Work SessionItem 2.a.Outcome pending
Discuss the Draft Request for Proposals for a Consultant to Assist with the 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update
The Council reviewed a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) to hire a consulting firm to help draft Richfield's 2050 Comprehensive Plan, a state-mandated update due to the Metropolitan Council by December 31, 2028. The City has budgeted $120,000 for the plan, which will focus land-use changes on the I-494 and Cedar Avenue corridors while covering housing, transportation, climate, and other required elements. No formal action was taken; staff was directed to revise the RFP based on Council feedback before release.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Key figure: $120,000 — Budgeted by the Community Development Department for preparation of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan, covering the required decennial update mandated by the Metropolitan Council.
Potential benefit
The 2050 Comprehensive Plan will shape zoning, housing supply, transportation, and infrastructure decisions across Richfield for the next decade, including planned growth near I-494 and Cedar Avenue.
Concern to consider
Because this is only an early planning-process discussion, residents won't see concrete zoning or infrastructure changes for years, and the $120,000 consultant budget could grow once a contract is negotiated.
What happens next: Staff will revise the RFP based on Council feedback, release it through the League of Minnesota Cities and American Planning Association, review consultant proposals in March, and bring a consultant contract to the Council for approval in April, with plan completion targeted for mid-2028.
Sources: Work Session minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 2aOutcome pending
Work Session Review: Fleet Electrification Analysis
Sustainability Coordinator Lindholm presented findings from a fleet electrification study by Sawatch Labs (October 2024-January 2025), which evaluated 68 of the city's 254 vehicles and identified 24 light-duty vehicles as strong candidates for conversion to battery electric vehicles, estimating about $140,000 in savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The Council expressed general support for pursuing EV fleet vehicles cautiously, prioritizing detailed financial analysis and a phased infrastructure approach with Level 2 chargers at Public Works and City Hall before committing to purchases.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Key figure: $140,000 — Estimated savings from converting 24 light-duty vehicles to battery electric vehicles
Potential benefit
Converting 24 light-duty city vehicles to electric could save an estimated $140,000 and reduce city greenhouse gas emissions.
Concern to consider
Upfront costs for EV purchases and charging infrastructure, plus uncertainty over financing (lease vs. purchase), could affect the city budget.
What happens next: Staff will conduct a detailed financial and side-by-side cost analysis and a separate study of police vehicles before the Council considers further EV fleet investment.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5Approved
Extension of Open Forum Period and Speaking Time Limit
The Council voted to extend the January 27 Open Forum comment period from 30 to 50 minutes and to extend individual speaking time from three to four minutes to meet an ADA accommodation request. Seventeen residents then addressed the Council, largely about immigration enforcement concerns in Richfield.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Gave more residents, including those needing accommodations, a chance to be heard by the Council.
Concern to consider
Extended forums can lengthen meetings and delay action on other agenda items.
What happens next: Comments raised during Open Forum informed later Council discussion, including the emergency ordinance adopted later in the meeting.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6aDiscussed
Proclamation: Winter Salt Week 2026
Mayor Supple proclaimed January 26-30, 2026 as Winter Salt Week in Richfield, recognizing responsible salt use to protect waterways, and presented the proclamation to Deputy Public Works Director Chris Link.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Raises awareness about reducing excess road salt, which can protect local lakes and groundwater.
Concern to consider
A proclamation carries no funding or enforcement mechanism on its own.
What happens next: No further Council action; the proclamation is symbolic and promotes public awareness.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6bDiscussed
Richfield Foundation Presentation of 2025 Grant Recipients
Richfield Foundation Chair Lindsay Crye presented the Foundation's 2025 grant recipients to the Council, highlighting the volunteer-led nonprofit's nearly 40-year history of funding local nonprofits and neighborhood projects.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Local nonprofits and neighborhood projects receive Foundation grant funding that supports community programs.
Concern to consider
Grant amounts and specific recipients were not detailed in the minutes provided.
What happens next: No Council action required; this was an informational presentation.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7bOutcome pending
Hennepin County Cooperative Agreement for Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction Project
The February 10, 2026 Consent Calendar included a resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to finalize and execute Hennepin County Cooperative Agreement No. PW 22-19-25, covering the 2026-27 Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction Project.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
Formalizes a joint funding and construction agreement with Hennepin County to rebuild Nicollet Avenue, likely improving road conditions, drainage, and safety.
Concern to consider
Reconstruction projects can bring months of construction disruption, detours, and access limitations for nearby residents and businesses.
What happens next: If approved, the city and Hennepin County will proceed with planning and construction on Nicollet Avenue in 2026-27.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7cOutcome pending
Lawful Gambling Premises Permit for Richfield Lions Club at Sandy's Tavern
The February 10, 2026 Consent Calendar included a resolution approving a lawful gambling premises permit allowing the Richfield Lions Club to conduct lawful gambling activities at Sandy's Tavern, 6612 Penn Avenue South.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
Enables the Richfield Lions Club to raise funds through lawful gambling at a local business, supporting the club's community service activities.
Concern to consider
Gambling premises permits can raise concerns among some residents about gambling activity in neighborhood businesses.
What happens next: If approved, the Richfield Lions Club can begin lawful gambling operations at Sandy's Tavern under the permit.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 10aApproved
Emergency Ordinance Limiting Use of City-Owned Property for Civil Immigration Enforcement Staging
The Council adopted Emergency Ordinance 2026-03, prohibiting federal agencies from using city-owned, off-street property such as parking lots to stage civil immigration enforcement activities, except as required by law or judicial warrant. The ordinance took effect immediately but does not restrict on-street parking, public building lobbies, or lawful federal or judicial actions.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Limits ICE and other federal agencies from staging enforcement operations on city-owned lots, responding directly to resident concerns raised during Open Forum about ICE activity in Richfield.
Concern to consider
The ordinance cannot restrict federal enforcement on private property, on-street parking, or inside public building lobbies, so its practical reach is limited.
What happens next: The ordinance is in effect immediately; staff will mark restricted city-controlled spaces accordingly and monitor enforcement of the policy.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 11aApproved
Resolution Ratifying Participation in Municipal Prosecutors' Amicus Curiae Brief
The Council adopted Resolution 12407, ratifying Richfield's participation in a multi-city amicus curiae brief filed by municipal prosecutors. The resolution formalized the city's support for a joint legal position on a matter requiring expedited action.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Allows Richfield to join other cities in a coordinated legal position on a prosecutorial matter, potentially strengthening the city's legal standing.
Concern to consider
The brief's specific subject matter and potential legal or financial implications were not detailed in the minutes provided.
What happens next: The amicus brief participation is finalized; no further Council action is expected on this specific matter.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 12aOutcome pending
Other Business Item (Partial Record)
The January 27, 2026 minutes list an Other Business item beginning 'Consider City Council's...' regarding City Council matters; the remainder of the item text was not captured in the provided record.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
Represents ongoing Council business, though the specific subject was not fully recorded.
Concern to consider
Lack of full detail limits public understanding of this specific action.
What happens next: Any follow-up would appear in subsequent Council meeting records.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗