Special MeetingItem 2AOutcome pending
Site Plan Approval for Optometrist Clinic at 817 – 66th Street East
Swoop Eye Care was scheduled for site plan approval to convert a former restaurant space at 817 – 66th Street East into a new optometry clinic. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval at its March 27, 2023 meeting, and staff supported the request, noting that optometry clinics are a permitted use in the C-2 General Business zoning district. No building expansion was proposed — only interior modifications were planned to repurpose the existing space.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Potential benefit
If approved, this would bring a new healthcare-adjacent business to a commercial space that had been vacant since a prior restaurant permit expired in late 2022. The applicant projected a completion date of approximately July 14, 2023, and anticipated positive impacts from updated exterior finishes and reinvestment in the building.
Concern to consider
Approval was proposed subject to conditions, including a final landscaping plan for parking lot screening and compliance with indoor trash storage requirements — both of which would need to be met before building and occupancy permits could be issued.
What happens next: If approved, the applicant must submit a final landscaping plan, ensure all trash is stored indoors or in a compliant enclosure, and obtain all required permits before a building permit or occupancy permit would be issued. A decision was required by May 2, 2023, under the state's 60-day rule.
Sources: Special Meeting agenda (city portal) ↗
Special MeetingItem 2BOutcome pending
Advance Payment of Municipal State Aid (MSA) Street Funds
The City Council was scheduled to consider adopting a resolution requesting an advance of up to $4,000,000 in Municipal State Aid (MSA) street funds from MnDOT to help cover costs for three major road projects. The advance was needed because Richfield's current MSA account balance of approximately $102,662 was far short of the estimated $4,000,000 in near-term project expenditures. The funds were intended to support the 494 Project 1, the 77th Street Underpass, and the 65th Street Reconstruction projects.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Key figure: $4,000,000 — Maximum MSA advance requested (total, which is the statutory cap for Richfield)
Potential benefit
If approved, this advance would allow the City to continue funding critical infrastructure projects without delay, including the 494 Project 1 ($2.7M), the 77th Street Underpass ($400,000), and the 65th Street Reconstruction ($900,000). MnDOT processes advance requests on a first-come, first-served basis, making timely Council action particularly important given MnDOT's anticipated $2.2M payment request that spring.
Concern to consider
Drawing on future MSA allocations would reduce funds available for other street projects in subsequent years, and staff acknowledged that additional advance requests may be needed. The resolution itself does not guarantee fund availability.
What happens next: If approved, the resolution would be submitted to MnDOT's State Aid Office for processing on a first-come, first-served basis. Staff also noted that additional advance requests may be brought forward in future years as project needs evolve.
Sources: Special Meeting agenda (city portal) ↗
Special MeetingItem 2COutcome pending
Award of Contract for 2023 Maltene Pavement Rejuvenation Project
The City Council was scheduled to consider awarding a $100,700 contract to Corrective Asphalt Materials, LLC for the 2023 Maltene Pavement Rejuvenation Project. This annual maintenance treatment applies a product called Reclamite to streets resurfaced in 2021 and 2022, as well as Lyndale Avenue, to seal surface voids and extend pavement life. Corrective Asphalt Materials was the sole bidder when bids were opened on March 23, 2023.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Key figure: $100,700 — Contract amount for Corrective Asphalt Materials, LLC — funded through existing franchise fees with no new tax impact
Potential benefit
If approved, this relatively low-cost preventive treatment would help extend the life of recently resurfaced streets, delaying the need for far more expensive reconstruction. The project is funded through existing franchise fees with no new direct tax impact.
Concern to consider
Only one bid was received, which limits cost comparison. Staff still pursued City Council approval because the formal competitive bidding process was used.
What happens next: If approved, Corrective Asphalt Materials, LLC would perform Reclamite application on designated streets, with work expected to be completed by fall 2023. The City Manager would also be authorized to approve contract changes under $175,000 without returning to the full Council.
Sources: Special Meeting agenda (city portal) ↗
Special MeetingItem 2DOutcome pending
Temporary On Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Richfield Foundation Event
The City Council was scheduled to consider approving a temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license for the Richfield Foundation's 'A Toast to Richfield' fundraising event on May 11, 2023. The event was planned from 6:30–9:00 p.m. in the atrium of Woodlake Center at 6601 Lyndale Avenue South, featuring approximately 21 or more wine, craft beer, and spirits vendors alongside food offerings. The Director of Public Safety reviewed all required documentation and found no basis for denial.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 1 related discussion →
Potential benefit
If approved, this license would allow the Richfield Foundation to hold its community fundraising event, which has received City Council approval in prior years. All required fees, liquor liability insurance, and food safety arrangements were reported to be in place.
Concern to consider
The City Council retains the ability to deny the license, though Public Safety identified no grounds for doing so based on the submitted materials.
What happens next: If approved, the Richfield Foundation would proceed with the A Toast to Richfield event on May 11, 2023, at Woodlake Center, operating under the terms of Richfield City Code Section 1202.05 and Minnesota Statute Chapter 340A.
Sources: Special Meeting agenda (city portal) ↗
Special MeetingItem 3Outcome 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
Learn more about this item
Sources: Special Meeting agenda (city portal) ↗
Special MeetingItem 4Outcome pending
Approval of Labor Agreement with International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 49
The City Council was scheduled to consider approving a one-year labor agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 49, covering 2023 employment conditions for City workers in that bargaining unit. Key proposed terms included a 3.00% cost-of-living wage increase (consistent with other City employee groups), a $2.00/hour shift differential for water plant employees working nights and weekends, and a $0.10/hour employer contribution to the Local 49 Training Center Fund. The City and Local 49 were unable to reach a two-year agreement, making this one-year contract a step toward resetting the bargaining schedule for 2024 and beyond.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 1 related discussion →
Key figure: 3.00% — Cost-of-living wage increase for Local 49 employees, consistent with non-union City employees and other bargaining units for 2023
Potential benefit
If approved, this agreement would resolve a labor negotiation that had remained open since the City and Local 49 failed to settle a two-year contract for 2022–2023, avoiding further negotiation or mediation. The 3% wage increase aligns with what comparable cities and other Richfield employee groups received for 2023.
Concern to consider
Because the contract would be retroactive to January 1, 2023, employees had been working under an expired contract. If not approved, further negotiation and/or mediation would be required, prolonging uncertainty for both the City and affected workers.
What happens next: If approved, the City Manager would be authorized to execute the agreement effective January 1, 2023. Staff noted that completing this one-year contract should restore the schedule for negotiating two-year contracts with all five of the City's collective bargaining groups for 2024 and 2025.
Sources: Special Meeting agenda (city portal) ↗
Special MeetingItem 5Outcome pending
Appointments to City Advisory Boards, Commissions, and Richfield Tourism and Promotion Board (RTPB)
The council was scheduled to consider appointments to fill vacant or expiring terms on several city advisory boards, commissions, and the Richfield Tourism and Promotion Board (RTPB). Candidates were interviewed at a special work session on March 25, 2023, following a recent recruitment process. The agenda included mid-term vacancies caused by resignations, a two-year resident opening on the RTPB, and a three-year restaurant representative opening on the RTPB.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 2 related discussions →
Potential benefit
Fully staffed advisory boards and commissions are better able to maintain a quorum and continue providing meaningful input on city policy. Boards such as the Advisory Board of Health and Human Rights Commission directly influence decisions affecting residents' quality of life.
Concern to consider
If vacancies go unfilled, boards risk losing quorum and may be unable to conduct business, potentially delaying recommendations on community issues. The council noted other city committees are also seeking volunteers, suggesting broader capacity challenges.
What happens next: If appointments were confirmed, newly seated members would begin serving their respective terms — three years for standard openings, or the remainder of the term for mid-term vacancies — and help restore quorum capacity on affected boards.
Sources: Special Meeting agenda (city portal) ↗
Special MeetingItem 6Discussed
City Manager’s Report
City Manager Katie Rodriguez delivered the City Manager's Report at the April 11, 2023 Council meeting. This is a standing agenda item providing the Council and public with updates on city operations, projects, and administrative matters. Specific details of the report were not captured in the available meeting minutes excerpt.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 2 related discussions →
Potential benefit
The City Manager's Report keeps residents and Council members informed about ongoing city initiatives, operational updates, and upcoming events or decisions.
Concern to consider
Without full report details in the available documents, it is unclear what specific topics were covered or whether any items require follow-up action.
What happens next: No specific follow-up actions were identified from the City Manager's Report based on available documents.
Sources: Special Meeting agenda (city portal) ↗
Special MeetingItem 7Outcome pending
Approval of Claims and Payroll
The council was scheduled to approve routine accounts payable and payroll for the April 11, 2023 pay cycle, totaling approximately $1.43 million. This is a standard recurring item through which the council authorizes payment of city financial obligations including vendor invoices and employee compensation. No unusual expenditures were flagged in the agenda materials.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Key figure: $656,830.90 — Accounts payable checks (313586–313702) covering vendor and contractor payments for the April 11, 2023 period
Potential benefit
Routine approval of claims and payroll keeps city operations funded and functioning, ensuring employees are compensated and vendors providing city services are paid on time.
Concern to consider
The combined total of over $1.4 million reflects ongoing city operating costs funded by residents through taxes and fees, underscoring the scale of routine municipal expenditure.
What happens next: If approved, payments would be disbursed to city employees and vendors as listed in the accounts payable records for the April 11 cycle.
Sources: Special Meeting agenda (city portal) ↗
Special MeetingItem 8Outcome pending
Hats Off to Hometown Hits
Council members and the Mayor shared community updates, including the opening of nominations for the Gene and Mary Jacobson Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award, the Adopt a Drain program, Public Works recognition, yard waste program information, and the grand opening of Memorial Blood Centers.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: Special Meeting agenda (city portal) ↗
Special MeetingOutcome pending
Sanitary Sewer Service Line Special Assessment Program Direction
City Public Works staff presented a proposed voluntary Sanitary Sewer Service Line Special Assessment Program and sought council direction on whether to develop and implement it. The program would allow homeowners to opt in to have sewer line repair or replacement costs assessed to their property taxes and repaid over five years at 5% annual interest. Routine maintenance such as root clearing would not be eligible, and the city did not plan to actively market the program through mailings or social media.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 1 related discussion →
Key figure: $10,000 — Hypothetical sewer line full replacement cost used by staff to illustrate program financing structure
Potential benefit
If approved, this program would give Richfield homeowners a structured financing option to manage the high upfront cost of sewer line repairs — spreading a $10,000 repair into payments of roughly $2,100–$2,500 per year. Many Richfield homes were built in the early 1960s with clay pipe sewer lines that are prone to cracking, collapse, and root intrusion as they age.
Concern to consider
The 5% annual interest rate means a $10,000 repair would cost $11,500 in total over five years. Because the assessment attaches to property taxes, it could complicate home sales or mortgage escrow calculations. The program would be funded through the Permanent Improvement Revolving Fund, similar to the city's tree assessment program.
What happens next: Staff was asking the council whether to move forward with developing and implementing the program as proposed, or whether changes were desired. If the council provided direction to proceed, Public Works would formalize and launch the opt-in assessment program.
Sources: Special Meeting agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 1Outcome pending
Proposed Program for Special Assessment of Private Sanitary Sewer Service Line Repairs
A proposed program was on the agenda that would allow the City of Richfield to pay upfront for private sanitary sewer service line repairs — which can cost $10,000 or more — and then recover those costs through a property tax special assessment over five years at 5% annual interest. Most sewer service lines in Richfield date to the early 1960s and are increasingly prone to failure. The program was modeled after the City's existing Diseased/Hazardous Tree Special Assessment Program and was expected to require minimal additional staff effort.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 1 related discussion →
Key figure: $10,000+ — Typical cost of a private sewer service line repair or replacement, borne entirely by the property owner without this program.
Potential benefit
If approved, this program would give property owners a financial safety net for unexpected and costly sewer line failures, spreading a potentially $10,000+ expense into manageable annual tax payments over five years. Both emergency and proactive repairs would be eligible, and the program was designed to eventually function like a revolving fund at no net cost to the city.
Concern to consider
The 5% interest structure may disadvantage some residents, though staff indicated a fee-based alternative could be offered for residents whose faith prohibits interest. There is also a risk that contractors could raise prices knowing the city backs repairs, though requiring multiple quotes was suggested as a safeguard.
What happens next: If the Council directed staff to proceed, the program was anticipated to be available to property owners by Summer 2023, with the first assessments certified to the Hennepin County tax rolls in Fall 2024. Staff would also work with the City Attorney to ensure legal compliance and potentially adopt new or revised ordinances.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionDiscussed
Update on Emerald Ash Borer Program
A brief update on the City's Emerald Ash Borer program was scheduled for this work session. Staff reported that approximately 30 residents had expressed interest in the program at that time. A more detailed Council memo on the program was expected to be distributed within the following month.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
Learn more about this item
Potential benefit
The Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive beetle that destroys ash trees; a city-supported program could help residents manage tree removal or treatment costs and protect neighborhood tree canopy.
Concern to consider
Only limited details were available at this stage; the full scope, costs, and eligibility requirements of the program were not outlined in the available materials.
What happens next: A Council memo with more detail on the Emerald Ash Borer program was expected to be distributed within approximately one month of this meeting.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗