City CouncilItem 1Discussed
Proclamation Celebrating Juneteenth
The Richfield City Council was scheduled to present a Proclamation Celebrating Juneteenth, recognizing June 19, 1865 as the day Union troops freed the last enslaved Black Americans in Texas — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. The proclamation, issued by Mayor Mary Supple on behalf of the Council, was expected to formally acknowledge every June 19 as Juneteenth Freedom Day in Richfield. It called on residents to observe the day with appropriate programs and activities and to honor the contributions of African Americans throughout the year.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
The proclamation formally recognizes a pivotal moment in American history and reflects the city's stated commitment to equity and inclusion. It provides a civic anchor for community education and observance around Juneteenth.
Concern to consider
As a ceremonial proclamation, it does not carry binding policy changes or allocate resources, so its broader impact depends on follow-through by the city and community.
What happens next: Residents were called upon to observe June 19 with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies, and to honor African American contributions throughout the year.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2Discussed
Presentation of Food Safety Awards
The annual Presentation of Food Safety Awards was scheduled to recognize local restaurants for their commitment to food safety standards in 2023. Administrator Anderson was expected to present the full-service restaurant award to Broadway Pizza and the fast food and pizza carry-out award to Taco Bell. The presentation was intended to thank participating businesses for their dedication to safe food handling practices.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Food safety award recognition encourages local restaurants to maintain high standards, directly benefiting residents who dine in Richfield.
Concern to consider
This is a ceremonial and informational item with no policy or financial implications for residents or taxpayers.
What happens next: Annual awards continue; businesses encouraged to maintain standards.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5.AOutcome pending
Temporary On Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Fred Babcock VFW #5555 Event
The Council was scheduled to consider approving a Temporary On Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Fred Babcock VFW #5555, located at 6715 Lakeshore Drive, for an outdoor parking lot event planned for July 6, 2024. The license application would authorize alcohol service from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. as part of the VFW's final Independence Day get-together. The Director of Public Safety reviewed the application and reportedly found no reason for denial, with all required fees and insurance documentation submitted.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Potential benefit
If approved, this would allow a local veterans' organization to host a community Independence Day event with food, refreshments, and alcohol in a structured outdoor setting with on-site security.
Concern to consider
Alcohol service until 10:00 p.m. in a parking lot setting could raise noise or safety concerns for residents near 6715 Lakeshore Drive.
What happens next: If approved, Fred Babcock VFW #5555 would be authorized to serve alcohol at their outdoor event on July 6, 2024 at 6715 Lakeshore Drive from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5.BOutcome pending
Resolution for Reimbursement of Expenditures from Bonds for Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction Project
The Council was scheduled to consider a resolution formally declaring intent to reimburse project expenditures using bond proceeds for the planned reconstruction of Nicollet Avenue (CSAH 52) between 77th Street and 66th Street. This procedural step, standard practice before bond issuance, would allow the city to spend on the project ahead of bond sales and later be reimbursed — covering costs incurred up to 60 days prior to Council approval. Construction is identified in Hennepin County's Capital Improvement Plan for 2026, with final design engineering expected to begin in late 2024.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $10,000,000 — Estimated maximum principal amount of street reconstruction and utility bonds proposed to fund the Nicollet Avenue (CSAH 52) Reconstruction Project between 77th Street and 66th Street.
Potential benefit
If approved, this would enable the city to begin incurring costs on a major road and utility upgrade along Nicollet Avenue without waiting for bonds to be sold, helping keep the 2026 construction timeline on track. The reconstruction is intended to modernize a deteriorating corridor and improve safety and accessibility for all users.
Concern to consider
The project proposes up to $10 million in street reconstruction and utility bonds, which could affect the city's long-term debt obligations and may involve future costs or assessments for nearby property owners.
What happens next: Preliminary design was expected to be presented to the City Council for approval in mid-to-late 2024. Final design engineering was slated to begin in late 2024, with construction planned for 2026. Bonds would be sold once actual project costs are determined from the final design.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5.COutcome pending
Modification of Health Care Savings Plan for Firefighters (IAF Local 1215)
The City Council was scheduled to consider a resolution modifying the Health Care Savings Plan (HCSP) for International Association of Firefighters (IAF) Local 1215 bargaining unit employees. The modification was expected to update the bi-weekly contribution amount — the first change since 2019 — allowing firefighters to set aside pre-tax dollars toward post-employment medical costs. Under Minnesota state law, HCSP modifications may be made no more frequently than once every two years, and the plan must be submitted to the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) for filing after City approval.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Potential benefit
If approved, this modification would give firefighters a more flexible, tax-advantaged mechanism to save for post-retirement healthcare expenses. The City would also benefit from reduced Social Security and Medicare payroll tax obligations on contributed amounts, generating modest savings on its end as well.
Concern to consider
Participation in the plan is mandatory for all employees in the bargaining unit once established, meaning individual firefighters cannot opt out of the contribution formula once the modification takes effect.
What happens next: If approved by the City Council, the modified plan must be submitted to the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) for formal filing and implementation.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6Outcome pending
Second Reading of Ordinance Amending Section 925.02 Relating to Regulation of Vacant Buildings
The City Council was scheduled to hold a second reading of an ordinance amending Section 925.02 of the Richfield City Code, which governs the regulation of vacant buildings. The specific change would update the maximum allowable grass and weed height on vacant properties from 6 inches to 8 inches, bringing city code into compliance with a state law that took effect July 1, 2023. This section was inadvertently overlooked when the City updated its managed natural landscapes ordinance in October 2023.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Potential benefit
This proposal would align Richfield's city code with state law, removing a legal inconsistency and ensuring that enforcement of vacant property maintenance standards rests on firm legal footing. Raising the threshold from 6 to 8 inches also gives property owners a slightly wider margin before a violation is triggered.
Concern to consider
Critics of higher grass thresholds may argue that the change could allow vacant properties to appear less maintained before enforcement action is taken, potentially affecting neighborhood aesthetics or adjacent property values.
What happens next: As a second reading, this is the final step in the ordinance adoption process. If approved, the ordinance would take effect per Section 3.09 of the Richfield City Charter and a summary would be published.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7Outcome pending
Amendment to Planned Unit Development and Parking Agreement for Partnership Academy at 6500 Nicollet Avenue
The City Council was scheduled to consider a resolution amending the Planned Unit Development (PUD) and Parking Agreement for Partnership Academy, a K-8 charter school at 6500 Nicollet Avenue South. When the school's 5,962 square-foot building addition was approved in April 2022, Partnership Academy was given two years to provide up to 80 parking stalls to replace those eliminated by the expansion. The amendment was expected to extend that deadline and modify the agreement terms, with the Planning Commission recommending a five-year extension rather than the ten years the school had requested.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Potential benefit
If approved, the amendment would give Partnership Academy additional time to resolve its parking needs without facing financial penalties, supporting continued operation of a school that has served the Richfield community since 2002. A penalty waiver for non-compliance through the original April 12, 2024 deadline was also proposed as part of the amended motion.
Concern to consider
Extending the deadline without a firm parking solution could perpetuate a situation where students, staff, and teachers must park several blocks away from the building. The school's long-term parking plan — which involves either a 72-stall structured parking facility or surface lot on an adjacent parcel — remains unresolved.
What happens next: If approved, the amended Parking Agreement would be executed by the City and Partnership Academy. The school would be required to return annually to report progress toward meeting parking requirements under the revised agreement terms.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 9Outcome pending
Approval of Claims and Payrolls
The City Council was scheduled to approve routine claims and payrolls for the period ending June 7, 2024, totaling $2,097,046.42 processed through U.S. Bank. The total includes accounts payable disbursements of $1,078,818.70 and payroll of $1,018,227.72. This is a standard recurring agenda item required to authorize payment of the City's operating financial obligations.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $1,078,818.70 — Accounts payable checks (328827–392109) processed through U.S. Bank on 06/07/2024
Potential benefit
Timely approval of claims and payrolls ensures City employees are compensated on schedule and vendors receive payment for services, maintaining Richfield's financial operations and relationships with service providers.
Concern to consider
No specific concerns are associated with this routine item.
What happens next: Upon approval, payments are disbursed through U.S. Bank per the authorized amounts.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 11Discussed
Closed Executive Session: City Manager’s Annual Performance Evaluation
The Council was scheduled to enter a closed executive session to conduct City Manager Katie Rodriguez's annual performance evaluation, as permitted under Minnesota Statutes Section 13D.05, subd. 3(a). The session was expected to take place in the Babcock Room, separate from the public meeting chambers. As required by state law, a follow-up closed session and a public summary of the evaluation at a subsequent regular Council meeting were also expected.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Regular performance evaluations of the City Manager help ensure accountability and effective leadership of city operations, which affects the quality of services all residents receive.
Concern to consider
The closed nature of the session limits public visibility into how the Council assesses city leadership performance, though state law mandates this process be conducted privately.
What happens next: A follow-up closed performance evaluation session was scheduled for June 18, 2024. As required by law, a public summary of the evaluation was expected to be presented at the June 25, 2024 regular Council meeting.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗