Work SessionItem 2Discussed
I-494 Phase 2 Corridor Project Update
City Engineer Joe Powers and MnDOT staff presented an update on Project 2 of the I-494 Corridor Vision, covering the municipal consent process, project schedule, and construction anticipated to begin in 2027. Richfield's estimated local cost share is $9,000 for lighting and engineering contingencies, and MnDOT reviewed noise, air quality, and greenhouse gas analysis findings. No formal action was taken; MnDOT agreed to follow up with additional information after council questions.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
Learn more about this item
Key figure: $9,000 — Richfield's estimated local cost participation for lighting and engineering contingencies on the I-494 Phase 2 project
Potential benefit
The I-494 Phase 2 project could improve highway safety and traffic flow near Richfield starting construction in 2027, with the city's financial exposure limited to about $9,000.
Concern to consider
Construction beginning in 2027 could bring noise, air quality, and disruption impacts to nearby residents, though MnDOT's analyses are still being clarified for council.
What happens next: MnDOT staff agreed to follow up with additional information on the noise, air quality, and greenhouse gas analyses; the municipal consent process and project schedule continue toward anticipated construction starting in 2027.
Sources: Work Session minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6aDiscussed
Proclamation Celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day
Mayor Supple issued a proclamation celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day, accepted by Human Rights Commissioner Madeline Vukson on behalf of the Human Rights Commission.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
Learn more about this item
Potential benefit
Publicly recognizes and honors Indigenous cultures and history in Richfield.
Concern to consider
None; a symbolic proclamation with no budgetary or regulatory effect.
What happens next: Proclamation stands as issued; no further council action required.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6bDiscussed
Community Services Commission Annual Report
Commission member Tessa Johanson presented the Community Services Commission's annual report, summarizing projects the Commission completed or assisted with and programs it supported over the past year.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
Learn more about this item
Potential benefit
Highlights community programs the Commission supported this year.
Concern to consider
No specific budget figures or new initiatives were detailed in the presentation.
What happens next: Report is filed; no further council action required.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6cDiscussed
Sustainability Commission Annual Report
Amanda Kueper presented the Sustainability Commission's annual report, summarizing the Commission's projects, assistance efforts, and events held over the past year.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
Learn more about this item
Potential benefit
Summarizes sustainability projects and community events the Commission organized or supported this year.
Concern to consider
No specific budget figures or new initiatives were detailed in the presentation.
What happens next: Report is filed; no further council action required.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6dApproved
Acceptance of 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)
Council accepted the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, presented by auditor Caroline Stutsman of Bergan KDV, covering general fund revenue, expenditures, fund balance, tax levy, tax capacity, and enterprise fund performance.
Passed 5-0
Learn more about this item
Potential benefit
Provides residents an independently audited picture of the City's 2024 finances, tax levy, and fund balances.
Concern to consider
The report is retrospective and does not itself create new spending or savings.
What happens next: Report is filed and will inform 2026 budget discussions.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7aApproved
Approval of Disbursements/Claims
Council approved disbursements totaling $7,750,753.38, covering accounts payable checks ($3,596,677.58), wire transfers ($1,999,508.08), and two payroll runs ($1,084,637.01 and $1,069,909.71) for the period September 8 through October 10, 2025.
Passed 5-0
Learn more about this item
Key figure: $3,596,677.58 — A/P checks, 9-8-2025 through 10-10-2025
Potential benefit
Ensures vendors, employees, and contractors are paid on schedule, keeping city operations and services running.
Concern to consider
Routine payment approval, not a new spending decision.
What happens next: Payments have already been processed as approved.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7bApproved
Temporary Liquor License for Blessed Trinity Catholic School Gala
Council approved a temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license for Blessed Trinity Catholic School's Annual Gala, to be held December 6, 2025 at St. Richard's Catholic Church, 7540 Penn Avenue South.
Passed 5-0
Learn more about this item
Potential benefit
Allows a one-night licensed fundraiser event for the school.
Concern to consider
None significant; the license is limited to a single event date.
What happens next: License is in effect for the December 6, 2025 event.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7cApproved
First Reading: Transitory Ordinance for Liquor Fund Capital Improvements
Council approved first reading of a transitory ordinance authorizing funding for certain capital improvements from the City's Liquor Contribution Special Revenue Fund.
Passed 5-0
Learn more about this item
Potential benefit
Directs liquor store profits toward capital improvement projects rather than drawing on general tax revenue.
Concern to consider
Specific projects and dollar amounts funded were not detailed in the minutes.
What happens next: Ordinance requires a second reading before final adoption.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7dApproved
Resolution Supporting Utility Box Wrap at Penn Ave & 66th Street
Council adopted Resolution No. 12350 supporting use of Samantha Chin's photograph "Winter Interest" to wrap the Hennepin County utility box located at Penn Avenue and 66th Street.
Passed 5-0
Learn more about this item
Potential benefit
Adds public art to a specific intersection with minimal city-wide cost.
Concern to consider
Limited to one utility box; minimal citywide impact.
What happens next: Hennepin County proceeds with installing the wrap.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7eApproved
Ice Arena Rink Two Roof Replacement Agreement
Council approved a $607,984 agreement with John A. Dalsin & Son, Inc. to replace the roof on rink two of the Richfield Ice Arena.
Passed 5-0
Learn more about this item
Key figure: $607,984 — Contract for rink two roof replacement at Richfield Ice Arena
Potential benefit
Protects a $607,984 investment in a shared community recreation facility used for hockey, skating, and other programs.
Concern to consider
A significant capital expenditure that could factor into future facility budget decisions.
What happens next: Roof replacement work proceeds under the approved contract.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7fApproved
First Reading: Lodging Tax Ordinance (Bill No. 2025-17)
Council approved first reading of Bill No. 2025-17, an ordinance imposing a tax on lodging and completely repealing and replacing Chapter 14 of the Richfield Code of Ordinances.
Passed 5-0
Learn more about this item
Potential benefit
Lodging tax revenue can fund tourism, marketing, or other designated city programs without directly taxing residents.
Concern to consider
Hotels and motels in Richfield would be required to collect and remit a new lodging tax from guests.
What happens next: Ordinance requires a second reading before it takes effect.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7gApproved
Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of OTS Grant for DWI Enforcement
Council adopted Resolution No. 12351 authorizing the Police Department to accept up to $138,374.93 in Office of Traffic Safety grant funds to fund a police officer dedicated to DWI enforcement.
Passed 5-0
Learn more about this item
Key figure: $138,374.93 — Office of Traffic Safety grant funding a DWI enforcement officer
Potential benefit
Funds a dedicated DWI enforcement officer using state grant money rather than local tax dollars.
Concern to consider
Grant funding is capped and may not be renewed in future years, creating a potential future budget gap.
What happens next: Grant funds are accepted and the position continues under Public Safety.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7hApproved
Renewal of Chief's Towing Public Safety Towing Contract
Council approved renewal of the contract with Chief's Towing, Inc. for public safety towing services, covering December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2027.
Passed 5-0
Learn more about this item
Potential benefit
Ensures continued vehicle towing services for police-directed tows over the next two years.
Concern to consider
No new towing fee or rate information was included in the minutes.
What happens next: Contract takes effect December 1, 2025 and runs through November 30, 2027.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7iApproved
Joint Powers Agreement with Edina for Alternative 911 Response
Council approved a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Edina establishing an alternative response option for select 911 calls, aimed at more effectively supporting the physical, mental, and behavioral health needs of individuals in both cities.
Passed 5-0
Learn more about this item
Potential benefit
Provides an alternative, potentially more appropriate response for mental health or behavioral crisis calls instead of a traditional police response.
Concern to consider
No specific budget or staffing figures for the program were disclosed in the minutes.
What happens next: The joint program with Edina moves forward for select 911 calls.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7jApproved
Site Plan Approval for 7424 Lyndale Ave S – Retail Conversion
Council adopted Resolution No. 12352 approving a site plan to convert the property at 7424 Lyndale Avenue South to retail use.
Passed 5-0
Learn more about this item
Potential benefit
Allows a new retail business to open at 7424 Lyndale Avenue South, potentially adding shopping options and local jobs.
Concern to consider
Nearby residents may see increased traffic or parking demand from the new retail use.
What happens next: Business owner proceeds with retail buildout and opening under the approved site plan.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 9aApproved
Assessment of Delinquent Solid Waste Charges
Following a public hearing where residents raised billing concerns, Council adopted Resolution No. 12353 certifying unpaid garbage collection charges from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 to property taxes; balances paid by November 14, 2025 avoid interest, while amounts unpaid after that date are added to next year's property tax bill.
Passed 5-0
Learn more about this item
Potential benefit
Provides a grace period through November 14, 2025 for residents to pay delinquent solid waste bills without added interest.
Concern to consider
Residents like Jeraldine Cook reported dramatic water bill increases (up $1,100 in one month) and billing errors, and unresolved balances are certified to their property tax bill.
What happens next: Unpaid amounts after November 14, 2025 will be certified to 2026 property taxes.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 9bApproved
ILN/77th Street Project Area Maintenance Assessment and 2026 Service Order
Council adopted Resolutions No. 12354 and 12355, approving an assessment of $130,596.78 for 2024 maintenance costs within the Interstate-Lyndale-Nicollet (ILN)/77th Street Project Area and ordering the continuing service project for the area in 2026.
Passed 5-0
Learn more about this item
Key figure: $130,596.78 — 2024 maintenance assessment for ILN/77th Street Project Area
Potential benefit
Funds ongoing maintenance of the ILN/77th Street area through a dedicated assessment on properties in that district.
Concern to consider
Property owners within the ILN/77th Street Project Area bear the $130,596.78 cost through special assessment.
What happens next: The 2026 service project proceeds in the ILN/77th Street Project Area under the ordering resolution.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 9cApproved
Assessment for Diseased Tree Removal from Private Property
Council adopted Resolution No. 12356, approving special assessments to property owners for removal of diseased trees from private property, for work ordered between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024.
Passed 5-0
Learn more about this item
Potential benefit
Removes diseased trees that pose safety or disease-spread risks on private property, with costs assessed to the property owner rather than paid upfront.
Concern to consider
Affected property owners are billed via special assessment for tree removal work performed on their property.
What happens next: Assessment is certified to the affected properties' tax bills.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 9dApproved
Assessment for Sanitary Sewer Line Repair or Replacement
Council adopted Resolution No. 12357, approving special assessments for sanitary sewer line repair or replacement on private property for voluntary program work ordered between January 1, 2024 and August 1, 2025.
Passed 5-0
Learn more about this item
Potential benefit
Allows property owners who sign up for the voluntary program to spread sanitary sewer repair costs over an assessment rather than paying in a lump sum.
Concern to consider
A resident speaking on behalf of Marco Luz raised questions at the hearing about assessment costs, prior payment agreements, and available payment plans or deferrals.
What happens next: Assessments are certified to enrolled properties per the program terms.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 9eApproved
Assessment of Delinquent Utility Accounts and Other Charges
Council adopted Resolution No. 12358, authorizing certification to property taxes of unpaid water, sanitary sewer, storm water, and street light charges, along with false alarm charges, weed eradication charges, public health/safety hazard charges, and vacant property registration fees.
Passed 5-0
Learn more about this item
Potential benefit
Provides a formal collection mechanism for a range of unpaid city charges and fees, ensuring city services are funded.
Concern to consider
Residents like Linda Muinch reported ongoing incorrect waste/utility billing that the City had not resolved despite prior complaints.
What happens next: Charges are certified to the county auditor for collection with property taxes.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 12aApproved
Appointment of Youth Commissioners
Council approved the appointment of Jaily Portales to the Advisory Board of Health and Karmen Melnichuk to the Arts Commission as youth commissioners.
Passed 5-0
Learn more about this item
Potential benefit
Gives young Richfield residents a formal voice on city advisory boards.
Concern to consider
No specific downside noted.
What happens next: New youth commissioners begin serving on their respective boards.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 12bApproved
Wood Lake Nature Center Interpretive Exhibits Agreements
Council approved a $354,658 agreement with the Science Museum of Minnesota and a $354,500 agreement with Blue Rhino, both for fabrication and installation of interpretive exhibits at the new Wood Lake Nature Center Building, for a jointly bid total project cost of $709,158.
Passed 5-0
Learn more about this item
Key figure: $354,658 — Science Museum of Minnesota contract for Wood Lake Nature Center exhibits
Potential benefit
Funds new educational, interpretive exhibits at the Wood Lake Nature Center, a $709,158 total investment in a community nature and education facility.
Concern to consider
Represents a significant capital expenditure that could factor into future budget or facility fee decisions.
What happens next: Science Museum of Minnesota and Blue Rhino proceed with fabrication and installation of the exhibits.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗