Work SessionItem 1Outcome pending
Potential Changes to MR-2 and MR-3 Zoning Districts
The Richfield City Council held a work session discussion on May 13, 2025 to review proposed updates to the MR-2 (Multifamily Residential) and MR-3 (High Density Residential) zoning districts, which staff described as outdated and impractical. The proposed changes aim to modernize development standards to encourage small-scale infill multifamily housing, align with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, and introduce a three-tier framework covering site area, building coverage, height, parking, open space, and approval processes. Staff also presented potential parking reductions near high-frequency transit stops and provisions to allow multi-building developments without requiring a Planned Unit Development (PUD).
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
Modernizing these zoning districts could make it easier and faster to build smaller multifamily housing types like triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, and courtyard apartments, potentially increasing housing supply and affordability in Richfield. Streamlined approval processes and reduced parking requirements near transit could lower development costs and encourage infill on underutilized lots.
Concern to consider
Increased density in existing neighborhoods may raise concerns about traffic, parking availability, infrastructure capacity, and compatibility with surrounding single-family homes. Residents near affected zones may have limited formal input opportunities if more projects are approved administratively rather than through public hearings.
What happens next: This was a work session discussion item with no formal vote taken. Staff will likely continue refining the proposed zoning code language based on council feedback before bringing formal ordinance amendments forward for public hearings and official council action.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5EApproved
Contract Award for 70th Street Safe Routes to School Project
The City Council approved a contract with New Look Contracting Inc. to construct approximately 1,000 feet of sidewalk and bike trail along the south side of 70th Street between Elliot Avenue and 12th Avenue S, adjacent to Richfield STEM and Dual Language Schools. The contract was awarded for $624,672.75, the lowest of eight bids received, coming in below the engineer's estimate of $705,149. The council also authorized the City Manager to approve contract changes up to $175,000 without further council consideration, with project completion targeted before the start of the 2025-26 school year.
Approved 5-0
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Key figure: $624,672.75 — Contract award to New Look Contracting Inc., lowest of 8 bids
Potential benefit
This project improves pedestrian and cyclist safety near two Richfield schools by adding dedicated non-motorized infrastructure, and is primarily funded by a state grant rather than local taxpayers. Narrowing the roadway is also designed to reduce vehicle speeds.
Concern to consider
The actual grant reimbursement of $534,197.75 is less than the original award of $586,225 because some storm sewer items were deemed ineligible, shifting those costs to the Stormwater Utility Fund. Residents served by that fund will indirectly bear a portion of the cost.
What happens next: The Mayor and City Manager were authorized to execute the contract. The contractor was expected to begin ordering materials promptly, with construction targeted for completion by end of summer 2025, ideally before the 2025-26 school year starts.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5FApproved
Acceptance of MnDOT Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Grant
The City Council adopted a resolution accepting a MnDOT Safe Routes to School Infrastructure grant of up to $544,500 for sidewalk and intersection improvements along 64th Street and Russell Avenue near Sheridan Hills Elementary. The grant was awarded in April 2025 following a January 2025 application, and funds must be expended in 2025-2026. Construction is scheduled for 2026, with design work set to begin immediately upon execution of the MnDOT agreement.
Approved 5-0
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Key figure: $544,500 — MnDOT Safe Routes to School Infrastructure grant award for the project
Potential benefit
The grant brings significant state funding to improve pedestrian safety near an elementary school, continuing Richfield's track record of leveraging competitive state programs for active transportation infrastructure. The project concept was first identified in 2014 and refined through a 2024 design study.
Concern to consider
The city will need to use Municipal State Aid funds to cover design, engineering, and construction administration costs estimated at $150,000, as those expenses are not eligible for grant reimbursement.
What happens next: Staff will begin design work immediately upon execution of the MnDOT agreement. The project will go through public engagement and Transportation Commission review during final design, with construction scheduled for 2026.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5GApproved
Maintenance Agreement with Nine Mile Creek Watershed District for Adams Hill Pond
The City Council approved a maintenance agreement with the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District (NMCWD) that formally defines the City's perpetual responsibilities for inspecting and maintaining stormwater infrastructure in and around Adams Hill Pond in the southwest corner of Richfield. The agreement was required as a condition of NMCWD permit approval for an ongoing pond dredging project. No additional financial obligation was created, as the City already performs routine outfall inspections and stormwater structure maintenance under its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) requirements.
Approved 5-0
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Potential benefit
Formalizing maintenance responsibilities ensures the pond and its stormwater infrastructure remain functional, protecting water quality in the Nine Mile Creek watershed and reducing flood risk for nearby residents. The agreement carries no new costs.
Concern to consider
The agreement creates a perpetual obligation, meaning future city councils and administrations will be bound by its terms. However, the obligations mirror existing regulatory requirements.
What happens next: The Adams Hill Pond Improvements Project was noted as nearly complete at the time of the meeting. The agreement will be executed and maintained in perpetuity as part of the City's ongoing stormwater management program.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5HApproved
Construction Management Agreement for Veterans Memorial Park Improvements
The City Council approved a construction management agreement with Loeffler Construction LLC to oversee improvements at Veterans Memorial Park, including the Richfield Public Pool, Ice Arena, and general park facilities, funded by the $9 million Local Option Sales Tax approved by voters in November 2024. Staff selected Loeffler Construction LLC after interviewing three firms, citing the company's relevant experience with similar projects including Lakeville's Antler Park and an indoor pool for Lakeville School District. The master agreement spans three years and will be supplemented by project-specific work orders for each phase.
Approved 5-0
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Key figure: $9,000,000 — Total voter-approved Local Option Sales Tax funding for Veterans Memorial Park improvements
Potential benefit
Hiring a dedicated construction manager helps ensure the complex, multi-phase Veterans Memorial Park project is delivered on time and within budget, leveraging expertise that current city staff capacity does not cover. Voter-approved sales tax funding means the cost is spread broadly rather than falling solely on property taxpayers.
Concern to consider
The $9 million budget is fixed by the voter-approved sales tax, so cost overruns during construction could require difficult tradeoffs between project components. Pool design must begin this summer to meet the timeline for repairs after the 2025 pool season.
What happens next: Loeffler Construction LLC will begin working with city staff and architects on design for the pool improvements this summer, as pool design must start promptly to allow repairs after the 2025 pool season. Project-specific work orders will be executed for each phase of the Veterans Memorial Park improvements.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7Approved
90-Day Suspension of Tobacco License for Lyndale Pump N Munch
The Richfield City Council approved a 90-day suspension of the tobacco license for Lyndale Pump N' Munch at 6300 Lyndale Avenue South, effective May 13 through August 11, 2025, following egregious violations including illegal flavored tobacco product sales and sales to underage youth. The suspension was approved unanimously 5-0 after a public hearing. Any additional violations of city code or state law related to tobacco sales before February 12, 2028, will result in immediate revocation of the license.
Approved 5-0
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Potential benefit
The suspension enforces Richfield's flavored tobacco prohibition, which took effect January 1, 2024, and sends a clear message that underage tobacco sales will not be tolerated. It demonstrates the city's commitment to protecting youth from tobacco-related harms.
Concern to consider
The business at 6300 Lyndale Avenue South will be unable to sell tobacco products for 90 days, which may affect the business's revenue and employees. Staff originally considered full revocation, indicating the severity of the violations.
What happens next: The 90-day suspension runs through August 11, 2025. The business must comply with all applicable local and state laws during the suspension period. Any further tobacco-related violations before February 12, 2028, will trigger immediate license revocation. City staff indicated they will continue to enforce and investigate all licensed tobacco retailers.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8Approved
First Reading: Ordinance Restricting Short-Term Rentals
The Richfield City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance restricting short-term rentals (STRs) to a minimum stay of 7 days unless the rental license holder resides on the property, passing 5-0 as amended. The original motion proposed a one-month minimum, but was amended to a one-week minimum after council debate, with the amendment passing 3-2. A second reading will be required before the ordinance takes effect, and the effective date may be adjusted at that time.
Approved 5-0 (as amended to 7-day minimum)
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Key figure: 3% — Lodging tax applicable to short-term rentals
Potential benefit
The ordinance aims to preserve Richfield's housing stock as affordable long-term housing and brings STRs under closer oversight, consistent with the city's strategic plan. Requiring on-site license holders for stays under 7 days may reduce nuisance properties with very high turnover.
Concern to consider
Current STR operators who rent for fewer than 7 days and do not live on-site would need to change their business model or cease short-term rental operations. Several community members testified that the regulations would negatively impact their rental income and guests' ability to visit Richfield. ADA compliance obligations and enforcement capacity were also raised as unresolved concerns.
What happens next: A second reading of the ordinance is required before it becomes law. Staff indicated the effective date may be amended at the second reading to account for the annual, non-prorated nature of rental licenses. Council and staff also discussed the need to address lodging tax collection and ADA compliance requirements in future code updates.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 10Approved
Approval of Claims and Payrolls
The City Council approved payment of claims and payrolls totaling $6,030,977.87, covering three payroll cycles and one accounts payable run from late March through late April 2025. The motion was made by Council Member Coleman Woods, seconded by Council Member Hayford Oleary, and passed unanimously. This was routine financial housekeeping to ensure city employees and vendors were paid on time.
Approved 5-0
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Key figure: $1,001,508.19 — Payroll cycle ending 3/28/2025
Potential benefit
Timely approval of payroll and vendor payments keeps city operations running smoothly and ensures employees and contractors are compensated without delay.
Concern to consider
The total disbursement of over $6 million in a single approval cycle is standard for a city of Richfield's size, but residents may wish to review line-item expenditures for transparency.
What happens next: Routine claims and payroll approvals recur each council meeting cycle; no further action is required on this item.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗