12-10-2024 Regular Council Meeting
CALL TO ORDER
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; Mary Tietjen, City Attorney;
Kumud Verma, Finance Director; and Michelle Friedrich, City
Clerk.
Others Present: John Bjostad; Rebecca Kurtz, Ehlers Senior Municipal Advisor.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Supple led the Pledge of Allegiance.
OPEN FORUM
Mayor Supple reviewed the participation options for residents at the Council meeting include in-
person comments, comments by voicemail or email, and an option to request to participate virtually
with advance notice. Mayor Supple noted more information on submitting comments can be
reviewed at www.richfieldmn.gov/citycouncil.
No residents participated in the Open Forum public comment opportunity.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: made by Trautmann, seconded by Christensen to approve the minutes (1) Commission
Interviews from November 16, 2024; (2) City Council Work Session Meeting of November 26, 2024;
(3) City Council Truth in Taxation Meeting of November 26, 2024; and (5) City Council Regular
Meeting from November 26, 2024.
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #1
PRESENTATION OF THE EDWINA GARCIA COMMUNITY BUILDER AWARD
AND PROCLAMATION TO JOHN BJOSTAD
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Council Meeting
December 10, 2024
City Council Meeting Minutes -2- December 10, 2024
Mayor Supple read aloud the proclamation and invited John Bjostad to accept the proclamation.
John Bjostad thanked Council for the honor. Mr. Bjostad stated the actions which earned him the
award were simply everyday tasks he felt needed to be done and genuinely enjoyed completing.
ITEM #2
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: made by Hayford Oleary, seconded Whalen to approve the Agenda.
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #3
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Rodriguez presented the consent calendar.
A. Consider a request for a Conditional Use Permit for a 115-child daycare at 7132 Portland Avenue
at Hope Church. (Staff Report No. 167)
RESOLUTION NO. 12272
RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A DAY CARE AT 7132
PORTLAND AVENUE
B. Consider the approval of the first reading of an ordinance amending City Code section 550:
Floodplain Management Regulations.
(Staff Report No. 168)
BILL NO. 2024-16
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER V OF THE RICHFIELD CODE OF ORDINANCES
PERTAINING TO FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS
C. Consider the approval of the Local Public Health and Foundational Public Health
Responsibilities (FPHR) grants for 2025 provided by the Minnesota Legislature and
administered through the Minnesota Department of Health.
(Staff Report No. 169)
D. Consider the adoption of the City’s legislative priorities for 2025.
(Staff Report No. 170)
E. Consider the adoption of a resolution authorizing Richfield Public Safety/Police Department to
accept donations from the listed agencies, businesses and private individuals for designated
uses. (Staff Report No. 171)
RESOLUTION NO. 12273
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RICHFIELD PUBLIC SAFETY/POLICE DEPARTMENT TO
ACCEPT DONATIONS FROM THE LISTED AGENCIES, BUSINESSES AND PRIVATE
INDIVIDUALS FOR DESIGNATED USES
F. Consider a motion to approve the renewal of the 2025 licenses for On-Sale Intoxicating, Club,
On-Sale 3.2 Percent Malt Liquor and Wine, and Off-Sale 3.2 Percent Malt Liquor doing business
City Council Meeting Minutes -3- December 10, 2024
in Richfield.
(Staff Report No. 172)
License to sell Wine & 3.2 Percent Malt Liquor - ON SALE
Davanni's
Joy’s Pattaya
Kataki
My burger
Patrick’s Bakery
Red Pepper
Sandy’s Tavern
License to sell 3.2 Percent Malt Liquor - OFF SALE
Assal/Winner Gas/Pump N Munch
La Vaquita 2
La Vaquita Short Stop
Portland Food Mart
Target Corporation
Richfield Minnoco
Speedway #4186
Speedway #4188
Speedway #4191
Speedway #4615
On Sale Intoxicating
El Tejaban
Fireside Foundry
Frenchman's Pub
Giordano's
Los Sanchez Taqueria
Lyndale Smokehouse
Pizza Luce
Fred Babcock VFW Post 5555 (Club)
G. Consider a resolution requesting a variance from State Aid Rule 8820.9941 for the design of the
70th Street Safe Routes to School project. (Staff Report No. 173)
RESOLUTION NO. 12274
REQUESTING A VARIANCE FROM STANDARD FOR STATE AID OPERATION FOR
PROJECT NO. SAP 157-113-008
H. Consider the approval of a contract with Graymont (WI) LLC for the purchase of 1,400 tons of
quick lime annually in 2025, 2026 & 2027 for water treatment purposes in the amount of
$992,572.00.
(Staff Report No. 174)
I. Consider the approval of the bid tabulation and award a contract to Blackstone Contractors LLC,
for the Adam's Hill Pond Maintenance Project in the amount of $845,290.41, which includes the
base bid and alternates 1 and 2, and authorize the City Manager to approve contract changes
up to $175,000 without further City Council consideration.
(Staff Report No. 175)
J. Consider adoption of a resolution designating polling places for 2025.
(Staff Report No. 176)
City Council Meeting Minutes -4- December 10, 2024
RESOLUTION NO. 12275
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING POLLING PLACES FOR THE RICHFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOL
DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION IN 2025
K. Consideration of an Amended Professional Services Agreement awarding American Rescue
Plan Act funding to VEAP for services and activities that aid in the recovery of Richfield
community members negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
(Staff Report No. 177)
RESOLUTION NO. 12276
RESOLUTION APPROVING AN ALLOCATION OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT
FUNDING TO VEAP TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO RESIDENTS IMPACTED BY THE COVID-
19 PANDEMIC
L. Consider a resolution adopting an updated Capital Assets Policy for the City.
(Staff Report No. 178)
RESOLUTION NO. 12277
RESOLUTION APPROVING CAPITAL ASSETS POLICY
MOTION: made by Whalen, seconded by Hayford Oleary to approve the consent calendar
items 3A-L.
Mayor Supple thanked all donors who donated to the public safety police department.
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #4
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS, IF ANY, REMOVED FROM CONSENT
CALENDAR
None.
ITEM #5
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE RENEWAL OF 2025
PAWNBROKER LICENSE FOR METRO PAWN & GUN, INC., 7529 LYNDALE
AVENUE SOUTH. (STAFF REPORT NO. 179)
Council Member Hayford Oleary presented Staff Report 179 and opened the public hearing.
John Gunst, 7529 Lyndale Avenue South, noted that he came to show his respect and be available
for any questions regarding Metro Pawn & Gun, Inc.
MOTION: made by Hayford Oleary, seconded by Whalen to close the public hearing.
Motion carried: 5-0
Council Member Hayford Oleary stated he appreciates that Metro Pawn & Gun, Inc., are good
neighbors to the City.
MOTION: made by Hayford Oleary, seconded by Trautmann to approve the renewal of 2025
Pawnbroker License for Metro Pawn & Gun, Inc., 7529 Lyndale Avenue South.
Motion carried: 5-0
City Council Meeting Minutes -5- December 10, 2024
ITEM #6
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE SECOND READING OF A NEW ORDINANCE
ESTABLISHING A LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX IN RICHFIELD. COUNCIL
APPROVED THE FIRST READING AT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON
NOVEMBER 26, 2024. (STAFF REPORT NO. 180)
Council Member Trautmann presented Staff Report 180.
City Manager Rodriguez thanked the voters for voting in favor of investing in the City parks and
assets. She also thanked the Council for their work on this topic as well as others involved.
Council Member Whalen also thanked the voters. He asked Staff about the timeline of the three
projects.
City Manager Rodriguez stated that the Wood Lake Nature Center project timeline is 2026 to 2027.
The Vets Park will start in 2026 and take a longer amount of time. The pool liners will be done after
the 2026 season. The Community Center is looking like 2030, possibly 2029.
Council Member Trautmann also thanked staff for all of their time-consuming and hard work. He
thanked the Community for choosing to invest in these great amenities.
Mayor Supple thanked the voters, as well as staff and volunteers.
MOTION: made by Trautmann, seconded by Whalen to approve the second reading and adopt a
new ordinance establishing a local sales and use tax in Richfield. Council approved the first reading
at the City Council meeting on November 26, 2024.
BILL NO. 2024-15
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE RICHFIELD CODE OF ORDINANCES TO ADD A NEW
CHAPTER RELATED TO A LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX
RESOLUTION NO. 12278
RESOLUTION APPROVING SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF AN ORDINANCE 2024-15
AMENDING THE RICHFIELD CODE OF ORDINANCES TO ADD A NEW CHAPTER
RELATED TO LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #7
CONSIDER RESOLUTIONS APPROVING THE 2024 REVISED/2025 PROPOSED
BUDGETS, TAX LEVY AND RELATED RESOLUTIONS. (STAFF REPORT NO.
181)
Council Member Christensen presented Staff Report 181.
City Manager Rodriguez thanked Director Verma and Finance Department staff for all their work on
the budget. City Manager Rodriguez noted Director Verma will be leaving in January and thanked her
for leaving the department very stable and strong.
Mayor Supple also thanked Director Verma for her hard work.
City Council Meeting Minutes -6- December 10, 2024
Council Member Whalen highlighted countless hours of Council and staff work related to the budget
this year. Council Member Whalen noted the primary increase in this year’s budget includes
necessary staffing in the public safety department.
Mayor Supple mentioned that there is a breakdown of what the budget is being used for on the City
website.
MOTION: made by Christensen, seconded by Hayford Oleary to approve resolutions approving the
2024 revised/2025 proposed budgets, tax levy and related resolutions.
RESOLUTION NO. 12279
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REVISION OF 2024 BUDGET OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS
RESOLUTION NO. 12280
RESOLUTION ADOPTING A BUDGET AND TAX LEVY FOR THE YEAR 2025
RESOLUTION NO. 12281
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING PUBLIC WORKS ON-CALL COMPENSATION RATES FOR
2025
RESOLUTION NO. 12282
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING WASTEWATER SERVICE RATES AND CHARGES, WATER
RATES AND CHARGES, SPECIAL WATER SERVICE CHARGES, STORM SEWER RATES
AND CHARGES, STREET LIGHT RATES AND CHARGES, AND 6.5% PENALTY ON PAST
DUE ACCOUNTS
RESOLUTION NO. 12283
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2025 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET
RESOLUTION NO. 12284
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2026-2029 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
RESOLUTION NO. 12285
RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE 2025 GENERAL PAY PLAN
RESOLUTION NO. 12286
RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE 2025 SPECIALIZED PAY PLAN
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #8
CONSIDER ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AWARDING THE SALE OF
$10,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION SALES TAX REVENUE BONDS, SERIES
2024A. (STAFF REPORT NO. 182)
Council Member Whalen presented Staff Report 182.
Senior Municipal Advisor Rebecca Kurtz from Ehlers noted the City has received a AA+ rating. Ms.
Kurtz noted some of the highlights in the rating report. Ms. Kurtz noted a premium bid was received
and explained a premium bid means more money was received for the bond than anticipated. Ms.
Kurtz noted additional information is available in the packet.
City Council Meeting Minutes -7- December 10, 2024
MOTION: made by Whalen, seconded by Trautmann to adopt a resolution awarding the sale of
$10,000,000 general obligation sales tax revenue bonds, series 2024A, in the original aggregated
principal amount of $10,000,000; fixing their form and specifications; directing their execution and
delivery; and providing for their payment.
RESOLUTION NO. 12287
A RESOLUTION AWARDING THE SALE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION SALES TAX BONDS,
SERIES 2024A, IN THE ORIGINAL AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF $10,000,000;
FIXING THEIR FORM AND SPECIFICATIONS; DIRECTING THEIR EXECUTION AND
DELIVERY; AND PROVIDING FOR THEIR PAYMENT
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #9
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Rodriguez noted there were no public comments received at the last meeting. City
Manager Rodriguez thanked Council Members Trautmann and Whalen for their time served as
Council Members and noted the December 10 Council meeting will be their last meeting as Council
Members.
ITEM #10
CLAIMS AND PAYROLL
MOTION: made by Trautmann, seconded Whalen to approve the following claims and payroll:
U.S. BANK 12/06/2024
A/P Checks: 333160 – 333286 $536,626.07
Payroll: 192967 – 193301; (Manual
checks 44112-44117) $998,501.50
TOTAL $1,535,127.57
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #11
HATS OFF TO HOMETOWN HITS
Mayor Supple thanked the Richfield staff for their help in hosting the second-grade students from the
STEM School and gave a special commendation to the students and their teachers.
Council Member Christensen highlighted the Lights Parade being held on Thursday evening. She
invited everyone to come out and see the parade.
Council Member Hayford Oleary thanked Council Member Trautmann for his positive influence on the
Council and his strong support for equity issues. Hayford Oleary also expressed appreciation for
Council Member Whalen's thoughtful contributions to discussions on policy and priorities.
City Council Meeting Minutes -8-December 10, 2024
Mayor Supple echoed thanks and gratitude. Mayor Supple thanked Council Member Whalen for his
service and his passion regarding housing issues. Mayor Supple thanked Council Member Trautmann
for his mentorship and his valuable assistance in supporting new Council Members.
Council Member Whalen reflected on the positive changes and growth in Richfield during his time on
the Council. He highlighted his involvement in affordable housing and climate change initiatives,
expressing pride in these projects. Whalen also thanked residents, staff, and his family for their
support during his six years as a Council Member.
Council Member Trautmann expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, noting that he had
learned a great deal from Council Member Whalen. He thanked the staff for their support throughout
his two terms serving on the Council and took pride in the accomplishments achieved during his time
in office. Council Member Trautmann also acknowledged the sacrifices made by his family during his
tenure.
ITEM #12 ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: made by Whalen, seconded by Trautmann to adjourn the meeting at 7:59 p.m.
Motion carried: 5-0
To Be Approved: January 14, 2025
Mary Supple
Mayor
Michelle Friedrich Katie Rodriguez
City Clerk City Manager