City CouncilItem 1Discussed
Proclamation to recognize Arbor Day 2023
The Richfield City Council was scheduled to recognize Arbor Day 2023 with a formal proclamation during the April 25 meeting. This ceremonial item was on the agenda for the Mayor to read aloud, honoring the tradition of tree planting and urban forestry stewardship. Proclamations of this type are informational and require no formal vote.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Arbor Day proclamations raise community awareness about the value of trees in urban environments, including benefits to air quality, shade, stormwater management, and neighborhood aesthetics.
Concern to consider
No significant concerns; this is a ceremonial recognition with no regulatory or financial impact on residents.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2Discussed
Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month Proclamation
The Richfield City Council was scheduled to issue a proclamation recognizing Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month at the April 25 meeting. This ceremonial item was on the agenda for the Mayor to read aloud, honoring the contributions and culture of Asian and Pacific American communities in Richfield. Proclamations of this type are informational and require no formal vote.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Official recognition of Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month affirms the city's commitment to diversity and inclusion, acknowledging the contributions of these communities to Richfield's civic and cultural life.
Concern to consider
No significant concerns; this is a ceremonial recognition with no regulatory or financial impact on residents.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4AOutcome pending
Time Extension for Land Use Approvals at 7700 Pillsbury Avenue South
A one-year time extension for existing land use approvals was scheduled for consideration for a proposed 4-story, 55-unit multi-family development at 7700 Pillsbury Avenue South. The request would extend the Final Development Plan and Conditional Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development, giving the developer additional time to proceed with the project. This item was placed on the Consent Calendar, indicating staff recommended approval.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Potential benefit
If approved, this extension would keep a 55-unit multi-family housing project active, potentially adding needed housing supply to Richfield and contributing to regional housing availability.
Concern to consider
Residents near 7700 Pillsbury Avenue South may have ongoing concerns about density, traffic, or neighborhood character associated with a 4-story development if the project ultimately moves forward.
What happens next: If this extension was approved, the developer would have an additional year to advance the 55-unit multi-family project at 7700 Pillsbury Avenue South before requiring further land use action from the city.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4BOutcome pendingYour input welcome
Approval of $10 Million Revenue Bonds for Upper Post Flats and Delegation of Public Hearing to HRA
A resolution was scheduled for consideration that would authorize the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) to issue up to $10 million in revenue bonds to benefit the Upper Post Flats housing development, and delegate authority to the HRA to hold a required public hearing on the matter. Per the city attorney, the bonds would be the financial obligation of the developer alone — not the city or the HRA — and would not affect Richfield's credit rating. Council members raised questions about the process and the respective roles of the Council and HRA in approving bond issuance.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $10 million — Maximum revenue bond issuance proposed through the HRA to finance the Upper Post Flats housing development; bonds are the developer's sole financial obligation and do not affect the city's credit rating
Potential benefit
If approved, this proposal would help finance the Upper Post Flats development, described as intended to increase housing affordability in Richfield and attract more students to Richfield Public Schools. The city and HRA would bear no financial liability if the developer were to default.
Concern to consider
Several council members raised concerns about process transparency, questioning why the public hearing would be held after the Council's action rather than before, and seeking clarity on whether the Council or HRA holds final approval authority. Residents interested in this project should monitor the HRA's public hearing for an opportunity to weigh in.
What happens next: If this resolution was on track for approval, the HRA would schedule and hold a public hearing before making its final decision on issuing the revenue bonds. Residents would have an opportunity to provide input at that HRA public hearing prior to any bond issuance.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4COutcome pending
Approval of BCA Master Joint Powers Agreement and CJDN Subscriber Amendment
The Council was scheduled to consider approving the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension's (BCA) Master Joint Powers Agreement with the Richfield Department of Public Safety and Police, along with a Court Data Services Subscriber Amendment to the CJDN Subscriber Agreement. This agreement would authorize Richfield law enforcement to access the Criminal Justice Data Communications Network (CJDN), a statewide system for sharing criminal justice information among agencies. The item was placed on the Consent Calendar, indicating staff recommended approval.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Potential benefit
If approved, this agreement would give Richfield police and public safety personnel continued access to statewide criminal justice data systems, supporting investigations, officer safety, and coordination with other agencies.
Concern to consider
Agreements granting access to statewide criminal justice data networks may raise questions for some residents about the scope of information shared, data governance, and privacy protections for individuals in those systems.
What happens next: If approved, the City of Richfield would execute the Joint Powers Agreement with the BCA, enabling Richfield Public Safety and Police to access the Criminal Justice Data Communications Network under the agreed terms.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4DOutcome pending
Acceptance of Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
An agreement allowing the Richfield Department of Public Safety to accept a $10,248.60 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice was scheduled for consideration as part of the consent calendar. The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) was on the agenda to fund the installation of workstations in the former police dispatch area. This item appeared as Staff Report No. 50.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $10,248.60 — Federal JAG grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, to install workstations in the former police dispatch area
Potential benefit
If approved, this would bring $10,248.60 in federal funds to the Richfield Police Department at no direct cost to local taxpayers, upgrading police infrastructure in the former dispatch area.
Concern to consider
No significant concerns identified; grant acceptance carries standard federal compliance obligations but does not obligate the city to ongoing local spending.
What happens next: If approved, the Department of Public Safety would execute the agreement with the Office of Justice Programs and proceed with workstation installation in the former dispatch area.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4EOutcome pending
Agreement to Administer 2023 School Board Election
An intergovernmental agreement for the City of Richfield to administer the 2023 School Board Election on behalf of Independent School District No. 280 was scheduled for consideration. This arrangement was on the consent calendar as Staff Report No. 51 and would have city staff oversee election logistics for the district. No financial details were specified in available agenda documents.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Potential benefit
If approved, this would allow the city to leverage existing election infrastructure and expertise to provide reliable school board election administration for district residents.
Concern to consider
Committing city staff resources to manage an additional election process could have modest workload implications, though such intergovernmental arrangements are common and typically compensated or cost-neutral.
What happens next: If approved, city staff would coordinate with Independent School District No. 280 to prepare for and conduct the 2023 School Board Election.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4FOutcome pending
Award of Contract for 2023 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Program
A contract award to Visu-Sewer, Inc. for the 2023 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Program in the amount of $670,830.80 was scheduled for consideration. The proposal also included authorizing the City Manager to approve contract changes up to $175,000 without requiring additional City Council action. This item appeared on the consent calendar as Staff Report No. 52.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $670,830.80 — Contract award to Visu-Sewer, Inc. for the 2023 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Program
Potential benefit
If approved, this would fund critical underground sewer infrastructure repairs, helping prevent sewer failures, backups, and potential property damage for residents in affected areas.
Concern to consider
The combined potential expenditure of up to $845,830.80 (base contract plus change order authority) is a significant public works commitment, and delegating $175,000 in change order authority to the City Manager reduces direct Council oversight of cost overruns.
What happens next: If approved, Visu-Sewer, Inc. would begin rehabilitation work on designated sanitary sewer segments under the 2023 program scope, with the City Manager empowered to authorize necessary contract adjustments.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4GOutcome pending
Contract for Augsburg Park Skate Park Expansion
A $180,000 contract with Spohn Ranch, Inc. to design and construct an expansion of the skate park at Augsburg Park was scheduled for consideration. The project was developed with student input on design recommendations, and construction was expected to take place in 2023 if approved. This item appeared on the consent calendar as Staff Report No. 53.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $180,000 — Contract with Spohn Ranch, Inc. for design and construction of the Augsburg Park skate park expansion
Potential benefit
If approved, this would expand a youth recreational amenity at Augsburg Park using grant funding, delivering an improved skate park designed with direct youth input.
Concern to consider
At $180,000 this is a notable parks expenditure; the specific funding source split between grants and city funds and the full expansion scope are not fully detailed in available agenda documents.
What happens next: If approved, Spohn Ranch, Inc. would begin design and construction of the skate park expansion at Augsburg Park in 2023, with staff authorized to execute the agreement and oversee the project.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6Outcome pending
Amendment of 2023 License, Permit, and Miscellaneous Fees
A resolution to amend the 2023 schedule of license, permit, and miscellaneous fees under Appendix D of the city's Ordinance Code was scheduled for consideration as a regular agenda item. This item was presented as Staff Report No. 54 and would update the fees the city charges for various permits and licenses. The specific fee changes were not detailed in available agenda documents.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Potential benefit
If approved, updated fees would help ensure city services remain appropriately funded and reflect current costs, supporting sustainable city operations without broad tax increases.
Concern to consider
Any fee increases would directly affect residents, property owners, and businesses who apply for permits or licenses; the full scope and magnitude of the proposed changes are not specified in available documents.
What happens next: If approved, the amended 2023 fee schedule would take effect, with updated rates applying to all relevant license and permit applications going forward through the end of the year.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8Outcome pending
Approval of Claims and Payroll
The city council was scheduled to consider approval of routine claims and payroll obligations for the period ending April 25, 2023. The agenda included accounts payable checks totaling $1,431,283.14 and payroll disbursements of $795,965.96, for a combined total of $2,227,249.10. This is a standard administrative item that appears on each council meeting agenda to authorize payment of city vendor and employee obligations.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $1,431,283.14 — Accounts payable checks (313703–313985) for city vendors and services
Potential benefit
Timely approval of claims and payroll ensures city employees receive wages and vendors are paid for goods and services delivered to the city, keeping municipal operations running without disruption.
Concern to consider
The combined $2.2 million disbursement is a significant use of public funds; council review of this routine item provides a regular check on city expenditures and financial accountability.
What happens next: If approved, the city's finance department would process the disbursements and issue payments to employees and vendors as authorized by the council.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 1Discussed
City Council and Staff Team Quarterly Meeting - Policy Topic Proposals and Tentative 2024 Workplans
The April 25 work session was scheduled as the second quarterly City Council-Staff Leadership meeting, focused on reviewing four policy topic proposals submitted by council members for potential inclusion in 2024 department workplans. Staff presented tentative 2024 workplans to be finalized during the upcoming budget process beginning in May 2023. The session was designed to help the council prioritize new initiatives given limited financial and staff resources before the annual budget cycle.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
This quarterly planning process is designed to create a more transparent and sustainable workload for city staff, ensuring council priorities align with the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan before budgets are set. Formalizing the policy request process ahead of the budget cycle is expected to lead to more focused city leadership and healthier council-staff relationships.
Concern to consider
Adding any new policy priorities to the 2024 workplan would require deferring or removing existing projects, as staff and financial resources are limited. Choices made during this planning session could meaningfully affect which services or improvements are delivered in the coming year.
What happens next: Staff were expected to finalize 2024 workplans as part of the 2023-24 budget process beginning in May 2023, incorporating any policy topics prioritized during this session.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionOutcome pending
Policy Proposal: Limitations on Institutional Ownership of Residential Properties
A proposal to study and potentially limit institutional or investor ownership of residential properties in Richfield was on the agenda, submitted by Mayor Mary Supple, in response to concerns raised by residents during recent zoning debates. Staff reported that investor ownership has not been identified as a significant current problem in Richfield, with approximately 700 single-family rental homes — about 7% of the single-family housing stock — in the city. The council was expected to discuss whether to add a formal data analysis to the 2024 workplan while monitoring state legislation on the issue.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Potential benefit
Proactively studying this issue could help Richfield avoid the large-scale investor buyout patterns seen in other cities, where institutional purchasing has driven up home prices and created absentee landlord problems. State legislation (SF 365) that would restrict corporate ownership is being monitored, and city tracking could position Richfield to act quickly if conditions change.
Concern to consider
Staff noted that single-family rental homes represent an important source of larger-bedroom rental units not otherwise available in the apartment stock, and overly restrictive policies could reduce that supply. A detailed licensing data analysis is not possible until new permitting software is operational later in 2023.
What happens next: Staff indicated they would continue to monitor state legislation (SF 365) and track investor purchase activity through the city's Point of Sale program. If no state bill passes and the council prioritizes the issue, an analysis of licensing data could be added as a 2024 workplan item once new permitting software is operational later in 2023.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionOutcome pending
Policy Proposal: Additional Renter Protections
A proposal to research and implement additional renter protections was on the agenda, submitted by Council Member Ben Whalen, modeled on policies adopted in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Possible protections discussed included limiting criminal background check timelines, prohibiting use of credit scores in screening, capping security deposits at two times monthly rent, and requiring notice to pay or quit before an eviction is filed. Staff suggested that a third-party Housing Navigator funded through an ARPA grant could serve as a complementary or alternative near-term first step.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Potential benefit
If adopted, these protections could reduce barriers for renters with older criminal records or low credit scores, and help prevent sudden displacement. Council discussion noted that Minnesota lags behind other states on renter protections, and these tools could address equity gaps for lower-income and marginalized residents.
Concern to consider
Staff noted that monitoring compliance with new ordinances would likely require additional staffing at a time when compliance work is already consuming increasing resources. Some proposed tools have faced legal challenges in other jurisdictions, and significant staff time or a consultant would be needed to evaluate which approaches are legally sound and effective.
What happens next: In the short term, staff indicated they could survey other communities on renter protection tools in approximately 8-12 hours of Community Development staff time. Longer-term implementation would require additional resources and potentially a consultant. A Housing Navigator role funded by an ARPA social services grant through the Conflict Resolution Center was identified as a parallel near-term step.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionOutcome pending
Policy Proposal: Hosting a State of the Community Event
A proposal to host a citywide State of the Community event was on the agenda, submitted by Mayor Mary Supple, expanding on a concept previously delayed by severe weather and the pandemic. The event would feature the city alongside multiple community partner organizations, and staff indicated it was likely too late to hold an event in 2023, recommending a spring 2024 date instead — possibly opening the Music in the Park series at the Veterans Park bandshell. Estimated costs were approximately $5,000 for a postcard mailing with no food, plus approximately 60 hours of staff coordination time.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $5,000 — Estimated base cost for the State of the Community event with a postcard mailing and no food; costs would increase if food trucks or additional amenities were included.
Potential benefit
If held, this event would give residents a consolidated opportunity to learn about city programs, Strategic Plan progress, and community organizations — including lesser-known nonprofits. Council members noted it could pair well with strategic planning initiatives and potentially support awareness around a Local Sales Tax referendum.
Concern to consider
Hosting the event would require cutting other programming such as 'Minutes with the Mayor' due to limited staff resources. The $5,000 base cost estimate would increase if food trucks or additional amenities were included, and roughly 60 hours of staff time would compete with other 2024 workplan priorities.
What happens next: Staff recommended planning for a spring 2024 event, potentially opening the Music in the Park series at Veterans Park. Proposed community partners included Richfield Schools, the Chamber of Commerce, the Tourism Board, VEAP, Bloomington Public Health, and the 494 Corridor Commission. The council was expected to indicate whether to add this to the 2024 workplan.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionOutcome pending
Policy Proposal: Eliminating Parking Minimums
A policy proposal to eliminate off-street parking minimums from Richfield's zoning code was on the agenda for discussion, submitted by Council Member Sean Hayford Oleary. The proposal would not ban parking or reduce current parking maximums, but would allow property owners to determine how much parking they need to meet demand rather than complying with a city-mandated minimum. Council discussion reflected divided views, with some members supportive of targeted reforms and the mayor preferring a case-by-case variance approach.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $35,000 — Approximate cost per structured parking stall, cited to illustrate the financial burden that parking minimums impose on development projects in Richfield.
Potential benefit
If adopted, eliminating parking minimums could lower development costs — structured parking stalls cost approximately $35,000 each — potentially making housing more affordable and enabling more small businesses to open in corridors like Penn Central and East 66th Street. It could also free up land for tax-generating development instead of surface parking, increasing the city's tax base.
Concern to consider
The mayor and some residents expressed concern about impacts on accessibility for those who depend on cars, winter parking needs, and emergency vehicle access. Community Development staff noted that implementing this change would require significant staff time and would require deferring other planned work.
What happens next: The council was expected to decide whether to add this proposal to the 2024 workplan, which would require deferring other Community Development priorities. Staff also noted that some problematic parking ratios could be addressed through planned housekeeping zoning updates in 2023-2024 as a smaller-scale alternative.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗