Work SessionItem 1Outcome pending
Discussion on Implementation of Flock Safety License Plate Reader Cameras
The Richfield Police Department was scheduled to present and seek council feedback on implementing Flock Safety license plate reader (LPR) cameras throughout the city. The system was expected to be discussed as a tool for solving crimes retroactively and generating real-time alerts for stolen or hotlisted vehicles, with cameras positioned on major arterial roads. The police department was on the agenda to request direction in order to move forward with a potential purchase in the first quarter of 2024.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $36,000.00 — First-year cost for purchase and installation of ten Flock Safety cameras, budgeted in the 2023 Public Safety budget.
Potential benefit
If adopted, the system could improve the department's ability to recover stolen vehicles and solve crimes by automatically flagging hotlisted plates across jurisdictions. The technology is already deployed in roughly 4,000 cities nationwide, including neighboring Edina and Bloomington, and data is retained for only 30 days before automatic deletion — with the city retaining ownership and control over all records.
Concern to consider
Civil liberties advocates may raise concerns about mass surveillance infrastructure, even without facial recognition, as the system would continuously log the movements of all vehicles passing camera locations. Council Member Trautmann raised questions about potential access by federal immigration enforcement agencies, and data-sharing policies with outside jurisdictions warrant scrutiny.
What happens next: The police department sought council feedback at this work session with the stated goal of moving forward toward a purchase decision in Q1 2024. A formal vote or procurement action would likely appear on a subsequent regular council meeting agenda.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Special MeetingItem 1Outcome pending
Truth in Taxation public hearing on the 2024 property tax levy, 2023 revised/2024 proposed budget, and proposed 2024 utility rates
The City Council conducted the Truth in Taxation public hearing on the proposed 2024 property tax levy, the 2023 revised and 2024 proposed budget, and proposed 2024 utility rates. Staff presented levy and budget information, including the preliminary gross levy, budget revenues and expenditures, reserve forecasts, and levy impacts. No one spoke during the public hearing, and the council closed the hearing.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: Special Meeting agenda (city portal) ↗
Special MeetingItem 1Outcome pending
Scheduled final action on the 2024 property tax levy, 2023 revised/2024 proposed budget, and proposed 2024 utility rates
After closing the public hearing, the City Council scheduled final action on the 2024 property tax levy, the 2023 revised/2024 proposed budget, and proposed 2024 utility rates for the regular council meeting on December 12, 2023.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: Special Meeting agenda (city portal) ↗
Special MeetingItem 1Outcome pending
Truth in Taxation public hearing on the 2024 property tax levy, 2023 revised/2024 proposed budget, and proposed 2024 utility rates
The City Council conducted the Truth in Taxation public hearing on the proposed 2024 property tax levy, the 2023 revised and 2024 proposed budget, and proposed 2024 utility rates. Staff presented the levy timetable, budget issues, state aid history, reserve forecasts, levy impacts, revenues, expenditures, and staffing updates. No one spoke during the public hearing, and the council closed the hearing. The council then scheduled final action on the 2024 property tax levy, 2023 revised/2024 proposed budget, and proposed 2024 utility rates for the December 12, 2023 regular council meeting.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: Special Meeting agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2Outcome pending
Human Rights Commission annual presentation
The council received the annual presentation from Human Rights Commission Chair Walter Burk and thanked the commission for its work and leadership.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2Outcome pending
Human Rights Commission annual presentation
The council received the annual presentation from Human Rights Commission Chair Walter Burk and thanked the commission for its work and leadership.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3Outcome pending
Sustainability Commission annual presentation
The council received the annual presentation from Sustainability Commission Chair Amanda Kueper and thanked the commission for its work and vision for the city.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3Outcome pending
Sustainability Commission annual presentation
The council received the annual presentation from Sustainability Commission Chair Amanda Kueper and thanked the commission for its work and vision for the city.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4AOutcome pending
Temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license for Blessed Trinity Catholic School gala
The council approved a temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license for Blessed Trinity Catholic School at St. Richard's Catholic Church, 7540 Penn Avenue South, for its December 2, 2023 annual gala.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4AOutcome pending
Temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license for Blessed Trinity Catholic School gala
As part of the consent calendar, the council approved a temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license for Blessed Trinity Catholic School at St. Richard's Catholic Church, 7540 Penn Avenue South, for its December 2, 2023 annual gala.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4BOutcome pending
Set public hearing for Metro Pawn and Gun license renewal
The council approved setting a public hearing for December 12, 2023 to consider renewal of the 2024 pawnbroker and secondhand goods dealer license for Metro Pawn and Gun, Inc.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4BOutcome pending
Set public hearing for Metro Pawn and Gun license renewal
As part of the consent calendar, the council set a public hearing for December 12, 2023 to consider renewal of the 2024 pawnbroker and secondhand goods dealer license for Metro Pawn and Gun, Inc.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4COutcome pending
First reading of ordinance allowing micro units as an accessory use to religious institutions
The council approved the first reading of an ordinance amendment to allow micro units as an accessory use to religious institutions and scheduled the second reading for December 12, 2023.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4COutcome pending
First reading of ordinance allowing micro units as an accessory use to religious institutions
As part of the consent calendar, the council approved the first reading of an ordinance amendment to allow micro units as an accessory use to religious institutions and scheduled the second reading for December 12, 2023.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4DOutcome pending
Modification of TIF District 2018-1 RF64 to withdraw parcels
The council approved a modification to the Tax Increment Financing Plan for TIF District 2018-1 RF64 to withdraw parcels from the district.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4DOutcome pending
Modification of TIF District 2018-1 RF64 to withdraw parcels
As part of the consent calendar, the council approved a modification to the Tax Increment Financing Plan for District 2018-1 RF64 to withdraw parcels from the district.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4EOutcome pending
Designation of 500 East 78th Street structure as structurally substandard
The council adopted a resolution designating the existing structure at 500 East 78th Street as structurally substandard within the Richfield Redevelopment Project Area.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4EOutcome pending
Designation of 500 East 78th Street structure as structurally substandard
As part of the consent calendar, the council adopted a resolution designating the existing structure at 500 East 78th Street as structurally substandard within the Richfield Redevelopment Project Area.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6Outcome pending
Second reading of CenterPoint Energy franchise ordinance and agreement
After a public hearing, the council approved the second reading of the franchise ordinance and agreement with CenterPoint Energy Minnesota Gas, allowing and setting terms for the company's use of city rights-of-way, and approved publication of the ordinance.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6Outcome pending
Second reading of CenterPoint Energy franchise ordinance and agreement
After a public hearing, the council approved the second reading of the franchise ordinance and agreement with CenterPoint Energy Minnesota Gas, allowing and setting terms for CenterPoint Energy's use of city rights-of-way, and approved publication of the ordinance.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7Outcome pending
Aster Commons affordable housing approvals at 6613-6625 Portland Avenue South
The council approved a comprehensive plan amendment redesignating 6613-6625 Portland Avenue South to High Density Residential; approved the second reading of an ordinance rezoning the property from MR-2 to MU-N; and approved the preliminary plat, site plan, and two variances for Aster Commons, a 38-unit affordable housing development.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7Outcome pending
Aster Commons affordable housing approvals at 6613-6625 Portland Avenue South
The council approved a comprehensive plan amendment changing the site designation to High Density Residential, approved the second reading of an ordinance rezoning the property from MR-2 to MU-N, and approved the preliminary plat, site plan, and two variances for Aster Commons, a 38-unit affordable housing development at 6613-6625 Portland Avenue South.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8Outcome pending
Amendment to Point of Sale Program escrow forfeiture and appeals code references
The council approved the second reading of an ordinance amending Section 408 to clarify that escrows submitted under the Point of Sale Program could be forfeited if required improvements were not completed, and to correct a code reference related to the appeals process; the council also approved summary publication.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8Outcome pending
Ordinance amendment on Point of Sale Program escrow forfeiture and appeals code reference
The council approved the second reading of an ordinance amendment to Section 408 clarifying that escrows submitted under the Point of Sale Program could be forfeited if required improvements were not completed, corrected a code reference related to appeals, and approved summary publication.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 9Outcome pending
Appointments to city advisory boards and commissions
The council approved appointments to city advisory boards and commissions.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 9Outcome pending
Appointments to city advisory boards and commissions
The council approved appointments to city advisory boards and commissions.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 10Outcome pending
Authorization for Aster Commons to apply for Hennepin County environmental grant
The council adopted a resolution affirming that Aster Commons had received city approvals and was authorized to apply for a Hennepin County Environmental Response Fund grant for environmental assessment.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 10Outcome pending
Authorization for Aster Commons to apply for Hennepin County environmental grant
The council adopted a resolution affirming that Aster Commons had received city approvals and was authorized to apply for a Hennepin County Environmental Response Fund grant for environmental assessment.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 11Outcome pending
City Manager's report
The council received the City Manager's report, including updates that staff was researching short-term rental regulations and that previously raised concerns about the Whitecaps agreement and speed-limit decision-making had already been addressed at an earlier meeting.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 11Outcome pending
City Manager's report
The council received the City Manager's report, including updates that staff was researching short-term rental regulations and that previously raised concerns about the Whitecaps agreement and speed-limit decision-making had already been addressed at earlier meetings.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 12Outcome pending
Approval of claims and payroll
The council approved claims and payroll totaling $1,306,762.62.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 12Outcome pending
Approval of claims and payroll
The council approved claims and payroll totaling $1,306,762.62.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 13Outcome pending
Hats Off to Hometown Hits
Council members shared community recognitions, including geocaching at Wood Lake Nature Center, an upcoming housing affordability discussion panel, the indoor winter market at Veterans Park, a gathering of authors at the Community Center, and open applications for the HRA and EDA.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 13Outcome pending
Hats Off to Hometown Hits
Council members shared community recognitions, including geocaching at Wood Lake Nature Center, an upcoming housing affordability discussion panel, the indoor winter market at Veterans Park, a gathering of authors at the Community Center, and open applications for the HRA and EDA.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗