City CouncilItem 3AApproved
Approval of Part 1 of the West Metro Multi-Community Wellhead Protection Plan and Participation in Part 2
The council unanimously approved Part 1 of the West Metro Multi-Community Wellhead Protection Plan and authorized participation in the development of Part 2, joining seven other west metro cities in a collaborative groundwater protection effort. The plan, developed in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Health and the Metropolitan Council, replaces individual wellhead protection plans with a unified sub-regional approach covering 88 existing community supply wells. No direct financial impact to the city was anticipated beyond staff time, as the Metropolitan Council and MDH are covering direct project costs.
Approved 5-0
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Potential benefit
A unified, science-based approach to protecting the shared water supply aquifer improves groundwater safety for all residents and reduces duplication of effort across communities. The city's drinking water supply is more effectively safeguarded when neighboring communities coordinate protection of the same aquifer.
Concern to consider
Participation in Part 2 commits the city to ongoing planning obligations, and future implementation of the plan may eventually require local regulatory or land-use actions.
What happens next: The city will participate in the development of Part 2 of the plan alongside the other seven partner communities. Council approval of Part 1 and participation in Part 2 was needed by the end of March 2025 to keep the project on schedule.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3BApproved
Temporary On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Richfield Foundation Event
The council approved a Temporary On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for the Richfield Foundation's 'A Toast To Richfield' fundraising event, scheduled for Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. The event will be held in the atrium of Woodlake Center at 6601 Lyndale Avenue South and is open to guests 21 and older, featuring wine, beer, and spirits tastings along with food. The Director of Public Safety reviewed the application and found no basis for denial.
Approved 5-0
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Potential benefit
The event supports the Richfield Foundation, a local nonprofit, and provides a community fundraising opportunity. All required licensing, insurance, and food safety requirements were met prior to approval.
Concern to consider
No significant public concerns were identified; the event is age-restricted and limited to a single evening.
What happens next: The Richfield Foundation will hold the 'A Toast To Richfield' event on May 1, 2025, at Woodlake Center under the approved temporary liquor license.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3CApproved
Acceptance of Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) for Public Safety Laptops
The council approved a resolution authorizing the Richfield Department of Public Safety to accept a $10,912.65 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) from the U.S. Department of Justice to purchase laptops for public safety employees. Hennepin County serves as the fiscal agent for the grant, which is shared among several Hennepin County municipalities including Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Minneapolis, and Richfield. Five percent of the total award ($545.63) was set aside for administrative costs, leaving Richfield's net share at $10,912.65.
Approved 5-0
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Key figure: $10,912.65 — JAG grant award to Richfield Public Safety for laptop purchases
Potential benefit
The grant provides equipment to public safety staff at no direct cost to Richfield taxpayers, supporting the department's ability to serve the community. Federal funding for law enforcement technology reduces the need to draw on the city's general budget for this expense.
Concern to consider
JAG grants are tied to reported Group A crime statistics relative to population, which reflects the level of crime activity used to determine eligibility. No local match or ongoing cost obligation was identified.
What happens next: The city will execute the grant agreement with Hennepin County as fiscal agent and proceed with purchasing laptops for public safety employees using the awarded funds.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5Approved
Ratification of Floodplain Management Ordinance Amendments
The council held a public hearing and voted 5-0 to ratify previously approved amendments to City Code Section 550: Floodplain Management Regulations, which had originally been adopted on January 14, 2025. The public hearing was required by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, which had not been consulted prior to the original adoption — an oversight discovered after the fact. The amendments align Richfield's floodplain ordinance with updated Minnehaha Creek Watershed District rules adopted in April 2024 and designate the Water Resources Engineer as the official responsible for administering the ordinance.
Approved 5-0
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Potential benefit
Ratifying the updated floodplain ordinance ensures Richfield remains in compliance with state and federal floodplain management requirements, preserving the city's regulatory authority under its 2009 agreement with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. Having the ordinance in effect before the spring wet season reduces regulatory gaps during a high-risk period for flooding.
Concern to consider
The procedural misstep of adopting the ordinance without first holding the DNR-required public hearing required a corrective process, though the city attorney confirmed the ratification approach was legally sound.
What happens next: The ratified ordinance is now in effect. City staff will continue coordinating with the DNR to ensure the amendments receive final DNR approval as required by City Code subsection 550.15.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6Approved
Second Reading: Ordinance Updating Fowl Maintenance Requirements and Permit Fee
The Richfield City Council approved the second reading of an ordinance updating rules for keeping fowl within city limits, replacing a code that had been unchanged since 1955. The updated ordinance increases the number of fowl residents may keep, establishes detailed coop space requirements, adds nuisance language, and introduces a $50 annual permit fee required for three years. The council also adopted Resolution No. 12307 to add the permit fee to the city's fee schedule and authorized a summary publication of the ordinance, both passing 5-0.
Approved 5-0
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Key figure: $50 — Annual permit fee per flock owner, required for three years, covering staff time for application processing and coop inspection.
Potential benefit
The updated ordinance modernizes a 70-year-old code to better reflect the realities of small-flock ownership, improves bird welfare standards, and aligns Richfield's rules with neighboring cities. The $50 annual fee for three years is comparable to or lower than one-time fees of approximately $125–$150 charged by other cities, and the permit revenue is designed to cover staff time for application processing and coop inspections.
Concern to consider
Residents who already keep fowl will need to come into compliance with the new permitting process and site plan requirements. Those who receive a nuisance citation after the initial three-year permit period will be required to re-apply, adding ongoing administrative obligations for some flock owners.
What happens next: City staff will communicate the new permit requirements to residents through the city website, Facebook pages, and newsletters. Residents keeping fowl must submit a permit application and $50 fee and comply with updated coop and flock standards. Permits are required annually for three years; after that, re-application is only triggered by a nuisance citation.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8Approved
Approval of Claims and Payrolls
The Richfield City Council approved routine claims and payroll disbursements totaling $2,153,863.95 for the period ending March 7, 2025, passing 5-0. The total included $1,007,391.51 in accounts payable checks issued on March 6, 2025, and $1,146,472.44 in payroll issued on March 7, 2025.
Approved 5-0
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Key figure: $1,007,391.51 — Accounts payable checks issued March 6, 2025 (Check Nos. 334834–335082).
Potential benefit
Approval of claims and payroll ensures city employees are paid on time and that vendors and service providers receive timely payment, supporting the uninterrupted delivery of city services.
Concern to consider
No specific concerns were raised regarding this disbursement. This is a standard recurring action required to maintain city operations.
What happens next: Payments will be processed as approved.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 10Approved
Closed Session: Pending Litigation - Michael P. Klabunde vs. City of Richfield
The council voted 5-0 to recess the regular meeting and enter a closed session to discuss pending litigation in the case of Michael P. Klabunde vs. City of Richfield, et al., filed in U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota. The closed session was held under Minnesota Statutes Section 13D.05, Subd. 3(b), which permits attorney-client privileged discussions about active litigation. The regular meeting reconvened at 8:55 p.m. following the closed session.
Approved 5-0 (to enter closed session)
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Potential benefit
Closed sessions for litigation are a standard legal protection that allows the city to discuss legal strategy candidly with its attorneys, which can help protect taxpayer interests in court proceedings.
Concern to consider
Because the session was closed to the public, residents have no visibility into the nature of the claims, potential liability exposure, or any settlement discussions that may affect city finances.
What happens next: The litigation is ongoing. Future council action may be required depending on how the case progresses in U.S. District Court.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 1Outcome pending
RBWMO Annual Meeting and Public Hearing on Watershed Plan Amendment
The 41st annual meeting of the Richfield-Bloomington Watershed Management Organization (RBWMO) was scheduled for March 11, 2025 at Richfield City Hall, where council members were expected to act as RBWMO Board Members and conduct official business. A public hearing on a proposed minor amendment to the RBWMO Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan was on the agenda, focused on incorporating a new residential grant program. The amendment had already received supportive reviews from the Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) during the required 30-day comment period.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Key figure: $2,481 — RBWMO insurance cost for 2024, shared equally between Richfield and Bloomington through their stormwater utility funds.
Potential benefit
If approved, the plan amendment would formally authorize a residential grant program to help fund stormwater best management practices (BMPs) like rain gardens and bioswales, improving local water quality in Wood Lake, Richfield Lake, and Smith Pond. State agencies reviewed and supported the amendment, and BWSR commended the RBWMO for maintaining a current watershed plan.
Concern to consider
No objections were filed by any county board during the comment period, and state agencies raised no substantive concerns, though BWSR noted minor discrepancies in funding totals in the Implementation Table.
What happens next: If the Board adopted the minor plan amendment, staff would be directed to forward replacement pages to all plan review authorities and plan holders per BWSR requirements. The 2024 annual report would also be submitted to BWSR pending board approval. Minutes confirming outcomes are not yet available.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionOutcome pending
Approval of 2024 RBWMO Annual Report
The RBWMO Board was scheduled to consider approving the 2024 Annual Report at the March 11 meeting, after which it would be submitted to the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) as required by state rules. The report covers 2024 activities including ongoing education and outreach programs, watershed-based implementation funding projects, stormwater monitoring, and the Adopt-a-Drain program. Notable 2024 highlights include no consulting services retained, insurance costs of $2,481, and continued water quality monitoring at Wood Lake, Richfield Lake, and Smith Pond.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Key figure: $2,481 — RBWMO insurance cost for 2024 (July 2024–June 2025 coverage period), shared equally between Richfield and Bloomington at approximately $1,240.50 each through their stormwater utility funds.
Potential benefit
Approval and submission of the annual report fulfills a state compliance requirement and documents the RBWMO's stewardship of local water resources, providing a public record of activities and expenditures funded through city stormwater utilities.
Concern to consider
The RBWMO did not retain any consulting services in 2024, which may reflect budget conservatism but could also limit the technical capacity available for complex projects.
What happens next: If approved by the Board, the 2024 Annual Report would be submitted to BWSR as required. Minutes confirming the outcome are not yet available.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionOutcome pending
Election of RBWMO Officers for 2025
The annual election of RBWMO officers for 2025 was scheduled to take place at the March 11 meeting, as required by the organization's governing rules. The RBWMO Board of Commissioners is composed of all city council members from both Richfield and Bloomington, and officers including Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer are elected annually. At the 2024 annual meeting, Mary Supple served as Chair, Victor Rivas as Vice-Chair, Chao Moua as Secretary, and Sean Hayford Oleary as Treasurer.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
Electing officers ensures the RBWMO has clear leadership to oversee watershed management activities, grant programs, and compliance with state water management requirements for the coming year.
Concern to consider
This is a routine governance item with no identified controversies.
What happens next: Officers elected at this meeting would serve for the 2025 calendar year. Staff appointments for Executive Director and Assistant Executive Director were also expected to be confirmed. Minutes confirming outcomes are not yet available.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionOutcome pending
Approval of Insurance for RBWMO (July 2025 - June 2026)
Renewal of insurance coverage for the Richfield-Bloomington Watershed Management Organization (RBWMO) for the July 2025 through June 2026 policy year was scheduled for consideration at this meeting. The RBWMO is insured through the League of Minnesota Cities, with costs split equally between Richfield and Bloomington. Based on prior years, the total premium was expected to be approximately $2,500, with each city responsible for roughly $1,250.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Key figure: ~$2,500 — Estimated total annual insurance premium for RBWMO, consistent with the $2,481 paid in 2024 and the ~$2,500 estimated for 2024-2025.
Potential benefit
Maintaining active insurance coverage protects both Richfield and Bloomington from liability related to watershed management activities, ensuring the organization can continue operating programs that protect local water quality. The cost is modest and shared equally between the two member cities.
Concern to consider
While the dollar amount is small, this is a recurring annual obligation funded through storm water utility funds, which are ultimately supported by ratepayers. Any future premium increases would be passed along to residents through utility fees.
What happens next: If approved, Richfield would receive the full insurance bill from the League of Minnesota Cities and then invoice Bloomington for its half of the premium. Coverage would run from July 2025 through June 2026.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionDiscussed
Approval to Split Insurance Costs Between Cities
During the Rice-Bloomington Watershed Management Organization (RBWMO) Annual Meeting held in conjunction with the March 11, 2025 Work Session, RBWMO Assistant Executive Director Gruidl explained that insurance costs would be split between Richfield and Bloomington. The available document context does not include a separate recorded vote specifically on this insurance cost-splitting arrangement; it appears to have been noted as an informational item during the meeting. No dollar amounts for the insurance costs were specified in the meeting materials provided.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Sharing insurance costs between two cities can reduce the financial burden on each municipality, potentially keeping taxpayer costs lower for watershed management operations.
Concern to consider
Without a confirmed vote or specific dollar amounts on record, it is unclear how costs are allocated between the two cities or whether the split is equitable.
What happens next: No specific next steps were identified in the available materials for this item. Further documentation or a formal agreement may be forthcoming.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionOutcome pending
Public Notice of RBWMO Actions
As part of the annual meeting, the RBWMO was scheduled to consider approving a public notice related to its 2025 actions, consistent with past practice where the board votes to authorize publication of a public notice following the annual meeting. This is a routine procedural item required to maintain transparency and comply with watershed management organization rules. At the 2024 annual meeting, a similar motion was approved to publish a public notice in the Sun Current on April 11, 2024.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
Public notice publication ensures that residents and stakeholders are informed of RBWMO actions and decisions, supporting transparency and public accountability in local watershed governance.
Concern to consider
This is a routine procedural item with no identified concerns or controversies.
What happens next: If approved, a public notice would be published in the Richfield Sun Current and Bloomington Sun following the meeting, consistent with prior years. Minutes confirming the outcome are not yet available.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionApproved
Public Hearing and Adoption of Minor Plan Amendment: Residential Grant Program
The RBWMO Board held a public hearing and unanimously adopted a minor amendment to Section 5 of the RBWMO Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan to incorporate a new residential grant program. The amendment, which passed 7-0, was supported by staff recommendations and strong community interest, with public commenters and most board members favoring Option 2, the Lawns to Legumes pollinator and native plant program. Grant matching fees are the responsibility of the individual applicant.
Approved 7-0
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Key figure: $114,644 — Watershed-Based Implementation Funding awarded to RBWMO for fiscal year 2024-25, available to support watershed projects including the residential grant program.
Potential benefit
The residential grant program creates a new funding pathway for residents to improve water quality through native plantings and pollinator gardens, with the RBWMO having already secured $114,644 in Watershed-Based Implementation Funding for fiscal year 2024-25 to support such efforts.
Concern to consider
Demand for grant funding is expected to exceed available supply, as RBWMO Executive Director Oddsson noted that more applications are typically received than there is money available. Applicants are responsible for covering matching fees.
What happens next: Staff will move forward with the grant program implementation in line with upcoming funding deadlines. If the program is successful, RBWMO Executive Director Oddsson noted it could continue in future years.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionDiscussed
Adopt-a-Drain Program Update
An update on the RBWMO's Adopt-a-Drain program was expected to be discussed as part of the annual meeting agenda. In 2024, the program added 15 new participants and 32 newly adopted storm drains, bringing totals to 135 participants and 242 adopted drains across the RBWMO area, with participants reporting 1,740 pounds of debris collected. The program is organized through Hamline University and is available to all interested entities in the metro area.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
The Adopt-a-Drain program directly reduces stormwater pollution by keeping storm drains clear of leaves, trash, and debris, which helps protect local water quality in lakes and ponds at no direct cost to participants.
Concern to consider
The program relies on volunteer participation, and growth depends on continued community engagement and outreach efforts by RBWMO staff.
What happens next: RBWMO staff was expected to continue promoting the Adopt-a-Drain program in 2025 as part of ongoing education and outreach efforts. No formal board action on this item was indicated in the agenda.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionApproved
RBWMO Board Officer Nominations for 2025
The RBWMO Board elected its four officer positions for 2025, with all nominations passing 7-0. Council Member Dallessandro (Bloomington) was nominated as Chair, Council Member Burk (Richfield) as Vice Chair, Council Member Christensen (Richfield) as Secretary, and Council Member Lowman (Bloomington) as Treasurer. The officer slate reflects shared leadership between the two member cities.
Approved 7-0 (for each position)
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Potential benefit
Establishing clear organizational leadership ensures the RBWMO can effectively manage watershed programs, grant funding, and inter-city coordination throughout 2025.
Concern to consider
No significant concerns; this was a routine governance action.
What happens next: Newly elected officers will serve in their roles for the 2025 calendar year, guiding RBWMO activities and decisions.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionApproved
Approval of Public Notice for Publication
The council approved a motion to publish a public notice in the Sun Current newspaper, passing 7-0. This action was taken during the RBWMO Annual Meeting portion of the March 11, 2025 Work Session. The motion was made by Council Member Coleman Woods and seconded by Council Member Burk.
Approved 7-0
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Potential benefit
Publishing a public notice ensures community members are formally informed of RBWMO actions and decisions, supporting transparency and public participation requirements.
Concern to consider
No significant concerns were identified; this was a routine procedural action required for legal compliance.
What happens next: The public notice was approved for publication in the Sun Current following the 7-0 vote. No additional steps were identified beyond publication.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗