Work SessionItem 1Outcome pending
Continued Discussion on Policy Framework Approach for Regional Transportation Investment Projects and Evaluation of City Support for Corridors of Commerce Project Submittals
A draft policy framework for evaluating regional transportation investment projects was scheduled for continued discussion, along with consideration of City support for three Corridors of Commerce (COC) project submittals tied to I-494 and Highway 62 improvements. The session was expected to focus heavily on the COC projects, as resolutions of support were due to MnDOT by March 1, 2023 and were on the agenda for the February 28 Regular City Council Meeting. Staff had applied the updated framework to the Highway 62 project and noted that I-494 traffic volumes are projected to increase regardless of whether the COC projects move forward.
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Potential benefit
If the framework and resolutions were adopted, Richfield would have a structured, flexible policy to evaluate future regional transportation projects with an explicit focus on resident quality of life, equity for historically overlooked populations, and alignment with the City's 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The Highway 62 project, if supported, aimed to reduce cut-through traffic on Portland Ave and 66th Street, replace an outdated pedestrian crossing, and add sound barriers along the freeway.
Concern to consider
Staff flagged that one of the I-494 projects (494 Project 1) could increase congestion on I-494 east of 35W, with MnDOT indicating the full long-range 494 Vision would be needed to address that impact. Residents and businesses near affected corridors could face construction disruption and uncertainty about long-term traffic pattern changes.
What happens next: Three resolutions of support for the Corridors of Commerce projects were expected to be brought to the February 28, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting, with MnDOT requiring submission by March 1, 2023. The Regional Transportation Investments Framework was also expected to continue being refined based on Council feedback.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 1Discussed
Proclamation Celebrating Black History Month
The Richfield City Council was scheduled to consider a proclamation recognizing February 2023 as Black History Month, celebrating the contributions of African Americans to the city, state, and nation. The proclamation noted that African Americans represented 11.8% of Richfield's population in 2022 and traced the origins of Black History Month to historian Carter G. Woodson's 1925 Negro History Week. The Richfield Human Rights Commission supported the proclamation at its February 2, 2023 meeting and recommended the Council adopt it.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Affirms the city's stated core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and publicly recognizes the longstanding contributions of Black residents to Richfield's community dating back to the early 1800s.
Concern to consider
This is a ceremonial proclamation with no regulatory or budgetary impact on city services or taxpayers.
What happens next: If the proclamation was adopted, it calls on Richfield residents to observe February with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies honoring Black American contributions throughout the year.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2Discussed
Proclamation Declaring February 11, 2023 as Solveig Tvedten Day
The Council was scheduled to consider a proclamation honoring Solveig Tvedten, a longtime Richfield resident celebrating her 100th birthday on February 11, 2023. Tvedten moved to Richfield in 1955, raised five children, and became a registered dietician, remaining active in her community well into her centennial year. The proclamation recognized her as an example of an exemplary life lived in the Richfield community.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Celebrates a century of community membership and highlights Richfield's longstanding, multigenerational residents and their contributions to the city's character.
Concern to consider
This is a ceremonial proclamation with no regulatory or budgetary implications.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4AOutcome pending
Site Plan Review, Sign Variances, and Parking Variance for MSP Commercial Headquarters
MSP Commercial, a construction company, was scheduled for consideration of a three-part land use request to relocate its headquarters from Eagan to 6436 Penn Avenue South in the Penn Avenue Corridor. The request included site plan approval, two sign variances to bring an existing oversized freestanding sign closer to code compliance, and a one-stall parking variance — with the site proposing 26 stalls against a requirement of 25 (including credit for four bicycle parking spaces). Staff recommended approval, noting that the office use fits the Mixed Use–Community zoning of the Penn Avenue Corridor and the proposal would improve pedestrian sidewalk access by eliminating a pinch point caused by the current sign placement.
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Potential benefit
If approved, this would activate a commercial property along Penn Avenue with an established office tenant and improve pedestrian conditions by eliminating a sidewalk obstruction caused by the existing sign.
Concern to consider
The site falls one stall short of code parking before bicycle credits are applied; a reciprocal access easement with the adjacent property is also part of the approval package, creating a shared driveway arrangement that depends on ongoing cooperation between property owners.
What happens next: If approved as a consent calendar item, MSP Commercial could proceed with its office relocation to 6436 Penn Avenue South, execute the reciprocal access easement and maintenance agreement with the adjacent property, and implement the proposed signage and site improvements.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4BOutcome pending
Modification of Health Care Savings Plan for Police Sergeants, Teamsters #320
The Council was scheduled to consider adopting a resolution modifying the post-employment Health Care Savings Plan (HCSP) for Police Sergeants in the Teamsters Local #320 bargaining unit, adjusting the severance contribution formula agreed to by both the union and the City. The modification had already received preliminary approval from the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS), and staff noted the plan has no cost to the City — in fact, generating modest savings through reduced Social Security and Medicare contributions on amounts employees direct into the plan. Under state statute, HCSP modifications can only occur once every two years; the last modification for this group was in 2016.
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Potential benefit
If approved, this would give Police Sergeants a more favorable mechanism to save pre-tax dollars for post-employment medical expenses, while generating modest payroll tax savings for the city.
Concern to consider
No significant public concerns identified; the modification was requested by the majority of the affected employee group and carries no additional cost to taxpayers.
What happens next: If approved, the City would submit the modified plan to MSRS for final filing and implementation, at which point the updated contribution formula would take effect for eligible Police Sergeant employees.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4COutcome pending
Extension of Land Use Approvals for Planned Unit Development at 101 – 66th Street East
North Bay Companies was on the agenda to request a one-year extension of land use approvals for a planned five-story mixed-use building at 101 – 66th Street East, featuring 80 residential units and approximately 2,685 square feet of commercial space — approvals that had expired on January 11, 2023. The applicant cited the challenging economic climate as the reason for the delay and noted progress through multiple building permit submittals and a demolition permit already issued; without an extension, the developer would need to restart the entire land use approval process. Staff continued to support the proposed development as an investment in the 66th Street corridor and a source of needed housing.
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Potential benefit
If approved, this would preserve an active application to add 80 housing units along the 66th Street corridor — a priority investment area — without requiring a full restart of the lengthy approval process, keeping the project on a path to construction.
Concern to consider
This site has experienced multiple project proposals and ownership changes since 2018; continued delays raise questions about how quickly housing will actually be delivered, and the affordability level of the proposed units is not specified in agenda materials.
What happens next: If the extension were granted, North Bay Companies would need to begin substantial construction by January 11, 2024. If denied, the applicant would need to reapply and restart the full land use approval process from the beginning.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4DOutcome pending
Award Contract for Sheridan Pond Maintenance Project Phase 2
The Sheridan Pond Maintenance Project Phase 2 contract award was scheduled for council consideration, with staff recommending Davey Resource Group as the lowest of four bidders at $94,128.99. Phase 2 was expected to begin in Spring 2023 and would include vegetative improvements — seeding, plugging, tree planting, and pollinator habitat establishment — following Phase 1 dredging work that commenced in November 2022. This was on the agenda as the first significant maintenance effort at Sheridan Pond in at least 30 years, funded through stormwater user fees.
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Key figure: $94,128.99 — Recommended contract award to Davey Resource Group — lowest of four bids received, funded through stormwater user fees
Potential benefit
If approved, this project would restore Sheridan Pond's stormwater treatment capacity, establish diverse pollinator habitat, and aggressively manage invasive species — improving both ecological function and water quality for the surrounding area at a cost that came in below the engineer's estimate.
Concern to consider
The project involved removal of approximately 90 trees greater than 8 inches in diameter, primarily ash, to open the tree canopy for ground cover establishment, representing a significant near-term loss of mature trees in the area.
What happens next: If the contract was awarded, Davey Resource Group would mobilize after the Spring 2023 thaw to begin vegetation improvements. The City Manager would hold authority to approve contract changes up to $25,000 without returning to council.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4EOutcome pending
Award Contract for Water Treatment Plant Roof Replacement Project
The council was scheduled to consider awarding a $1,389,615 contract to Huot Construction and Services, Inc. for a full roof replacement at Richfield's Water Treatment Plant, which was built in the early 1960s and last had its roof replaced in 2002. The project was expected to come in approximately 26% above the $1,100,000 engineer's estimate due to inflationary pressures and volatile roofing material prices, with the shortfall anticipated to require deferring some other planned 2023 capital improvement projects. The project also included replacement of rooftop heating and cooling units, with the new roof expected to carry an approximately 25-year lifespan.
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Key figure: $1,389,615.00 — Recommended contract award to Huot Construction (lowest of two bids), funded through utility user fees
Potential benefit
If approved, this project would address active roof leaks that have been interrupting the water treatment process, protect critical drinking water infrastructure serving all Richfield residents, and extend the facility's operational life by an estimated 25 years by combining the roof and HVAC replacements into a single efficient project.
Concern to consider
The project came in roughly $290,000 over the engineer's estimate, and covering that gap would require shifting funding away from other planned 2023 capital improvement projects — potentially delaying other infrastructure work elsewhere in the city.
What happens next: If the contract was awarded, Huot Construction would mobilize as soon as practicable. The City Manager would hold authority to approve change orders up to $175,000 without additional council approval. Staff would also need to identify which other 2023 capital projects would be deferred to offset the funding gap.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4FOutcome pending
Master Utility Agreement for 494 Project 1
The council was scheduled to consider authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to execute Master Utility Agreement No. 1051052 with MnDOT and its design-build contractor, establishing a framework to govern the replacement, repair, and relocation of Richfield-owned utilities during I-494 Project 1. Because the project uses a design-build delivery method, the full scope of utility work was not yet determined at the time of the meeting; the agreement was expected to allow the city to participate in all utility design decisions as the project advances through individual work orders. The City Engineer would hold approval authority over any work impacting city-owned utilities.
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Potential benefit
This agreement would give Richfield a formal and enforceable role in all utility decisions during the major I-494 project, protecting city-owned water, sewer, and other infrastructure from uncompensated damage or disruption and establishing clear cost-responsibility processes for each work instance.
Concern to consider
Because the project is design-build, the full financial and operational impact on city utilities was not yet known at the time of the meeting — actual costs and scope of utility work would only become clear as project design progresses.
What happens next: If authorized, the Mayor and City Manager would execute the agreement. Specific utility work items would then be defined through individual work orders as MnDOT's design-build contractor advances project design, with the City Engineer reviewing and approving each instance of work affecting Richfield-owned utilities.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4GOutcome pending
Cost-Share/Reimbursement Agreement with Partnership Academy
The council was scheduled to authorize a cost-share/reimbursement agreement with Partnership Academy (6500 Nicollet Ave) in the amount of $36,665.70 for water utility work the school completed in tandem with the city's 65th Street Reconstruction Project during summer 2022. The amount represented an increase from a previously council-approved figure of $31,311.20, with the additional $5,354.50 resulting from a gate valve connection and related concrete replacement that the city required as part of the installation. The city's finance department was expected to request that payment be issued before February 28, 2023.
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Key figure: $36,665.70 — Final reimbursement amount to Partnership Academy for water utility work completed in conjunction with the 65th Street Reconstruction Project
Potential benefit
If approved, this agreement would formally resolve a cost-sharing arrangement for completed water infrastructure work, enable Partnership Academy to pay its contractors, and ensure proper documentation of a utility installation that supports both the school's campus expansion and the broader 65th Street corridor.
Concern to consider
The reimbursement amount increased by $5,354.50 from the previously approved figure due to unanticipated work requirements added by the city — though the total remains relatively modest in the context of overall project costs.
What happens next: If approved, the Mayor and City Manager would execute the agreement and the city's finance department would issue payment to Partnership Academy within 60 days of receiving an invoice, with staff having noted a preference for payment before February 28, 2023.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5Outcome pending
Consideration of Items Removed from Consent Calendar
No items were removed from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration.
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6Discussed
City Manager’s Report – Council Conference Attendance Policy Discussion
City Manager Katie Rodriguez presented a discussion on the City Council's policy for attending conferences, as part of the City Manager's Report. This was an informational and policy discussion item rather than a formal vote. The Council reviewed how attendance at conferences is handled and potentially discussed guidelines or expectations for Council members.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
A clear conference attendance policy promotes transparency and accountability in how public funds are spent on Council member travel and professional development.
Concern to consider
Without a well-defined policy, there is potential for inconsistent application of travel benefits or unclear expectations for Council members representing the City at external events.
What happens next: It was not clear from the available documents whether a formal policy change was adopted or whether further discussion was planned. The Council may revisit or formalize a conference attendance policy at a future meeting.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7Outcome pending
Approval of Claims and Payroll
The council was scheduled to approve routine accounts payable and payroll disbursements processed through U.S. Bank, covering city operating expenses and employee compensation for the period ending February 14, 2023. Available documentation indicates the disbursements included accounts payable checks totaling approximately $2,486,304.04 and payroll of approximately $726,063.09, for a combined total of approximately $3,212,367.13. Approval of claims and payroll is a standard recurring action at each council meeting.
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Key figure: $2,486,304.04 — Accounts payable checks (U.S. Bank, period ending 02/14/2023)
Potential benefit
Routine approval ensures city employees are compensated on time and that vendors and contractors providing municipal services receive timely payment, supporting the normal functioning of all city departments and services.
Concern to consider
No specific policy concerns — this is a standard administrative action required to maintain city operations.
What happens next: Upon approval, U.S. Bank would process the disbursements covering accounts payable and payroll for the relevant period. This item recurs at every council meeting.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗