Work SessionItem 1Discussed
Update on Richfield's ADA Transition Plan for Public Right-of-Way
Public Works was scheduled to present progress on updating Richfield's ADA Transition Plan for public right-of-way, which was last adopted in 2014. A self-evaluation of ADA facilities was conducted in summer 2023, in part due to potential new federal highway funding rules requiring an up-to-date plan. The Council was expected to provide input on project prioritization criteria, next steps, and a future update schedule for the plan.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
Learn more about this item
Potential benefit
If the updated plan moves forward, it would help ensure Richfield's sidewalks, curb ramps, and other public infrastructure are accessible to residents with disabilities. Maintaining a current ADA Transition Plan would also preserve the city's eligibility to access federal transportation funding, reducing the burden on local taxpayers.
Concern to consider
Non-compliant facilities identified in the self-evaluation would need to be modified or replaced at the city's expense. No specific cost estimates were included in the agenda materials, leaving the financial scope of needed improvements uncertain.
What happens next: Staff was expected to continue updating the ADA Transition Plan document following Council input, with an implementation plan to be incorporated. Future Council updates on progress were anticipated as the plan is finalized.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 2Outcome pending
Review and Recommendations for Snow Emergency Parking Pilot Program
Staff was scheduled to present findings from the Snow Emergency Parking Pilot Program, which has been in effect across the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 snow seasons, and to seek Council direction on its future. The pilot raised the snow emergency threshold from 2 inches to 4 inches and introduced designated parking refuge areas on select streets to reduce hardship for residents without off-street parking. Staff was expected to recommend keeping the 4-inch threshold but eliminating the parking refuge areas before the upcoming snow season.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Key figure: $40 — Current ticket fee for snow emergency parking violations; council discussed raising this fee.
Potential benefit
If the 4-inch threshold is maintained, fewer snow emergencies would be declared, reducing the risk of tickets and towing for residents who rely on street parking. The program was designed in part to reduce racial and economic inequities for residents without access to driveways or garages.
Concern to consider
Staff's recommendation to eliminate the parking refuge areas would remove an option for residents who need an alternative spot during snow emergencies. Any future decision to revert to the 2-inch threshold would require a formal ordinance amendment and would significantly increase the frequency of snow emergency restrictions.
What happens next: Council direction from this meeting was expected to allow staff to notify the public of any program changes ahead of the 2023/2024 snow season. Any change to the current 4-inch snow emergency threshold would require a formal amendment to the city ordinance.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5COutcome pending
Supported federal grant application for the 76th/77th Street corridor planning study
The council approved a resolution supporting Richfield's application to the USDOT Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Program for a planning study of 76th and 77th Streets. The study was intended to examine corridor changes and reconnection opportunities affecting nearby neighborhoods.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5DOutcome pending
Accepted extended DWI enforcement grant funding
The council approved a resolution authorizing acceptance of Office of Traffic Safety funds to extend a grant that fully funded an officer dedicated to DWI enforcement in Richfield. The action continued targeted impaired-driving enforcement without adding local funding for the position.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5FOutcome pending
Approved replacement of playground equipment at Donaldson and Fairwood parks
The council accepted quotations totaling $220,000 for replacement play equipment at Donaldson Park and Fairwood Park and authorized staff to proceed. The project advanced park upgrades for neighborhood recreation spaces.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5GOutcome pending
Authorized temporary easement and access agreement with Best Buy for sewer construction
The council authorized the city manager and mayor to enter into a temporary easement and access agreement with Best Buy Corporation for construction of a sanitary sewer crossing. The agreement enabled infrastructure work tied to sewer improvements and site access.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5HOutcome pending
Approved contract with Reach for Resources for COVID-19 recovery services
The council approved a contract with Reach for Resources to provide services and activities aiding Richfield residents negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The action directed support toward community recovery needs.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5IOutcome pending
Accepted cooperative agreement for the Taft Park bike park and regional trail connection
The council accepted a cooperative agreement between the City of Richfield and Three Rivers Park District for the Taft Park/Nokomis-Minnesota River Regional Trail Bike Park. The agreement supported partnership on a bike-focused recreation and trail-related project.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5JOutcome pending
Advanced proposed changes to electric and gas franchise fees
The council approved the first reading of ordinances modifying electric and gas franchise fees and scheduled a public hearing and second reading for October 10, 2023. The action moved utility fee changes forward for further public review.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5KOutcome pending
Set public hearing on proposed street light user fee changes
The council set a public hearing for October 10, 2023 on a proposed resolution modifying street light user fees. This moved a citywide fee issue into the formal public review stage.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5MOutcome pending
Advanced ordinance changes to building, planning, and zoning fees
The council approved the first reading of an ordinance amendment to the city fee schedule related to building, planning, and zoning fees and scheduled a public hearing and second reading for September 26, 2023. The proposal would have updated development-related charges paid by applicants and property owners.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗