City CouncilItem 6.AOutcome pending
Approval of Five-Year Ice Time Rental Agreement with Minneapolis Hockey Association
The city council was scheduled to consider a five-year ice time rental agreement with the Minneapolis Hockey Association, which submitted the highest-scoring proposal out of two received. The agreement would require the association to rent a minimum of 500 hours of ice time per season starting at $117,500 annually, increasing 3–3.4% each year, plus a $25,000 yearly donation to the Richfield Ice Arena. The proposal also included four annual free or introductory hockey events for Richfield residents and a minimum of two tournaments per year at the facility.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $117,500 — Minimum ice time rental value per season in year one, increasing 3–3.4% annually over the five-year term
Potential benefit
If approved, this agreement would provide the Richfield Ice Arena with a stable, long-term revenue stream starting at $117,500 per season plus a $25,000 annual donation toward maintenance costs. Hosting two annual tournaments would bring outside visitors and boost concession revenue, while free 'Try Hockey' and 'Learn to Skate' events would expand affordable access to the sport for Richfield residents.
Concern to consider
Locking in 500 hours of weekday morning ice time for five years could limit scheduling flexibility for other local groups seeking access. The agreement binds the city to a single primary tenant through the peak hockey season, and early termination requires 180 days' written notice.
What happens next: If approved, the Mayor and City Manager would finalize and execute the agreement. The Minneapolis Hockey Association's season was already underway as of October 1, 2024, making timely action a stated priority. The schedule can be reviewed and updated each May by mutual agreement of both parties.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6.BOutcome pending
First Reading of Ordinance for Cannabis and Hemp Business Registration
The city council was scheduled to hear the first reading of a new ordinance establishing registration and renewal requirements for cannabis and hemp businesses in Richfield, ahead of the January 1, 2025 expiration of the city's existing moratorium on cannabis sales. The ordinance was developed in response to Minnesota's 2023 legalization of adult-use cannabis and is intended to create a local regulatory framework before the state's Office of Cannabis Management begins issuing licenses in 2025. A second reading and final adoption would be required before the ordinance could take effect.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Potential benefit
This ordinance would give the city local oversight tools—including registration, renewal fees, and preliminary compliance checks—before cannabis retail opens in Richfield. It would align the city with state law while preserving the ability to set reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on business operations.
Concern to consider
Because the Office of Cannabis Management's administrative rules are still being finalized, the ordinance may need future amendments as the state regulatory framework evolves. Cities cannot prohibit cannabis businesses outright under state law, so the ordinance focuses on managing how and where they operate rather than preventing them.
What happens next: A second reading of the ordinance would need to be scheduled at a future council meeting before it could be formally adopted. If adopted, it would take effect before the January 1, 2025 moratorium expiration. The city may need to update the ordinance as the state OCM finalizes its administrative rules in 2025.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6.COutcome pending
Approval of Intensive Comprehensive Peace Officer Education and Training 2025 Grant
The city council was scheduled to approve a $100,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Office of Justice Programs to fund the training of two non-traditional police officer candidates at the Richfield Police Department. If approved, the grant would cover wages, fringe benefits, training, and equipment for both trainees—who would attend 35–40 hours of weekly coursework at Hennepin Technical College—with no required local match from the city. Trainees would sit for the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) licensing exam upon completing the program.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $100,000 — Total grant award from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety covering wages ($45,355), fringe benefits ($13,445), training, and equipment ($41,200) for two police officer trainees; no local match required
Potential benefit
This grant would fund two new officer trainees at no direct cost to Richfield taxpayers, with the full $100,000 coming from the state. The program is specifically designed to recruit non-traditional candidates, which could help diversify the police department and support efforts to maintain fully authorized staffing levels.
Concern to consider
Trainees are not yet licensed officers during the training period, so they would not immediately add to patrol capacity. If a trainee does not pass the POST licensing exam, the city's investment in that candidate would not result in a new officer.
What happens next: If approved, the grant agreement—effective December 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025—would be signed by authorized city representatives. The Richfield Police Department would then proceed with recruiting and hiring two Police Trainees under the program's guidelines.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6.DDiscussed
Adoption of Resolution Determining Results of the City General Election
The city council was scheduled to formally canvass and certify the results of the November 5, 2024 General Election, as required by the City Charter and Minnesota Statutes Chapter 205. The election included council member races for Wards 1, 2, and 3, as well as three referendum questions regarding a proposed city sales and use tax—including one asking voters whether to impose a 0.5% sales tax for up to 20 years to finance up to $45 million for a new community center. Official certification at the first council meeting following the election is a required legal step.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Key figure: $45 million — Maximum bond amount under Local Sales Tax Question 1 to finance a new community center, funded by a proposed 0.5% sales and use tax for up to 20 years if approved by voters
Potential benefit
Official certification of the election results formally establishes who will represent each ward on the city council and whether the proposed local sales tax measures passed—decisions with direct implications for city governance, future capital projects, and local infrastructure investment.
Concern to consider
The agenda references unofficial results, with a final official abstract pending. The resolution must be adopted within the statutory deadline, leaving no flexibility to delay. The outcome of the sales tax referendums would have long-term fiscal implications for residents and businesses.
What happens next: Once the resolution is adopted, results would be filed with the City Clerk. Newly elected council members would be seated at a future meeting per City Charter requirements. If the sales tax referendums were approved, next steps would involve bond issuance and project planning for the funded initiatives.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6.EOutcome pending
Purchase of Two 2025 Aerial Lift Trucks from Altec, Inc.
The city council was scheduled to approve the purchase of two 2025 Aerial Lift Trucks from Altec, Inc. for $389,907 (plus tax, title, and license fees) to replace aging equipment used by the Public Works Forestry and Lights & Signs crews. The existing trucks—19 and 16 years old respectively—were described as requiring excessive maintenance and frequently out of service, and both had been programmed for replacement in 2024. The proposed purchase comes in approximately $60,000 under the $450,000 budgeted in the 2025 capital outlay plan.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $389,907 — Total purchase price for two 2025 Aerial Lift Trucks from Altec, Inc. (plus tax, title, and license fees); Forestry truck at $192,995 and Lights & Signs truck at $196,912
Potential benefit
Replacing two frequently inoperable trucks would help ensure Public Works crews can reliably maintain city trees, streetlights, and signage. The purchase comes in under the budgeted amount, and staff recommended authorizing the City Manager to approve contract changes under $175,000 without returning to council, streamlining project execution.
Concern to consider
The council's proposed authorization for the City Manager to approve contract changes up to $175,000 without further council review represents a broad delegation of spending authority for a single purchase. Though the total is under budget, the final cost including tax, title, and license fees is not specified.
What happens next: If approved, the trucks would be ordered from Altec, Inc. and are expected to be delivered and paid for in early 2025. The City Manager would be authorized to approve contract modifications under $175,000 without requiring a return to the full council.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 1Outcome pending
Consideration of Richfield's Proposed 2025 Legislative Priorities
The Richfield City Council was scheduled to consider adopting the city's proposed 2025 legislative priorities, an annual document intended to guide the city's advocacy and outreach with state and federal legislators. The draft priorities were on the agenda to address topics including housing affordability, unfunded mandates, infrastructure funding, public safety, recreation, and sustainability. Senior Analyst Courtney Miller prepared the report, with City Manager Katie Rodriguez reviewing it ahead of the session.
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Part of an ongoing matter · 4 related discussions →
Key figure: Unspecified — The agenda notes there may be public expenditures associated with the priorities if specific projects are selected to receive state funding, with actual funding structures to be presented at a future City Council meeting if that occurs.
Potential benefit
If adopted, these priorities would direct Richfield's lobbying efforts toward securing state and federal funding for local infrastructure, expanding housing protections, and preserving local decision-making authority — potentially reducing property tax burdens if state funding is secured for projects the city would otherwise fund locally. Specific proposals such as a Right to Cooling Standard and Building Performance Standards could improve public health and environmental outcomes for residents.
Concern to consider
Some priorities, such as allowing cities to prohibit firearms in city-owned buildings or expanding park dedication fees to non-subdivided properties, may face opposition from business owners, developers, or gun-rights advocates. Legislative priorities do not guarantee outcomes — they represent positions the city advocates for, and results depend on state and federal legislative action outside Richfield's direct control.
What happens next: If the Council provided direction at this work session, a formal vote to adopt the 2025 legislative priorities would typically follow at a subsequent regular City Council meeting. The adopted priorities would then guide city staff and officials in their communications and advocacy with state legislators and federal representatives during the 2025 session.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗