Work SessionItem 1Outcome pending
Update on Exhibits for the New Wood Lake Nature Center
An update on exhibit planning for the new Wood Lake Nature Center was on the agenda for the February 11 work session. The new building was expected to include a 1,200 square-foot exhibit space — approximately twice the size of the current space — developed in partnership with the Science Museum of Minnesota and Blue Rhino Studios. Council was scheduled to provide feedback on conceptual designs emphasizing interactive, multi-sensory, and accessible exhibits alongside live animal ambassadors.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $700,000 — Budget for design and fabrication of new Nature Center exhibits
Potential benefit
The proposed exhibit space would be roughly twice the size of the current one and designed to meet modern accessibility standards, offering interactive and multi-sensory experiences intended to appeal to a broad range of ages and cultural backgrounds. Rotating exhibits and animal ambassadors were among the features being considered to encourage repeat visits.
Concern to consider
The current exhibits were built by city staff on a limited budget and some no longer function as intended. Costs and timelines for the new exhibits were not detailed in available documents, leaving questions about the full financial commitment still open.
What happens next: Council feedback from this session was expected to guide continued development of exhibit concepts with the Science Museum of Minnesota and Blue Rhino Studios team. No formal vote was required at this stage.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 2Outcome pending
Discussion of Donaldson Park Building Schematic Design
A discussion of the schematic design for a new Donaldson Park building was scheduled for the February 11 work session. The existing lower building, last renovated in 1973, does not meet ADA requirements, and the upper concessions building was demolished in 2023 after roof damage. Staff presented multiple design options, with Option 1 — incorporating the existing structure — identified as the best fit, and noted the project is funded at $1,475,000 through the 2025 Capital Improvement Budget.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Key figure: $1,475,000 — Approved funding for the Donaldson Park building as part of the 2025 Capital Improvement Budget, sourced from grants, donations, and liquor store revenue.
Potential benefit
If approved, a new Donaldson Park building would provide an ADA-compliant recreation and programming space on the west side of Richfield, an area currently lacking larger gathering spaces. The project is already funded at $1,475,000 through grants, donations, and liquor store revenue, limiting direct tax burden.
Concern to consider
Councilmembers raised concerns about inconsistent park building designs across the city and the lack of green energy features. The project timeline has shifted to 2026 due to grant application timing, and final costs could increase if additional needs are identified during design development.
What happens next: The project is expected to move forward into 2026 due to timing associated with grant applications. Additional funds from the 2026 Capital Improvement Budget may also become available. Council feedback from this session was intended to guide the next phase of design development with HGA Architects.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 1Outcome pending
Proclamation celebrating Black History Month
The mayor read a proclamation celebrating Black History Month, and a Human Rights Commission representative accepted it on behalf of the commission.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 1Outcome pending
Proclamation Celebrating Black History Month
The mayor read a proclamation celebrating Black History Month, and a Human Rights Commission representative accepted it on behalf of the community.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 1Outcome pending
Proclamation Celebrating Black History Month
The mayor read a proclamation celebrating Black History Month, and a Human Rights Commission representative accepted it on behalf of the community.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3AOutcome pending
Second reading of ordinance amendment on public nuisances and grass height
The council approved the second reading of an ordinance amending City Code Section 925 regarding public nuisances and grass height.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3AOutcome pending
Second reading of ordinance amendment on public nuisances and grass height
The council approved the second reading of an ordinance amendment to City Code Section 925 regarding public nuisances and grass height.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3AOutcome pending
Second reading of ordinance amendment on public nuisances and grass height
The council approved the second reading of an ordinance amending City Code Section 925 regarding public nuisances and grass height.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3BOutcome pending
Designation of $1,000,000 in capital reserve funds for Wood Lake Nature Center project assurance
The council authorized designation of $1,000,000 in city capital reserve funds as assurance of funding for the Wood Lake Nature Center building project so the city could release $12,000,000 from the 2023 State of Minnesota appropriation administered by DEED.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3BOutcome pending
Designation of $1,000,000 in capital reserve funds for Wood Lake Nature Center project assurance
The council authorized designating $1,000,000 in city capital reserve funds as assurance of funding for the Wood Lake Nature Center building project so the city could release $12,000,000 in state appropriation funding.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3BOutcome pending
Designation of $1,000,000 in capital reserve funds for Wood Lake Nature Center project assurance
The council authorized designating $1,000,000 in city capital reserve funds as assurance of funding for the Wood Lake Nature Center building project so the city could release $12,000,000 from the 2023 State of Minnesota appropriation administered by DEED.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3COutcome pending
First amendment to Foundational Public Health Responsibilities agreement with Bloomington
The council approved the first amendment to the Foundational Public Health Responsibilities agreement with the City of Bloomington.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3COutcome pending
First amendment to Foundational Public Health Responsibilities agreement with Bloomington
The council approved the first amendment to the Foundational Public Health Responsibilities agreement with the City of Bloomington.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3COutcome pending
First amendment to Foundational Public Health Responsibilities agreement with Bloomington
The council approved the first amendment to the Foundational Public Health Responsibilities agreement with the City of Bloomington.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3DOutcome pending
Fifth amendment to public health services agreement with Bloomington for 2025
The council approved a fifth amendment to the agreement with the City of Bloomington for provision of public health services to Richfield in 2025.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3DOutcome pending
Fifth amendment to Bloomington public health services agreement for 2025
The council approved a fifth amendment to the agreement with the City of Bloomington for providing public health services to Richfield in 2025.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3DOutcome pending
Fifth amendment to 2025 public health services agreement with Bloomington
The council approved a fifth amendment to the agreement with the City of Bloomington for providing public health services to Richfield in 2025.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5Outcome pending
Site plan approval for a new Wood Lake Nature Center building at 6710 Lake Shore Drive
The council approved a site plan for an entirely new Wood Lake Nature Center building at 6710 Lake Shore Drive. During discussion, staff said the proposed parking count stayed within code allowances and was designed to accommodate events at the nature center.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5Outcome pending
Site plan approval for new Wood Lake Nature Center building at 6710 Lake Shore Drive
The council approved a site plan for an entirely new Wood Lake Nature Center building at 6710 Lake Shore Drive. During discussion, staff said the proposed parking count stayed within code allowances and was designed to support events at the site.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5Outcome pending
Site plan approval for a new Wood Lake Nature Center building at 6710 Lake Shore Drive
The council approved a site plan for an entirely new Wood Lake Nature Center building at 6710 Lake Shore Drive. During discussion, staff said the proposed parking count stayed within code limits and was designed to accommodate events at the nature center.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6Outcome pending
Guaranteed maximum price amendment for Wood Lake Nature Center construction
The council approved Exhibit A amending the contract with M.A. Mortenson Construction to establish the guaranteed maximum price for construction of the Wood Lake Nature Center. Discussion covered priorities such as glazing, underground ductwork, geothermal system needs, and parking lot repaving.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6Outcome pending
Guaranteed maximum price amendment for Wood Lake Nature Center construction contract
The council approved Exhibit A amending the contract with M.A. Mortenson Construction to establish a guaranteed maximum price for construction of the Wood Lake Nature Center. In discussion, council and staff reviewed project priorities including glazing, underground ductwork, snowmelt options, geothermal system needs, and parking lot repaving.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6Outcome pending
Guaranteed maximum price amendment for Wood Lake Nature Center construction contract
The council approved Exhibit A amending the contract with M.A. Mortenson Construction to establish the guaranteed maximum price for construction of the Wood Lake Nature Center. During discussion, council and staff reviewed project priorities including glazing, underground ductwork, geothermal system needs, and parking lot repaving.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8Outcome pending
Approval of claims and payroll
The council approved claims and payroll totaling $2,244,739.34, including payroll dated January 31, 2025, and accounts payable checks dated February 6, 2025.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8Outcome pending
Approval of claims and payroll
The council approved claims and payroll totaling $2,244,739.34, including payroll and accounts payable checks.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8Outcome pending
Approval of claims and payroll
The council approved claims and payroll totaling $2,244,739.34, including payroll dated January 31, 2025 and accounts payable checks dated February 6, 2025.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Learn more about this item
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilOutcome pending
Approval of January 28, 2025 special and work session minutes
The council approved the minutes of the January 28, 2025 special meeting and the January 28, 2025 work session meeting, with amendments.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilOutcome pending
Correction to January 28, 2025 regular meeting minutes
The council approved a correction to the January 28, 2025 regular city council meeting minutes to remove “Oak Grove Lutheran Church” from Melissa Gonzalez’s title.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗