Work SessionItem 2aDiscussed
Update on Hennepin County's Nicollet Avenue Cost Share
City Engineer Joe Powers updated the council on cost-share negotiations with Hennepin County for the Nicollet Avenue (CSAH 52) reconstruction. The county declined to change its cost-participation policy but re-evaluated project items, cutting the city's share by about $1 million to just under $8.7 million, plus an additional $700,000 in city staff costs. Staff sought council direction to move forward so the county can bid the project in early 2026, warning that delays could raise construction costs and prolong disruption.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Key figure: $8.7 million — Current estimated city cost share owed to Hennepin County for the Nicollet Avenue reconstruction, down about $1 million from the prior $9.28 million estimate
Potential benefit
A reconstructed Nicollet Avenue means safer, more reliable roads and updated utilities for years to come.
Concern to consider
Richfield taxpayers are on the hook for nearly $8.7 million plus $700,000 in staff costs, and construction disruption is expected in 2026-2027.
What happens next: Staff will work to finalize a cooperative construction agreement with Hennepin County so the county can advertise the project for bids in early 2026, with construction expected in 2026-2027.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 2bOutcome pending
Consider Richfield's Proposed 2026 Legislative Priorities
The council reviewed and reached consensus on the city's top four proposed 2026 legislative priorities: making 4d(1) affordable housing aid permanent, repealing or modifying a 2024 law restricting rental licensing for group assisted-living facilities, supporting stronger state gun-violence legislation, and reducing local financial obligations for county/state projects. Council also backed two bonding requests: $10 million for the Nicollet Avenue project and $2.5 million for a Richfield-Minneapolis emergency water interconnect. The full priority list will be formally adopted at the December 9, 2025 council meeting.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
These priorities shape what Richfield asks state and federal lawmakers to fund or change, potentially bringing in millions for local infrastructure and protecting renter and public-safety programs.
Concern to consider
None of these are guaranteed outcomes; they are advocacy positions requiring action by the state legislature or Congress, and some priorities (like gun restrictions in city spaces) could be contested.
What happens next: The final legislative priorities list will be brought back to the City Council for formal adoption at the December 9, 2025 meeting, then presented to elected representatives at the annual legislative breakfast on January 15, 2026.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
Special MeetingItem 2.a.Approved
Truth in Taxation Public Hearing: 2026 Property Tax Levy, 2025 Revised/2026 Proposed Budget, and Proposed 2026 Utility Rates
The Council held the statutory Truth in Taxation hearing on the proposed 2026 gross tax levy of $31,749,380 (a 6.16% increase over 2025) and the $35,134,115 General Fund budget. Six residents testified about property tax increases ranging from 8% to 54% on individual statements over recent years, and raised concerns about short-term rental fees and affordability. The Council voted 5-0 to close the hearing and voted 5-0 to schedule final adoption of the levy, budget, and utility rates for December 9, 2025.
Passed 5-0
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Key figure: $31,749,380 — Preliminary 2026 gross property tax levy, a 6.16% increase over 2025
Potential benefit
The hearing gave residents a formal, recorded opportunity to challenge the 6.16% levy increase and question staffing and spending decisions before the Council's final vote on December 9, 2025.
Concern to consider
The average Richfield home's city tax bill is projected to rise from $1,743 to $1,825 (an $82 increase), and several individual homeowners reported increases as high as 12.9%-23.6% depending on their property valuation changes.
What happens next: The City Council will take final action on the 2026 property tax levy, the 2025 Revised/2026 Proposed Budget, and proposed 2026 utility rates at the regular Council meeting on December 9, 2025. State law requires final adoption of the levy and budget no later than December 29, 2025.
Sources: Special Meeting agenda (city portal) ↗ · Special Meeting minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 1Discussed
Meetings with Applicants for City Advisory Commissions
Council members met individually with over 30 applicants interested in filling open seats on Richfield's advisory boards and commissions, in preparation for making appointments at the Nov. 25, 2025 Council meeting. The work session adjourned by unanimous consent with no formal action taken.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Direct Council interviews help ensure qualified, engaged residents are selected for commission seats.
Concern to consider
The interview process itself does not guarantee representation of all neighborhoods or demographics.
What happens next: Council made appointments to advisory boards and commissions at the Nov. 25, 2025 meeting.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2Discussed
Work Session Discussion on Effective Governance and Strategic Plan
During a Nov. 12, 2025 work session dinner, Council and staff discussed meeting procedures, agenda preparation, and the City's strategic plan, including infrastructure planning, the new GIS position, and short-term rental enforcement challenges. No formal votes were taken; discussion focused on clarifying Council and staff roles and improving resident communication.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Clearer governance procedures could make future Council decisions faster and more transparent for residents.
Concern to consider
No concrete policy changes resulted from this discussion, so residents may not see immediate effects.
What happens next: Staff will incorporate feedback into future agenda preparation and continue strategic plan implementation.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5Discussed
Open Forum: Richfield-Bloomington Jefferson Jaguar Association Update
During open forum, Kevin Klos of the Richfield–Bloomington Jefferson Jaguar Association announced that youth hockey registration remains open with no experience required, and that a grant allows the association to offer registration free of charge this season.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Free youth hockey registration removes a cost barrier for local families this season.
Concern to consider
Program capacity or grant duration were not detailed.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6aDiscussed
Advisory Board of Health Annual Report Presentation
The Advisory Board of Health presented its annual report to the City Council on Nov. 25, 2025, summarizing the board's activities and public health initiatives over the past year.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Keeps residents informed about local public health monitoring and initiatives.
Concern to consider
No specific new funding or program changes were detailed.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6bDiscussed
Planning Commission Annual Report
Planning Commission Chair Eddie Holmvig-Johnson reported on the Commission's 2025 activities at the Nov. 12, 2025 meeting, noting four meetings were canceled due to a lack of pending applications and highlighting the Commission's recommendation to approve the Woodlake Nature Center project.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Residents get insight into land-use review activity, including support for the Woodlake Nature Center project.
Concern to consider
Fewer meetings due to low application volume could reflect slower development activity in the city.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7Approved
Consent Calendar Approval (November 12, 2025 Meeting)
The Council approved a bundled consent calendar including $1,582,529.29 in disbursements and payroll, a resolution supporting ISD #280's Safe Routes to School Comprehensive Plan, setting a Nov. 25, 2025 public hearing for a new liquor license for Brim Restaurant, and an agreement placing an embedded Senior Social Worker with the Police Department through Hennepin County.
Passed 4-0
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Key figure: $1,582,529.29 — Total disbursements and payroll approved for the period
Potential benefit
Includes support for school safety routes and added social work support for seniors interacting with police.
Concern to consider
Bundled approval means individual items receive less individualized public discussion.
What happens next: Public hearing for Brim Restaurant's liquor license held Nov. 25, 2025.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7aOutcome pending
Approval of Disbursements and Claims (November 25, 2025)
The consent calendar included routine approval of the city's outstanding disbursements, claims, and payroll for the period leading up to the Nov. 25, 2025 meeting.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
Ensures vendors and city employees are paid on schedule.
Concern to consider
Specific dollar totals for this date were not detailed in available materials.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7bOutcome pendingYour input welcome
Set Public Hearing for Metro Pawn and Gun 2026 Pawnbroker License Renewal
The Council considered setting a public hearing for Dec. 9, 2025 to review the 2026 renewal of Metro Pawn and Gun, Inc.'s pawnbroker license, which expires Dec. 31, 2025. Scheduling the hearing keeps the renewal process on track to be completed before the new license year begins.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
Timely hearing scheduling avoids licensing gaps for this Richfield business.
Concern to consider
No public feedback opportunity occurs until the Dec. 9 hearing itself.
What happens next: Public hearing scheduled for Dec. 9, 2025 to consider the license renewal.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7cOutcome pending
One-Year Time Extension for Aster Commons Affordable Housing Project
The Council considered a resolution granting a one-year extension of the preliminary plat, site plan, and two variances for Aster Commons, a 38-unit deeply affordable housing development at 6613-6625 Portland Avenue South. The extension moves the construction deadline to Nov. 28, 2026, giving developer Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative more time to secure tax credit funding after already raising nearly $7.8 million.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Key figure: $7.8 million — Funding secured by Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative toward the Aster Commons project
Potential benefit
Preserves progress toward 38 units of deeply affordable housing, including units reserved for neuro-diverse young adults.
Concern to consider
Delays the project's completion by up to another year, extending the wait for needed affordable units.
What happens next: If approved, substantial construction must begin by Nov. 28, 2026.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7dOutcome pending
Sentencing to Service Program Agreement with Hennepin County (2026-2027)
The Council considered renewing its Sentencing to Service Program Services Agreement with Hennepin County for calendar years 2026 and 2027, continuing use of supervised offender work crews for community service tasks in Richfield.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
Provides low-cost labor for city beautification and maintenance tasks through supervised offender crews.
Concern to consider
Program relies on continued participation from Hennepin County's corrections system, which is outside city control.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7eOutcome pending
Forgiveness of $472,170 in Internal Ice Arena Loans
The Council considered forgiving two internal loans made to the Ice Arena totaling $472,170, funded through a transfer from the city's long-term capital reserves. This action would relieve the Ice Arena enterprise fund of the obligation to repay these internal loans.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Key figure: $472,170 — Two internal Ice Arena loans forgiven, funded via transfer from long-term capital reserves
Potential benefit
Improves the Ice Arena's financial standing without raising fees on residents who use the facility.
Concern to consider
Draws $472,170 from the city's long-term capital reserves, reducing funds available for other future capital needs.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7fOutcome pending
Transfer of $1,800,000 from Elections Fund to Long-Term Capital Reserve Fund
The Council considered directing staff to adjust the 2025 Revised Budget to transfer $1,800,000 from the Elections Fund to the Long-term Capital Reserve Fund, designating the balance for future government building capital projects.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Key figure: $1,800,000 — Transferred from the Elections Fund to the Long-term Capital Reserve Fund for future government building projects
Potential benefit
Builds up dedicated funding for future city government building improvements without a new tax levy.
Concern to consider
Repurposes Elections Fund money rather than using it for future election administration costs.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 9aOutcome pendingYour input welcome
Public Hearing on Amendment to 2022 Tax Increment Spending Plan
The Council held a public hearing on Nov. 25, 2025 regarding an amendment to the 2022 Spending Plan for unobligated tax increment funds.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
Reallocating unobligated tax increment could fund additional redevelopment or infrastructure projects.
Concern to consider
Details of how funds would be reallocated were not specified in available materials.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 9bOutcome pendingYour input welcome
Public Hearing on New Liquor License for Brim Restaurant
The Council held a public hearing on Nov. 25, 2025 to consider approving new On-Sale Wine and 3.2 Percent Malt Liquor licenses for Brim 2, LLC, doing business as Brim Restaurant, located at 2910 66th Street West.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
Approval would let a new restaurant serve wine and malt liquor, potentially boosting local dining options.
Concern to consider
Neighbors near 2910 66th Street West may have concerns about noise or parking from a licensed establishment.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 11aOutcome pending
Decertification of Tax Increment Financing District No. 2020-2
The Council considered a resolution decertifying Tax Increment Financing District No. 2020-2, formally ending the district's tax increment collection.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
Decertification returns the district's property tax revenue to the general tax base, potentially benefiting all taxing jurisdictions including schools and the county.
Concern to consider
Ends any remaining TIF-funded improvement capacity for that specific district.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 11bOutcome pending
Decertification of Lyndale Gateway / Interchange West and Urban Village TIF Districts
The Council considered resolutions decertifying the Lyndale Gateway/Interchange West and Urban Village Tax Increment Financing Districts, ending increment collection in those redevelopment areas.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
Returns captured tax value in the Lyndale Gateway, Interchange West, and Urban Village areas to the general tax base.
Concern to consider
Ends any remaining TIF financing tool for further redevelopment in these areas.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 12aOutcome pending
Preliminary Design Layouts for 2026 Sidewalk Projects
The Council considered approval of preliminary design layouts for the city's 2026 sidewalk construction projects. The Transportation Commission previously reviewed and provided feedback on these projects at its November meeting.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
New or improved sidewalks improve pedestrian safety and walkability citywide.
Concern to consider
Specific streets, costs, and construction impacts were not detailed in available materials.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 12bOutcome pending
Appointment of Commissioners to City Advisory Boards and Commissions
The Council considered appointing commissioners to fill open seats on Richfield's advisory boards and commissions, following interviews conducted with over 30 applicants during a Nov. 15, 2025 special work session.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
New appointees bring fresh perspectives to boards shaping planning, civil service, and other city policy areas.
Concern to consider
Not all of the 30+ interviewed applicants could be appointed, given limited open seats.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 12cOutcome pending
Sale of $6,160,000 General Obligation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2025A
The Council considered adopting a resolution awarding the sale of $6,160,000 in General Obligation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2025A, to finance city capital projects.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Key figure: $6,160,000 — General Obligation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2025A, awarded for sale to fund city capital projects
Potential benefit
Bond financing backed by sales tax revenue funds capital projects without directly raising property taxes.
Concern to consider
Issuing $6,160,000 in new debt commits future sales tax revenue to debt service repayment.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 13Discussed
City Manager's Report: Elections and Senate Bonding Tour
City Manager Rodriguez thanked the City Clerk's election staff for a smooth school board election and thanked Council Member Hayford Oleary and Public Works for organizing a Senate bonding tour. Mayor Supple announced the fall food drive running through Nov. 21.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Highlights community programs like the fall food drive that support residents in need.
Concern to consider
No specific results or funding figures for the food drive were reported yet.
What happens next: Results of the fall food drive to be reported at a future meeting.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 14Discussed
Council Discussion: Hometown Hits and Liaison Reports
Council members highlighted the successful opening of the LomaBonita Market, a free legal advice clinic hosted by the Human Rights Commission on Nov. 14, the FOWL benefit event, biweekly fix-it clinics, and Transportation Commission feedback on the 2026 sidewalk projects and Penn Avenue Project Phase 1, with the next Penn Avenue open house set for Nov. 18.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Highlights community resources like free legal clinics and fix-it clinics available to residents.
Concern to consider
These are informal reports without new funding or policy commitments.
What happens next: Next Penn Avenue Project open house held Nov. 18, 2025.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗