Work SessionItem 1Discussed
Review of the 2024 Community Survey Results
The 2024 Community Survey results were scheduled for review at this work session, presented by Polco/National Research Center staff. The city contracted with Polco to survey 3,000 randomly selected Richfield households between May 26 and June 7, 2024, yielding 353 completed responses (a 12% response rate) plus 454 open-participation responses. The presentation was intended to share key findings, benchmark comparisons against 26 Minnesota cities, and a demographic equity analysis to inform future city policy and budgeting.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Highest-performing areas identified in the survey include strong resident trust in local government, high marks for ease of mobility and mobility-related services, and consistently positive ratings for utility services — suggesting the city is delivering well on core infrastructure. The benchmark comparison to 26 similar Minnesota cities and a demographic equity analysis were expected to help the city identify where Richfield excels relative to peers and allocate resources more equitably.
Concern to consider
The survey results were expected to highlight declining economic and affordability ratings since the last survey in 2020, as well as a slight decline in safety ratings — both areas flagged as priorities by residents. Additionally, equity staff noted that certain demographic groups were underrepresented in the 353 completed responses, raising questions about whether survey findings fully reflect the experiences of all Richfield residents.
What happens next: This presentation was informational and intended to serve as a foundation for future policy decisions, budget planning, and strategic planning efforts. No action or vote was expected. City staff may use the findings to shape upcoming budget discussions and program development, and council members indicated interest in expanding demographic outreach in future survey cycles.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4AOutcome pending
Advanced first reading of building, planning, and zoning fee schedule changes
The council approved the first reading of an ordinance amending Appendix D of the city code for building, planning, and zoning fees and scheduled the public hearing and second reading for September 24, 2024. This moved updated development-related fees forward in the adoption process.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Part of an ongoing matter · 3 related discussions →
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4BOutcome pending
Approved the 2024 revised and 2025 Affordable Housing Trust Fund budget
The council approved the revised 2024 and 2025 budget for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The action set spending and funding plans for city affordable housing efforts.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Part of an ongoing matter · 1 related discussion →
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4COutcome pending
Authorized a $498,075 urban forestry grant agreement with American Forests
The council authorized a grant agreement with American Forests for $498,075 through the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry program. The funding supported tree canopy and urban forestry work in Richfield.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4FOutcome pending
Supported a federal grant application for a 76th and 77th Streets corridor planning study
The council adopted a resolution supporting Richfield's application for federal funding for a corridor planning study on 76th and 77th Streets through the USDOT Reconnecting Communities Pilot program. The action positioned the city to seek outside funding for future transportation and land-use planning.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Part of an ongoing matter · 1 related discussion →
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4GOutcome pending
Accepted a $200,000 Hennepin County grant for playground improvements
The council accepted a Hennepin County Youth Activities Grant of $200,000 for improvements at Donaldson Park playground and Pillsbury Plaza playground. The funding supported upgrades to youth recreation spaces.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Part of an ongoing matter · 2 related discussions →
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8Outcome pending
Approved land-use requests to re-tenant 140 West 66th Street with a new grocer
The council considered and approved Brixmor's request for a Conditional Use Permit, an amended Planned Unit Development, and a Final Development Plan for a retail use over 50,000 square feet at 140 West 66th Street to allow a new grocer. The action cleared a major commercial space for reuse by a grocery tenant.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 9Outcome pending
Adopted preliminary 2025 levy and budget-related resolutions
The council considered resolutions to adopt the 2025 preliminary property tax levy, set the truth-in-taxation hearing date, authorize budget revisions, revise 2024 department budgets, and set 2025 city fees. Public comments showed strong interest in how the public safety budget would be allocated, including debate over police staffing versus mental health and social work positions.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Part of an ongoing matter · 1 related discussion →
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 10Outcome pending
Approved the Teamsters Local 320 lieutenants labor contract for 2024-2025
The council approved the contract with Teamsters #320 for the lieutenants bargaining unit covering January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025 and authorized the city manager to execute it. The agreement set employment terms for a key public safety supervisory group.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Part of an ongoing matter · 1 related discussion →
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗