08-28-2024 Work SessionCity Council Work Session Minutes
-1- August 28, 2024
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
City Council Work Session
August 28, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Pro Tempore Trautmann called the work session to order at 5:45 p.m. in the Bartholomew
Room.
Council Members
Present:
Mayor Pro Tempore Simon Trautmann, Sharon Christensen; Sean Hayford
Oleary. Mayor Mary Supple is excused. Council Member Ben Whalen
arrived at 6:33 pm.
Staff Present:
Guests:
Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Karl Huemiller, Recreation Services
Director; Courtney Miller, Senior Analyst; Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk.
Glenn Waguespack, Andrew Holmgren
ITEM #1
UPDATE AND DISCUSSION OF WOOD LAKE NATURE CENTER BUILDING
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS
Mayor Pro Tempore Trautmann welcomed guests and staff. Recreation Services Director Huemiller
welcomed guest presenters, Glenn Waguespack, and Andrew Holmgren from HGA.
Mr. Waguespack thanked Council for their time and briefly reviewed the agenda. Mr. Waguespack
noted the previous two design development meetings covered the site plan and mechanical
systems of Wood Lake Nature Center and added an interior design development plan on
September 17. Mr. Waguespack reviewed the overall site layout includes a continuous path around
Wood Lake, an accessible path around the building, the location of bike parking and signage. Mr.
Waguespack noted bike parking and signage at the main trail access points. Mr. Waguespack
highlighted the site plan updated features, the picnic knoll, nature playground, covered bike parking,
gravel paths to minimize impervious surfaces, and grade access to deck space.
Council Member Hayford Oleary commented on the need for a wide, welcoming path from the street
to the entrance to make space for bike and pedestrian traffic. Council Member Hayford Oleary
added the bike parking must be easily visible from the entrance path and noted city code
requirements regarding garbage receptacle location and storage. Council and staff discussed
access between various levels of the deck, and the main access between the deck levels ramps.
Council Member Trautmann questioned the lifespan of the plantings, and noted the median
plantings.
City Council Work Session Minutes
-2-August 28, 2024
Mr. Waguespack reviewed the building layout and noted updates to the office spaces, multi-use
rooms, and the deck. Mr. Waguespack noted the welcome area of Wood Lake Nature Center could
include a coffee, tea, and apple cider bar for visitors. Council noted the area should be easy to
access but there should e a fee for coffee or other refreshment items. Council added the point-of-
sale system should be easy to use and possibly self-serve. Mr. Waguespack reviewed examples of
interior décor. Council noted appreciation for the natural esthetic of the building with light colors with
the focus on nature and the Wood Lake Nature Center exhibits. Council was not supportive of the
hexagonal design.
Mr. Waguespack reviewed the difference in footprint between the two types of geothermal systems
available. The traditional geothermal system would take up space with 50-60 wells, noting the well
field cannot have trees planted on it. Mr. Waguespack noted the traditional geothermal system
location within the parking lot, noting the parking lot would need to be shut down for approximately
2+ months to drill the wells. Mr. Waguespack reviewed the SCLHE system and noted the system
would require two wells. Council and staff discussed concerns of long-term maintenance on the
SCLHE system, which requires replacement of heat exchangers every 20-30 years. Council
discussion on the traditional system continued with a preference for the traditional system location
within the parking lot, and recognizing that the parking lot would need to be closed during
construction. Council discussion identified the importance of minimizing ongoing maintenance
needs. Mr. Waguespack reviewed the HVAC system with potential zones with a mix of vertical and
horizontal heat pumps and areas with floor heating in the cooler months.
Mayor Pro Tempore Trautmann thanked the presenter for their time and for the presentation.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tempore Trautmann adjourned the work session at 7:18 pm.
Date Approved: September 24, 2024
Mary B. Supple
Mayor
Michelle Friedrich Katie Rodriguez
City Clerk City Manager