Work SessionItem 1Outcome pending
Concept Plan Introduction for Pillsbury Plaza at 65th Street and Pillsbury Avenue
A concept plan for 'Pillsbury Plaza,' a public gathering space at 65th Street and Pillsbury Avenue, was scheduled for introduction at this work session. The proposed plaza would occupy surplus public right-of-way left behind after removal of the Pillsbury Avenue cul-de-sac during the 65th Street Reconstruction project. The plan was developed in memory of Richfield Transportation Engineer Jack Broz, with input from his family and former colleagues, and was expected to require staff direction on whether to proceed toward a 2025 construction target.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $200,000 — Estimated cost identified for the Pillsbury Plaza project, proposed to come from the Public Works budget and potentially supplemented by private fundraising from the Broz family.
Potential benefit
If approved, this proposal would create a new public gathering and recreation space in a high-density residential area where the nearest existing parks require crossing Nicollet Avenue or active railroad tracks. The plaza would use otherwise unused public right-of-way at no additional land acquisition cost, and a portion of funding could potentially be offset by private family fundraising.
Concern to consider
An estimated $200,000 from the Public Works budget was identified as a potential funding source, raising questions about trade-offs with deferred maintenance at other city parks. The project's feasibility depends on how much private fundraising the Broz family can contribute, and neighborhood input had not yet been gathered as of the agenda date.
What happens next: Staff was expected to seek Council direction at this work session on whether to proceed and which design options to pursue. If given the go-ahead, next steps would include neighborhood engagement, finalizing funding sources (including potential family fundraising), and integrating the project into the Public Works schedule targeting 2025 construction.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2Outcome pending
Consent Calendar Approval
Council approved a series of items including a liquor license for a community event, splash pad construction, public health agreements, and a Safe Routes to School grant.
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Part of an ongoing matter · 4 related discussions →
Key figure: $537,566.00 — Construction of Splash Pad at Richfield Outdoor Pool
Potential benefit
Brings new amenities (splash pad), supports public health, and improves school safety. $537,566 allocated for splash pad construction; grant funding for Safe Routes to School.
Concern to consider
Potential concerns about city spending and prioritization of funds.
What happens next: Splash pad construction proceeds; public health agreements implemented; Safe Routes to School grant accepted.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4Outcome pending
Second Reading and Public Hearing: Amendments to City Charter
The second reading and public hearing on a comprehensive ordinance amending the Richfield City Charter was scheduled for consideration at the March 12 meeting, following unanimous first-reading approval on February 28. The Charter Commission began this review in 2022, and the proposed amendments were intended to clarify emergency authority for the mayor and staff, align the document with current state law, authorize electronic signatures, and make various housekeeping corrections. If adopted, the ordinance would become effective 90 days after passage, unless a citizen referendum petition is filed within 60 days.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Part of an ongoing matter · 3 related discussions →
Potential benefit
If approved, this would modernize a charter last comprehensively updated in 2013, improving clarity around who holds authority during emergencies, updating language to match state statute, and enabling electronic signatures to streamline city transactions.
Concern to consider
At least one resident raised concerns about transparency in the process at the public hearing. Because the city charter is Richfield's foundational governing document, any changes — including those defining mayoral and council authority during emergencies — are significant even when described as minor housekeeping.
What happens next: If adopted, the ordinance would take effect 90 days after passage and legal publication. Residents who object would have 60 days after passage to file a referendum petition signed by the number of registered voters required under Minnesota Statutes section 410.12, subdivision 7, which would delay the ordinance from taking effect until approved by voters.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5Outcome pending
Appointment to Transportation Commission
The council was scheduled to consider appointing Stacey Fuentes to fill a vacancy on the Transportation Commission, with a term commencing March 13, 2024 and expiring January 31, 2026. The vacancy arose from an unexpected resignation after all commission seats had been filled through a prior recruitment process. Fuentes was among three applicants designated as alternates during that recruitment and was the only alternate who responded with continued interest when contacted by staff.
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Part of an ongoing matter · 2 related discussions →
Potential benefit
This proposal would fill a commission seat needed to maintain quorum at Transportation Commission meetings, ensuring that citizen advisory input on transportation planning continues without interruption.
Concern to consider
No significant concerns were identified. This is a routine appointment from a vetted alternate candidate pool following a standard recruitment and interview process.
What happens next: If appointed, Stacey Fuentes would begin serving as Transportation Commissioner on March 13, 2024, with the term expiring January 31, 2026.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7Outcome pending
Approval of Claims and Payroll
Routine approval of city claims and payroll was on the agenda for March 12, covering accounts payable checks and payroll disbursements processed through U.S. Bank for the period ending March 7, 2024. The total amount scheduled for approval was approximately $2.41 million, comprising roughly $1.5 million in accounts payable and $914,000 in payroll. This is a standard recurring item required for continued city operations.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $1,498,091.98 — Accounts payable checks 327053–327310 dated 03/07/2024
Potential benefit
Timely approval of claims and payroll ensures city employees are paid and vendors and service providers are compensated on schedule, keeping city services running without disruption.
Concern to consider
No specific concerns were identified. This is a routine administrative action reflecting normal city operating expenditures.
What happens next: If approved, disbursements would be processed through U.S. Bank for the covered accounts payable and payroll periods.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗