Work SessionItem 1Outcome pendingYour input welcome
Public Education and Outreach Campaign for Proposed Municipal Speed Limit Changes
Staff and consultant Scott Barsuhn presented the 'Richfield Drives 25' public education and outreach campaign for proposed municipal speed limit changes at this work session. The presentation covered campaign vision, communication strategies, visual themes, and action steps, with council members offering feedback on design elements including sign readability, color choices, and colorblind accessibility. Council feedback from this session was needed to finalize campaign materials and begin procurement ahead of proposed speed limit implementation in 2024.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: ~$200,000 — Total project budget for the public education and outreach campaign, funded through Franchise Fees as part of the 2023 Capital Improvement Plan
Potential benefit
A multilingual public education campaign would help all residents understand new speed limits before they take effect, potentially reducing unintentional violations and fines. The $200,000 campaign funded through Franchise Fees aims to use positive messaging to improve driver awareness citywide.
Concern to consider
A gap in campaign reach due to language barriers or missed messaging could create unsafe speed differentials between drivers who are aware of changes and those who are not. Council members also raised concerns about sign legibility and overly busy visual designs.
What happens next: Council feedback from this work session was expected to be incorporated into final campaign materials. Staff indicated procurement of signage and outreach materials needed to begin promptly to be ready ahead of proposed speed limit changes in 2024.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 2Discussed
Update on Regional Opioid Response Work from Bloomington Public Health
Bloomington Public Health Administrator Dr. Nick Kelley presented an update on regional opioid response efforts being coordinated across Bloomington, Edina, and Richfield. The presentation covered opioid-related deaths and hospital visits in Hennepin County, settlement fund guidelines, and a regional workplan focused on prevention, treatment, and harm reduction. Richfield is slated to receive more than $575,000 in opioid settlement payments over 18 years, with those funds to be pooled with Bloomington and Edina for regional response programming.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Key figure: $575,000+ — Total opioid settlement payments Richfield is expected to receive over 18 years, to be pooled with Bloomington and Edina for regional opioid response programs
Potential benefit
Richfield is expected to receive over $575,000 in settlement funds over 18 years from a historic $26 billion multistate pharmaceutical settlement, providing a dedicated revenue stream to address opioid prevention, treatment, and harm reduction locally. Pooling resources with neighboring cities could increase program reach and effectiveness.
Concern to consider
Opioid deaths in Minnesota doubled between 2019 and 2021 and disproportionately affect communities of color — Native Americans were ten times as likely and Black Minnesotans more than three times as likely to die from an overdose compared to white Minnesotans. Settlement funds, while significant, may be insufficient to fully address the scale of need, and programs are expected to unfold over many years.
What happens next: Continued updates were expected to be shared with city leadership in Bloomington, Edina, and Richfield as the regional opioid workplan progresses. A pilot program in Bloomington was discussed, with the possibility of expanding to Richfield depending on outcomes.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 3Discussed
Proclamation Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
Mayor Mary Supple was scheduled to issue a proclamation recognizing November 2023 as Native American Heritage Month in Richfield, acknowledging the Dakota Nation's historical connection to the land and the injustices Indigenous peoples have faced. The proclamation recognizes that nearly 400 Richfield residents self-identify as Native American and affirms the city's commitment to eliminating systemic racism and honoring Indigenous contributions. This was a ceremonial action requiring no council vote.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
The proclamation reflects Richfield's stated commitment to reconciliation, authentic appreciation of Indigenous cultures, and building partnerships with Native communities — supporting broader equity and inclusion goals across city government.
Concern to consider
As a ceremonial proclamation, this represents a symbolic recognition rather than a binding policy or funding commitment; community members may differ on whether proclamations translate into meaningful action.
What happens next: This was a ceremonial proclamation. No follow-up vote or policy action was required.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 4Discussed
Proclamation Celebrating Small Business Saturday
Mayor Mary Supple was scheduled to issue a proclamation designating November 25, 2023 as Small Business Saturday in Richfield, encouraging residents to shop at locally owned businesses during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The City partnered with Hennepin County on the multijurisdictional 'Love Local' campaign to amplify the message. This was a ceremonial action requiring no council vote.
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Potential benefit
Official city recognition and partnership with the county's Love Local campaign can drive meaningful attention and foot traffic to Richfield's small businesses, supporting local jobs and keeping economic activity within the community.
Concern to consider
As a proclamation, this is a ceremonial designation with no binding policy, spending commitment, or enforcement mechanism attached.
What happens next: This was a ceremonial proclamation. No follow-up vote or policy action was required.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 8.AOutcome pending
First Reading: Rezoning 6613-6625 Portland Avenue South to Mixed Use Neighborhood (MU-N)
The council was scheduled to consider the first reading of an ordinance to rezone property at 6613-6625 Portland Avenue South from MR-2 (Multi-Family Residential) to MU-N (Mixed Use Neighborhood), enabling a proposed 38-unit housing development by Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative targeting neuro-diverse young adults. Half of the units would be available at 30% of Area Median Income and the other half at 50% AMI on HRA-owned parcels that have been seeking a viable development proposal since 2009. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval, and a second reading was expected on November 28, 2023.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Potential benefit
If approved, this project would add 38 deeply affordable housing units for neuro-diverse young adults on long-vacant city-owned land, helping Richfield work toward its Met Council affordable housing goal of 121 units at or below 80% AMI by 2030 and activating a site that has sat unused for over 14 years.
Concern to consider
The rezoning from MR-2 to MU-N would change the character of this site and two minor variances would still be required. Nearby residents may have concerns about increased density or the shift from residential to mixed-use zoning near the 66th and Portland roundabout.
What happens next: A second reading and consideration of final development plans were expected to be scheduled for November 28, 2023.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 8.EOutcome pending
Contract Approval: Purchase of Quick Lime for Water Treatment
The council was scheduled to consider approving a contract with Graymont (W I), LLC for 1,400 tons of quick lime at $215.80 per ton, totaling $302,120 for calendar year 2024 water treatment operations. Quick lime is the chemical used to soften Richfield's drinking water, and approximately 1,400 tons are required annually. Graymont has been Richfield's sole supplier since 2009, and only one bid was submitted at the October 26, 2023 bid opening before the current contract's December 31, 2023 expiration.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $302,120 — Total contract cost for 1,400 tons of quick lime for 2024 water treatment
Potential benefit
If approved, this contract would ensure uninterrupted production of lime-softened water for all Richfield water customers throughout 2024. Graymont has a 14-year track record with the city and met all specifications and requirements.
Concern to consider
The price per ton rose sharply from $191.00 in 2023 to $215.80 in 2024—a roughly 13% increase—continuing a long-term upward trend from $95.20/ton in 2007. Only one bid was received, meaning there was no competitive pricing pressure to keep costs down.
What happens next: If approved, the contract with Graymont would be executed to cover quick lime supply through December 31, 2024, before the existing contract expired. If not approved, the city would face a gap in chemical supply needed for water softening operations.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 8.GOutcome pending
Sale of Fire Ladder Truck Unit #3789 to Grand Marais Fire Department
The council was scheduled to consider authorizing the City Manager to sell Richfield Fire Ladder Truck Unit #3789—a 2004 Pierce Aerial 75-foot ladder truck—to the City of Grand Marais Fire Department for $65,000. The truck has been in service 19 years, three years beyond its intended replacement interval, and its replacement is scheduled for delivery in 2024. Because no trade-in market exists for trucks of this age, the direct sale to Grand Marais was presented as the most financially beneficial option.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $65,000 — Sale price to Grand Marais Fire Department for the 2004 Pierce Aerial 75' Ladder Truck
Potential benefit
If authorized, the $65,000 sale proceeds would offset costs associated with purchasing the new replacement fire truck. The agreement also ensures the equipment continues serving another Minnesota community rather than being scrapped.
Concern to consider
Richfield's fire department would be operating with an aging ladder truck until the new unit arrives in 2024, though staff indicated no operational concerns warranting delay.
What happens next: If authorized, the City Manager would execute the bill of sale and Grand Marais would take possession of Unit #3789. Sale proceeds would be directed toward the cost of the new replacement ladder truck expected in 2024.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 8.HOutcome pending
Rescind Acceptance of Park Play Equipment Proposals and Reissue RFPs
The council was scheduled to consider rescinding its acceptance of Midwest Playscapes' proposals for new play equipment at Donaldson Park and Fairwood Park, rejecting all proposals, and authorizing staff to reissue new requests for proposals. The issue arose because the proposal the city scored and accepted was based on an outdated pre-addendum RFP and was missing a required large net climbing feature; the city has no record of receiving Midwest Playscapes' claimed revised submission from August 11, 2023. Because the project was bid under best value contracting law, staff determined the city has no legal discretion to renegotiate and must restart the process.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $220,000 — Total 2023 Capital Improvement Budget allocation for play equipment replacement at both Donaldson Park and Fairwood Park combined
Potential benefit
Restarting the RFP process would ensure the city follows proper procurement law, keeps the playing field fair for all contractors, and ultimately delivers the full set of amenities—including the net climbing feature—originally intended for residents. This proposal would protect the city from potential legal exposure from an improperly awarded contract.
Concern to consider
A delay in reissuing RFPs could push installation into a later season and may result in higher costs, as play equipment prices traditionally increase year to year. The $220,000 budget allocated in the 2023 Capital Improvement Budget may face pressure if market prices rise before a new contract is awarded.
What happens next: If approved, the Interim Recreation Services Director would be authorized to issue new RFPs for play equipment replacement at both Donaldson Park and Fairwood Park. A new scoring and selection process would follow, with timing dependent on how quickly proposals are received and evaluated. Staff noted that delays could affect both project cost and installation season.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 10Outcome pending
First Reading: Ordinance Authorizing City Engineer to Set Speed Limits
The council was scheduled to consider a first reading of an ordinance that would amend Section 1305 of the Richfield City Code, authorizing the City Engineer to set speed limits on municipal roadways. This proposal stemmed from direction given to staff to explore speed limit reductions, following three council work sessions in 2022 and 2023 and a 2019 state law permitting cities to set their own limits. A second reading was expected to be scheduled for December 12, 2023, with an alternate option for 76th and 77th Streets to be presented at that time.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $200,000 — Franchise Fee revenue included in the 2024 Capital Improvement Budget to fund speed limit sign changes, sign production, and signal timing updates city-wide.
Potential benefit
If approved, this ordinance would allow Richfield to lower speed limits below state statutory defaults on local streets, potentially improving safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, children, and people with disabilities — following the lead of nearby cities like Edina and St. Louis Park. Implementation could begin in 2024 with $200,000 already budgeted.
Concern to consider
Council members raised equity concerns about speed differentials, particularly on 76th and 77th Streets where three different speed limits could exist in the same corridor. Questions were also raised about unintended enforcement consequences and whether some areas would benefit more than others.
What happens next: A second reading was scheduled for December 12, 2023, at which staff planned to present an alternate option for 76th and 77th Streets and a resolution to rescind the urban district designation on Lyndale Avenue. Staff preferred final adoption before the end of 2023 to begin sign production and signal timing changes for a 2024 rollout.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 11Outcome pending
Appointment of Youth Member to Human Rights Commission
The council was scheduled to consider appointing Beatriz Hernandez Guerrero as a youth commissioner to the Human Rights Commission. Youth commissioner terms run one year and expire August 31 annually, with recruitment conducted through the City website, Facebook, and local high schools. The appointment was expected to support youth representation and advance Richfield's Strategic Plan goal of ensuring city commissions reflect community diversity.
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Potential benefit
Appointing a youth commissioner promotes inclusive and community-representative decision-making on the Human Rights Commission, giving young residents a formal voice in city governance and contributing to Richfield's equity and strategic goals.
Concern to consider
Staff noted the risk that youth commissioners could be inadvertently relied upon to speak for all youth or all underrepresented youth, rather than being treated as one perspective among many.
What happens next: If approved by the council, Beatriz Hernandez Guerrero would serve as youth commissioner on the Human Rights Commission for a one-year term expiring August 31.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗