Work SessionItem 1Decided
Advocacy for 2025 Legislative Priorities
The council reached consensus support for three additional 2025 legislative advocacy priorities: Mayor Supple signing a US Conference of Mayors letter urging Congress to preserve key federal programs, supporting a state-funded cybersecurity grant program for counties and cities (HF140/SF379), and supporting legislation to extend the deadline for using unobligated tax increment financing for private development at the former Lyndale Gardens site (HF2006/SF2337). Council also agreed that the mayor may sign letters of support on behalf of the city without a prior council meeting when deadlines require it. All three priorities received consensus support with no formal vote taken.
Consensus support (no formal vote)
Learn more about this item
Key figure: $750,000 — Forgivable loan authority for the former Lyndale Gardens site that requires the TIF deadline extension to remain viable for a new development project.
Potential benefit
Advocacy for the US Conference of Mayors letter could help protect federal programs that directly benefit Richfield residents, including low-income housing tax credits, Medicaid, SNAP, and child tax credits. The cybersecurity grant program would help the city defend critical infrastructure without drawing solely on local tax dollars. Extending the TIF deadline to 2027 keeps alive the possibility of a food hall or similar development at the former Lyndale Gardens site, which has been stalled since Luce Line Brewing withdrew its application.
Concern to consider
Legislative advocacy does not guarantee outcomes; Congress or the state legislature may not act on these priorities. The TIF extension is time-sensitive, and even with a 2027 deadline, attracting a viable developer for the Lyndale Gardens site remains uncertain given the difficulty of financing new restaurant construction.
What happens next: Staff will continue to monitor the legislative session and provide council updates during future work sessions. Mayor Supple is authorized to sign the US Conference of Mayors letter. City staff will advocate for HF140/SF379 (cybersecurity grants) and HF2006/SF2337 (TIF deadline extension) through the legislative process.
Sources: Work Session minutes (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 2Discussed
MnDOT Presentation: Phase 2 of I-494 Reconstruction Project
MnDOT Metro District Project Manager Andrew Lutaya presented to the council on Phase 2 of the I-494 Corridor Vision project, which proposes to complete the remaining elements of the full corridor vision between Highway 169 and Highway 77, including new E-ZPass lanes, reconstruction of mainline lanes, bridge work, and multimodal improvements. Phase 2 was described as a consolidation of all nine previously planned project elements, made possible by federal funding. Staff requested that MnDOT evaluate Phase 2 through the lens of Richfield's Regional Project Evaluation Framework, and the council provided feedback; no formal vote was taken.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 2 related discussions →
Key figure: Unknown (project is fully federally funded) — Richfield may have some cost participation for stormwater, but amount is not yet estimated
Potential benefit
Phase 2 would complete a long-planned overhaul of I-494 through Richfield, addressing safety, pavement conditions, bridge conditions, and pedestrian and bicycle connectivity identified as top priorities by public outreach. Federal funding is driving the project forward, which could reduce the local cost burden. Multimodal and ADA improvements are included in the scope.
Concern to consider
Richfield is expected to have some cost participation in the project, likely for stormwater infrastructure, though the dollar amount has not yet been estimated. MnDOT is revising its Hybrid Environmental Assessment in 2025 and the Design-Build contract letting is scheduled for Fall 2026, meaning construction impacts on residents and businesses are approaching. The full financial impact on the city remains unknown.
What happens next: MnDOT is revising its Hybrid Environmental Assessment for the corridor in 2025. The Design-Build contract is expected to be written prior to summer 2026, with contract letting scheduled for Fall 2026. Council and staff agreed to revisit the topic of municipal state aid funding for street improvements, such as the 70th Street project, at a future meeting.
Sources: Work Session minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2AApproved
Application for Hennepin County Youth Equipment Grant for Ice Arena
The council approved a resolution authorizing staff to apply for a $10,000 Hennepin County Youth Equipment Grant for the Richfield Ice Arena. If awarded, the funds would be used to purchase skate aids, rental skates, hockey equipment, and rink dividers for the Learn to Skate and Little Spartans programs. The resolution passed 4-0 with no financial impact to the city's operating budget unless the grant is not awarded.
Approved 4-0
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 1 related discussion →
Key figure: $10,000 — Grant amount requested from Hennepin County Youth Equipment Grant Program for skate aids, rental skates, hockey equipment, and rink dividers
Potential benefit
The grant would replace worn-out equipment at no cost to the city, supporting youth skating and hockey programs that serve residents of all economic backgrounds and have seen strong recent participation.
Concern to consider
There is no guaranteed award; if the application is unsuccessful, staff would need to find alternative funding to replace aging equipment essential to these programs.
What happens next: Staff will submit the grant application to Hennepin County. If awarded, staff is authorized to enter into a grant agreement and proceed with equipment purchases.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2BApproved
Acceptance of Donated Hose Roller 1 Unit for Fire Department
The council approved a resolution accepting a donated Hose Roller 1 unit from First Response Fire and Safety, valued at $3,900, for use by the Richfield Fire Department. The donation was made through the company's Community Give Back Program, which donates units to fire departments in communities where it has conducted training. The resolution passed 4-0 as required by Minnesota Statute 465.03.
Approved 4-0
Learn more about this item
Key figure: $3,900 — Estimated value of the donated Hose Roller 1 unit from First Response Fire and Safety
Potential benefit
The Fire Department received a piece of equipment valued at $3,900 at no cost to taxpayers, enhancing firefighter capabilities and equipment maintenance.
Concern to consider
No significant concerns were identified; this is a straightforward equipment donation with no strings attached beyond its intended use.
What happens next: The Fire Chief is authorized to formally accept the Hose Roller 1 unit from First Response Fire and Safety for departmental use.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2CApproved
Contract for New Dasher Boards on Rink 2 at Richfield Ice Arena
The council approved a $251,067 contract with Becker Arena Products to replace the dasher boards on Rink 2 at the Richfield Ice Arena, which were originally installed in 1999 and have exceeded their expected 20–25 year lifespan. The project is funded through the Local Option Sales Tax for Veterans Park passed in November 2024, with installation scheduled for October during the rink's annual ice-out maintenance period. The contract was awarded 4-0 after staff solicited two quotes through the Sourcewell joint purchasing program.
Approved 4-0
Learn more about this item
Key figure: $251,067 — Total contract cost for new dasher boards on Rink 2, including $245,679 base price and $5,388 for removal of existing boards after trade-in
Potential benefit
Replacing the aging dasher boards improves safety for players and fans, and using the same manufacturer as Rink 1 (Becker Arena Products) simplifies maintenance and reduces the need for a large inventory of replacement parts.
Concern to consider
The $251,067 expenditure is significant, though it is covered by the dedicated Local Option Sales Tax rather than the general fund. Delaying the order risks missing the October installation window due to the 3–4 month manufacturing lead time.
What happens next: The Mayor and City Manager are authorized to finalize and execute the contract with Becker Arena Products. Manufacturing will begin, with installation targeted for October 2025 during the scheduled ice-out maintenance period.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2DApproved
Release of $12 Million State Appropriation for Wood Lake Nature Center Building Project
The council approved a resolution authorizing execution of an agreement with the State of Minnesota to release $12,000,000 in 2023 state appropriations funds for the Wood Lake Nature Center Building Project, administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. The city will provide an additional $14,225,000 in matching funds from a Local Sales Tax bond ($11M), a HUD Community Project grant ($3M), and capital improvement special revenue funds ($225,000). The resolution passed 4-0 and is required by state statute before funds can be disbursed.
Approved 4-0
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 2 related discussions →
Key figure: $12,000,000 — State of Minnesota 2023 appropriations funds for the Wood Lake Nature Center Building Project, administered by DEED
Potential benefit
The $12 million state grant covers nearly half the total project cost, enabling replacement of the 1971 Nature Center building while minimizing the financial burden on Richfield taxpayers. Wood Lake Nature Center is a free public amenity that has served the community for over 50 years.
Concern to consider
The city is committing to a total project cost of approximately $26.2 million, with $14.2 million coming from local sources including a sales tax bond. Timely administration of the grant agreement is critical to keeping the project on schedule.
What happens next: Staff will execute the grant agreement with the State of Minnesota and begin administering the $12 million in state funds in accordance with the agreement terms. The project will proceed in conjunction with the $14.2 million in committed local matching funds.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5Approved
Approval of Claims and Payrolls
The council approved payment of city claims and payroll totaling $4,102,702.61 for the period ending March 21, 2025. This included a March 14 payroll of $1,354,508.15 and March 21 accounts payable checks of $2,748,194.46. The motion passed 4-0.
Approved 4-0
Learn more about this item
Key figure: $4,102,702.61 — Total claims and payroll approved for the period
Potential benefit
Routine approval of claims and payroll ensures city employees are paid and vendors are compensated on schedule, maintaining normal city operations.
Concern to consider
No concerns identified; this is a standard procedural item.
What happens next: Payments and payrolls are processed.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilApproved
RBWMO Residential Grant Program Plan Amendment
The council approved a minor amendment to the Richfield-Bloomington Watershed Management Organization (RBWMO) Watershed Management Plan to incorporate a residential grant program, amending Section 5 of the plan. The amendment passed 7-0 following a public hearing in which community members expressed strong support for Option 2, the Lawns to Legumes pollinator garden program. Grant matching fees were confirmed to be the responsibility of individual applicants.
Approved 7-0
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 2 related discussions →
Key figure: $114,644 — RBWMO was awarded this amount in Watershed-Based Implementation Funding for fiscal year 24-25, which could support the residential grant program.
Potential benefit
The residential grant program creates a new funding pathway for Richfield residents to improve water quality and support pollinator habitat through programs like Lawns to Legumes. The RBWMO was awarded $114,644 for fiscal year 24-25, and staff noted upcoming deadlines for accessing those funds. If successful, the program could continue in future years.
Concern to consider
Applicants are responsible for matching fees, which could limit participation among lower-income residents. Demand has historically exceeded available funding, meaning not all interested residents may receive grants.
What happens next: Staff will move forward with grant applications ahead of upcoming funding deadlines. If the program proves successful, it may be continued and potentially expanded in future years.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilApproved
RBWMO 2024 Annual Report Approval and Public Notice
The council approved the RBWMO 2024 Annual Report and authorized publication of a public notice in the Sun Current, both passing 7-0. The annual report covered 2024 activities, water quality monitoring data, community outreach, and the 2025 work plan. Insurance costs for the organization were noted to be split between Richfield and Bloomington.
Approved 7-0
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 2 related discussions →
Key figure: $114,644 — RBWMO was awarded this amount in Watershed-Based Implementation Funding for fiscal year 24-25, referenced in the annual report context.
Potential benefit
The annual report provides transparency on how watershed funds were spent in 2024 and outlines the 2025 work plan, including projects eligible for Watershed-Based Implementation Funding. Public notice publication ensures community awareness of RBWMO activities.
Concern to consider
No significant concerns were identified; this was a routine annual reporting and transparency action.
What happens next: The public notice will be published in the Sun Current. The 2025 work plan outlined in the report will guide RBWMO activities for the coming year.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilApproved
RBWMO Board Officer Elections for 2025
The council, acting as RBWMO Board members, approved officer elections for 2025, including the nomination of Council Member Lowman as Treasurer. The vote passed 7-0. These elections are a standard annual governance requirement for the joint watershed organization shared between Richfield and Bloomington.
Approved 7-0
Learn more about this item
Part of an ongoing matter · 2 related discussions →
Potential benefit
Electing board officers ensures the RBWMO has clear leadership and accountability for managing watershed programs and funds that benefit both cities.
Concern to consider
No significant concerns were identified; this was a routine governance action.
What happens next: Elected officers will serve in their roles for the 2025 calendar year, overseeing RBWMO operations and funding decisions.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗