Work SessionItem 2aDiscussed
Presentation on Updated Safe Routes to School Plan for Richfield Public Schools
City staff and Richfield Public Schools' Safe Routes to School Coordinator Tim Brackett presented the finalized June 2025 Safe Routes to School Plan, identifying 44 infrastructure and program opportunities across the district's schools. Of these, 5 are already in progress and 7 are programmed by other agencies, leaving 32 items requiring City action, including new sidewalks, crosswalks, traffic calming, and a school street closure during arrival/dismissal times. The Council discussed next steps for short- and medium-term projects but took no formal action at this work session.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
The plan proposes concrete safety improvements—sidewalks, crosswalks, traffic calming, and crossing guards—near six Richfield schools that could make walking and biking to school safer for hundreds of students.
Concern to consider
Many of the 32 city-action items lack funding or a firm timeline, so residents near schools may not see changes for one to three years or longer.
What happens next: City staff will continue prioritizing and scoping the 32 items requiring City action, including short-term (1 year) items like crossing guard expansion and encouragement programs, and medium-term (2-3 years) infrastructure like traffic gardens and dedicated SRTS coordinator funding.
Sources: Work Session minutes (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 2bDiscussed
Hennepin County Cost Share Discussion for Road Projects
Public Works Director Kristin Asher presented cost share, cost participation, and maintenance policies with Hennepin County, including a 20-year history of Municipal State Aid (MSA) expenditures and details on the estimated City cost share for the Nicollet Avenue reconstruction project. She noted that City utility costs for the project are now expected to be lower than initially estimated, and that 19 other cities have already sent letters to Hennepin County seeking to renegotiate cost-share terms. City Manager Katie Rodriguez emphasized that Richfield is disproportionately affected due to the high concentration of State and County roads within the city.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Key figure: Not specified — Estimated City cost share for Nicollet Avenue reconstruction, discussed alongside 20-year MSA expenditure history and 10-year bonding history
Potential benefit
Lower-than-expected utility costs for the Nicollet Avenue project could reduce the financial burden on the City's Utility Fund, which has been covering local project costs.
Concern to consider
Richfield's high number of State and County roads means residents could face disproportionate future cost-share burdens compared to other cities unless the County renegotiates its policies.
What happens next: City staff will continue reviewing funding sources for the Nicollet Avenue reconstruction and considering collaboration with other cities—19 of which have already sent letters to Hennepin County—to renegotiate cost-share, cost participation, and maintenance policies.
Sources: Work Session minutes (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 2cDiscussed
Discussion on Legislative Advocacy Supporting Stronger Protections Against Gun Violence
City Manager Katie Rodriguez presented a statement on gun violence prevention drafted jointly with Police Chief Jay Henthorne and Mayor Mary Supple, citing an increase in gun violence in the City and State this year. The Council expressed support for the statement and discussed the limited authority cities have over gun safety laws, which rests primarily with the State, as well as enforcement options available to Richfield.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Council support for a formal statement on gun violence signals the City's intent to advocate at the State level for stronger protections, potentially influencing future legislation affecting Richfield residents' safety.
Concern to consider
Because gun safety law authority rests with the State, this advocacy statement carries no immediate enforceable change for Richfield residents.
What happens next: City Manager Rodriguez, Chief Henthorne, and Mayor Supple will finalize and likely issue the joint statement on gun violence, and the City may continue advocacy efforts directed at State lawmakers regarding gun safety law authority and enforcement.
Sources: Work Session minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2aDiscussed
Presentation on Updated Safe Routes to School Plan for Richfield Public Schools
City staff presented an updated Safe Routes to School Plan for Richfield Public Schools during the 5:45 p.m. discussion session. The presentation was informational only, with no Council vote taken, and covered strategies to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety near schools.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
An updated plan could lead to safer walking and biking routes near Richfield schools, potentially reducing traffic incidents involving children.
Concern to consider
No funding or specific infrastructure changes were approved at this meeting; the plan remains conceptual until Council acts on specific projects.
What happens next: Council did not take formal action; the plan may inform future infrastructure and funding decisions.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2bDiscussed
Hennepin County Cost Share Discussion
Council held a discussion regarding a potential cost-sharing arrangement with Hennepin County during the 5:45 p.m. session. No vote or formal decision was made; the item was discussion-only.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Cost-sharing with the County could reduce the City's financial burden for shared infrastructure or services.
Concern to consider
No specifics on project scope or cost were finalized, leaving the financial impact on residents undetermined.
What happens next: Further discussions or formal agreements with Hennepin County may be brought before Council in the future.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2cDiscussed
Legislative Advocacy Supporting Stronger Protections Against Gun Violence
Council discussed potential legislative advocacy positions supporting stronger gun violence protections. This item was discussion-only during the 5:45 p.m. session, with no formal vote taken.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Advocacy for stronger gun violence protections could support state-level policy changes that affect community safety.
Concern to consider
No formal City position or resolution was adopted at this meeting; the discussion did not commit the City to specific action.
What happens next: Council may consider a formal resolution or legislative advocacy statement at a future meeting.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4Approved
Approval of September 9, 2025 Work Session and Regular Meeting Minutes
Council approved the minutes from the September 9, 2025 City Council Work Session and Regular Meeting without changes.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Formal approval creates an official public record of prior Council actions.
Concern to consider
No direct impact on residents.
What happens next: Minutes become part of the official City record.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7aApproved
Approval of Disbursements/Claims
Council approved City disbursements totaling $1,037,513.88, consisting entirely of payroll for the pay period ending September 12, 2025, with no accounts payable checks issued this period.
Passed 5-0
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Key figure: $1,037,513.88 — Total payroll disbursement for pay period ending 09/12/2025
Potential benefit
Ensures City employees and vendors are paid on schedule, maintaining continuity of City services.
Concern to consider
No specific resident concern; routine financial administration.
What happens next: Disbursements were processed as approved.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7bApproved
Appointment of 2025 Election Judges for ISD 280 School Board Election
Council adopted Resolution No. 12339 appointing election judges and an absentee ballot board for the November 4, 2025 ISD 280 School Board general election.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Ensures the November 4, 2025 ISD 280 School Board election is properly staffed and administered.
Concern to consider
No specific resident concern; routine election administration.
What happens next: Appointed judges will staff the November 4, 2025 election.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7cApproved
2025-2026 Emergency Preparedness Agreement with City of Bloomington
Council approved a joint Emergency Preparedness agreement with the City of Bloomington for 2025-2026, continuing shared emergency management coordination between the two cities.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Continued coordination with Bloomington supports more effective emergency response for Richfield residents.
Concern to consider
No specific concerns noted; routine renewal of existing intergovernmental cooperation.
What happens next: Agreement takes effect for the 2025-2026 period.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7dApproved
Lease Agreement with Spohn's Automotive for City-Owned Parking Lot
Council approved a lease agreement allowing Spohn's Automotive, Inc. to privately use a portion of a City-owned parking lot located north of Diagonal Boulevard and east of Cedar Avenue South.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Generates lease revenue for the City from otherwise underused public parking space.
Concern to consider
Reduces available public parking in that specific lot near Diagonal Boulevard and Cedar Avenue South.
What happens next: Lease agreement takes effect per its terms.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7eApproved
Hennepin County Play Area Grant Application for Richfield Outdoor Pool
Council adopted Resolution No. 12340 authorizing staff to apply for a $300,000 Hennepin County Play Area Grant to purchase new features at the Richfield Outdoor Pool, and to execute a grant agreement if awarded.
Passed 5-0
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Key figure: $300,000 — Requested Hennepin County Play Area Grant for Richfield Outdoor Pool features
Potential benefit
If awarded, the $300,000 grant would fund new play features at the Richfield Outdoor Pool at no direct cost to local taxpayers.
Concern to consider
Grant award is not guaranteed; funding depends on Hennepin County's decision.
What happens next: Staff will submit the grant application; award decision from Hennepin County is pending.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7gApproved
Acceptance of Office of Traffic Safety Funds for DWI Enforcement Officer
Council approved acceptance of Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) funds extending an original four-year grant to fully fund an officer dedicated to DWI enforcement in Richfield.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Continues full grant funding for a dedicated DWI enforcement officer, improving road safety without added local cost.
Concern to consider
Grant funding is time-limited and could require future City funding if not renewed again.
What happens next: Grant extension funds the DWI enforcement officer position going forward.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7hApproved
Hennepin County Lifeguard Services Grant Application for Richfield Outdoor Pool
Council adopted Resolution No. 12341 authorizing staff to apply for a $50,000 Hennepin County Lifeguard Services Grant to assist with hiring and retaining lifeguard staff at the Richfield Outdoor Pool, and to execute a grant agreement if awarded.
Passed 5-0
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Key figure: $50,000 — Requested Hennepin County Lifeguard Services Grant for Richfield Outdoor Pool staffing
Potential benefit
If awarded, the $50,000 grant would help ensure adequate lifeguard staffing at the Richfield Outdoor Pool, supporting safe operations.
Concern to consider
Grant award is not guaranteed and depends on Hennepin County's decision.
What happens next: Staff will submit the grant application; award decision from Hennepin County is pending.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7iApproved
Purchase of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Units for Fire Department
Council authorized the purchase of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units and related equipment for $315,235 from Maqueen Emergency Group, with billing scheduled for budget year 2026, and authorized the City Manager to approve contract changes up to $175,000 without further Council consideration.
Passed 5-0
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Key figure: $315,235 — SCBA units and related equipment purchase from Maqueen Emergency Group
Potential benefit
Ensures Richfield firefighters have updated, safe breathing equipment for emergency responses, funded through the 2026 budget.
Concern to consider
Grants the City Manager authority to approve up to $175,000 in additional contract changes without a separate Council vote.
What happens next: Purchase proceeds with billing scheduled for the 2026 budget year.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8aApproved
Wood Lake Nature Center Building Project Change Order #003
Council approved Prime Contract Change Order #003 for the Wood Lake Nature Center building project in the amount of $662,545.37 to address delays caused by federal grant compliance requirements, including required Environmental Protection Act reviews with 30-day waiting periods for architectural and archaeological reviews, and other changes affecting the Guaranteed Maximum Price. This item was moved from the consent calendar (originally item 7f) for further Council discussion.
Passed 5-0
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Key figure: $662,545.37 — Change Order #003 for Wood Lake Nature Center building project
Potential benefit
Ensures the Wood Lake Nature Center building project can proceed despite federal compliance delays, protecting the project's completion.
Concern to consider
Adds $662,545.37 to project costs and extends the timeline into fall and winter months.
What happens next: Construction will continue through the fall and winter with an updated completion timeline.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 9aApproved
Second Reading and Public Hearing: Ordinance Amending Appendix D Fee Schedule for Building, Planning, and Zoning Fees
Following a public hearing, Council adopted Ordinance No. 2025-15 amending Appendix D of the Richfield City Code to establish updated fees for certain building, planning, and zoning permits and applications, and approved Resolution No. 12342 authorizing summary publication of the ordinance.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Updated fee schedule ensures City permit fees reflect current administrative costs for building, planning, and zoning services.
Concern to consider
Residents and businesses applying for building, planning, or zoning permits may face changed (potentially higher) fees under the new schedule.
What happens next: The updated fee schedule takes effect and will be published in summary form as required.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 10aApproved
Second Reading: Ordinance Regulating Short-Term Rental Licensing and Fees
Council approved an amendment making short-term rental license fees non-refundable, then adopted Bill No. 2025-16 amending Chapter XI of the City Code by adding Section 1199 to regulate the use and licensing of short-term rentals, and approved Resolution No. 12349 authorizing summary publication. The City currently estimates about 80 active short-term rentals based on self-reporting, with a total cap set at 100 to account for possible underreporting.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Establishes clear licensing rules and a cap of 100 short-term rentals citywide, aiming to manage neighborhood impacts of short-term rental properties.
Concern to consider
Some residents, including public commenter Rod Sather, argued the minimum five-day rental requirement is unreasonable and unenforceable, questioning who will monitor compliance.
What happens next: The ordinance and summary publication take effect per City Code procedures; the ordinance may be revisited or amended in the future per Support Services Manager Anderson's comments.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 11aApproved
Adoption of 2026 Preliminary Budget, Property Tax Levy, and Related Budget Resolutions
Council adopted resolutions establishing the 2026 preliminary budget and property tax levy (Resolution No. 12343), authorizing budget revisions (Resolution No. 12344), authorizing revision of 2025 department budgets (Resolution No. 12345), and establishing 2026 City fees (Resolution No. 12346), and set the date for the Truth in Taxation hearing. City Manager Rodriguez reported the recommended levy increase is 6.08%, compared to an average of 8.40% (ranging from 4.98% to 14.92%) among 11 comparable cities surveyed.
Passed 5-0
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Key figure: 6.08% — Recommended 2026 property tax levy increase for Richfield
Potential benefit
The recommended 6.08% levy increase is lower than the 8.40% average among 11 comparable cities, potentially limiting the property tax burden compared to peer communities.
Concern to consider
A 6.08% levy increase will still raise property taxes for Richfield homeowners in 2026.
What happens next: A Truth in Taxation public hearing will be held on a date set by this resolution; the audit will be presented to Council on October 14, 2025.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 11bApproved
Resolution Updating City Council Rules of Procedure and Decorum
Council adopted Resolution No. 12347, updating the City Council's Rules of Procedure and Decorum governing how Council Members conduct meetings and interact during proceedings.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Updated procedural rules can improve the orderliness and transparency of Council meetings for public observers.
Concern to consider
No specific resident concerns noted; primarily an internal governance matter.
What happens next: Updated rules govern future Council meeting conduct.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 12aApproved
Participation in Private Paid Family and Medical Leave Plan (MetLife) for 2026-2027
Council adopted Resolution No. 12348 approving the City's participation in a private paid family and medical leave insurance plan through MetLife and establishing premium sharing arrangements for the 2026-2027 plan year, affecting City employee benefits.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Provides City employees with paid family and medical leave benefits through a private MetLife plan for 2026-2027.
Concern to consider
Premium-sharing costs are borne partly by the City, representing an ongoing budget commitment funded by taxpayers.
What happens next: The MetLife plan and premium-sharing arrangement take effect for the 2026-2027 plan year.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗