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Your civic brief · Updated July 30

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Here's what matters for all residents.

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 · 15 topics, explained in plain English

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Meeting topics · 15

Work SessionItem 1Outcome pending

Preliminary Discussion: MICC Learning Center and Cooperative Housing Redevelopment

Minnesota Independence College and Community (MICC) was scheduled to present preliminary concepts for redeveloping five parcels along West 76th Street between Morgan and Newton Avenues. The proposal was expected to be discussed as two separate but amenity-sharing three-story buildings: a 29,000-square-foot MICC Learning Center for autistic and neurodivergent adults, and up to 24 units of cooperative housing managed by Bumpy Lane Development Co. Council and Planning Commission feedback on building placement, massing, and the phased development approach was being sought rather than a formal vote.

final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes

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Key figure: 80% AMICooperative housing units were proposed to be affordable at or below the cost threshold for households earning 80% of the Area Median Income, targeting neurodivergent adults in need of affordable independent living.

Potential benefit

If approved, this project would provide a permanent, purpose-built facility serving 150+ autistic and neurodivergent adults who rely on MICC's vocational and life-skills programming, replacing a temporary Interim Use Permit set to expire in 2027. The cooperative housing component would offer up to 24 affordable units targeted at households earning at or below 80% of Area Median Income, addressing an underserved population's long-term housing security.

Concern to consider

The project involves redeveloping five parcels and constructing two three-story buildings in a residential corridor, which raises questions about neighborhood density, building massing, traffic, and parking impacts. The shared-amenity model between two separately owned buildings also introduces coordination complexity that the Council was specifically asked to evaluate.

What happens next: Following Council and Planning Commission feedback at this work session, MICC and Bumpy Lane Development would likely refine their concept plans based on direction received. Formal next steps would involve submitting applications for rezoning, site plan approval, and potentially a development agreement before returning to the Planning Commission and City Council for official action.

Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal)

City CouncilItem 1Outcome pending

2024 Gene and Mary Jacobsen Citizen of the Year Presentation

The council received a presentation recognizing Scott Ramsay as the 2024 Gene and Mary Jacobsen Citizen of the Year. This was a ceremonial presentation and did not involve council action.

final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes

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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal)

City CouncilItem 2Outcome pending

Hennepin County update presentation

The council received an update from Hennepin County Commissioner Debbie Goettel on county work involving homelessness, housing, economic development, mental health, business resources, tree planting, and future infrastructure projects including Penn Avenue. No formal action was taken.

final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes

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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal)

City CouncilItem 4AOutcome pending

Amended agreement for two full-time senior social workers

The council approved an amended agreement between Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health and the Richfield Police Department for two full-time senior social workers, with one embedded and one assigned to the alternative response team.

final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes

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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal)

City CouncilItem 4COutcome pending

Adoption of Hennepin County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan

The council adopted a resolution supporting hazard mitigation planning efforts and adopting the Hennepin County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan.

final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes

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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal)

City CouncilItem 4DOutcome pending

Extension of ARPA funding contract with VEAP, Inc.

The council adopted a resolution extending the American Rescue Plan Act funding contract with VEAP, Inc. from June 30, 2024 to December 31, 2024.

final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes

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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal)

City CouncilItem 4EOutcome pending

Joint Powers Agreement with Edina for speed limits on shared local streets

The council adopted a resolution approving a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Edina for speed limits on shared local streets, and advanced the related ordinance on second reading.

final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes

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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal)

City CouncilItem 4FOutcome pending

Memorandum of Understanding with Minneapolis for speed limit signs on shared local streets

The council adopted a resolution approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Minneapolis for speed limit signs on shared local streets.

final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes

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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal)

City CouncilItem 4GOutcome pending

Climate Pollution Reduction Grant partnership memorandum

The council approved a memorandum of understanding with Minneapolis and other partners regarding the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant partnership and scope of work.

final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes

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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal)

City CouncilItem 4HOutcome pending

First reading of transitory ordinance funding capital improvements from Liquor Contribution Special Revenue Fund

The council approved the first reading of a transitory ordinance providing funding for certain capital improvements from the Liquor Contribution Special Revenue Fund.

final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes

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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal)

City CouncilItem 6Outcome pending

Ordinance amendment adjusting parking requirements

The council postponed consideration of the first reading of an ordinance amendment adjusting parking requirements until the next council meeting. During discussion, council members requested additional information, including alternate draft language and clearer mapping of MR2, MR3, and mixed-use areas.

final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes

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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal)

City CouncilItem 7Outcome pending

Amendment to City Manager employment agreement following annual evaluation

The council approved a resolution amending the employment agreement between the City of Richfield and City Manager Katie Rodriguez following the annual performance evaluation period from July 2023 to June 2024.

final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes

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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal)

City CouncilItem 8Outcome pending

Police officers labor agreement for 2024-2025

The council adopted a resolution approving the 2024-2025 labor agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services for police officers and authorized the city manager to execute the agreement.

final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes

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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal)

Routine procedure · 2 items
  • Item 3Approval of the agenda · record
  • Approval of prior meeting minutes · record

Meeting housekeeping — approving agendas and past minutes. Always available, never the headline.