Work SessionItem 1Outcome pending
Discuss Ban on Short-Term Rentals
The City Council reviewed staff recommendations to limit short-term rentals (STRs) to a minimum 30-day rental period citywide, effectively banning rentals under one month, unless the owner or licensee lives on site. Staff cited a survey of 541 respondents (54% generally supporting limitations) and concerns about STRs removing units from the long-term housing market and skirting hotel/motel safety and licensing rules. Staff proposed drafting a Chapter 4 ordinance amendment for a first reading May 13, 2025 and second reading May 27, 2025, with the ban taking effect January 1, 2026, and also recommended eliminating the conditional use permit requirement for traditional bed and breakfasts.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
If enacted, the policy could return STR units to the long-term rental market, potentially easing housing availability in Richfield, while exempting owner-occupied rentals like traditional Airbnb hosting.
Concern to consider
Owners who rent out non-owner-occupied properties short-term would need to convert to 30-day-plus leases or sell, and enforcement of the new rule remains unresolved given past data-tracking problems.
What happens next: Staff plans to bring a formal ordinance amendment to Chapter 4 of the Municipal Code for first reading at the May 13, 2025 City Council meeting, with a second reading scheduled for May 27, 2025, and an effective date of January 1, 2026.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 2Discussed
Introduction and Preliminary Discussion of Future Plans for Minnesota Independence College and Community (MICC)
The Council held a preliminary, non-binding discussion of MICC's plan to redevelop four single-family properties at 2000, 2008, and 2018 W. 76th Street West and 7532 Morgan Ave S into a new 27,000-square-foot, two-story Learning Center and future housing site. The plan calls for demolishing existing single-family homes, building a 39-stall parking lot at the rear of the site, and reserving an 8-unit row-house housing parcel for later development. Council members gave feedback favoring the current design over a prior version, requested sidewalks to the property edge, single-phase parking construction, and measures to prevent bird strikes and excess heat from large front windows.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
The project would create a purpose-built facility for MICC's vocational and life-skills program serving roughly 55 students annually and over 100 autistic and neurodivergent adults living independently nearby, potentially adding up to 8 new row-house housing units to Richfield's housing stock.
Concern to consider
Four existing single-family homes on W. 76th Street would be demolished, and the project will require rezoning from R (Low Density Residential) to MR-2, a plat, a conditional use permit, and at least two setback variances before construction can begin.
What happens next: MICC plans to submit a formal land use application later this year, including requests for a plat, rezoning to MR-2, a conditional use permit for the school use, and at least two building setback variances; MICC also hopes to secure a two-year approval window to arrange project funding.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 1Outcome pending
Proclamation to recognize Arbor Day 2025
The mayor issued a proclamation recognizing Arbor Day 2025 and highlighted the city's tree preservation work led by the city forester and Public Works staff.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 1Outcome pending
Proclamation to recognize Arbor Day 2025
The mayor issued a proclamation recognizing Arbor Day 2025 and the city manager accepted it, highlighting the city forester and Public Works staff for tree preservation work.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 1Outcome pending
Proclamation to recognize Arbor Day 2025
The mayor proclaimed Arbor Day 2025 and the proclamation was accepted by the city manager, who thanked forestry and public works staff for tree preservation work.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2Outcome pending
Proclamation to recognize National Therapy Animal Day
The mayor proclaimed National Therapy Animal Day, and the proclamation was accepted by Dan Smieja and therapy animal Barney the Beagle. The recipient noted a need for more volunteers in the program.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2Outcome pending
Proclamation to recognize National Therapy Animal Day
The mayor issued a proclamation recognizing National Therapy Animal Day and acknowledged the work of therapy animal volunteers, including the need for more volunteers in the program.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2Outcome pending
Proclamation to recognize National Therapy Animal Day
The mayor issued a proclamation recognizing National Therapy Animal Day, and representatives accepted it while noting the need for more volunteers in the therapy animal program.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3Outcome pending
Proclamation celebrating Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month
The mayor issued a proclamation celebrating Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month and reaffirmed support for the Human Rights Commission.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3Outcome pending
Proclamation celebrating Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month
The mayor issued a proclamation celebrating Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month, and the Human Rights Commission representative accepted it and thanked the council for its support.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 3Outcome pending
Proclamation celebrating Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month
The mayor proclaimed Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month, and the proclamation was accepted by Human Rights Commissioner Timothy Garvey, who thanked the council for supporting the Human Rights Commission.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5Approved
Approval of consent calendar
The council approved the full consent calendar after noting that each item had already been reviewed in detail and that council members had no questions or issues with the items presented.
Motion carried 5-0
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5AApproved
Accepted Minnesota Department of Agriculture grant for urban agricultural programs
The council adopted Resolution No. 12313 accepting a $75,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for Richfield Recreation to provide urban agricultural programs.
Approved as part of Consent Calendar, motion carried 5-0
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5AApproved
Accept grant from Minnesota Department of Agriculture for urban agricultural programs
The council adopted Resolution No. 12313 accepting a $75,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for Richfield Recreation to provide urban agricultural programs.
Approved as part of Consent Calendar, motion carried 5-0
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5AApproved
Accept grant from Minnesota Department of Agriculture for urban agricultural programs
The council approved Resolution No. 12313 accepting a $75,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for Richfield Recreation to provide urban agricultural programs.
Approved as part of Consent Calendar, 5-0
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5BApproved
Approved natural playground construction at Wood Lake Nature Center
The council accepted a quotation from Midwest Playscapes for $206,852.50 to construct a natural playground at Wood Lake Nature Center and authorized the Recreation Services Director to proceed with the project.
Approved as part of Consent Calendar, motion carried 5-0
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5BApproved
Approve natural playground construction at Wood Lake Nature Center
The council accepted a quotation from Midwest Playscapes for $206,852.50 to construct a natural playground at Wood Lake Nature Center and authorized the Recreation Services Director to proceed with the project.
Approved as part of Consent Calendar, 5-0
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5BApproved
Approve quotation for natural playground at Wood Lake Nature Center
The council accepted the quotation from Midwest Playscapes for $206,852.50 to construct a natural playground at Wood Lake Nature Center and authorized the Recreation Services Director to proceed with the project.
Approved as part of Consent Calendar, motion carried 5-0
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5CApproved
Authorize Tax Base Revitalization Program grant application for American Legion property
The council adopted Resolution No. 12314 authorizing submission of a Tax Base Revitalization Program grant application for environmental investigation of the American Legion property at 6501 Portland Avenue.
Approved as part of Consent Calendar, motion carried 5-0
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5CApproved
Authorize Tax Base Revitalization Program grant application for American Legion property
The council approved Resolution No. 12314 authorizing submission of a Tax Base Revitalization Program grant application for environmental investigation of the American Legion property at 6501 Portland Avenue.
Approved as part of Consent Calendar, 5-0
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5CApproved
Authorized Tax Base Revitalization Program grant application for 6501 Portland Avenue
The council adopted Resolution No. 12314 authorizing submission of a Tax Base Revitalization Program grant application for environmental investigation of the American Legion property at 6501 Portland Avenue.
Approved as part of Consent Calendar, motion carried 5-0
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5DApproved
Rescinded incorrect diseased tree removal assessment at 6414 12th Ave S
The council adopted Resolution No. 12315 rescinding a $5,268.73 special assessment for diseased tree removal that had been incorrectly levied in 2024 against 6414 12th Ave S.
Approved as part of Consent Calendar, motion carried 5-0
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5DApproved
Rescind incorrectly levied diseased tree removal assessment at 6414 12th Ave S
The council adopted Resolution No. 12315 rescinding a $5,268.73 special assessment for diseased tree removal that had been incorrectly levied in 2024 against 6414 12th Ave S.
Approved as part of Consent Calendar, motion carried 5-0
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5DApproved
Rescind incorrectly levied diseased tree removal assessment at 6414 12th Ave S
The council approved Resolution No. 12315 rescinding a $5,268.73 special assessment for diseased tree removal that had been incorrectly levied in 2024 against 6414 12th Ave S.
Approved as part of Consent Calendar, 5-0
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5EApproved
Supported Community Project Funding grant application for emergency water interconnect
The council adopted Resolution No. 12316 supporting Richfield's Community Project Funding grant application for $4,200,000 for the Richfield Emergency Water Interconnect project.
Approved as part of Consent Calendar, motion carried 5-0
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5EApproved
Support Community Project Funding grant application for emergency water interconnect project
The council adopted Resolution No. 12316 supporting Richfield's Community Project Funding grant application for $4,200,000 for the Richfield Emergency Water Interconnect project.
Approved as part of Consent Calendar, motion carried 5-0
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5EApproved
Support Community Project Funding grant application for emergency water interconnect project
The council approved Resolution No. 12316 supporting Richfield's Community Project Funding grant application for $4,200,000 for the Richfield Emergency Water Interconnect project.
Approved as part of Consent Calendar, 5-0
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5FApproved
Authorize execution of MnDOT I-494 Phase 1 Maintenance Agreement
The council approved Resolution No. 12317 authorizing the mayor and city manager to execute MnDOT Agreement No. 1051546 for maintenance upon, along, and adjacent to Trunk Highway 494.
Approved as part of Consent Calendar, 5-0
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5FApproved
Authorize execution of MnDOT I-494 Phase 1 Maintenance Agreement
The council adopted Resolution No. 12317 authorizing the mayor and city manager to execute MnDOT Agreement No. 1051546 for maintenance upon, along, and adjacent to Trunk Highway 494.
Approved as part of Consent Calendar, motion carried 5-0
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5FApproved
Authorized execution of MnDOT I-494 Phase 1 maintenance agreement
The council adopted Resolution No. 12317 authorizing the mayor and city manager to execute MnDOT Agreement No. 1051546 for maintenance upon, along, and adjacent to Trunk Highway 494.
Approved as part of Consent Calendar, motion carried 5-0
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6Outcome pending
No items were removed from the consent calendar
The council did not remove any items from the consent calendar for separate consideration.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6Outcome pending
Consideration of items removed from consent calendar
No items were removed from the consent calendar for separate consideration.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6Outcome pending
Consideration of items removed from consent calendar
No items were removed from the consent calendar, so the council took no separate action under this agenda item.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7Outcome pending
City Manager's report on procedures and decorum document review
The city manager reported that staff had responded to feedback from a resident regarding council procedures and decorum, and that the city attorney would take additional time to review that document.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8Approved
Approved claims and payroll totaling $6,030,977.87
The council approved payroll, manual checks, medical insurance, and accounts payable claims totaling $6,030,977.87.
Motion carried 5-0
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8Approved
Approval of claims and payroll
The council approved claims and payroll totaling $6,030,977.87, including payrolls, manual checks, medical insurance, and accounts payable checks.
Motion carried 5-0
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8Approved
Approval of claims and payroll
The council approved claims and payroll totaling $6,030,977.87, including payroll, manual checks, medical insurance, and accounts payable checks.
Motion carried 5-0
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Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗