Work SessionItem 1Outcome pending
Review and Implementation Options for Compensation and Classification Study
A compensation and classification study conducted by Baker Tilly was scheduled for presentation at this work session, marking the first comprehensive review of Richfield's employee pay structure in over 20 years. The study was expected to cover market assessments, pay plan development, grade assignments, and implementation scenarios for city staff. Council direction on which implementation option to pursue was on the agenda, with final approval anticipated at a later meeting.
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Key figure: $328,000 — Estimated annual impact for Option 1 (including FICA and PERA)
Potential benefit
If implemented, the study's recommendations could help the city attract and retain qualified employees by aligning salaries with peer cities and market rates, potentially improving the quality of services residents receive. The use of SAFE scores for job evaluation would introduce a more objective, consistent method for maintaining pay equity going forward.
Concern to consider
The financial impact on the city budget was unconfirmed and dependent on which implementation option Council ultimately selects. Costs tied to salary adjustments for represented employees would also be subject to ongoing collective bargaining negotiations, adding budget uncertainty.
What happens next: Staff requested Council direction on which compensation implementation option to proceed with. Baker Tilly was expected to return to a future Council meeting with refined recommendations for formal approval once direction was provided.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3AOutcome pending
Approval of Agreement for Joint Community Police Partnership (JCPP) Program
The council was scheduled to consider approving a renewed cooperative agreement with Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department for the Joint Community Police Partnership (JCPP), a collaborative program involving ten metro-area cities aimed at improving communication between law enforcement and multicultural residents. The proposed agreement was expected to cover January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026, with Richfield's cost not to exceed $44,668 in 2024. The program would embed a county-employed community liaison in the Richfield Police Department and fund officer training on diverse cultures, community outreach, and engagement events.
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Key figure: $44,668 — Richfield Police Department's maximum 2024 share — 30% of one HSPHD Senior Administrative Assistant FTE — under the proposed agreement
Potential benefit
The JCPP embeds a culturally competent community liaison in the police department and provides officer training, with the stated goal of reducing conflict and building trust between law enforcement and multicultural residents. Outreach activities include community dialogues, culturally specific events, and youth academies.
Concern to consider
Richfield would bear 30% of one county liaison position's salary and benefits (capped at $44,668 for 2024), with future year costs to be determined separately. If the agreement were not approved, the staff report indicates the JCPP program would be discontinued in Richfield.
What happens next: If approved, the agreement would run through December 31, 2026. Hennepin County would employ and supervise the Senior Administrative Assistant/community liaison, with invoices submitted quarterly. Future annual cost shares would be negotiated at a later date.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3BOutcome pending
Extension of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding Contracts with VEAP and Conflict Resolution Center
The council was scheduled to consider extending contracts for two nonprofits that received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to serve Richfield residents disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. VEAP, awarded $81,854.56 with $58,099.24 remaining, was requesting an extension to June 30, 2024 after adjusting its outreach and application process; the Conflict Resolution Center (CRC), awarded $30,000 with $24,469.05 remaining, was requesting an extension to September 30, 2024 as it shifted focus toward eviction prevention seminars after challenges building relationships with apartment managers. Both proposed extensions were expected to fall within the federal ARPA spending deadlines of December 31, 2026.
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Key figure: $81,854.56 — Total ARPA contract awarded to VEAP; $58,099.24 remained unspent at the time of the agenda
Potential benefit
VEAP provides housing advocacy, financial assistance, and case management — in the first three quarters of its contract it served 32 households, all economically disadvantaged and 75% BIPOC. CRC's eviction prevention and mediation services target apartment residents at risk of housing instability. Both programs directly address equity and affordability, which are priorities in the city's strategic plan.
Concern to consider
Both organizations spent relatively small portions of their contracts before the original end date — VEAP had spent 29% and CRC only 18% — raising questions about program pace. Building relationships with apartment managers proved harder than anticipated for CRC, prompting a shift in its service model.
What happens next: If approved, VEAP's contract end date would be extended to June 30, 2024, and CRC's to September 30, 2024. All ARPA funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024 and fully spent by December 31, 2026. The remaining $154,000 in unallocated ARPA social services funds was expected to be designated for additional programming in 2024.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3C, 3DOutcome pending
Approval of Contract and Grant for 71st Street Safe Routes to School Sidewalk Project
The council was scheduled to consider two related items: awarding a construction contract to Valley Paving, Inc. for $150,820 to build approximately 900 feet of new sidewalk along the north side of 71st Street between Elliot Avenue and 12th Avenue South, and approving a MnDOT grant agreement (Agreement #1055391) to receive state Safe Routes to School funding for the project. The proposed sidewalk, located south of Richfield STEM and Dual Language Schools, would include a boulevard buffer between the curb and the walk to improve pedestrian safety. Valley Paving's bid was the lowest of nine received, coming in significantly below the engineer's estimate of $202,308.
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Key figure: $150,820 — Proposed contract with Valley Paving, Inc. — lowest of 9 bids (range: $150,820–$239,457; engineer's estimate: $202,308)
Potential benefit
This project would create a dedicated, buffered walking route for students attending Richfield STEM and Dual Language Schools, improving safety along a corridor currently lacking sidewalk infrastructure. The project would be primarily funded by a state grant of up to $173,000, limiting the cost to local taxpayers, and was identified in the City's Pedestrian Master Plan.
Concern to consider
Design and engineering costs are not eligible for grant reimbursement and would be paid via Franchise Fees passed through utility rates. The council was also asked to authorize the City Manager to approve change orders up to $175,000 — exceeding the contract amount — without additional council review.
What happens next: If both items were approved, staff would coordinate with Valley Paving on materials ordering and project scheduling, with completion targeted by end of summer 2024. The construction contract could not be executed until the MnDOT grant agreement was finalized.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5Outcome pendingYour input welcome
Adoption of 2024 Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Allocation and Subrecipient Agreement
A public hearing was scheduled to gather community input before the council considered allocating $177,423.11 in 2024 Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds across two programs: $108,432.11 to the Deferred Loan Rehabilitation Program for low-income homeowners and $69,000 to the First Time Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Program. The Deferred Loan program provides no-interest, 30-year loans up to $30,000 to address health, safety, and property maintenance needs, and has operated since 1984. The application deadline for 2024 CDBG funds was February 28, 2024.
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Key figure: $177,423.11 — Total estimated 2024 CDBG direct allocation to the City of Richfield
Potential benefit
The Deferred Loan Rehabilitation Program helps low-income homeowners address urgent health and safety deficiencies they could not otherwise afford to fix, preserving housing stock and keeping vulnerable residents stably housed. The First Time Homebuyer program lowers the barrier to homeownership in Richfield by covering down payment and closing costs, supporting long-term community stability.
Concern to consider
Demand far exceeds available funding — 113 households were on the waiting list for rehabilitation loans at the time of the agenda. CDBG funds must be spent by June 30, 2025, creating a tight program delivery timeline, and the final federal allocation could differ from the $177,423.11 estimate.
What happens next: If approved, the City would submit its 2024 CDBG proposal to Hennepin County by the February 28, 2024 deadline. Hennepin County would review applications in March, with the County Board expected to act in May or June 2024. The program funding cycle would begin July 1, 2024, with funds to be fully spent by June 30, 2025.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6Outcome pending
Second Reading of Ordinances Amending Nuisance Code: Flexible Dumpsters and Parking/Storage Violations
The second reading of ordinances amending Richfield's public nuisance code was scheduled for consideration, following a first reading on February 13, 2024. The proposed amendments would classify flexible dumpsters left on properties for extended periods as a public nuisance, and would subject yard parking and properties with more than four vehicles to a repeat nuisance fee. Staff noted that complaints related to both issues had been increasing over the prior three years.
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Potential benefit
If approved, these ordinances would give the city stronger enforcement tools to address overflowing or frozen dumpsters and vehicles parked illegally on lawns, helping maintain property standards and neighborhood appearance citywide. Compliance staff would prioritize education before escalating to repeat nuisance fees.
Concern to consider
The vehicle limit provision could disproportionately affect multi-generational households that share a single property with more than four vehicles. Staff acknowledged this as a potential unintended consequence, though they noted the ordinance does not change the four-vehicle limit itself—only adds it as a nuisance subject to repeat fines.
What happens next: If approved at second reading, the ordinances would be published per the accompanying summary publication resolution and take effect following the required publication period. Compliance officers would prioritize education and outreach before issuing repeat nuisance fees.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7Outcome pending
First Reading of Ordinance Amending City Charter Based on Charter Commission Recommendations
The first reading of an ordinance amending Richfield's City Charter was scheduled for consideration, based on recommendations from the Charter Commission following a multi-year review process that began in 2022. The proposed amendments were expected to clarify emergency powers, update vacancy and special election procedures, align Charter language with state law, and expand the Council's authority to approve public purpose expenditures—without changing the city's Council-Manager form of government. A public hearing was scheduled for March 12, 2024, at which a second reading was also anticipated.
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Potential benefit
If adopted, the updated Charter would provide clearer guidance on how the city handles emergencies, leadership vacancies, and special elections, reducing ambiguity in governance during unusual circumstances. Most changes are described as technical, grammatical, or consistency updates rather than substantive policy shifts.
Concern to consider
A few more substantive changes—particularly around emergency powers and when a special election is required—warrant public attention. Adoption requires an affirmative vote of all five Council members plus mayoral approval, meaning any disagreement could stall the process. Residents had a narrow window to engage before the March 12 public hearing.
What happens next: A public hearing and second reading were scheduled for the March 12, 2024 City Council meeting. Final adoption would require an affirmative vote of all five Council members and approval by the Mayor, as required by Minnesota Statutes Section 410.12, subdivision 7.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8Outcome pending
Approval of Agreements with Non-Profit Organizations to Provide Social Services
Agreements with six non-profit organizations to provide social services to Richfield residents in 2024 were scheduled for approval, with a total city funding allocation of $78,100. Recommended recipients included Cornerstone ($18,000), VEAP ($25,000), Loaves and Fishes ($8,000), The Family Partnership ($12,600), Senior Community Services ($10,000), and Reach for Resources ($4,500). Total agency requests exceeded the available budget by $19,400, requiring the review committee to recommend reduced allocations for some organizations.
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Key figure: $78,100 — Total city budget allocated for social service agreements in 2024, already included in the approved City Council/Administration budget
Potential benefit
If approved, these agreements would fund services addressing domestic violence, food insecurity, mental health counseling, disability transportation, and senior support for some of Richfield's most vulnerable residents. The funding is specifically designed to serve low-income individuals across all races and cultures, with the goal of reducing racial inequities and barriers for traditionally excluded groups.
Concern to consider
The city's available funding fell $19,400 short of total requests, meaning some organizations would receive significantly less than needed. The Family Partnership, for example, requested $30,000 but was recommended for $12,600—a reduction that could limit the family-focused services available to Richfield residents in 2024.
What happens next: If approved, the City Manager would be authorized to execute service agreements with each of the six non-profit organizations, with services to be delivered throughout calendar year 2024.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 10Outcome pending
Approval of Claims and Payrolls
Routine approval of city accounts payable and employee payroll was scheduled for council consideration, covering disbursements processed through U.S. Bank for the period ending February 22, 2024. The total amount across checks and payroll was $2,095,868.05. This is a standard procedural item required each meeting cycle to keep city operations funded.
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Key figure: $1,130,236.95 — Accounts payable checks 326833–326975 for the period ending 02/22/2024
Potential benefit
Timely approval of claims and payroll ensures city employees are paid on schedule and vendors are compensated, maintaining uninterrupted delivery of essential city services including public works, public safety, and parks.
Concern to consider
The disbursement of approximately $2.1 million covers a single pay cycle; no unusual or flagged expenditures were identified in the agenda materials for this cycle.
What happens next: Claims and payroll approvals are recurring consent calendar items processed at each regular council meeting.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗