2026-08-25 Regular Council Minutes
ITEM #1
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Supple at 7:00 p.m. on August 25, 2026, in the Council Chambers.
Council Present:
Council Excused:
Mary Supple, Mayor; Walter Burk, Sean Hayford Oleary, and Sharon Christensen. Rori A. Coleman-Woods.
Staff Present:
Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; 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 July 28, 2026, (4b) City Council Regular Meeting from July 28, 2026, and (4c) City Council Work Session from August 12, 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
August 25, 2026
City Council Meeting Minutes -2- August 25, 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. Mayor Supple requested speakers adhere to the
established timeline so that everyone has an opportunity to speak. Mayor Supple noted Council will listen to the speakers but will not engage in debate at this time. If there are questions, staff will provide responses by email or at the next Council meeting. Mayor Supple noted extending the amount of time normally scheduled for Open Forum to 45 minutes.
MOTION: made by Mayor Supple, seconded by Council Member Christensen, to extend the Open Forum time to 45 minutes.
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, and Council Member Christensen. Motion carries: 4:0 Twelve residents spoke during Open Forum. Jody Johnson, Richfield resident, expressed concerns about Flock cameras, citing potential issues with accuracy, privacy, data sharing, and misuse of information. Ms. Johnson also raised concerns
about the impact of the technology on domestic violence survivors, reproductive healthcare access, and immigration enforcement, as well as the lack of public awareness or input regarding the cameras' installation.
Angie Reiger, Richfield resident, spoke on behalf of petition signers requesting that the City pause and ultimately end its Flock contract, citing concerns about privacy, accuracy, public awareness,
and accountability. Ms. Reiger requested a written response to the petition, requested to hold a public forum to seek resident input on future surveillance proposals. Birgit Johnson, Richfield resident, spoke about preserving green space in Richfield parks and limiting additional development of park areas. Ms. Johnson cited the environmental and community benefits of natural areas, including habitat preservation, stormwater management, reduced heat
impacts, and opportunities for recreation and access to nature. Adriana Martinez, a representative of the Twin Cities chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals introduced the organization and highlighted the economic and homeownership contributions of the Latino community in Richfield and Minnesota. Ms. Martinez expressed interest in partnering with the City on future housing, zoning, redevelopment, affordability, and neighborhood investment discussions. Information document is a supplemental open forum document 1.
Linda Petersen, Richfield resident, expressed concerns about Flock cameras, including privacy and surveillance capabilities, and requested that the City cancel its contract and provide information on other measures being taken to ensure community safety. Jessica Lyons, Richfield resident, expressed concerns about Flock cameras, including privacy, data
use, and the cost of the contract. Ms. Lyons also discussed community mutual-aid efforts and questioned whether City resources could be directed toward supporting residents with food and housing needs. Sica Dawn, South Minneapolis resident, and a member of the Richfield Chamber of Commerce, expressed concerns about Flock cameras, citing privacy, transparency, data-sharing, and potential
City Council Meeting Minutes -3- August 25, 2026
misuse of surveillance technology. Ms. Dawn requested greater transparency regarding the use of
Flock data and asked the City to consider canceling its contracts. Mathew Berg, Richfield resident, expressed concerns about the placement and use of Flock cameras, including privacy and potential overreach. Mr. Berg questioned the lack of community input and urged the Council to discontinue use of the cameras. Aaron McKain, Richfield resident, expressed concerns about the legal, privacy, and national security implications of Flock cameras and encouraged the Council to review a memorandum regarding potential liability and risk. The memorandum is a supplemental open forum document 2. Mr. McKain
also encouraged the City to seek input from local experts when considering complex issues involving technology, privacy, and civil liberties. Nikhil Naidv, Richfield resident, expressed concerns about Flock cameras, citing data security, privacy, data collection, and transparency issues. Mr. Naidv referenced reported security vulnerabilities and concerns about the use and sharing of camera data and requested that the City
consider canceling its contract and seek public input regarding future use of the technology. Steve McKeown, Richfield resident, spoke in opposition to Flock cameras and expressed concerns
about privacy, data collection, and the effectiveness of the technology. Mr. McKeown also commented on the proposed Legion development, stating he supports development but would prefer the project be reduced in scale due to potential traffic impacts on Portland Avenue.
Tammy Kronarek, Richfield resident, expressed concerns regarding Flock cameras, citing the volume of images collected, data retention and access, and whether the cameras have improved public safety. Ms. Kronarek also questioned enforcement practices involving vehicles without license plates and requested greater consideration of privacy and community concerns. Mayor Supple thanked residents for their comments and noted that the Public Safety Department is preparing a Frequently Asked Questions document addressing questions regarding the Flock cameras. The document is expected to be posted on the City website in the coming days and will incorporate questions raised during the meeting.
ITEM #6
PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
None.
ITEM #7
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Rodriguez presented the consent calendar. a. Approve Disbursements/Claims
U.S. BANK
A/P Checks/ETF’s: (07-18-2026 through 08-14-2026) $2,987,383.78
Payroll (07-31-2026) Includes health insurance premiums for
August 2026. $1,506,158.55
Payroll (08-14-2026) $1,179,328.35
TOTAL $5,672,870.68
City Council Meeting Minutes -4- August 25, 2026
b. Consider approval of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension's (BCA's) Master Joint Powers
Agreement (JPA) with Richfield Department of Public Safety/Police for access to the Criminal Justice Data Communications Network (CJDN) and the Court Data Services Subscriber Amendment to CJDN Subscriber Agreement.
RESOLUTION 12445
APPROVING STATE OF MINNESOTA JOINT POWERS AGREEMENTS WITH THE
CITY OF RICHFIELD ON BEHALF OF ITS POLICE DEPARTMENT
c. Consider approval of an agreement for Prosecution Services with the City of Richfield and H/J Law.
d. Approve a work order in the amount of $189,050 with HDR Engineering, Inc. for a water treatment plant feasibility study.
MOTION: made by Council Member Hayford Oleary, seconded by Council Member Christensen, to approve Consent Calendar items 7a-d as presented.
Mayor Supple highlighted the ongoing engineering study regarding water treatment feasibility and encouraged public engagement and feedback. Mayor Supple noted the age of the
existing treatment plant and emphasized the importance of proactive planning before a crisis occurs.
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, and Council
Member Christensen. Motion carries: 4:0
ITEM #8
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS, IF ANY, REMOVED FROM CONSENT
CALENDAR
None.
ITEM #9
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
ITEM
#10
PROPOSED ORDINANCES
a. Consider the first reading of an ordinance approving changes to subsection 400.21 and the addition of subsection 400.22 to the city code pertaining to fire prevention.
Council Member Christensen presented staff report 10a, to consider the first reading of an ordinance approving changes to subsection 400.21 and the addition of subsection 400.22 to the city code pertaining to fire prevention. The proposed amendments would correct references to the adopted state fire code and authorize the Fire Department to conduct plan reviews and inspections
delegated by the State Fire Marshal.
MOTION: made by Council Member Christensen, seconded by Council Member Hayford Oleary, to approve the first reading of an ordinance for an amendment to subsection 400.21
and the addition of subsection 400.22 to the city code pertaining to fire prevention and approving the second reading at the September 10 Council meeting.
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, and Council
Member Christensen. Motion carries: 4:0
City Council Meeting Minutes -5-August 25, 2026
ITEM
#11 RESOLUTIONS
None.
ITEM #12 OTHER BUSINESS
None.
ITEM #13 CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Rodriguez noted there were no reports.
ITEM #14 COUNCIL DISCUSSION
a.Hats off to Hometown Hits.
Council Member Christensen noted that school begins August 31 for grades 6–12 and September 1 for younger grades and encouraged residents to be mindful of school buses and increased vehicle traffic in neighborhoods.
Council Member Burk encouraged residents to enjoy local amenities, including Richfield Golf
Course, the pool, and the farmers market, before the end of summer. Council Member Burk gave a brief report as the Human Rights Commission liaison and noted law enforcement representatives attended a recent commission meeting to discuss Flock cameras. Council Member Burk also noted
concerns regarding the potential loss of investigative benefits if the cameras were discontinued and stated he is open to further information and discussion.
Mayor Supple thanked volunteers for their work with Unity in the Community, which distributed
more than 850 backpacks, and recognized organizers and volunteers of the first annual Disability Pride Festival. Mayor Supple also thanked those who spoke during the meeting and encouraged continued community dialogue on the issues discussed.
b.Council Liaison Reports
Council Member Burk reviewed the Human Rights Commission liaison report during Hats off to Hometown Hits.
ITEM #15 ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: made by Council Member Coleman-Woods, seconded by Council Member Christensen to adjourn the meeting at 7:52 p.m.
Voting Aye: Supple, Hayford Oleary, Christensen, and Coleman-Woods. Motion carries: 4:0
Date Approved: September 8, 2026
City Council Meeting Minutes -6-August 25, 2026
Mary Supple Mayor
Michelle Friedrich Katie Rodriguez City Clerk City Manager
____________________________ Katie Rodriguez City Manager
From:Mike Carlson
To:Mary Supple; Walter Burk; Sean Hayford Oleary; Rori Coleman-Woods; Michelle Friedrich
Subject:Fw: Flock Camera"s
Date:Thursday, August 27, 2026 9:40:15 AM
Hi Mayor and City Council Members,
My name is Mike Carlson. My family and I have resided in Richfield for 36 years and live in
Sean's Ward.
The condensed version of this e-mail is I am a proponent of the use of Flock or other camera
systems in Richfield.
Tuesday night, 08/25 was the first City Council meeting I've attended. I was unprepared to
speak and unsure of the process. I sent Sean the original e-mail prior to the meeting which
outlines my thoughts on Flock cameras. Everyone who spoke at the meeting about the
cameras was against the use of them. I wanted to bring up some points about what was said
at the meeting.
Multiple people mentioned concerns that Richfield had the cameras quickly installed without
notifying its residents. I do not have specific dates, but I am aware Richfield has been using
these cameras with little or no issues for approximately 3 years. I am also aware that prior to
the cameras being installed there were opportunities for residents to learn about and give input
to the installation and use of these cameras.
People mentioned the recent fears about the Federal Government's immigration policies and
the effect of Richfield residents. I empathize with everyone who was affected in this situation;
however, there is nothing to suggest that these cameras were used at any time during these
actions. My fear is we overreact to what happened in that unrelated action and take away a
valuable tool to help keep our community safe.
There was a distrust in the Flock company itself. I am not a proponent of Flock in itself; I am a
proponent of the cameras as a tool to help keep our community safe. I trust the Richfield
Police Department, the City Counsil and any vetting used to hire and use this technology.
Cloud storage and unsecure cameras were a concern. I personally am more worried about my
personal data, or city/state finance data being "out there" than pictures of license plates. The
breach of the cameras that was mentioned was, I believe in 2023. Since then there have been
no other issues, which suggests that issue has been resolved.
I would like to thank Sean for his quick response to my original e-mail. Sean cleared up a
misconception and explained some of the processes you need to go through to either cancel or
possibly renew the contract.
Thank you for your continued service to Richfield,
Mike Carlson
2026-09-08 Open Forum Email