Work SessionItem 1Outcome pending
Update and Discussion of Wood Lake Nature Center Building Design Development Progress
The Wood Lake Nature Center building redesign project was scheduled for discussion at the December 10 work session, with the Design Development phase nearing completion in partnership with HGA Architects and Mortenson Construction. Council was expected to review building design and site layout progress before the project moves toward land use approval submission. Construction documents were anticipated to begin in mid-January 2025, with completion expected in late March or early April 2025.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 2 related discussions →
Key figure: $26,000,000 — Total estimated project cost for the new Wood Lake Nature Center building.
Potential benefit
If the project proceeds as planned, Richfield would gain a fully modernized, ADA-compliant nature center replacing a facility that has operated since 1971 and no longer meets current accessibility standards. The $26 million project is largely funded through state bonding ($12M), federal funds ($3M), and a voter-approved local sales tax referendum ($11M), meaning the financial burden on residents has already been structured through prior decisions.
Concern to consider
The local sales tax component approved in November 2024 will directly affect residents and businesses in Richfield. As design development progresses toward a Guaranteed Maximum Price negotiation with Mortenson Construction, cost overruns or design changes could have budget implications. The project timeline is tight, with construction documents due in early spring 2025.
What happens next: Construction documents are expected to begin in mid-January 2025 and be completed by late March or early April 2025. The project team was also expected to submit for land use approval following the design development phase. Council feedback from this work session was intended to inform those next steps.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3AApproved
Approved a conditional use permit for a 115-child daycare at Hope Church
The council approved a conditional use permit allowing a 115-child daycare at 7132 Portland Avenue at Hope Church. The action expanded childcare capacity at an existing community site.
Approved on consent calendar
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3BApproved
Approved the first reading of floodplain management ordinance amendments
The council approved the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter V of city code on floodplain management regulations. The update likely aligned local rules with current state or federal standards.
Approved on consent calendar
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 1 related discussion →
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3GApproved
Requested a state aid variance for the 70th Street Safe Routes to School project
The council approved a resolution requesting a variance from State Aid Rule 8820.9941 for the design of the 70th Street Safe Routes to School project. The action helped move forward a school-area transportation safety project despite a design exception.
Approved on consent calendar
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3HApproved
Approved a three-year quick lime contract for water treatment
The council approved a contract with Graymont (WI) LLC for 1,400 tons of quick lime annually in 2025 through 2027 for $992,572. The purchase supported ongoing municipal water treatment operations.
Approved on consent calendar
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 1 related discussion →
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3IApproved
Awarded the Adam's Hill Pond Maintenance Project contract
The council awarded Blackstone Contractors LLC a contract for the Adam's Hill Pond Maintenance Project in the amount of $845,290.41 and authorized up to $175,000 in change orders. The project addressed stormwater pond maintenance and related infrastructure needs.
Approved on consent calendar
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 1 related discussion →
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3KApproved
Approved amended ARPA funding agreement with VEAP
The council approved an amended professional services agreement awarding American Rescue Plan Act funding to VEAP for services aiding Richfield residents negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The action continued local recovery support through a community nonprofit partner.
Approved on consent calendar
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 2 related discussions →
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5Outcome pending
Considered renewal of the 2025 pawnbroker license for Metro Pawn & Gun
The agenda included a public hearing to consider renewal of the 2025 pawnbroker license for Metro Pawn & Gun at 7529 Lyndale Avenue South. The provided documents did not include the outcome of the hearing or final action.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 5 related discussions →
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6Outcome pending
Considered second reading of a new local sales and use tax ordinance
The agenda included the second reading of a new ordinance establishing a local sales and use tax in Richfield after first reading approval on November 26, 2024. The provided documents did not include the final vote or ordinance adoption result.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 3 related discussions →
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7Outcome pending
Considered the 2024 revised and 2025 proposed budgets and tax levy
The agenda included resolutions approving the revised 2024 budget, proposed 2025 budget, tax levy, and related resolutions. The provided documents did not include the final adopted figures or vote outcome.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8Outcome pending
Considered awarding the sale of $10 million in general obligation sales tax revenue bonds
The agenda included a resolution awarding the sale of $10,000,000 in General Obligation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2024A. The provided documents did not include the final bond award decision or terms adopted at the meeting.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 1 related discussion →
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗