Work SessionItem 1Approved
Welcome Councilmembers-Elect
Mayor Supple opened the January 7, 2025 work session at 5:45 PM in the Bartholomew Room and formally welcomed the two incoming councilmembers-elect, Walter Burk and Rori A. Coleman-Woods. The session provided an opportunity for new members to meet city leadership ahead of taking office. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:45 PM.
Unanimous consent
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Potential benefit
Welcoming new councilmembers ensures a smooth leadership transition and helps incoming officials get up to speed quickly, which supports effective governance for residents.
Concern to consider
No substantive policy decisions were made during this item; it was purely ceremonial and procedural.
What happens next: Councilmembers-elect Burk and Coleman-Woods were set to be formally sworn in at a subsequent council meeting.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 2Discussed
Council and Staff Introductions
Council members, councilmembers-elect, and senior city staff introduced themselves and provided an overview of their respective roles and responsibilities within the city. Department heads present included leaders from Public Works, Community Development, Recreation, Fire, Public Safety, and City Administration. This orientation session was designed to help incoming councilmembers Walter Burk and Rori A. Coleman-Woods understand the structure and functions of city government.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Structured onboarding for new elected officials helps ensure they can effectively represent residents and make informed decisions from the start of their terms.
Concern to consider
This was an informational and introductory session with no policy decisions or resource commitments made.
What happens next: No follow-up action was required from this item; incoming councilmembers were expected to continue orientation through the formal swearing-in and subsequent regular council meetings.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Special MeetingItem 1Discussed
Oath of Office: Councilmember Walter Burk, Ward 1
The Oath of Office for Walter Burk as Richfield City Councilmember representing Ward 1 was scheduled for administration at this special meeting on January 7, 2025. City Clerk Michelle Friedrich was expected to administer the oath, formally swearing in Burk to his new role on the City Council. This ceremonial event was on the agenda to mark the official start of Burk's term representing Ward 1 residents.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
This would formally seat a newly elected representative for Ward 1, ensuring residents have an official voice on the City Council. Burk was expected to bring fresh perspectives and community connections to city governance.
Concern to consider
There are no notable concerns associated with this routine ceremonial proceeding.
What happens next: Councilmember Burk was expected to begin participating in regular City Council meetings following the administration of his oath.
Sources: Special Meeting agenda (city portal) ↗
Special MeetingItem 2Discussed
Oath of Office: Councilmember Sean Hayford Oleary, Ward 2
The Oath of Office for Sean Hayford Oleary as Richfield City Councilmember representing Ward 2 was scheduled for administration at this special meeting, marking the start of his second term on the City Council. City Clerk Michelle Friedrich was expected to administer the oath, formally swearing in Hayford Oleary for another four-year term. This ceremonial event was on the agenda to officially continue his service representing Ward 2 residents.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
This would formally re-seat an experienced incumbent representative for Ward 2, providing continuity of leadership and institutional knowledge on the City Council. Hayford Oleary's return for a second term was expected to bring familiarity with ongoing city projects and priorities.
Concern to consider
There are no notable concerns associated with this routine ceremonial proceeding.
What happens next: Councilmember Hayford Oleary was expected to continue participating in regular City Council meetings following the administration of his oath for his second term.
Sources: Special Meeting agenda (city portal) ↗
Special MeetingItem 3Discussed
Oath of Office: Councilmember Rori A. Coleman-Woods, Ward 3
The Oath of Office for Rori A. Coleman-Woods as Richfield City Councilmember representing Ward 3 was scheduled for administration at this special meeting on January 7, 2025. City Clerk Michelle Friedrich was expected to administer the oath, formally swearing in Coleman-Woods to her new role on the City Council. This ceremonial event was on the agenda to mark the official start of Coleman-Woods' term representing Ward 3 residents.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
This would formally seat a newly elected representative for Ward 3, ensuring residents have an official voice on the City Council. Coleman-Woods was expected to bring new perspectives and community connections to city governance.
Concern to consider
There are no notable concerns associated with this routine ceremonial proceeding.
What happens next: Councilmember Coleman-Woods was expected to begin participating in regular City Council meetings following the administration of her oath.
Sources: Special Meeting agenda (city portal) ↗