City CouncilItem 2BApproved
First reading of ordinance updating fowl and bird maintenance requirements
The council approved the first reading of an ordinance updating city requirements for the maintenance of fowl and birds and scheduled a public hearing and second reading for January 28, 2025. This advanced potential changes to rules affecting residents who keep birds or poultry.
Approved as part of the consent calendar, 5-0
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 1 related discussion →
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2DApproved
Approval of Cannabis and Substance Use Prevention funding
The council approved Cannabis and Substance Use Prevention funding from the Minnesota Department of Health. The action supported local prevention efforts tied to public health and substance use education.
Approved as part of the consent calendar, 5-0
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2FApproved
Grant compliance agreement for Penn Station Apartments pre-development work
The council approved a grant compliance agreement with Penn Station Apartments, LLLP related to a Livable Communities Demonstration Account pre-development grant for 6501-6525 Penn Avenue South. The action helped move forward early planning work for a housing or redevelopment project.
Approved as part of the consent calendar, 5-0
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 1 related discussion →
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2GApproved
Support for Safe Routes to School sidewalk grant near Sheridan Hills Elementary
The council adopted a resolution supporting a MnDOT Safe Routes to School Infrastructure grant application for a sidewalk project on streets adjacent to Sheridan Hills Elementary School. The action positioned the city to seek outside funding for safer walking routes near the school.
Approved as part of the consent calendar, 5-0
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2HApproved
Support for federal RAISE grant application for 77th Street reconstruction
The council adopted a resolution supporting Richfield's application for federal RAISE funding for the 77th Street Safety and Multi-Modal Improvements Project. The action advanced a major reconstruction effort focused on safety and transportation options along 77th Street.
Approved as part of the consent calendar, 5-0
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2IApproved
Acceptance of source water protection grant and cooperative agreement for well sealing
The council adopted a resolution accepting $10,000 in Minnesota Department of Health grant funds to seal a non-municipal community water supply well and authorized a cooperative agreement with Woodlawn Terrace Cooperative. The action supported source water protection by closing an out-of-service well.
Approved as part of the consent calendar, 5-0
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2JApproved
Contract award for 2025 sanitary sewer CIPP lining project
The council approved the bid tabulation and authorized a contract with Visu-Sewer for the 2025 Sanitary Sewer Cured-in-Place-Pipe lining project in the amount of $1,034,497, with up to $175,000 in change authority for the city manager. The project funded sewer infrastructure rehabilitation intended to extend pipe life and reduce failures.
Approved as part of the consent calendar, 5-0
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 2 related discussions →
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4Outcome pending
Second reading of floodplain management ordinance amendment
The council considered and approved the second reading of an ordinance amending City Code section 550 on floodplain management regulations and approved a resolution authorizing summary publication. The update finalized changes to local floodplain rules, likely to maintain regulatory compliance and guide future development.
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) ↗
City CouncilItem 5Outcome pending
First reading of ordinance amendment regarding drive-through signs
The council considered a first reading of an ordinance amendment regarding drive-through signs. The proposal moved sign regulation changes forward for further review and possible adoption.
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 6Outcome pending
Approval of Teamsters #320 Sergeants bargaining unit contract
The council considered adoption of a resolution approving the labor contract with the Teamsters #320 Sergeants bargaining unit for January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025 and authorized the city manager to execute the agreement. The action set employment terms for police sergeants for the covered period.
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) ↗
Work SessionItem 1Outcome pending
Request for Financial Assistance and 4d Tax Status for Acquisition and Preservation of Three Affordable Rental Communities
The Richfield City Council and HRA discussed a request from Hempel Real Estate to acquire and preserve three affordable rental communities totaling 236 units, which are classified as Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) properties. Hempel requested up to $1.77 million from the City's Affordable Housing Trust Fund and 4d tax classification status to close a financial gap created by high interest rates, operating costs, and modest rents. The NOAH Impact Fund was providing over $8.7 million in equity toward the acquisition, and affordability restrictions of 15 years would be required under the proposed agreement.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
Learn more about this item
Key figure: $1.77 million — Maximum requested from the City's Affordable Housing Trust Fund to fill the financial gap in Hempel Real Estate's acquisition
Potential benefit
Preserving 236 affordable units helps prevent displacement of low-income residents and the 43 Housing Choice Voucher holders currently living in these properties. The 4d tax classification, valued at approximately $352,050 annually, and the 15-year affordability covenant provide long-term housing stability without requiring new construction.
Concern to consider
The HRA would need to shift up to $1.77 million from its Spending Plan Fund to meet the obligation, reducing funds available for other affordable housing priorities. The final assistance amount depends on the outcome of physical property inspections during the due diligence period, introducing some financial uncertainty.
What happens next: Staff would bring a formal resolution to the HRA for approval of the financial assistance and 4d tax status. The application for 2026 4d property tax status must be submitted to Minnesota Housing by March 31, 2025. A final determination of the assistance amount will follow completion of physical property inspections during the due diligence period, with closing anticipated within 60 to 90 days of the work session.
Sources: Work Session minutes (city portal) ↗