City CouncilItem 1Discussed
17th Annual Great Pumpkin Giveaway Coloring Contest Winners
The 17th Annual Great Pumpkin Giveaway Coloring Contest was scheduled as a presentation item, with Mayor Regan Gonzalez expected to announce winners in each category. The event, a 16-year Richfield tradition, was sponsored by The Schneeberger Realty Group and Luminate Home Loans. The presentation was intended to celebrate young community members and recognize local businesses for supporting community-building activities.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Community events like the Great Pumpkin Giveaway foster neighborhood connection and celebrate local youth at no direct cost to taxpayers, with expenses covered by private business sponsors.
Concern to consider
No significant concerns identified for this informational presentation.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2Discussed
Arts Commission Yearly Presentation
Planning Commission Chair James Rudolph was scheduled to present the Commission's annual overview of its 2022 work to the City Council. The presentation was expected to cover the Commission's role in reviewing staff recommendations and deliberating on land use and development matters prior to full Council consideration. Council members were anticipated to recognize the Commission's contributions to thorough and respectful deliberation on community development issues.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
The Planning Commission serves as a critical review body for development decisions affecting Richfield neighborhoods, ensuring detailed analysis before items reach the full City Council.
Concern to consider
No significant concerns identified; this is an informational annual review.
What happens next: A sculpture installation at the Chase Bank site was anticipated for November 9th, though the Arts Commission's involvement was uncertain at the time of the meeting.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3Discussed
Planning Commission Annual Presentation
Planning Commission Chair James Rudolph was scheduled to give an annual presentation to the City Council, providing an overview of the commission's efforts throughout the year. The presentation was expected to highlight the Planning Commission's role in reviewing staff recommendations and deliberating on land use and development matters before they reach the Council. Council members have previously expressed appreciation for the commission's thoughtful, respectful deliberations on proposals.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
The Planning Commission serves as an important layer of review in the land use and development process, vetting proposals before they reach the City Council. Annual presentations like this one help maintain public transparency about how land use decisions are shaped in Richfield.
Concern to consider
No significant concerns are associated with this informational presentation.
What happens next: No action was required following this informational presentation; it was intended solely as an annual update to the Council.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5AOutcome pending
Reclassification of Friendship City Commission
This item was scheduled for consideration to reclassify the Friendship City Commission — which has fostered Richfield's sister city relationship with Heredia, Costa Rica since 1984 — as a committee under the Community Services Commission, effective January 1, 2023, by rescinding Resolution No. 8248. Staff recommended this change because travel to Costa Rica and hosting delegations are infrequent, leaving commission meetings with few agenda items in non-trip years. If approved, current commission members would be invited to continue as committee members, retaining their financial account and staff support for travel and community events.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Potential benefit
This proposal would streamline city governance by consolidating the Friendship City program under an existing commission while preserving its mission and activities. The committee structure would offer more scheduling flexibility and continued staff liaison support without requiring formal commission meeting obligations in low-activity years.
Concern to consider
Downgrading from a formal commission to a committee could reduce the program's institutional visibility and standing within city government. Some residents with ties to the Heredia relationship may view the change as a signal of reduced city commitment to the international partnership.
What happens next: If approved, the Friendship City Commission would officially transition to a committee within the Community Services Commission on January 1, 2023. Transition details were expected to be discussed at the November Friendship City Commission meeting, with staff supporting the establishment of the committee's first meeting in 2023.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5BOutcome pending
First Reading of Ordinance Amending Section 601 (Solid Waste)
The City Council was scheduled to consider the first reading of an ordinance amending Section 601 of the Richfield City Code governing solid waste disposal, collection, and hauling. The proposed changes were expected to add clarifying language specifying which generators are covered under the city's organized collection contract versus commercial collection services—a gap identified after the new garbage code was adopted the prior year. Staff recommended approving the first reading and scheduling a second reading for November 9, 2022.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Part of an ongoing matter · 1 related discussion →
Potential benefit
If approved, clearer code language would reduce confusion about who is required to use the city's organized hauling program, potentially preventing compliance issues for residents and businesses operating under the relatively new system.
Concern to consider
Further amendments to the solid waste code suggest the organized collection program—which replaced the prior open-ended system—continues to have gaps requiring refinement, which may indicate ongoing regulatory adjustments for residents and haulers.
What happens next: If the first reading was approved, a second reading was scheduled for November 9, 2022, after which the ordinance would need final adoption to take effect.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5COutcome pending
Easement Purchase for 77th St Underpass Project
A resolution was on the agenda to authorize payment for two easements at 7601 18th Avenue required for the ongoing 77th Street Underpass project, which began in July 2021 and was anticipated to continue through fall 2023. The easements were needed due to drainage design changes that required new stormwater infrastructure on the west side of the property along the future Richfield Parkway, and the property owner agreed to the purchase without the need for eminent domain proceedings. Staff recommended the Council approve the resolution to allow timely construction of the drainage structure.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $830.56 — Temporary construction easement payment for 7601 18th Ave
Potential benefit
Acquiring these easements would allow the 77th Street Underpass project to address drainage issues and stay on schedule, benefiting commuters and residents who depend on the underpass and surrounding transportation infrastructure.
Concern to consider
The permanent right-of-way easement represents an irreversible land transfer from a private property owner, and construction was expected to continue for approximately one more year in the area.
What happens next: If approved, the city would make payment to the property owner, the easements would become effective, and construction of the drainage structure could proceed as part of the larger 77th Street Underpass Project ahead of the project's anticipated fall 2023 completion.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5DOutcome pending
Ratification of Contract for Taft Park Lift Station Improvements
The City Council was asked to ratify a contract with Meyer Contracting, Inc. totaling $175,788.34 for the already-completed Taft Park Lift Station Improvements Project, which installed a stormwater lift station to actively control water levels in Taft Lake. The original contract of $174,824.64 was executed without Council approval because it fell below the $175,000 purchasing threshold, but a $963.70 amendment for construction quantity overages pushed the total above that threshold, requiring formal Council ratification before the city could pay the final invoice. The project provides Public Works with active control over pond levels, preventing flooding in Taft Park and over the Three Rivers Park District trail.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $174,824.64 — Original contract amount with Meyer Contracting, Inc., executed in June 2022
Potential benefit
The completed lift station eliminates recurring flooding and nuisance standing water in Taft Park and along the adjacent trail, and removes the need for Public Works staff to manually pump down the pond during high-water events, improving both park usability and worker safety.
Concern to consider
The contract exceeded the City Manager's approval authority due to a cost overrun, and Council was asked to retroactively ratify a contract already executed and a project already completed—raising procedural questions about procurement oversight, even though the overrun was modest at roughly 0.55% above the original amount.
What happens next: If ratified, the city would be authorized to pay the final invoice to Meyer Contracting, Inc., completing the financial closeout of the project. The City Manager would also be authorized to approve future contract amendments up to $5,000 without returning to Council.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6Outcome pending
Consideration of Items Removed from Consent Calendar
No items were removed from the consent calendar for separate consideration.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7Outcome pending
Public Hearing and Resolution for Special Assessments for Diseased Tree Removal
The Council held a public hearing and voted 5-0 to adopt Resolution No. 12020, approving special assessments totaling $84,622.54 across 23 properties for the removal of diseased trees from private property during 2021. Of 27 property owners who originally chose the city assessment option, 4 had since paid off their balances. Unpaid amounts would be certified to the Hennepin County Auditor and spread over five years at 5% interest, with a deadline of November 11 for payment without interest.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Part of an ongoing matter · 1 related discussion →
Key figure: $84,622.54 — Total special assessment across 23 properties for diseased tree removal ordered January 1 through December 31, 2021
Potential benefit
The city's shade tree disease program, active since the 1970s, controls the spread of disease across Richfield's urban tree canopy. The assessment option allows property owners who cannot afford upfront removal costs to spread payments over five years at a low interest rate rather than facing an immediate lump-sum bill.
Concern to consider
Property owners on the assessment roll who miss the November 11 deadline will begin accruing 5% interest over five years, meaningfully increasing the total cost of removal they did not self-initiate.
What happens next: The assessment roll was submitted to the Hennepin County Auditor before the end of November 2022. Property owners could pay the full principal without interest by November 11; unpaid balances began accruing 5% interest and were included in annual property tax bills over five years.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8Outcome pending
Second Reading of Interim Ordinance Imposing One-Year Moratorium on Sale of Cannabis Products
The Council voted 4-1 to approve the second reading of an interim ordinance imposing a one-year moratorium on the sale of cannabis and THC-infused products within Richfield, with Council Member Hayford Oleary casting the sole dissenting vote. The moratorium was triggered by a 2022 Minnesota law that authorized the sale of THC edibles and beverages but provided limited local regulatory guidance, and it is designed to give the city time to develop a local licensing and zoning framework before any sales begin. The ordinance (Bill No. 2022-17) took effect December 3, 2022, thirty days after publication, and applies to all cannabis product sales except medical cannabis and non-edible hemp products that were already lawful.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Part of an ongoing matter · 2 related discussions →
Potential benefit
The moratorium gives Richfield time to craft its own regulations—including age verification requirements, location restrictions, and licensing standards—before THC product retailers open, with a stated goal of protecting minors from access to these products.
Concern to consider
THC products that are otherwise legal under state law cannot be sold in Richfield for up to one year, which may push local residents to purchase them in neighboring cities and may put Richfield businesses at a competitive disadvantage compared to retailers in other jurisdictions without moratoriums.
What happens next: The moratorium took effect December 3, 2022, and runs for up to one year. City staff were expected to develop a licensing and zoning framework for cannabis product sales during that period. If the Council adopts a licensing ordinance before the year expires, it may repeal the moratorium early.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 9Outcome pending
Second Reading of Ordinance Amending Section 925 (Public Nuisances and Refuse)
A second reading of an ordinance amending Section 925 of the Richfield City Code was scheduled for consideration at this meeting, which would add a formal definition of 'refuse' and language addressing its accumulation under the city's Public Nuisances section. This proposal was brought forward because the elimination of the old garbage code left Environmental Health staff without clear legal language to enforce nuisance violations tied to refuse accumulation. The first reading of this amendment was approved by the City Council on October 11, 2022.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Part of an ongoing matter · 1 related discussion →
Potential benefit
If approved, this would restore clear enforcement authority for Environmental Health staff to address properties where refuse has accumulated, potentially improving neighborhood cleanliness, reducing odors, and mitigating fire and sanitation hazards citywide.
Concern to consider
The ordinance would expand the city's enforcement toolbox, which could result in increased citations or abatement actions for property owners if the updated definition of 'refuse' is applied broadly or inconsistently.
What happens next: If the second reading was approved, the ordinance would become adopted city law and would be published via a summary publication in accordance with Section 3.12 of the Richfield City Charter, making the updated nuisance enforcement language officially in effect.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 11Discussed
Approval of Claims and Payroll
The Richfield Arts Commission was scheduled to deliver its annual overview of 2022 activities to the City Council, led by Co-Chairs Karin Wolverton and Larry Nelson. The presentation was expected to highlight the Commission's community engagement work and honor retiring staff liaison MaryKaye Champa. Discussion was anticipated around an upcoming sculpture installation at the Chase Bank site, planned for November 9th.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
The Arts Commission works to integrate public art into everyday community life, supporting local culture and quality of life across Richfield.
Concern to consider
No significant concerns identified; this is an informational annual review.
What happens next: A sculpture installation at the Chase Bank site was anticipated for November 9, 2022, with the Arts Commission's involvement to be determined.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 1Outcome pending
Feedback on staff's recommendation to migrate from JD Edwards to a new financial software package (Oracle ERP and Sprypoint Utility Billing) via LOGIS
Staff was scheduled to present a recommendation to migrate the city's financial management software from JD Edwards — in use since 2002 — to Oracle Cloud ERP and Sprypoint Cloud Utility Billing through the LOGIS consortium. The proposal was the result of an 18-month evaluation involving 27 member agencies, over 1,500 collective staff hours, and guidance from the Government Finance Officers Association. Council was expected to provide feedback, with staff indicating a formal resolution would be brought to a subsequent council meeting for approval.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: Not specified — The staff report referenced annual costs and implementation costs as part of the LOGIS contract extension, but specific dollar amounts were not fully captured in the available meeting documents.
Potential benefit
If approved, the cloud-based system would automate manual processes, eliminate redundant double-entry between HR and payroll, improve financial reporting, and add a built-in utility billing customer portal. LOGIS negotiated guaranteed pricing for 10 years, potentially offering long-term cost stability for taxpayers.
Concern to consider
The transition would require a significant one-time implementation investment and operational disruption as city staff learn new systems across finance, HR, and utility billing. A long-term contract limits flexibility if the software does not perform as expected.
What happens next: Following work session feedback, staff indicated they planned to bring a formal resolution to the full City Council for approval at the next regular meeting.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 2Outcome pending
Community Garden Pilot Proposal
A community garden pilot proposal at Veterans Park was on the agenda for council discussion, featuring approximately 30 plots — including accessible raised and table beds — open to Richfield residents only, with preference given to those in high-density housing. The project was expected to be funded through existing park maintenance funds with a proposed $45 annual plot fee, and was targeted to open Mother's Day weekend 2023. Staff sought council feedback to allow site preparation to begin before the ground froze.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $45 — Proposed annual plot fee per household; described during discussion as potentially subject to change based on final council direction.
Potential benefit
If approved, the pilot would expand gardening access to residents in multifamily housing who lack private outdoor space, align with the city's Climate Action Plan, and address food access needs amid rising costs — all without requiring a new budget appropriation. Community engagement showed broad resident interest with no opposition to the concept itself.
Concern to consider
Soil testing at the proposed Veterans Park site revealed higher-than-ideal pH levels requiring amendment, and final rules around chemical use and fertilizers were still being developed at the time of the meeting. A small number of residents raised concerns about the specific location.
What happens next: Staff sought council direction to proceed with site preparation before the ground froze, with final plot fees, layout details, and garden rules still to be determined ahead of a planned Mother's Day 2023 opening.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗