Work SessionItem 2aDiscussed
I-494 Phase 2 Discussion
MnDOT staff and City Engineer Powers briefed the council on the I-494 Phase 2 project, including the future of the 2nd Avenue pedestrian bridge, noise and air quality studies, and public engagement plans. Council requested follow-up on safety and paving improvements at the West 76th Street/I-35W interchange, trail crossings at the railroad bridge, and continued noise analysis for Phase 2. No formal action was taken; this was a discussion-only work session item.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Residents near I-494, I-35W, and 2nd Avenue could see future safety, paving, and pedestrian bridge improvements as MnDOT plans progress.
Concern to consider
No funding or construction timeline was finalized; the pedestrian bridge's future remains uncertain and could be removed if it becomes a safety hazard without replacement.
What happens next: City staff will follow up with MnDOT on the West 76th Street intersection improvements, the trail crossing at the railroad bridge, air quality/emissions review, and Phase 2 noise analysis.
Sources: Work Session minutes (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 2bDiscussed
Pool Project Update
Recreation Services Director Huemiller and project consultants (JLG Architects, Reengineered Inc., and Loeffler Construction) presented an update on the city pool project, covering the schedule, budget breakdown, and condition of the pool structures and bathhouse. Engineers reported the pool base structures are in good condition needing general maintenance and plaster resurfacing rather than concrete replacement, while the bathhouse needs maintenance updates and concession area changes. Council discussed alternatives and provided feedback on presented options; no formal vote or budget approval occurred at this work session.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Continued investment in maintaining the city's public pool ensures the facility remains safe and usable for community recreation.
Concern to consider
No total project budget or funding source has been finalized yet, leaving cost impacts to taxpayers still undetermined.
What happens next: Staff and consultants will continue refining the project scope, budget alternatives, and maintenance plan based on council feedback from this work session.
Sources: Work Session minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2.aOutcome pending
I-494 Corridor Vision Phase 2 Discussion
MnDOT presented an update on Phase 2 of the I-494 Corridor Vision project, covering E-ZPass lane extensions between Hwy 169 and Hwy 77, reconstruction of the Pleasant Avenue railroad bridge, and an 82nd Street/I-35W interchange grade raise, funded largely by a $138M federal INFRA grant and $114M state Corridors of Commerce grant. The Council discussed municipal consent, expected to begin August or September 2025, and gave feedback on public engagement, scope changes (removing 24th Avenue signal/bridge work), and remaining framework items like air quality, noise, and greenhouse gas analysis.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Key figure: $138M — Federal INFRA grant funding for I-494 Phase 2 improvements
Potential benefit
Phase 2 will extend E-ZPass lanes, rebuild the Pleasant Avenue railroad bridge, and add an 82nd Street/I-35W interchange grade raise, funded by $138M in federal INFRA grant and $114M in state Corridors of Commerce funds with no anticipated city cost-share for the base project.
Concern to consider
Construction will bring years of disruption along the corridor, the city could bear costs for items requested outside the base project scope, and final environmental, air quality, and greenhouse gas analyses are still pending.
What happens next: Municipal consent process for Phase 2 is expected to begin in August or September 2025; a public open house is scheduled for July 30, 2025, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Richfield High School.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2.bOutcome pending
Richfield Outdoor Pool Improvement Project Update
Staff and JLG Architects presented findings from a comprehensive facility assessment of the Richfield Outdoor Pool, built in 1961, identifying major needed updates including replacement of the original pool liner. The $4.25 million project, funded through the voter-approved Local Option Sales Tax, includes $300,000 for architectural/engineering fees, $3.76 million for construction and soft costs, and a $190,000 (5%) owner contingency; staff sought Council input on scope and priority of potential add-ons.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Key figure: $4.25 million — Total budget for Richfield Outdoor Pool improvement project
Potential benefit
The $4.25 million renovation, funded by the voter-approved Local Option Sales Tax rather than property taxes, will replace the pool's original 1961-era liner and modernize the facility to keep it operating for another 20-30 years.
Concern to consider
Funding relies on the 0.5% Local Option Sales Tax approved by voters in November 2024, and the $190,000 contingency (5%) suggests some cost uncertainty remains as scope is finalized.
What happens next: Staff will refine project scope based on Council input and continue design work with JLG Architects.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6.aDiscussed
Proclamation Celebrating Disability Pride Month
Mayor Supple issued a proclamation recognizing July as Disability Pride Month, presenting it to Human Rights Commissioner Timothy Garvey in recognition of the City's support for residents with disabilities.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Recognizes and raises awareness of the disabled community in Richfield, reinforcing the City's commitment to inclusion.
Concern to consider
The proclamation carries no funding or policy change, so it has no direct measurable impact.
What happens next: No further action; symbolic recognition only.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6.bDiscussed
Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association Award Presentation
The Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association presented an award to the Richfield Parks and Recreation Association, recognizing its programming and history of service in the community.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Celebrates Richfield's parks and recreation programming, which residents rely on for community activities.
Concern to consider
No new funding or program changes accompany the award.
What happens next: No further action; recognition only.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7.aApproved
Approval of Disbursements and Claims
The Council approved city disbursements totaling $1,404,387.85 for the July 3, 2025 pay period (including July health insurance premiums) and $3,855,545.01 for the July 18, 2025 pay period, covering payroll and accounts payable.
Passed 5-0
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Key figure: $1,404,387.85 — Total disbursements (payroll, including July health insurance premiums) for period ending 07/03/2025
Potential benefit
Ensures timely payment of city payroll and vendor invoices, keeping city services running without interruption.
Concern to consider
Represents over $5.26 million in combined spending for the two-week period, funded from existing city budgets and tax revenue.
What happens next: Payments are processed as approved.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7.bApproved
Resolution Designating Polling Place Locations for School Board Election
The Council adopted Resolution No. 12329, updating polling place locations for Richfield Precinct 8 (Ward 3) and Edina Precincts 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16 for the Richfield Public School District School Board Election on November 4, 2025.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Ensures voters in affected precincts have designated, updated polling locations for the November 4, 2025 school board election.
Concern to consider
Voters must check the new designated location before the election to avoid confusion.
What happens next: Polling locations take effect for the November 4, 2025 election.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7.cApproved
Resolution Supporting 2026 Capital Budget Requests
The Council adopted Resolution No. 12330, formally supporting and prioritizing the City's 2026 capital budget requests submitted to the Minnesota Office of Management and Budget.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Formalizes the City's priority list for 2026 capital projects, improving chances of securing state funding for infrastructure.
Concern to consider
The resolution is a statement of support; it does not guarantee state funding will be awarded.
What happens next: Resolution is submitted to the Minnesota Office of Management and Budget for consideration in state capital funding decisions.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7.dApproved
Engineering Services Work Order for 2026 Sidewalk Projects
The Council approved a $295,550 work order with Bolton & Menk, Inc. to provide engineering design services for the City's 2026 sidewalk improvement projects.
Passed 5-0
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Key figure: $295,550 — Engineering services work order with Bolton & Menk, Inc. for 2026 sidewalk projects
Potential benefit
Funds $295,550 in engineering design work needed to plan the City's 2026 sidewalk improvement projects, laying groundwork for safer pedestrian infrastructure.
Concern to consider
This is a design-phase cost; construction costs for the sidewalks themselves are not yet included and will be a separate future expense.
What happens next: Bolton & Menk will proceed with engineering design for 2026 sidewalk construction.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 9.aApproved
New On-Sale Wine and 3.2 Percent Malt Liquor License for K-ChiMac
Following a public hearing, the Council approved a new On-Sale Wine and 3.2 Percent Malt Liquor license for SK Food, LLC, doing business as K-ChiMac, allowing the restaurant to serve wine and low-alcohol beer to customers.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Allows K-ChiMac to legally serve wine and 3.2 percent malt liquor, potentially increasing revenue and customer draw for the restaurant.
Concern to consider
Introduces new alcohol service at the location, which some neighbors may have concerns about regarding noise or traffic.
What happens next: The license is now in effect; the business can begin service of wine and 3.2 percent malt liquor.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 12.aApproved
Appointment to Human Rights Commission
The Council approved the appointment of Tyler Birschbach as Human Rights Commissioner, filling a vacancy on the Commission, with a term beginning July 22, 2025 and expiring January 31, 2026.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Fills a vacancy on the Human Rights Commission, ensuring it remains fully staffed to review human rights issues through January 2026.
Concern to consider
No public comment period preceded this appointment.
What happens next: Birschbach begins his term immediately, expiring January 31, 2026.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 15.aApproved
Closed Session for City Manager Performance Evaluation
The Council recessed the regular meeting to conduct a closed-session performance evaluation of City Manager Katie Rodriguez pursuant to Minnesota Statutes section 13D.05, subd. 3(a); a summary of the evaluation will be presented at the next regular meeting on August 12, 2025.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Ensures the City Manager receives a formal annual performance review as required by law, supporting accountability in city leadership.
Concern to consider
Details of the evaluation are discussed privately; only a summary will be shared publicly at the August 12, 2025 meeting.
What happens next: A public summary of the performance evaluation will be shared at the August 12, 2025 Council meeting.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗