Work SessionItem 1Outcome pending
Consideration of Moratorium on Tobacco Licenses
A proposal to cap and gradually reduce Richfield's retail tobacco licenses from 25 to 4 was scheduled for consideration, along with a possible interim moratorium on new licenses. Staff recommended a license-capping approach under which only businesses maintaining the same original ownership would be eligible for renewal, with no new licenses issued going forward. The proposal was also expected to address removing flavored tobacco products from the city's four municipal liquor store locations, which currently carry 11 flavored cigarette varieties among 28 total offerings.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $541 — Annual fee per retail tobacco license in 2023
Potential benefit
If approved, this phased approach would substantially reduce the number of tobacco retail outlets in Richfield over time without abruptly shutting down existing businesses, potentially improving community public health outcomes—particularly for youth. The Advisory Board of Health reviewed and supported the proposal, and similar policies have been adopted by other Minnesota cities.
Concern to consider
Tobacco retailers and small business owners could face significant revenue loss as licenses are phased out upon ownership changes. The city would also lose up to $13,525 in annual license fee revenue as the number of licenses declines. Opposition from small businesses and big tobacco lobbyists was anticipated, and timing complexities around the state-level cannabis/THC question could complicate final implementation decisions.
What happens next: Staff was expected to draft a formal ordinance based on council direction and to implement a moratorium on new tobacco licenses in the interim. Staff also indicated they would continue monitoring the state-level cannabis/THC legislative process before finalizing certain aspects of the tobacco sales policy. All tobacco licenses are renewed at year-end, which would serve as a key implementation checkpoint.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2AOutcome pending
Resolution supporting repeal of exclusion of Hennepin and Ramsey counties from receiving Motor Vehicle Lease Sales Tax funds
As part of the consent calendar, the council adopted a resolution supporting repeal of the state policy that excluded Hennepin and Ramsey counties from receiving Motor Vehicle Lease Sales Tax funds.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3Outcome pending
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 4Outcome pending
Use of 2023 Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant funds and subrecipient agreement
After a public hearing, the council adopted a resolution approving the proposed use of 2023 Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant funds and authorized execution of a subrecipient agreement with Hennepin County and any required third-party agreements. Council discussion highlighted the funds as an important tool for affordable housing, with staff noting a long waiting list for the deferred loan program and continued demand for downpayment assistance.
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Part of an ongoing matter · 2 related discussions →
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5.1Outcome pending
Support for Richfield Corridors of Commerce application for TH 62 between Portland Avenue and TH 77, including TH 62/TH 77 interchange reconfiguration
The council adopted a resolution supporting Richfield’s application to the MnDOT Corridors of Commerce program for improvements on Trunk Highway 62 between Portland Avenue and Trunk Highway 77, including reconfiguration of the TH 62/TH 77 interchange. Council members said the project would help with local safety, traffic movement, pedestrian improvements, and cut-through traffic, while also acknowledging concerns about freeway expansion and the need for better regional dialogue.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5.2Outcome pending
Support for Bloomington Corridors of Commerce application for the 82nd Street/I-35W interchange and railroad bridge reconstruction over I-494 at Pleasant Avenue
The council adopted a resolution supporting the City of Bloomington’s Corridors of Commerce application for improvements at the 82nd Street/I-35W interchange and reconstruction of the railroad bridge over I-494 at Pleasant Avenue. Council members cited safety, local traffic benefits, multimodal considerations, and the need to replace the aging bridge, while also expressing broader skepticism about solving congestion through added lanes.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5.3Outcome pending
Support for I-494 Corridor Commission Corridors of Commerce application to add E-ZPass lanes on I-494 from I-35W to TH 77 and reconstruct the railroad bridge over I-494 at Pleasant Avenue
The council adopted a resolution supporting the I-494 Corridor Commission’s Corridors of Commerce application to add E-ZPass lanes on I-494 from I-35W to TH 77 and reconstruct the railroad bridge over I-494 at Pleasant Avenue. The discussion reflected significant debate: supporters emphasized maintaining infrastructure and potential transit or carpool benefits, while opponents raised concerns about greenhouse gas emissions, induced traffic, reliance on older studies, and whether the project was the best use of public money.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6Outcome pending
Agreements with nonprofit organizations to provide social services
The council approved agreements with nonprofit organizations to provide social services to the City of Richfield and authorized the city manager to execute those agreements. The mayor thanked the agencies for their work in the community.
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7Outcome pending
City Manager's report
The city manager reported that she had no report.
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8Outcome pending
Claims and payroll
The council approved claims and payroll totaling $2,505,881.61, including accounts payable checks and payroll disbursements.
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 9Outcome pending
Hats Off to Hometown Hits
Council members shared community recognitions, including gratitude for support during a health issue, praise for the Richfield White Caps, thanks to snowplow crews and first responders after the snowstorm, mention of a winter walk to school event rescheduled for the next day, and a reminder that commission applications remained open through March 17.
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗