2026-05-26 Work Session MinutesCITY 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
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