09-10-2024 Council Regular Minutes
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Supple at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Council Members Present: Mary Supple, Mayor; Sharon Christensen; Simon Trautmann; Sean Hayford Oleary; and Ben Whalen
Staff Present:
Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Sam Ketchem, City Attorney; Kumud Verma, Finance Director; Melissa Poehlman,
Community Development Director; Sack Thongvanh, Assistant City Manager; Jay Henthorne, Public Safety Director/Police Chief; and Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk.
Others Present: Caroline Studsman, Miguel Hernandez, Lauren Robinson; Cassie Jerrett, Social Worker
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Supple led the Pledge of Allegiance.
OPEN FORUM
Mayor Supple reviewed the options to participate:
• Participate live by calling 1-415-655-0001 during the open forum portion
• Call prior to meeting 612-861-9711
• Email prior to meeting kwynn@richfieldmn.gov Kathleen Balaban, 65th and Stevens Avenue South, discussed the audit portion of the agenda. She stated her concerns about the lack of procedures and policies and management practices. Larry Ernster, 6727 Elliot Avenue South, discussed item B of the consent calendar. He stated
he is in support of affordable housing but has questions about the procedure of the building of these houses.
City Manager Rodriguez read emails sent in for public comment as follows: Carrie Ceely Deirzic stated concerns about the balance of the Public Safety budget. She would
like to see more money allocated to mental health and social work. James Jaffy 6900, Blaisdell Avenue South, discussed his support for the Public Safety budget and would like to see the additional $300,000 in the budget allocated to a mental health/social worker.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Council Meeting
September 10, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
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Megan Paul noted that she would like the Public Safety budget to invest in alternative models of Public Safety aiming to support the mental health of the community.
Dee Ericson, 6718 Clinton Avenue, shared her opposition to using the extra Public Safety budget to hire a paramedic and social worker instead of two new officers.
Rory Coleman Woods discussed the need for the current Public Safety model to progress. He
would like to see more shifts be created and support for officers. Gina Van Arnam discussed the need to resolve the many problems within the Public Safety Department. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M/Trautmann, S/Christensen to approve the minutes of the: (1) City Council Work Session of August 14, 2024; (2) Regular City Council Meeting of August 14, 2024; (3) Special City Council Meeting of 15, 2024; and (4) Special City Council Work Session of 20, 2024. Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #1 APPROVAL OF AGENDA
M/Hayford Oleary, S/Whalen to approve the agenda. Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #2 PROCLAMATION CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Mayor Supple invited Miguel Hernandez to accept the proclamation. Mayor Supple read the proclamation celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month aloud. Miguel Hernandez thanked the Council and was honored to accept the proclamation.
Council Member Trautmann thanked Miguel for his family's participation in the community and for representing the Hispanic community.
ITEM #3 AUDIT REVIEW
Director Verma reported the 2023 financial audit has been completed. The audit report has been submitted to the State Auditor's office and the Government Finance Officers Association. The City will also publish an audit summary report in the local newspaper. She thanked City Manager Rodriguez, department directors, and their staff for their work on the report.
Caroline Stutsman, BerganKDV representative, presented a summary of the audit results. She gave a brief overview of what an independent auditor's report is.
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Mayor Supple asked for clarification on the report findings and actions taken to correct the report
findings. City Manager Rodriguez noted City staff has been stabilized, they now have a full staff and will be using an Excel program to track the Ice Arena. Ms. Stutsman presented the data from the general fund revenues, expenditures, and fund balance. She presented charts displaying the tax capacity, levy, and rates data. She also displayed the data of the liquor fund, water and sewer utilities fund, storm sewer fund, and governmental funds.
Mayor Supple thanked Ms. Stutsman for providing more detail and encouraged everyone to look at the audit statistics.
ITEM #4 CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Rodriguez presented the consent calendar.
A. Consider the approval of the first reading of an ordinance amending Richfield City Code Appendix D (Fee Schedule) related to building, planning, and zoning fees, and schedule a public hearing and second reading for September 24, 2024. (Staff Report No. 112)
BILL NO. 2024-09 TRANSITORY ORDINANCE NO. 19-XX
B. Consider a resolution approving the 2024 Revised and 2025 Budget for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. (Staff Report No. 113) RESOLUTION NO. 12233 RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2024 REVISED AND 2025 C. Consider the approval of a resolution authorizing a grant agreement with American Forests in the amount of $498,075.00 as part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry grant program. (Staff Report No. 114)
RESOLUTION NO. 12234 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF RICHFIELD TO ENTER INTO A GRANT AGREEMENT AND ACCEPT GRANT FUNDS FROM AMERICAN FORESTS D. Consider approval of a Temporary on Sale Intoxicating Liquor license for their RHS fast-pitch
fundraising event scheduled to take place October 5, 2024, at Fred Babcock VFW #5555, located at 6715 Lakeshore Dr. (Staff Report No. 115) E. Consider approval of Amendment #1 to License No. L-344 between the City of Richfield and the Minnesota Department of Health for air monitoring equipment at the Richfield Water Treatment Plant. (Staff Report No. 116) F. Consider adoption of a resolution of support for Richfield's application for federal funding for a Corridor Planning Study of 76th and 77th Streets via the USDOT Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Grant Program. (Staff Report No. 117)
RESOLUTION NO. 12235
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RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE ‘RECONNECTING RICHFIELD: 76th ST/77th ST PLANNING STUDY’ THROUGH THE USDOT RECONNECTING COMMUNITIES PILOT GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION G. Consider adoption of a resolution accepting a Hennepin County Youth Activities Grant in the amount of $200,000 for Donaldson Park playground improvements and the Pillsbury Plaza playground. (Staff Report No. 118) RESOLUTION NO. 12236 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF RICHFIELD TO ACCEPT A YOUTH ACTIVITIES GRANT FROM HENNEPIN COUNTY
H. Consider extending American Rescue Plan Act Professional Services Agreement with the Conflict Resolution Center to November 15, 2024. (Staff Report No. 119) RESOLUTION NO. 12237 RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CONFLICT RESOLUTION CENTER I. Consider the approval of a resolution pertaining to filing of the Pay Equity Report with the Minnesota Management and Budget Department. (Staff Report No. 120) RESOLUTION NO. 12238 RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO FILING OF THE PAY EQUITY REPORT WITH THE MINNESOTA MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET DEPARTMENT
M/Christensen, S/Whalen to approve the consent calendar. Mayor Supple noted there is a lot of information regarding affordable housing for residents to access and review. She thanked the American Forest and the USDA for the grant they received. Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #5
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS, IF ANY, REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
None.
ITEM #6
RECEIPT OF THE CITY OF RICHFIELD ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 (STAFF REPORT NO. 124)
Council Member Whalen presented Staff Report 124.
M/Whalen, S/Trautmann to accept the City of Richfield annual financial report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023
Motion carried: 5-0
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ITEM #7
DISCUSSION REGARDING CITY COUNCIL ATTENDANCE AT THE 2024 NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES (NLC) CITY SUMMIT CONFERENCE. (STAFF REPORT NO. 125)
Council Member Trautmann presented Staff Report 125.
Mayor Supple asked if the report from the Conference will be given at a regular meeting or at a work session. City Manager Rodriguez stated that it can be presented at either meeting. M/Trautmann, S/Hayford Oleary to approve City Council Member Christensen to attend the November 13th-16th 2024 National League of Cities Summit Conference. Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #8
CONSIDER A REQUEST BY BRIXMOR FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, AN AMENDED PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT AND FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN, FOR A RETAIL USE OVER 50,000 SQUARE FEET OF GROSS FLOOR AREA AT 140-66TH STREET WEST IN ORDER TO RE-TENANT THE BUILDING WITH A NEW GROCER. (STAFF REPORT NO. 121)
Council Member Hayford Oleary presented Staff Report 121. Mayor Supple asked for clarification of an outcome if the applicant is unable to find a contractor to construct the EV charging unit. Director Poehlman explained the code allows for some flexibility, so the applicant will be able to
present an alternate proposal to staff if they are unable to build the charging units. Council Member Hayford Oleary asked if there are still outstanding issues with pedestrian and vehicle circulation that need to be resolved between staff and Brixmor. Director Poehlman noted if Brixmor is unable to obtain the approvals needed to secure the
pedestrian areas from the adjacent property, they will continue negotiation with staff to find an alternative pedestrian route. Brixmor Director Lauren Robinson provided more information on the application. She noted the schedule has been pushed back and the budget has also changed. She added they are trying to
ensure the EV charging units will be able to be installed. Council Member Trautmann asked where the grocery store parking lot will connect with the mall
parking lot. Ms. Robinson explained they are not planning to divide the parking lots for the specific stores,
but rather planning on one parking lot for all as needed. Council Member Whalen asked if staff has any comments on what happens if Popeyes does not cooperate with the pedestrian route. He also asked what the backup plan is.
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Ms. Robinson explained they would shift the plan east and they could also modify the entrance
to leave room for a pedestrian walkway. M/Hayford Oleary, S/Trautmann to adopt a resolution approving the conditional use permit plan, an amended planned unit development, and final development plan amendment. RESOLUTION NO. 12239 RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND AN AMENDED PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN AT 140 – 66TH STREET WEST
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #9
CONSIDER 2024 REVISED/2025 PROPOSED BUDGET RESOLUTIONS ADOPTING THE 2025 PRELIMINARY PROPERTY TAX LEVY, SETTING TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING DATE, AUTHORING BUDGET REVISIONS, AUTHORIZING REVISION OF 2024 DEPARTMENT BUDGETS AND SETTING CITY FEES FOR 2025. (STAFF REPORT NO. 122)
Council Member Christensen presented Staff Report 122.
Council Member Whalen asked staff to highlight some factors of the budget proposal. City Manager Rodriguez noted an important aspect of this year's budget process has been a
tight labor market. Overall staff have experienced a challenge in recruiting qualified applicants. She noted the recommendation of adding 7.5 positions to this year’s budget. She shared public feedback on the proposed budget. Council Member Whalen highlighted the new positions he is excited about. He discussed his opinions on the addition of new public safety positions. He noted he would like to see a proposal of what it would look like to spend more of the public safety budget on these positions. He asked the Council if this was something they would like to see. Mayor Supple discussed the feedback she has received from residents regarding the public safety plans. She shared she is looking forward to the progress of the alternative response team.
She noted her support for adding two additional positions to public safety. Council Member Hayford Oleary explained he is concerned about the addition of two new
positions when they already have unfilled positions. He is also concerned that they are putting too much into the public safety department and not enough into other departments. He would like to hear alternative ideas to adding more positions.
Council Member Christensen stated she agrees with adding the two public safety positions. Council Member Trautmann shared his concern regarding adding the positions when they still have unfilled positions open. He noted that if by December they are unable to fill the positions, he would support a reallocation of the funds. Police Chief Henthorne provided updates on the staffing. He noted staff are looking into the pilot training that Hennepin County is using. Social Worker Jerrett discussed the importance of adding additional officer positions.
Police Chief Henthorne explained what the acronym IPOTP means.
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Mayor Supple asked a clarification question about the possible reallocation of the budget.
City Manager Rodriguez explained the City Manager has the authority to move budget numbers, she just must go before Council for approval. Council Member Trautmann shared he is in support of adding the new positions, but if they are unable to be filled by December he is in support of reallocation of those funds. Council Member Whalen asked Council Member Trautmann if his answer is a full yes or if there
is something that could happen to change his opinion. Council Member Trautmann noted with his review of the new information from tonight's meeting,
he is in full support of adding two new positions. Council Member Hayford Oleary asked City Manager Rodriguez if she would consider removing officer positions and reallocating those funds if the positions could not be filled. City Manager Rodriguez noted she did not support removing positions and reallocating funds. M/Christensen, S/Trautmann to adopt a resolution adopting the proposed budget and tax levy for the year 2025 and setting the truth in taxation meeting date and time for Tuesday, November 26, 2024. RESOLUTION NO. 12240 RESOLUTION ADOPTING A PROPOSED BUDGET AND TAX LEVY FOR THE YEAR 2025
Motion carried: 5-0 M/Hayford Oleary, S/Whalen to adopt a resolution authorizing budget revision. RESOLUTION NO. 12241 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BUDGET REVISIONS Motion carried: 5-0 M/Christensen, S/Trautmann to adopt a resolution authorizing revisions of the 2024 budget of various departments. RESOLUTION NO. 12242 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REVISION OF 2024 BUDGET OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS Motion carried: 5-0 M/Whalen, S/Trautmann to adopt a resolution establishing 2025 license, permit and miscellaneous fees pursuant to the provisions of Appendix D of the ordinance code of the City of
Richfield rescinding Resolution No. 12127 RESOLUTION NO. 12243 RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING 2025 LICENSE, PERMIT AND MISCELLANEOUS FEES PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF APPENDIX D OF THE ORDINANCE CODE OF THE CITY OF RICHFIELD RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 12127 Mayor Supple clarified the City has not received official guidance from the OCM.
Motion carried: 5-0
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ITEM #10
CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CONTRACT WITH TEAMSTERS #320 (LIEUTENANTS) BARGAINING UNIT FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2024 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2025 AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT. (STAFF REPORT NO. 123)
Council Member Trautmann presented Staff Report 123. M/Trautmann, S/Hayford Oleary to adopt a resolution approving the contract with Teamsters #320 (Lieutenants) bargaining unit for years for the period January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025 and authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement. RESOLUTION NO. 12244 RESOLUTION APPROVING LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF RICHFIELD AND TEAMSTERS #320 (LIEUTENANTS) BARGAINING UNIT FOR YEARS 2024-2025
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #11 CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Rodriguez shared information regarding questions from Larry Ernster and noted staff would respond to Mr. Ernster’s questions.
ITEM #12 CLAIMS AND PAYROLL
M/Trautmann, S/Whalen to approve the following claims and payrolls:
U.S. BANK 09/05/2024
A/P Checks: 330771 - 331370 $1,899,355.09
Payroll: 189995 – 190860 43972 – 44023 $ 2,312,516.54
TOTAL $ 4,211,871.63
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #13 HATS OFF TO HOMETOWN HITS
Council Member Whalen reminded residents early voting for the general election will begin soon. He also encouraged people to attend Penn Fest on Sunday. Council Member Christensen mentioned Penn Fest will be taking place on Sunday and noted volunteers are still needed. She also shared on Saturday the 21st, a group of local authors will meet at the Richfield History Center.
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Council Member Hayford Oleary shared his excitement and thanked the Transportation
Commission and Public Works Department for their work on Nicollet Avenue.
Council Member Trautmann thanked all of those involved and volunteered with Penn Fest. He also noted that he was able to look at the vision for the Wood Lake Nature Center. He shared his thanks for those who have worked on the Nature Center.
Mayor Supple thanked Director Verma for all of her work within Richfield. She urged people to attend Penn Fest. She also noted the farmers market will be taking place on Saturday.
ITEM #14 ADJOURNMENT
M/Trautmann, S/Christense to adjourn the meeting at 9:26 p.m.
Motion carried: 5-0
Date Approved: September 24, 2024
Mary B. Supple
Mayor
Michelle Friedrich Katie Rodriguez City Clerk City Manager