City CouncilItem 3.AOutcome pending
First Reading: Ordinance Amendment for Vacant Building Grass Height
A first reading of an ordinance amendment was scheduled for consideration that would update Section 925.02 of Richfield City Code to raise the allowable grass height on vacant properties from 6 inches to 8 inches. This change was expected to bring the city's vacant property regulations into alignment with a state law that took effect July 1, 2023. The section was inadvertently overlooked when a related ordinance was amended in October 2023, and the City Attorney reviewed and approved the proposed language prior to the meeting.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Part of an ongoing matter · 2 related discussions →
Potential benefit
This amendment would bring Richfield's vacant property code into compliance with existing state law, resolving a legal inconsistency that has existed since July 2023. Standardizing the grass height rule across all property types would provide clarity for both property owners and enforcement staff.
Concern to consider
Raising the enforcement threshold from 6 to 8 inches on vacant properties means grass could grow slightly longer before triggering a violation, which neighbors of vacant lots may view as a modest reduction in neighborhood maintenance standards.
What happens next: If approved on first reading, a second reading would typically be scheduled at a future council meeting before the ordinance is formally adopted and takes effect.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3.BOutcome pending
Acceptance of Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Grant
The council was scheduled to consider accepting up to $586,225 in Safe Routes to School Infrastructure grant funding from MnDOT for roadway and active transportation improvements along E 70th Street from Elliot Ave to 12th Ave, near the STEM/RDLS campus. The proposed project was expected to include cycle track and intersection improvements informed by a 2014 Safe Routes to School Plan, a 2021 engineering study, and a 2023 demonstration project using temporary bollards and striping. Grant funds were required to be expended in 2024-2025, with design work expected to begin immediately upon execution of the agreement with MnDOT.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Part of an ongoing matter · 3 related discussions →
Key figure: $586,225 — Maximum SRTS Infrastructure grant funding awarded by MnDOT for the E 70th St cycle track and intersection improvement project
Potential benefit
If approved, this grant would bring over $586,000 in state funding for infrastructure designed to make walking and biking to school safer for students near the STEM/RDLS campus. The project builds on years of community planning and incorporates feedback gathered during a real-world 2023 demonstration, increasing the likelihood of effective, community-supported improvements.
Concern to consider
Design, engineering, and construction administration costs — typically 20-25% of total construction cost — along with any expenses above the grant cap, would remain the city's financial responsibility. The tight 2024-2025 expenditure deadline adds significant time pressure to the design and construction process, which may limit opportunities for extended public engagement.
What happens next: If the resolution is adopted, the city would enter into a formal grant agreement with MnDOT and staff would commence design work immediately. Construction would need to be completed within the 2024-2025 grant expenditure window.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 1Discussed
Alternative Response Team (ART) Infrastructure Presentation
Richfield Police Chief Jay Henthorne and Edina/Hennepin County partners presented plans for a joint Alternative Response Team pairing embedded social workers, a mental health detective, and a paramedic to respond to non-violent mental health calls in Richfield and Edina. The program would use a centralized referral 'hub' and self-assignment via CAD/radio monitoring, with officials estimating officer response to some mental health calls could drop from about 3% to 1% involvement. No formal action was taken; a hard launch date remains to be determined.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
A dedicated mental health response team could mean faster, more appropriate help for residents in crisis and freed-up police resources for other emergencies.
Concern to consider
The program is still in a pilot/planning phase with no launch date, staffing capacity limits, and unresolved questions about data collection and legal authority for paramedics.
What happens next: City staff will continue assessing appropriate call types, finalize data collection processes, examine legal statutes affecting the paramedic role, and set a hard launch date for the joint Richfield-Edina program.
Sources: Work Session minutes (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 2Discussed
Axtell Group Police Organization and Staffing Study Review
The Axtell Group presented findings from a professional staffing and organizational assessment of the 57-person Richfield Police Department, the city's first such study in several decades. Recommendations included hiring ten new positions (8 sworn officers and 2 non-sworn staff), adding two Sergeants and a Community Engagement Specialist, creating a training Sergeant role, and reassessing the 12-hour shift schedule to reduce officer fatigue and improve retention. No formal budget decision was made; the council discussed trade-offs on cost, staffing levels, and community engagement priorities.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
The study's recommendations aim to improve police response times, training, and community engagement, which could enhance safety and trust citywide.
Concern to consider
Adding ten new positions and new Sergeant roles would require future budget commitments that could affect city spending priorities and, potentially, property tax levies.
What happens next: City staff and the Police Department will use the study's recommendations to inform future budget requests, including proposed hires and a possible training Sergeant position, with further council discussion expected as staffing and funding decisions are developed.
Sources: Work Session minutes (city portal) ↗