Special MeetingItem 1Outcome pending
Truth in Taxation Public Hearing Regarding the 2023 Property Tax Levy and 2022 Revised/2023 Proposed Budget and Proposed 2023 Utility Rates
The City Council held a required Truth in Taxation public hearing on December 13, 2022, during which Finance Manager Kumud Verma presented the proposed 2023 property tax levy, the revised 2022 budget, the proposed 2023 general fund budget, and proposed 2023 utility rates — covering topics including state aid history, city reserve forecasts, staffing needs, and levy impacts on the average home. One resident, Mark Hoffman of 6511 Logan Ave S, spoke to express concerns about a potential 21% property tax increase and questioned what additional value residents would receive. The Council voted 5-0 to close the hearing and to schedule final action on the levy and budget at a future meeting; no final approval was made at this session.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 4 related discussions →
Key figure: ~21% — A resident cited concerns about a potential 21% property tax increase; the Finance Manager presented levy impact figures for the average Richfield home, though exact dollar amounts were not captured in available document excerpts.
Potential benefit
This public hearing was a legally required step giving Richfield residents a formal opportunity to comment on the proposed 2023 budget and tax levy before the Council takes binding action. The presentation included city reserve forecasts and addressed infrastructure and staffing needs driven by inflation.
Concern to consider
A potential 21% property tax increase was cited by a resident as a significant concern. The final levy and utility rate amounts will be set at a subsequent Council meeting, and residents who did not speak at this hearing may have limited additional opportunities for public input.
What happens next: The Council voted 5-0 to schedule final action on the 2023 property tax levy, revised 2022 budget, proposed 2023 general fund budget, and 2023 utility rates at a future Council meeting. Residents who did not speak at this hearing may contact Council members before that final vote.
Sources: Special Meeting agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 1Discussed
Presentation of the Edwina Garcia Community Builder Award and proclamation to Emilia Gonzalez Avalos
The Richfield City Council was scheduled to present the third annual Edwina Garcia Community Builder Award and a mayoral proclamation to Emilia Gonzalez Avalos, executive director of Navigate MN/Unidos MN. The award recognizes her decade of work transforming a small networking program into a statewide organization focused on gender, racial, and economic justice for Latinas across Minnesota. Ms. Gonzalez Avalos, an immigrant born in Mexico City and raised in Minnesota, was also recognized as a 2022 Bush Foundation Fellow.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
Learn more about this item
Potential benefit
This award spotlights community leadership rooted in Richfield and celebrates an organization that provides direct support — economic, health, and leadership — to Latina workers, migrants, teens, and girls across Minnesota.
Concern to consider
No policy or financial concerns — this is a ceremonial recognition with no regulatory or fiscal impact.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2Discussed
Recognition of Mayor Maria Regan Gonzalez
The December 13, 2022 Richfield City Council meeting was scheduled to include a ceremonial recognition of Mayor Maria Regan Gonzalez, celebrating her leadership and community impact. Representatives from organizations including the Richfield Disability Advocacy Partnership, La Red, and Richfield Public Schools were expected to offer remarks of appreciation. The agenda also included a proclamation for Emilia Gonzalez Avalos, recipient of the third annual Edwina Garcia Community Builder Award, honoring her work as executive director of Navigate MN/Unidos MN.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
Learn more about this item
Potential benefit
Highlights local civic and community leaders working on racial, economic, and social equity in Richfield, reinforcing the city's commitment to inclusive governance.
Concern to consider
No policy concerns; this is a ceremonial item with no fiscal or regulatory impact.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4Outcome pending
Consent Calendar
The City Council approved the consent calendar, which included renewal of various liquor and secondhand goods licenses, acceptance of donations and grants, designation of polling places, first reading of a zoning code amendment, setting a public hearing for a new liquor license, contract renewal for vehicle auctioning, and support for transportation grant applications.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5Outcome pending
Consideration of items, if any, removed from Consent Calendar
No items were removed from the consent calendar for separate consideration.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6Outcome pending
Public hearing to consider a resolution adopting a Spending Plan for unobligated tax increment
A public hearing was scheduled to consider adopting a Spending Plan for approximately $10 million in pooled tax increment funds anticipated over the next 8 years from several Tax Increment Financing Districts. The plan was expected to guide investment priorities aligned with the city's Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Plan, including downtown revitalization, affordable housing, and climate resilience. The Housing and Redevelopment Authority had already approved the plan on November 21, 2022, and City Council adoption was required before any funds could be deployed toward specific projects.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Key figure: ~$10 million — Total pooled tax increment anticipated over the next 8 years across multiple TIF Districts, available for community investment under the Spending Plan
Potential benefit
If approved, this would direct approximately $10 million in existing tax increment revenue—without raising taxes—toward community priorities such as housing affordability, economic development, and climate action.
Concern to consider
The spending plan would not approve any specific projects; each future project would require separate HRA review, meaning long-term outcomes depend on how priorities are applied over time and which TIF districts have funds remaining before they expire.
What happens next: If adopted, individual projects would be brought to the HRA for approval as they are identified. TIF Districts in question expire in 2025 (Lyndale Gateway/Interchange West and Urban Village) and 2030 (City Bella), creating firm spending deadlines.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7Outcome pending
Public hearing and consider to approve the renewal of 2023 Pawnbroker and Secondhand Goods Dealer licenses for Metro Pawn & Gun, Inc.
A public hearing was scheduled to consider the renewal of Pawnbroker and Secondhand Goods Dealer licenses for Metro Pawn & Gun, Inc. at 7529 Lyndale Avenue South for 2023. Staff reported that all required documents, fees, and a $5,000 surety bond were submitted, a background investigation of the owners and general manager found no criminal history, and the Public Safety Director found no basis for denial. Current licenses were set to expire December 31, 2022.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 5 related discussions →
Key figure: $5,000 — Required surety bond submitted by Metro Pawn & Gun as part of the licensing requirements under Richfield City Code
Potential benefit
Routine license renewal ensures the business continues to operate under city oversight, including background checks and compliance with state statutes governing pawnbrokers and secondhand goods dealers.
Concern to consider
Public Safety contacts with the business rose from 12 contacts in the prior year period to 28 contacts from October 2021 through September 2022—a significant increase that may warrant community attention, even though staff found no grounds for denial.
What happens next: If the public hearing proceeds as scheduled, the council would vote on whether to approve the 2023 license renewal. Denial would prevent Metro Pawn & Gun from operating with a valid license until a new application process is completed.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8Outcome pending
Consider a resolution accepting the transfer from the Lyndale Gateway/Interchange West, Urban Village, and City Bella Tax Increment Financing Districts to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and consideration of priorities for the use of Trust Fund resources for affordable housing developments
The council was scheduled to consider accepting a $750,000 transfer—$250,000 each from the Lyndale Gateway/Interchange West, Urban Village, and City Bella TIF Districts—into the City's Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which was created in 2020 to construct, preserve, and rehabilitate affordable housing. The proposal would also establish priorities guiding how Trust Fund resources are awarded to future affordable housing developments. If adopted, the 2023 Trust Fund budget would commit $200,000 of these funds toward Richfield Flats, an affordable apartment development.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Key figure: $750,000 — Total transfer from three TIF Districts to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund ($250,000 each from Lyndale Gateway/Interchange West, Urban Village, and City Bella)
Potential benefit
This proposal would direct $750,000 in existing tax increment revenue—without new taxes—toward affordable housing, helping Richfield address housing affordability amid rising costs. Trust Fund awards would be limited to projects exceeding minimum inclusionary housing requirements, targeting the deepest affordability needs.
Concern to consider
Eligibility is restricted to projects going above and beyond the City's Inclusionary Housing Policy minimums, which may limit the number of projects that qualify and the pace of fund deployment.
What happens next: If adopted, the $750,000 would be transferred to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Individual affordable housing projects would be evaluated separately by the HRA using the priorities established at this meeting. The 2023 Trust Fund budget already anticipates committing $200,000 to Richfield Flats.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 9Outcome pending
Consider resolutions approving the 2022 Revised/2023 Proposed budget and tax levy and related resolutions
The council was scheduled to adopt a final 2023 gross tax levy of $26,784,573, a 6.60% increase over the prior year, along with revised 2022 budget resolutions and several related resolutions covering capital budgets, utility rates, and employee compensation. Despite the higher levy, the city's tax capacity rate was anticipated to decrease from 53.68% to 50.563%, which could limit actual tax bill increases for many property owners. The package also included a 3.00% wage increase for Management, General Services, and Specialized pay plan employees effective January 2023, reflecting challenges from inflation and a tight labor market.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 2 related discussions →
Key figure: $26,784,573 — Proposed 2023 gross tax levy, representing a 6.60% increase from the 2022 levy
Potential benefit
The anticipated decrease in the tax capacity rate means rising property values may partially offset the levy increase for many residents, potentially moderating actual tax bill impacts. The budget aims to maintain city services while addressing real inflationary and workforce pressures.
Concern to consider
A 6.60% levy increase during a period of elevated inflation and rising household costs may still result in higher property tax bills for some owners, particularly those whose property values have not risen proportionally to the broader market.
What happens next: State law required the city to adopt a final budget and levy by December 28, 2022. Once adopted, the city would have ten working days to certify the final levy to the Hennepin County Auditor and the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 10Outcome pending
Consider the appointments to City advisory board and commissions
Appointments to eight City advisory boards and commissions were scheduled for consideration at this meeting, as several member terms were set to expire January 31, 2023, and additional mid-term vacancies existed due to resignations. Candidates had been interviewed at a special work session on November 19, 2022, and the agenda included both renewal and mid-term vacancy appointments across the Advisory Board of Health, Arts Commission, Civil Service Commission, Community Services Commission, Human Rights Commission, Planning Commission, Sustainability Commission, and Transportation Commission. The City Council was expected to vote on filling these positions to ensure quorums at future board meetings.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 5 related discussions →
Potential benefit
If approved, these appointments would ensure all eight advisory boards maintain quorums, keeping city governance bodies functional and preserving structured community input on health, arts, planning, sustainability, transportation, and human rights matters.
Concern to consider
Several mid-term vacancies indicate higher-than-normal turnover on some commissions; unfilled seats could prevent boards from conducting official business if quorums are not maintained.
What happens next: If appointments were confirmed, new members would begin serving on their respective boards. Most full-term appointments would run through January 31, 2026, while mid-term vacancy appointments would run through January 31, 2024 or 2025 depending on the specific seat.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 11Outcome pending
Consider the adoption of the City’s legislative priorities for 2023
Richfield's legislative priorities for 2023 were scheduled for formal adoption, representing a compiled list of policy positions, advocacy stances, and state funding requests developed collaboratively by city staff and stakeholders. The top funding priority was a $12 million bonding request for Wood Lake Nature Center, which would fund demolition of the existing 50-year-old building, construction of a new facility, landscaping, and trail renovation. If adopted, the platform was expected to guide the city's advocacy efforts with state representatives throughout the 2023 legislative session, beginning with a legislative breakfast on January 12, 2023.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 3 related discussions →
Key figure: $12,000,000 — Requested state bonding bill (H.F. 664 / S.F. 1308) to fund deconstruction of the existing Wood Lake Nature Center building, construction of a new facility, landscaping, and renovation of the trail system.
Potential benefit
If approved, formally adopting the platform would strengthen Richfield's state-level advocacy for $12 million in Wood Lake Nature Center improvements and for policies addressing economic, racial, health, and climate equity gaps affecting vulnerable residents.
Concern to consider
There may be future public expenditures associated with any priorities that receive state funding; the actual funding structure for each project would be presented at future council meetings. Legislative outcomes are uncertain and not all priorities may advance at the state level.
What happens next: City staff and the contracted lobbyist were expected to present the adopted priorities at a legislative breakfast with state representatives on January 12, 2023. State legislative action on bonding requests and other priorities would proceed during the 2023 session, with any funding approvals returning to the City Council for further action.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 12Outcome pending
Consider approval of a new agreement with the Richfield Tourism and Promotion Board
An updated agreement with the Richfield Tourism and Promotion Board (RTPB) was on the agenda for consideration, replacing the original agreement that had been in place since July 5, 1990. The proposed agreement would expand the governing board to include a restaurant industry representative and a resident member appointed by the City Council, establish a 3-year review cycle, define a specific scope of services with goals and progress indicators, and require annual financial reporting to the City Council. The RTPB is funded by a 3% lodging tax on hotel and motel gross receipts, which generated $211,000 in 2019 but declined sharply during the pandemic and had not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Key figure: $211,000 — Annual lodging tax revenue generated in 2019 (pre-pandemic peak) that funds RTPB tourism and marketing activities.
Potential benefit
If approved, the updated agreement would strengthen accountability and broaden community representation in how Richfield's lodging tax revenue is managed and directed toward tourism promotion, with clearer performance expectations and regular public reporting.
Concern to consider
Lodging tax revenues remain well below pre-pandemic levels ($108,716 year-to-date in 2022 versus $211,000 in 2019), limiting the RTPB's available budget for promotion and marketing activities in the near term.
What happens next: If approved, the updated agreement would be formally executed between the City of Richfield and RTPB, establishing the new governance structure and reporting requirements. A 3-year review requirement would be built into the agreement to ensure it is regularly updated going forward.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 14Outcome pending
Claims and Payroll
Routine approval of city claims and payroll was scheduled on the agenda for the December 13, 2022 meeting, as is standard practice at each City Council meeting. This item authorizes payment of city bills and employee compensation and is a recurring procedural item. No specific dollar totals for this meeting's claims and payroll were available in the agenda materials.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Potential benefit
Regular council approval of claims and payroll provides a formal layer of financial transparency and accountability, ensuring city expenditures are reviewed and authorized by elected officials.
Concern to consider
No specific concerns identified; this is a routine procedural item with no policy implications.
What happens next: Claims and payroll items are routine votes; no further action beyond the council vote would be expected following approval.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilOutcome pending
Truth in Taxation Public Hearing regarding the 2023 property tax levy and 2022 Revised/2023 Proposed Budget and proposed 2023 utility rates
A Truth in Taxation public hearing was scheduled for December 13, 2022 at 6:00 p.m., as required by Minnesota Statutes, to allow residents to comment on the proposed 2023 property tax levy and budget before final adoption. The preliminary gross tax levy was set at $26,784,573, representing a 6.60% increase from the 2022 levy, though the city's tax capacity rate was expected to decrease slightly. Final action on the levy, revised 2022 budget, proposed 2023 budget, and utility rates was also on the agenda for consideration at this same meeting.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 4 related discussions →
Key figure: $26,784,573 — Proposed 2023 gross property tax levy, a 6.60% increase over the 2022 levy
Potential benefit
This public hearing was a legally required opportunity for Richfield residents to speak directly to the City Council about the proposed budget and tax levy before any final vote. The city's tax capacity rate was projected to decrease from 53.68% to approximately 51.66%, which could partially offset the levy increase for some property owners depending on assessed values.
Concern to consider
The proposed 6.60% levy increase of $26,784,573 would likely translate to higher property tax bills for many residents. Included in the levy were a $4,100,600 debt service component, $868,400 for equipment purchases, and $579,096 for the Economic Development Authority, along with proposed 3.00% wage increases for non-represented city employees.
What happens next: Following the public hearing, the City Council was expected to take final action on the 2023 tax levy, revised 2022 budget, proposed 2023 budget, and utility rates at this same December 13, 2022 meeting. Minnesota Statutes required final adoption no later than December 28, 2022.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗