the Project
activities.
9.09 Workers’ Compensation; Tax Withholdings. The Grantee represents that it is in
compliance with the workers’ compensation coverage requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section
176.181, subdivision 2, and that it, and any of its contractors or materials suppliers, if any, under
this Agreement, comply with the tax withholding on wage requirements of Minnesota Statutes,
section 290.92.
9.10 Construction. This Agreement is intended to assist in implementing the Council’s
Transportation Policy Plan and shall be interpreted consistently with that document.
9.11 Jurisdictions, Venue, and Governing Law. Venue for all legal proceedings arising out
of this Agreement, or breach of this Agreement, shall be in a state or federal court with competent
jurisdiction in Ramsey County, Minnesota. All matters relating to the performance and
interpretation of this Agreement shall be controlled by and determined in accordance with the laws
of the State of Minnesota, excluding its choice of laws rules.
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9.12 Execution in Counterpart; Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in
counterpart. Electronic signatures of the Parties’ duly authorized signatories, by facsimile or
email/Portable Document Format (PDF) transmission, shall be valid as an original signature of the
authorized signatories and shall be effective to bind the Parties under this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Grantee and the Council have caused this Agreement to
be executed by their duly authorized representatives on the dates set forth below. This Agreement
is effective on the date this Agreement is executed by the Council.
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL GRANTEE
By: _________________________________ By:_________________________________
Ryan O’Connor, Regional Administrator Mary B. Supple
Date: ______________________________ Title: _______________________________
Date: _______________________________
By:_________________________________
Katie Rodriguez
Title: _______________________________
Date: _______________________________
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EXHIBIT A
Project Title
Grantee/Subrecipient
Grantee/Subrecipient Address
Grantee/Subrecipient Project Manager
Project Manager Email
Project Manager Phone
Project Start Date
Project End Date
Grant Amount
Required 20% Match
Additional Local Funds
Total Project Cost
Type or Project (capital or operating)
Item Description or Purpose: Please provide copies of
written cost estimates and other budget documentation when
possible
Mobilization
Removals
Roadway (grading, borrow, etc.)
Roadway (aggregates and paving)
Storm Sewer
Concrete Items (curb & gutter, sidewalks, median barriers)
Traffic Control
Signing
Lighting
Turf - Erosion & Landscaping
Roadway Contingencies
Grant Award
Local Match Amount
Total Project Cost
6700 Portland Ave. S.
Richfield, MN 55423
Matt Hardegger
612-861-9792
January 1, 2025
mhardegger@richfieldmn.gov
Project Details
73rd Street Sidewalk
City of Richfield
Grant Budget
Capital
December 31, 2028
$ 901,200.00
Work Scope:Description of the project including any anomalies. Please attach additional information when
available (such as site plans, schematics, maps, etc.)
The proposed project will construct a new sidewalk along E 73rd St and Diagonal Blvd from CSAH 35 (Portland Ave) to
MSAS 115 (Bloomington Ave S) in the City of Richfield. E 73rd St and Diagonal Blvd form a Minor Collector route. The
new sidewalk along E 73rd St will be constructed at the back of curb, and the new sidewalk along Diagonal Blvd will be
separated from the roadway by a boulevard. The shared-use path along Diagonal Blvd will be re-paved between 72nd St
and MSAS 363 (Cedar Ave S). New ADA-compliant curb ramps will be added throughout the corridor. Minor right of way
acquisition and temporary construction easements will be required to construct the proposed sidewalk.
$ 225,300.00
$ -
$ 1,126,500.00
$ 1,126,500.00
Line Total
$ 75,000.00
$ 65,000.00
$ 256,229.00
$ 82,500.00
$ 134,000.00
$ 211,885.00
$ 15,000.00
$ 6,300.00
$ 100,500.00
$ 120,000.00
$ 901,200.00
$ 225,300.00
$ 60,000.00
Page 68 of 98
2+00 3+00 4+00 5+00 6+00 7+00 8+00 9+00 10+00 11+00 12+00 13+00 14+00 15+00 16+00 17+00 18+00 19+00 20+00 21+00 22+00PORTLAND AVEOAKLAND AVEPARK AVECOLUMBUS AVECHICAGO AVEELLIOT AVE10TH AVEX X X X X X X X
X X X X X
22+00 23+00 24+00 25+00 26+00 27+00 28+00 29+00 30+00
31+0011TH AVE12TH AVEPC: 29+47.00X X X X X X
42+00 43+00 44+00 45+00 46+00 47+00 48+00 49+00 50+00 51+00 52+00 53+00 54+00 55+00 56+00
57+00BLOOMINGTON AVE16TH AVEFERN DR17TH AVE16TH AVEPC: 55+78.7117TH AVE7
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T
31+00
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33+00 34+00
35+0013TH AVE14TH AVE35+00
36+00 37+00 38+00 39+00 40+00 41+0014TH AVE15TH AVEPT: 36+26.037
2
N
D
S
T
58+00
59+00
60+00
61+0018TH AVECEDAR AVEPT: 59+17.8372ND ST
BLOOMINGTON AVEc Bolton & Menk, Inc. 2025, All Rights Reserved H:\RICH\25X139183000\CAD\C3D\MISC_139183_Layout 3.dwg 11/12/2025 4:02:19 PMR
Sidewalk Project - 73rd St and Diagonal Blvd
City of Richfield, Minnesota
Figure 3: E 73rd St and Diagonal Blvd
October 2025
R
FEETSCALE
0 25 50
HORZ.
R
FEETSCALE
0 25 50
HORZ.
R
FEETSCALE
0 25 50
HORZ.
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FEETSCALE
0 25 50
HORZ.
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FEETSCALE
0 25 50
HORZ.
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FEETSCALE
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LARGE EXISTING
RETAINING WALL
LEGEND
CONCRETE WALK/RAMP
RECLAIM EXISTING TRAIL
TRAIL
TURF BOULEVARD
DRIVEWAY PAVEMENT
EXTENDED GUTTER /
BIKE LANE (B6-60 CURB)
CURB & GUTTER
HIGH QUALITY
TREE REMOVAL
MID/LOW QUALITY
TREE REMOVAL
PRIVATE UTILITY
POLE CONFLICT
PROPOSED
RETAINING WALL
FENCE RELOCATION
EXISTING R/W
LEGEND
1.15FT TYPICAL CURB RADIUS
UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
X X X
8'8'8'8'8'8'4'8'4'R22'6' SIDEWALK6' BLVD (TO BOC)6' GUTTER + BIKE LANE8'10' DRIVE LANEPOTENTIAL IMPACTS TO
PRIVATE STORAGE AREAIMPACTS TO VEGETATION
PRIVATE UTILITY IMPACTS
MAINTAIN EXISTING PED RAMP 6' SIDEWALK6' BLVD (TO BOC)6' GUTTER + BIKE LANE10' DRIVE LANE6' SIDEWALK6' BLVD (TO BOC)6' GUTTER + BIKE LANE10' DRIVE LANE6' SIDEWALK6' BLVD (TO BOC)6' GUTTER + BIKE LANE10' DRIVE LANER2
7
.
5
'2' CLEAR1' CLEAR1' CLEAR2' CLEAR8' SIDEWALK (TO BOC)6' GUTTER + BIKE LANE10' DRIVE LANE2' CLEAR (FROM WALL)R27.5'
R
FEETSCALE
0 25 50
HORZ.
Page 69 of 98
Transit Financial Assistance Grant Agreement
Regional Sales and Use Tax
1
Approved by OGC 12/16/24
Grantee: City of Richfield SG-25M-AT-13
Project: 64th Street Sidewalk
Grant Amount: $853,660.00 Council Action: Business Item No. 2024-196
Required 20% Match: $213,415.00 Council Action Date: August 28, 2024
Additional Local Funds: $0.00 Total Project Cost: $1,067,075.00
Funding Authority: Minnesota Statutes, section 473.4465
Funding Source: Regional Transportation Sales and Use Tax Revenue
Effective Date: Date Agreement is Executed
Project Activity Period: January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2028
Expiration Date: December 31, 2028
Grant Administrator: Arin Knutson
AGREEMENT
THIS GRANT AGREEMENT is made and entered into by and between the Metropolitan
Council (“Council”) and the GRANTEE (“Grantee”) each acting by and through their duly
authorized representatives.
RECITALS:
1. Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.9915, requires the Council to impose a metropolitan-area regional transportation sales and use tax and under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.4465, the
Council must specify the purposes for which the “sales tax revenue” must be used.
2. Minnesota Statutes, section 473.4465, subdivisions 2 and 3 make five percent of the sales tax revenue available for grants to support active transportation within the metropolitan area and authorize the Transportation Advisory Board to establish eligibility requirements and a
selection process to provide the grant awards. 3. The Grantee sought funding in connection with an application through the Regional Solicitation submitted in response to the Council’s notice of availability of grant funds and will use the grant funds made available under this Agreement to help fund the “Project” identified
in the application.
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4. The Council awarded active transportation grant program funds to the Grantee subject to any
terms, conditions, and clarifications stated in its Council Action, and with the understanding that the “Project” identified in the application will proceed to completion in a timely manner, all grant funds will be expended prior to the “Expiration Date” identified above and Project construction will be completed before the “Expiration Date.”
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council and the Grantee agree as follows:
I. PROJECT; APPROVED BUDGET AND MATERIAL REPRESENTATIONS
1.01 Project. The Grantee agrees to perform and complete in a satisfactory and proper manner
the Project specified in Exhibit A in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
The Project describes the activities to be completed by the Grantee and a proposed schedule for
the completion of the Project. All Project activities must be consistent with the approved scope of
work and the approved budget detailed below. Any proposed change to the Project must adhere to
the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) Scope Change Policy.
There are three types of scope changes: administrative, informal, and formal. Administrative scope
changes are considered minor and can be reviewed and approved by Council staff. Informal scope
changes that do not substantively impact the regional benefit of the Project may be approved by
Council staff and completed with an executed grant contract amendment. Formal scope changes
are changes deemed have the potential to significantly alter the estimated regional benefits of the
Project and must go through the formal committee process and be approved by the TAB. In all
cases a Grantee initiates a scope change request by submitting a signed letter of request outlining
the changes being requested and subsequent impacts to the Project outcomes.
1.02 Approved Budget; Budget Variances. The Grantee will complete the Project in
accordance with the approved budget specified in Exhibit A. The Grantee may reallocate up to
twenty percent (20%) of the Grant Amount among the grant-funded activities provided: (a) the
grant funds may be used only for Project activities for which the Council awarded the grant funds;
(b) the reallocation does not significantly change the Project deliverables; and (c) the Grantee
receives written permission from Council staff prior to reallocating any grant funds. Budget
variances that exceed twenty percent (20%) must be made by written amendment of this
Agreement. Notwithstanding the aggregate or net effect of any variances, the Council’s obligation
to provide grant funds under this Agreement shall not exceed the Grant Amount identified on Page
1 of this Agreement.
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1.03 Use of Contractors. The Grantee may engage contractors to perform Project activities.
However, the Grantee retains sole responsibility to the Council for performance of the Project activities and the use of contractors does not relieve the Grantee from any of the Grantee’s obligations under this Agreement. If the Grantee contracts with any contractors to perform any part of the Project activities, the contract shall include provisions requiring the contractor to:
A. Maintain all records and provide all reporting as required by this Agreement; and
B. Defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Council and its members, employees, and agents from and against all claims, suits, demands, damages, judgments, costs, interest, and expenses relating to the contractor’s performance of the contracted work; and
C. Provide and maintain insurance carrying levels and types of coverage appropriate
for the contracted work and naming the Council as an additional insured, and provide to the Grantee—prior to commencement of the contracted work—a certificate of insurance evincing such insurance coverage; and
D. Be an independent contractor for the purposes of completing the contracted work;
and
E. Acknowledge that the contract between the Grantee and the contractor does not create any contractual relationship between the Council and the contractor.
1.04 Project Plans. The Grantee will be required to submit final project plans for Council
review and approval. Final project plans must ensure that the Project is substantially the same as
what was described in the application, that basic design standards are met from the MnDOT Facility Design Guide or other applicable design standards, and that requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act are being met. The Grantee’s final project plans must be reviewed and signed by an accredited engineer that attests that the plan meets the minimum standards.
1.05 Right-of-Way Acquisition. Prior to the release of any grant funds, the Grantee must provide documentation that shows that all necessary land rights are under the control of the Grantee for the duration of the project and any necessary agreement(s) are in place. The Grantee must follow all applicable state standards concerning right-of-way acquisition.
1.06 Small Disadvantaged Businesses. If a project receives a grant award greater than $750,000 and the Grantee plans to bid out work to a subcontracting firm, the Grantee must work with the Council’s Office of Equity & Equal Opportunity (OEEO) to set subcontracting goals through the Metropolitan Council’s Underutilized Business (MCUB) Program. If the Grantee already has an equivalent contracting program in place and provides evidence of such program to
the Council the MCUB requirement can be waived.
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1.07 Material Representations. All representations made or contained in the Grantee’s
application for grant assistance are material representations of fact upon which the Council relied in awarding this grant assistance and are incorporated by reference into this Agreement.
II. AUTHORIZED USE OF GRANT FUNDS
2.01 Authorized Uses. The Grantee is authorized to use the grant funds only for costs directly
incurred for the Project activities described in the application for grant funds and specified in
Exhibit A and only during the Project Activity Period specified in Paragraph 7.01 and identified on Page 1 of this Agreement. No other use of the grant funds is permitted.
2.02 Eligible Costs. Eligible project costs must be consistent with the TAB Eligible Project
costs which include, but are not limited to: construction, crossing aids, lighting, streetscaping,
and wayfinding.
2.03 Ineligible Costs. Costs for studies, preliminary engineering, design, right-of-way, and
construction engineering are not eligible for reimbursement.
III. GRANT AMOUNT AND DISBURSEMENTS
3.01 Grant Amount. The Council will make available to the Grantee a grant of up to the “Grant Amount” identified on page 1 for the Project. The Council’s obligation under this Agreement shall not exceed the Grant Amount. The Council shall bear no responsibility for cost overruns that may be incurred by the Grantee, or any of its contractors, in the performance of the Project activities.
3.02 Disbursement of Grant Funds. Grant funds will be disbursed by the Council as follows:
A. The first 50% of the Grant Award will be disbursed by the Council after the following conditions have been met:
i. This Agreement is fully executed by all parties. ii. Council staff approval of Grantee’s final project plan sheets.
iii. Council receipt of Grantee’s signed construction contract.
B. Upon full expenditure of the initial 50% of the Grant Award, Grantees must submit a Grantee Invoice using the form provided by the Council’s authorized agent (“Invoice”).
C. The Invoice must describe the eligible Project Activities undertaken during the
invoice period, itemize the expenditures for which the advance payment was utilized, and identify the corresponding activity line. This submission must also include supporting documentation pursuant to Paragraph 4.01.
D. Subject to verification of the submitted Invoice (and the required documentation)
and approval for consistency with this Agreement, the Council will approve the
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expenditure of the 50% advance payment of the Grant Award. The Council may
deny part, or all of the submitted Grantee Invoice believed to be unwarranted or unjustified.
E. The remaining 50% of the Grant Award will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis after satisfactory review and approval of the expenditure of the initial 50% advance
payment and upon receipt of an Invoice or Invoices from the Grantee.
F. Each Invoice must describe the eligible Project activities undertaken during the invoice period, itemize the expenditures for which reimbursement is requested, and identify the corresponding grant activity line. Each request must also include supporting documentation pursuant to Paragraph 4.01.
G. Subject to verification of each Invoice (and the required documentation) and
approval for consistency with this Agreement, the Council will disburse a requested amount to the Grantee within thirty-five (35) days after receipt of a properly completed and verified Invoice. The Council may deny part, or all of any reimbursement request believed to be unwarranted or unjustified.
H. No reimbursement payment will be made, which would cause the disbursement of
grant funds to exceed, cumulatively through such payment, the Grant Amount.
I. Disbursement of any grant funds or approval of any report is not a Council waiver of any Grantee noncompliance with this Agreement.
3.03 Interest Earnings. If the Grantee earns any interest or other income from the grant funds
received from the Council under this Agreement, the Grantee will use the interest earnings or
income only for the purposes of implementing the Project activities described or identified in Exhibit A.
3.04 Loss of Grant Funds. The Grantee agrees to remit to the Council in a prompt manner:
(1) any unspent grant funds, including any grant funds that are not expended prior to the
Expiration Date identified on Page 1 of this Agreement; (2) any grant funds that are not used for
the authorized purposes; (3) and any interest earnings described in Section 3.03 that are not used
for the purposes of implementing the grant-funded Project activities described or identified in
Exhibit A. For the purposes of this Agreement, grant funds are “expended” prior to the
Expiration Date if the Grantee pays or is obligated to pay for expenses of eligible grant-funded
Project activities that occurred prior to the Expiration Date and the eligible expenses were
incurred prior to the Expiration Date.
IV. ACCOUNTING AND RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
4.01 Accounting and Records. The Grantee agrees to establish and maintain accurate and
complete accounts and records relating to the receipt and expenditure of all grant funds received
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from the Council. Notwithstanding the expiration and termination provisions of Sections 7.02,
7.03, 7.04, and 7.05 such accounts and records shall be kept and maintained by the Grantee until the latest of (1) a period of six (6) years following the completion of the Project activities described or identified in Exhibit A, or (2) six (6) years following the expenditure of grant funds, or (3) if any litigation, claim, or audit is commenced during either such period, when all such litigation,
claims or audits have been resolved. Accounting methods shall be in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles.
If the Grantee engages any contractor to perform any part of the Project activities, the Grantee must include in its contract provisions requiring the contractor to establish and maintain Project information in accordance with the provisions of this Paragraph 4.01.
4.02 Audit. The above accounts and records of the Grantee shall be audited in the same manner
as all other accounts and records of the Grantee are audited and may be audited or inspected on
the Grantee’s premises or otherwise by individuals or organizations designated and authorized by
the Council at any time, following reasonable notification to the Grantee, for a period of six
(6) years following the completion of the Project activities or six (6) years following the
expenditure of the grant funds, whichever occurs earlier. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes,
section 16C.05, subdivision 5, the books, records, documents, and accounting procedures and
practices of the Grantee that are relevant to this Agreement are subject to examination by the
Council and either the Legislative Auditor or the State Auditor, as appropriate, for a minimum of
six (6) years.
V. SEMI-ANNUAL AND FINAL REPORTING
5.01 Semi-Annual Reporting. During the Grant Activity Period the Grantee must submit semi-
annual progress reports to the Council by July 31 and January 31 of each calendar year of this
Agreement. In its report, the Grantee shall describe the current Project spending and projected
spending from January to June, and from July to December. The report shall also include the
construction activities taken during the reporting period. The Grantee shall provide sufficient
documentation thereof and such other information as the Council’s staff reasonably requests.
5.02 Final Report. Prior to the final reimbursement, the Grantee shall submit to the Council a
final project report for Council review and approval. The Grantee must submit the closeout
requirements in a format determined by the Council providing the total Project receipts and expenditures, summarizing all Project activities, and containing a certification by the Grantee’s authorized financial representative (e.g., CFO, Financial Director) that all grant funds were expended in accordance with this Agreement.
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VI. MONITORING AND CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS
6.01 Monitoring Activities. To assist the Council in monitoring compliance with this
Agreement, the Grantee agrees to attend Grantee meetings as requested by the Council and to
permit site visits by Council staff during business hours upon reasonable notice. The Grantee
agrees to submit to the Council a copy of any promotional information regarding the Project
disseminated by the Grantee during the term of this Agreement.
6.02 Changed Conditions. The Grantee must notify the Council immediately of any changes in conditions, law, ordinance, or regulation, or any other event that may affect the Grantee’s ability to complete the Project activities in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
6.03 Consultation. If the Grantee, for any reason, determines that the Project or any portion of it should not be undertaken, or that there should be a change in the scope of costs of the Project
activities or any portion of them, the Grantee shall submit to the Grant Administrator a statement describing the situation and the reasons for the Grantee’s determination. The review of these proposed changes will then follow the TAB Scope Change Policy, as described in Section 1.01.
VII. AGREEMENT TERM
7.01 Project Activity Period. The Grantee will complete all Project activities during the period
identified as “Project Activity Period” on page 1. Grant funds may not be used by the Grantee to cover costs incurred for any Project activities taking place prior to or after the Project Activity Period.
7.02 Project Commencement. A formal solicitation for bids must be advertised by December 31, 2026. The Grantee may seek an extension by submitting a written letter of request for TAB
approval. If the Grantee does not commence the project by the deadline and does not seek an extension, the Council may cancel the award.
7.03 Term. This Agreement is effective upon execution of this Agreement by the Council. Unless terminated pursuant to Sections 7.05 or 7.06, this Agreement expires on the Expiration Date identified on Page 1 of this Agreement. Failure of the Grantee to timely execute this
Agreement does not extend the Expiration Date. The Grantee has ninety (90) calendar days after the Expiration Date to provide documentation and information necessary to close out this Agreement and receive disbursements for grant-funded Project activities as prescribed in Section 2.01. If the Grantee fails to provide necessary documentation and information during this ninety
(90)-day close-out period, the Grantee shall not be eligible to receive any unpaid grant funds, and
the Council will not disburse any unpaid grant funds to the Grantee. This ninety (90)-day closeout period does not extend any Grantee reporting deadlines established in this Agreement or authorize the Grantee to expend or commit any grant funds after the Expiration Date.
7.04 Amendments and Extension. The Council and the Grantee may amend this Agreement
by mutual agreement. Amendments or an extension of this Agreement shall be effective only on
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the execution of written amendments signed by the Council and the Grantee. If the Grantee needs
a change to the Project, additional time within which to complete the grant-funded activities and
commence the Project, a change in the budget, or a change in grant-funded activities the Grantee
must submit to the Council at least ninety (90) calendar days prior to the expiration date, a
complete, written amendment request. All requirements must be met for a request to be considered
complete. The Expiration Date may be extended, but the period of any extension shall not exceed
one (1) year beyond the original expiration date identified on Page 1 of this Agreement.
7.05 Termination for Cause. This Agreement may be terminated by the Council for cause as reasonably determined by the Council at any time upon thirty (30) calendar days’ written notice to
the Grantee or if the Project has not commenced as set out in Paragraph 7.02. If this Agreement is terminated prior to the Expiration Date, the Grantee shall receive payment on a pro rata basis for eligible Project activities described or identified in Exhibit A that have been completed prior to the termination.
7.06 Termination by Council for Noncompliance. If the Council finds that the Grantee failed
to comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Council may terminate this Agreement at any time following seven (7) calendar days written notice to the Grantee and upon failure of the Grantee to cure the noncompliance within the seven-day period. Noncompliance includes failure to make reasonable progress toward completion of the Project. Upon the Council
finding of noncompliance, the Council may cease payment of invoices during any period of
noncompliance and may require the Grantee to repay the Grant Funds in full or in a portion determined by the Council. Nothing herein shall be construed to limit the Council’s legal remedies to recover the Grant Funds.
7.07 Effect of Grant Closeout or Termination. The closeout or termination of this Agreement
does not invalidate continuing obligations imposed on the Grantee by this Agreement. The
closeout or termination of this Agreement does not alter the Council’s authority to disallow costs and recover Grant Funds on the basis of a later audit or other review and does not alter the Grantee’s obligation to return any Grant Funds due to the Council as a result of later refunds, corrections, or other transactions. If the Council determines the Grantee has failed to comply with
the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the applicable provisions of the Active
Transportation Grant Program, the Council may take any action to protect the Council’s interests and may refuse to disburse additional grant funds and may require the Grantee to return all or part of the grant funds already disbursed.
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VIII. CONTACT PERSONS, GRANT ADMINISTRATOR
8.01 Contact Persons. The authorized contact persons for receipt of notices, reports, invoices, and approvals under this Agreement are:
Metropolitan Council: Grantee:
Arin Knutson Matt Hardegger
Metropolitan Council City of Richfield
390 Robert Street North 1901 East 66th Street St. Paul, MN 55101-1805 Richfield, MN55423 (612) 349-7643 612-861-9792 Arin.Knutson@metc.state.mn.us mhardegger@richfieldmn.gov
Or such other person(s) as may be designated in writing for itself by either party.
8.02 Notices. Any notice in connection with this Agreement will be in writing and delivered by (a) personal delivery, (b) an overnight express courier, (c) confirmed e-mail, or (d) certified or registered mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested. Notices will be deemed to be effective upon personal delivery, one (1) day after deposit with an overnight express courier, five
(5) days after deposit in the mail, or upon receipt of the notice e-mail. Notices will be sent to a
Party at its address set forth above or such other address as that Party may specify in writing pursuant to this section.
8.03 Council’s Grant Administrator. The Council’s Grant Administrator for purposes of administration of this Agreement is the person identified as the “Grant Administrator” on Page 1
of this Agreement, or such other person as may be designated in writing by the Council. The Grant
Administrator is not authorized to execute amendments to this Agreement on behalf of the Council.
IX. GENERAL CONDITIONS
9.01 Conflict of Interest. The members, officers, and employees of the Grantee must comply with all applicable state statutory and regulatory conflict of interest laws and provisions.
9.02 Warranty of Legal Capacity. The individuals signing this Agreement on behalf of the Grantee and on behalf of the Council represent and warrant on the Grantee’s and the Council’s behalf respectively that the individuals are duly authorized to execute this Agreement on the Grantee’s and the Council’s behalf respectively and that this Agreement constitutes the Grantee’s
and the Council’s valid, binding, and enforceable agreements.
9.03 Effective Date. This Agreement is effective on the date this Agreement is fully executed
by both Parties’ authorized representatives.
9.04 Assignment Prohibited. The Grantee shall not assign this Agreement to any third party nor transfer any Project activities responsibilities without receiving the prior express written
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consent of the Council. The Council may condition such consent on compliance by the Grantee
with terms and conditions specified by the Council.
9.05 Indemnification. The Grantee assumes liability for and agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Council, its members, officers, employees, and agents, from and against all losses, damages, expenses, liability, claims, suits, or demands including, without limitation,
attorney’s fees arising out of, resulting from, or relating to, the performance of the Project activities
by the Grantee or the Grantee’s employees, agents, or contractors. Neither the Council nor the Grantee waives any immunities or limits on liability provided by Minnesota Statutes chapter 466 or other applicable state or federal law.
9.06 Nondiscrimination. The Grantee agrees not to discriminate against any employee,
applicant for employment, or participant because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin,
sex, gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local civil rights commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age; and further agrees to take action to ensure that applicants and employees are treated equally with respect to all aspects of employment, including selection for training, rates of pay, and other forms of compensation.
When the Project is completed, the Grantee will operate and maintain the Project in compliance
with Minnesota Statutes, section 363A.12, regarding non-discrimination in the provision of public services.
9.07 Acknowledgement. The Grantee will appropriately acknowledge the financial assistance made available by the Council under this Agreement in any promotional materials, reports, and
publications relating to the Project.
9.08 Compliance with Law; Obtaining Permits, Licenses and Authorizations. The Grantee will conduct the Project activities in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, or regulations. The Grantee is responsible for obtaining and complying with all federal, state, or local permits, licenses, and authorizations necessary for conducting the Project
activities.
9.09 Workers’ Compensation; Tax Withholdings. The Grantee represents that it is in compliance with the workers’ compensation coverage requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 176.181, subdivision 2, and that it, and any of its contractors or materials suppliers, if any, under this Agreement, comply with the tax withholding on wage requirements of Minnesota Statutes,
section 290.92.
9.10 Construction. This Agreement is intended to assist in implementing the Council’s
Transportation Policy Plan and shall be interpreted consistently with that document.
9.11 Jurisdictions, Venue, and Governing Law. Venue for all legal proceedings arising out of this Agreement, or breach of this Agreement, shall be in a state or federal court with competent jurisdiction in Ramsey County, Minnesota. All matters relating to the performance and
interpretation of this Agreement shall be controlled by and determined in accordance with the laws
of the State of Minnesota, excluding its choice of laws rules.
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9.12 Execution in Counterpart; Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in
counterpart. Electronic signatures of the Parties’ duly authorized signatories, by facsimile or email/Portable Document Format (PDF) transmission, shall be valid as an original signature of the authorized signatories and shall be effective to bind the Parties under this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Grantee and the Council have caused this Agreement to
be executed by their duly authorized representatives on the dates set forth below. This Agreement is effective on the date this Agreement is executed by the Council.
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL GRANTEE
By: _________________________________ By:_________________________________ Ryan O’Connor, Regional Administrator
Date: ______________________________ Title: _______________________________
Date: _______________________________
By:_________________________________
Title: _______________________________
Date: _______________________________
Mary B. Supple
Katie Rodriguez
Page 81 of 98
13
Approved by OGC 12/16/24
EXHIBIT A
Project Title
Grantee/Subrecipient
Grantee/Subrecipient Address
Grantee/Subrecipient Project Manager
Project Manager Email
Project Manager Phone
Project Start Date
Project End Date
Grant Amount
Required 20% Match
Additional Local Funds
Total Project Cost
Type or Project (capital or operating)
Item Description or Purpose: Please provide copies of
written cost estimates and other budget documentation
when possible
Mobilization
Removals
Roadway (grading, borrow, etc.)
Roadway (aggregates and paving)
Storm Sewer
Concrete Items (curb & gutter, sidewalks, median barriers)
Traffic Control
Signing
Lighting
Turf - Erosion & Landscaping
RR Crossing
Roadway Contingencies
Grant Award
Local Match Amount
Total Project Cost $ 1,067,075.00
Line Total
$ 55,000.00
$ 52,000.00
$ 41,275.00
$ 72,000.00
$ 109,000.00
$ 383,400.00
$ 10,000.00
$ 5,000.00
$ 92,400.00
$ 97,000.00
$ 853,660.00
$ 213,415.00
Project Details
64th Street Sidewalk
City of Richfield
Grant Budget
Capital
December 31, 2028
$ 853,660.00
Work Scope: Description of the project including any anomalies. Please attach additional information when
available (such as site plans, schematics, maps, etc.)
The proposed project will construct a new sidewalk along W 64th St from just east of MSAS 363 (Lyndale Ave) to CSAH
35 (Portland Ave) in the City of Richfield. W 64th St is a local roadway from Lyndale Ave to Nicollet Ave and a minor
collector from Nicollet Ave to Portland Ave. The new sidewalk will be separated from the roadway by a boulevard, and
new ADA-compliant curb ramps will be added throughout the corridor. A new ADA-compliant at-grade railroad crossing
will be constructed across the Progressive Rail line located along Pleasant Ave. Minor right of way acquisition and
temporary construction easements will be required to construct the proposed sidewalk.
$ 213,415.00
$ -
$ 1,067,075.00
$ 100,000.00
$ 50,000.00
6700 Portland Ave. S.
Richfield, MN 55423
Matt Hardegger
612-861-9792
January 1, 2025
mhardegger@richfieldmn.gov
Page 82 of 98
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Sidewalk Project - W 64th St
City of Richfield, Minnesota
Figure 2: W 64th St
October 2025
R
FEETSCALE
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MULTIPLE PRIVATE UTILITY
CABINET RELOCATIONS
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FEETSCALE
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REMOVE BUSHES
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Page 83 of 98
City Council Meeting 6/9/2026
Agenda Section: Resolutions
Agenda Item: 11.a.
Report Prepared By:
Julie Urban, Assistant Community Development Director
Department Director:
Melissa Poehlman, Community Development Director
Item for Consideration:
Consideration of a policy for use of the 4d (1) tax classification as a tool to create
and preserve affordable housing.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Richfield is committed to maintaining Richfield as an affordable place to live
and supporting the creation and preservation of housing affordable to a range of income
levels. One of the tools the City can use to create and preserve affordable housing for
those with lower incomes is the 4d (1) tax classification (4d (1)). When the City or its
Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) or Economic Development Authority
(EDA) provides financial assistance to an affordable multi-family property (Property) and
places rent and income restrictions on the Property as a condition of the assistance, the
Property may qualify for 4d (1). The 4d (1) classification provides a reduction in the tax
classification for the Property from 1.25% to 0.25% resulting in substantial cost savings
to the Property, which can help facilitate new construction as well as encourage the
preservation and rehabilitation of existing affordable rental housing. The cost savings,
however, reduces the City's tax capacity and shifts the costs to other City taxpayers, so
both costs and benefits must be considered.
Two work sessions were held with the City Council and the Housing and
Redevelopment Authority (HRA)/Economic Development Authority (EDA) to discuss the
use of 4d (1) and its impacts and provide guidance on a policy the City can use when it
has the discretion to approve financing which would qualify a Property for 4d (1). The
consensus was that 4d (1) should be a tool of last resort and used only in instances
when other funding has been maximized and when the City's highest housing priorities
will be met.
Policymakers placed the highest priority on maintaining Richfield as an affordable place
to live, preserving and rehabilitating existing affordable rental housing, and diversifying
the tax base. Based on these priorities, the policy establishes that the use of 4d (1) will
be considered to preserve Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) that meets a
variety of additional housing priorities (e.g., units that are physically accessible, units
with two or more bedrooms). In the case of new construction, 4d(1) will only be
considered when other financing tools have been exhausted, housing priorities are
being met, and it makes financial sense for the City.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
By Motion: Adopt a resolution approving a policy governing the use of the 4d (1)
Page 84 of 98
tax classification to help create and preserve affordable housing.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The 4d (1) tax classification provides a reduced tax classification rate for affordable
housing properties. A specific financial request from Hempel Companies in January
2025 led the Council to request further study on the impacts of 4d (1) and to bring the
topic to policymakers in a work session. Work sessions were held with the City Council
and the HRA/EDA on February 17 and April 20.
EQUITABLE OR STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS OR IMPACTS
• There are two desired outcomes in the Strategic Plan that are impacted by the
use of 4d (1) including maintaining Richfield as an affordable place to live and
creating a diversified tax base.
• Creating and preserving affordable housing can also support the desired
outcome of reducing racial inequities and barriers for traditionally excluded
groups.
POLICIES (RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, REGULATIONS, STATUTES, ETC.)
• Minnesota Statutes, section 273.128 establishes the 4d (1) tax classification,
which provides a reduced property tax class rate of 0.25% for rental housing that
provides housing affordable to households earning up to 60% of the area median
income (AMI). The 4d (1) classification is automatically granted for properties
receiving federal or state financial assistance that requires income and rent limits
at 60% AMI for at least 20% of the units. Properties receiving local-level financial
assistance may also qualify for 4d (1) if rent and income restrictions are required.
Recipients of the tax classification are required to use the reduction for property
improvements, rent stabilization, or increases to the property's reserve account.
CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES
• Staff have received several inquiries about 4d (1) in the past several months.
Having an approved policy will enable staff to better respond to these requests.
• The policy will be brought to the HRA/EDA for ratification on July 20, 2026.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The 4d (1) tax classification provides an 80% reduction in taxes to qualified properties,
which consequently reduces the City's tax capacity. The City has to increase its rate in
order to make up for the reduced capacity, which shifts the tax burden to other
taxpayers. The current properties with 4d (1) reduce the City's tax capacity by $445,456
(Payable 2026). The existing and potential financial impacts of 4d (1) were described in
more detail in the two Council work sessions.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
• The 4d (1) tax classification is automatic for properties that receive State and/or
Federal funding that requires affordability. Cities where the percentage of the
Page 85 of 98
city's net tax capacity subject to 4d (1) exceeds two percent of the total net tax
capacity are required to receive written approval from a city council; however,
Richfield does not meet that threshold (0.46% of Richfield's tax capacity qualifies
for 4d (1)).
• Owners may also qualify for 4d (1) if a city provides financial assistance in
exchange for a commitment to affordability (at least 20% of units at 60% AMI). In
cases where a property owner requests financial assistance from the City and/or
the HRA/EDA, policymakers have the discretion to deny the funding and/or
decide not to tie financial assistance to a commitment of affordability.
• The policy was reviewed by the City Attorney and the HRA/EDA Attorney.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S)
• Adopt the policy with revisions.
• Decide not to adopt a policy.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2026-06-09 Resolution 12XXX 4d (1) Tax Class Policy
2. 4d Policy 6.9.26
Page 86 of 98
City of Richfield June 9, 2026
County of Hennepin
State of Minnesota
RESOLUTION NO. 12XXX
1 of 2
Motion by:
Seconded by:
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ADOPTION OF A
4d (1) TAX CLASSIFICATION POLICY
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, section 273.128, establishes the 4d (1) tax
classification (“4d (1)”), which provides a reduced property tax class rate of 0.25% for
multi-family rental housing that provides housing affordable to households earning up to
60% of the Area Median Income; and
WHEREAS, affordable multi-family rental properties (“Properties”) that receive
financial assistance from the federal government, the state of Minnesota, or a local unit
of government may qualify for 4d (1) if the housing units are subject to rent and income
restrictions under the terms of the financial assistance provided; and
WHEREAS, 4d (1) offers a financial benefit to Properties, making it a tool the
City of Richfield (“City”), as a local unit of government, can use to encourage the
preservation, rehabilitation and construction of affordable housing by providing financial
assistance that requires income and rent restrictions; and
WHEREAS, 4d (1) can provide a benefit to the City by helping to advance
several housing goals and priorities, it also comes at a cost to the City’s tax capacity
and can shift taxes onto other taxpayers; and
WHEREAS, in order to balance the costs and the benefits and ensure that the
tool is used only in instances where the City’s highest housing priorities are being met,
the City has developed a policy to govern its use in cases where it is within its
discretion; and
WHEREAS, the policy prioritizes preservation of Naturally Occurring Affordable
Housing (“NOAH”) that meets multiple City housing priorities and only considers 4d (1)
for new construction when other financial resources are maximized and it makes
financial sense for the City; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
1. The 4d (1) Tax Classification Policy is hereby approved and adopted.
2. City staff is authorized to carry out the policy effective immediately.
Page 87 of 98
City of Richfield June 9, 2026
County of Hennepin
State of Minnesota
RESOLUTION NO. 12XXX
2 of 2
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota this 9th day of
June, 2026.
VOTING AYE VOTING NAY
Supple, Mary Supple, Mary
Burk, Walter Burk, Walter
Christensen, Sharon Christensen, Sharon
Coleman-Woods, Rori Coleman-Woods, Rori
Hayford Oleary, Sean Hayford Oleary, Sean
Mary B. Supple, Mayor
ATTEST:
Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk
Page 88 of 98
RC125-1-1098703.v2
City of Richfield
Richfield Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Richfield Economic Development Authority
4d (1) Tax Classification Policy
The City of Richfield, Richfield Housing and Redevelopment Authority, and Richfield Economic
Development Authority (“the City”) are committed to maintaining Richfield as an affordable place to live
and supporting the creation and preservation of housing affordable to a range of income levels. One of
the tools the community can use to create and preserve affordable housing for those with lower
incomes is the tax classification available under Minnesota Statutes, section 273.13, subd. 25 4d (1).
The 4d (1) tax classification provides a reduced property tax class rate for qualifying rental housing that
meets income and affordability criteria as established in Minnesota Statutes, section 273.128. Because
the property tax benefit realized by qualified properties comes at a cost to the City’s tax capacity and
that cost may be shifted to other taxpayers, when there is discretion available, City participation in
establishing the statutory criteria for 4d (1) will be considered as a last resort financing tool in instances
where other private, City, County, and State resources have been exhausted, and it furthers the City’s
highest housing priorities.
The percentage of Richfield’s net tax capacity subject to 4d (1) does not currently exceed two percent of
the City’s total net tax capacity and, therefore, property owners seeking 4d (1) classification are not
required to obtain written approval from the Richfield city council before making applications to the
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. Accordingly, the City’s “approval” of 4d (1) will take the form of
participation or cooperation in creating the statutory conditions for qualification of a project rather than
the direct written approval required in cities exceeding the two percent net tax capacity threshold.
1. Naturally Occurring Affordable Rental Housing (NOAH)
The 4d (1) tax classification may be considered to preserve and improve NOAH housing under the
following conditions:
A. The property contains at least 40 units;
B. The property is at risk of significantly increased rents and displacement of low-income
households;
C. Significant rehabilitation is being undertaken (i.e., a minimum of $20,000/unit);
D. At least two of these high priority housing needs are/will be provided:
▪ units with accessibility improvements;
▪ units with two or more bedrooms; or
▪ housing for residents receiving Section 8, Bring It Home, or Kids@Home rental
assistance; and
E. At least two of these “next” priority housing needs are/will be provided:
▪ rents affordable to households earning no more than 50% of the Area Median Income
(“AMI”);
▪ housing for families with children in a Richfield school;
▪ improved energy-efficiency (must provide an independent energy audit and a plan for
improved energy-efficiency based on items identified in the audit); or
Page 89 of 98
RC125-1-1098703.v2
▪ housing with supportive services
Proposals that meet all three of the highest priorities but just one of the “next” priorities may also be
considered.
2. New Construction of Affordable Housing
4d (1) will generally not be considered for new housing development unless it makes financial sense for
the City and under the following conditions:
A. The project is 80 units or fewer, and fewer than 50 units is preferred;
B. The use of the land for housing is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and meets Zoning
Ordinance requirements;
C. The project complies with the City’s Inclusionary Housing Policy (“IHP”) and provides:
▪ more Accessible units than those required by the IHP;
▪ units with three and four bedrooms; and
▪ subsidized units affordable at 30% of the AMI or less;
D. Other City financing is not being used (e.g., tax increment financing, tax abatement,
Affordable Housing Trust Fund), except that a land write-down for City-owned property may
be considered along with 4d (1) if the proposed project is the highest and best use for the
site, and the land write-down is necessary to secure additional financing;
E. The project has maximized funding from other public funding sources (e.g., Metropolitan
Council, Hennepin County, Minnesota Housing); and
F. The site is challenging (e.g., small, difficult access), and the proposed project is the highest
and best use for the site.
Additional Conditions and Requirements
1. All projects that receive the 4d (1) tax classification must meet the following requirements:
• Agree to provide 90 days’ advanced notice of any sale or transfer of the property;
• Agree to not discriminate against households utilizing Housing Choice Vouchers (Section
8) or other forms of rental assistance;
• In cases of NOAH rehabilitation, submit a rehabilitation plan and provide an annual
reporting of the progress on the plan; and
• Agree to a minimum assessed market value (i.e., cannot contest the apartment’s
assessed market value below the agreed upon minimum value);
2. All projects will be evaluated for the need for financial assistance, the impact to City and other
levies, and the resulting shift in tax burden to other taxpayers;
Page 90 of 98
RC125-1-1098703.v2
3. The Council reserves the right to limit the number of units within a project that are qualified for
the 4d (1) tax classification; and
4. The length of time approved for the 4d (1) classification will be based on a variety of factors
including demonstrated need, total value of the reduced tax rate, cost per unit, the overall
impact on the City’s tax capacity, and the number and priority of housing needs met by the rate
reduction.
City participation in any plan or program which enables an applicant to qualify for 4d (1) tax
classification is discretionary. This policy expresses the priorities and purposes of the City’s efforts to
encourage the construction and maintenance of affordable housing. Like any policy, it cannot anticipate
all circumstances or unique situations and is thus subject to adjustment and modification. The City
Council or Board of Commissioners of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority or Economic
Development Authority may vary the application of this policy as circumstances warrant with the
adoption of findings of the reasons for doing so. The City Council must provide final approval of all 4d (1)
applications and any exceptions to this policy.
Adopted as revised:
This __ day of ___________, 2026, by the Richfield City Council.
______________________ _______________________
Mayor City Manager
This ___ day of _________, 2026, by the Richfield Housing and Redevelopment
Authority.
______________________ _______________________
Chair Secretary
This ___ day of _____________, 2026, by the Richfield Economic Development
Authority.
______________________ _______________________
President Secretary
Page 91 of 98
City Council Meeting 6/9/2026
Agenda Section: Other Business
Agenda Item: 12.a.
Report Prepared By:
Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk
Department Director:
Sack Thongvanh, Assistant City Manager
Item for Consideration:
Consider and approve either a 46-day in-person or an 18-day early voting period
for 2026 based on new election legislation passed on May 15, 2026, establish an
absentee ballot board with Hennepin County, and a city absentee ballot board on
election days, and as needed throughout the 46 days of absentee voting.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On May 15, 2026, legislation passed as HF 4240/SF 4006 and was signed by Governor
Walz on May 18, 2026, allowing local municipalities to administer either a 46-day mail
and in-person absentee voting period or an 18-day in-person early voting (direct
balloting) period. Minnesota Statutes § 203B.05 was amended to provide local
governments the option to designate whether they will administer elections beginning 46
days or 18 days before Election Day. Due to the timing of the amended statute,
Hennepin County has requested notice as soon as possible, but no later than the state
deadline of June 12, 2026, for 2026 elections. Any future changes to the in-person
election administration period must be communicated at least 14 weeks prior to each
election cycle in any election year.
Richfield’s most recent absentee and early voting history report from the State Voter
Registration System (SVRS) for the 2024 election cycle shows 19,664 total votes cast.
Of these, approximately 4,283 were mail absentee ballots, 5,010 were direct-balloting
votes cast during the 18-day early voting period, and 10,371 were Election Day polling
place votes.
It is important to note that absentee ballots must still be available beginning 46 days
before each regularly scheduled primary and general election. Municipalities now have
an administrative option regarding who administers absentee voting and when local
administration begins—either 46 days or 18 days before Election Day. Election staff will
continue to receive absentee ballots from residents who do not want to utilize the United
States Postal Service beginning 46 days prior to Election Day. Richfield election staff
will receive the absentee ballot envelopes and will forward them to Hennepin County.
Hennepin County will serve as Richfield’s absentee ballot board and will accept or reject
absentee ballots during the absentee voting period (June 26–August 10 and October
16–November 2). The city clerk, administrative assistant, and election specialist will also
serve as an absentee ballot board as needed during the 46-day absentee ballot period,
and on each Election Day.
Option 1: Full 46-Day In-Person Voting Period
Page 92 of 98
• 28 days of Absentee Voting
• 18 days of Early Voting
Option 2: 18-Day In-Person Early Voting Period (previously called direct balloting
period)
• 18 days of Early Voting
Staff recommends approval of an 18-day in-person early voting election administration
process for the Statewide Primary and General Elections. The City will conduct 18 days
of in-person early voting from July 24–August 10, and from October 16–November 2,
respectively, for each election. Staff also recommends appointing Hennepin County as
the absentee ballot board for Richfield elections for the 46 days of absentee voting, with
the City of Richfield also establishing an absentee ballot board for the actual Primary
and General Election Days, and as needed during the 46 days of absentee voting.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
By Motion: Approve a resolution establishing an 18-day in-person early voting
administration process for the Statewide Primary and General Elections in
Richfield, Minnesota, and appoint:
• Hennepin County as the primary absentee ballot board for Richfield
elections for the 46 days of absentee voting.
• A city absentee ballot board as needed during the 46 days of absentee
voting.
• A city absentee ballot board for the Statewide Primary Election (August 11,
2026) and General Election (November 3, 2026).
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The City of Richfield has provided election administration during the 46 days of
absentee voting prior to Election Day, and also direct balloting, which occurs within the
46 days of absentee voting (18 days before Election Day). Prior to 2024, city internal
staffing was utilized for the 46 days of absentee voting. As absentee voting began to
increase in recent elections, additional election judge staffing was required to properly
administer elections during the 46-day absentee voting period.
Voting Activity 2022
Primary
2022 General 2024 Primary 2024 General
Registered Voters 21,756 21,458 21,575 22,172
Total Voting 5,385 15,111 5,294 19,664
Total Election Day
Voting
4,558 10,649 4,275 10,371
Page 93 of 98
Mail/AB Voting 593 3,021 700 4,283
Direct Ballot Voting 229 1,418 316 5,010
EQUITABLE OR STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS OR IMPACTS
Strategic Considerations
The legislation is supported by local government organizations as it provides flexibility
based on community needs, staffing resources, and operational capacity. The 18-day
in-person early voting period (previously called direct balloting) option also aligns with
the city's legislative priority request for the last two years of a 46-day direct balloting
option.
Impacts
• Facility impacts during elections are present. Increased parking constraints for
visitors, voters, and staff, and room availability within the Municipal Center during
the election season is limited. An 18-day in-person early voting period reduces
parking and facility usage disruptions. This also limits the need for additional
security to the 18-day early voting period.
• Historically, residents have experienced 46 days of absentee voting at the
Richfield Municipal Center. Approving an 18-day early voting period will still allow
residents to vote during the absentee voting period in the first 28 days. However,
they will need to either request an absentee ballot from Hennepin County, either
in-person at the Hennepin County Government Center, or request online to be
delivered by mail.
POLICIES (RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, REGULATIONS, STATUTES, ETC.)
Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.05, subdivision 1, is amended to
read:
Subdivision 1. Generally. (a) The full-time clerk of any city or town shall administer the
provisions of sections 203B.04 to 203B.15 and 203B.30 if:
(1) the county auditor of that county has designated the clerk to administer them; or
(2) the clerk has given the county auditor of that county notice of intention to administer
them.
The designation or notice must specify whether the clerk will be responsible for the
administration of a ballot board as provided in section 203B.121, and the municipality
must determine whether the municipality's office will be designated to administer voting
under section 203B.081 starting on the 46th day before the election or the 18th day
before the election.”
Page 94 of 98
CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES
With legislation passing on May 15, 2026, and the state notification deadline set for
June 12, 2026, the Council will need to make a decision at the June 9 Council meeting
on whether to administer a 46-day mail and in-person absentee voting period or an 18-
day in-person early voting (direct balloting) period.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
With the new legislation, if the Council approves the 18-day in-person early voting
period, the number of election judges needed during the first 28 days of absentee voting
would be reduced. This would result in an estimated savings in temporary staffing costs
of approximately $5,000 per election cycle in 2026. All other aspects and costs of
election administration, including election judge wages and training, equipment testing,
and equipment maintenance and repair, would remain unchanged. There may be an
increased need for additional election judges during the 18-day in-person early voting
period, depending on voter turnout. Election staff will prepare for additional election
judge staffing during the 18-day early voting period, and utilize if needed.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
None.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S)
Council could choose to maintain the current election administration process, which
includes a 46-day mail and in-person absentee voting period along with an 18-day in-
person early voting (direct balloting) period.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2026-06-09 Resolution 12XXX Establishing 46 or 18 Day Elections and Absentee
Boards (R1)
Page 95 of 98
City of Richfield June 9, 2026
County of Hennepin
State of Minnesota
RESOLUTION NO. 12XXX
1 of 1
Motion by:
Seconded by:
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF RICHFIELD’S ABSENTEE AND EARLY VOTING
ADMINISTRATION PERIOD AND ADMINISTRATION OF ABSENTEE BALLOT BOARD
FOR ALL FUTURE PRIMARY AND GENERAL ELECTIONS HELD ON THE SAME DAY AS A
STATEWIDE ELECTION PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA STATUTES § 203B.05
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Legislature passed HF 4240 / SF 4006 on May 15, 2026, and it was signed into
law on May 18, 2026, amending Minnesota Statutes § 203B.05 to allow municipalities administering
elections to designate either a 46-day or an 18-day period for administering absentee and in-person early
voting (direct balloting); and
WHEREAS, municipalities must notify the county auditor and the Minnesota Secretary of State of their
selected election administration intent no later than June 12, 2026, for the 2026 election cycle; and
WHEREAS, the designation or notice must specify whether the clerk will be responsible for the
administration of a ballot board as provided in section Minnesota Statutes § 203B.121; and
WHEREAS, per Minnesota Statutes § 203B.121, the City of Richfield will receive absentee ballots, and in
coordination with Hennepin County, transfer absentee ballot envelopes for processing by the county
absentee ballot board during the 46 days of absentee voting; and
WHEREAS, the City of Richfield city clerk, administrative assistant, election specialist, and three election
judges, as applicable and when properly trained and sworn in, will receive required absentee ballot board
election training to serve as needed on the City’s absentee ballot board during the 46-day absentee ballot
period, and on each Statewide Election Day, in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 203B.121 and related
provisions, as necessary to administer absentee ballot processing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, The City of Richfield City Clerk is authorized to take all necessary
actions to implement this resolution in compliance with state law and shall administer elections under the 18-
day in-person early voting (direct balloting) process pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 203B.05, and
§ 203B.121 as amended.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Early Voting administration under Minnesota Statutes § 203B.05 shall
commence on the 18th day before all Primary Election on August 11, 2026, and at the General Election held
on November 3, 2026.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota on this 9th day of June, 2026.
VOTING AYE VOTING NAY
Supple, Mary Supple, Mary
Burk, Walter Burk, Walter
Christensen, Sharon Christensen, Sharon
Coleman-Woods, Rori Coleman-Woods, Rori
Hayford Oleary, Sean Hayford Oleary, Sean
Mary B. Supple, Mayor
ATTEST:
Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk
Page 96 of 98
City Council Meeting 6/9/2026
Agenda Section: Closed Session
Agenda Item: 15.a.
Report Prepared By:
Mark McKinley, Administrative Assistant
Department Director:
Katie Rodriguez, City Manager
Item for Consideration:
Closed Session City Manager Evaluation.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council will convene in closed session pursuant to Minnesota Statutes §
13D.05, subd. 3(a), to conduct the performance evaluation of the City Manager. The
evaluation may include discussion of performance, goals, compensation, and other
employment-related matters and will occur as part of the City's planned leadership
transition.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
By Motion: Recess the meeting to enter and hold a closed meeting for the
purpose of conducting a performance evaluation of City Manager Katie
Rodriguez, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes section 13D.05, subd. 3(a).
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The City Council annually evaluates the performance of the City Manager. The
evaluation process provides an opportunity for the Council to review accomplishments,
discuss organizational goals and priorities, and consider employment-related matters,
including compensation.
EQUITABLE OR STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS OR IMPACTS
Through the performance evaluation process, the City Council reviews the City
Manager's effectiveness in implementing Council priorities, advancing strategic
initiatives, stewarding public resources, and fostering an organizational culture that
supports equitable service delivery and community outcomes.
POLICIES (RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, REGULATIONS, STATUTES, ETC.)
Minnesota Statutes § 13D.05, subd. 3(a) permits a public body to close a meeting to
evaluate the performance of an individual who is subject to its authority. At its next open
meeting, the City Council must summarize its conclusions regarding the evaluation.
CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES
Timely completion of the City Manager evaluation supports the City Council's annual
performance review process.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Page 97 of 98
The City Council may discuss compensation and related employment terms as part of
the City Manager performance evaluation. Any resulting changes to salary, benefits, or
other compensation would have a financial impact on the City's budget and would be
acted upon by the City Council in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S)
ATTACHMENTS
None
Page 98 of 98