Work SessionItem 2.aOutcome pendingYour input welcome
Section 8 Discrimination Prohibition Policy Discussion
Council Member Burk proposed an ordinance, similar to Minneapolis's 2017 rule upheld by the Minnesota Supreme Court in the July 2025 Fletcher Properties case, to prohibit landlords from denying prospective tenants based on Section 8 voucher status. Council was divided on whether to extend the current temporary emergency pre-eviction notice protection ordinance or let it expire, and ultimately directed staff to gather additional landlord and tenant feedback before making a permanent decision on both the pre-eviction notice policy and Section 8 nondiscrimination rules, allowing the existing emergency ordinance to expire per the staff-suggested timeline.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
A future nondiscrimination ordinance could expand the range of rental units available to Section 8 voucher holders across more areas of Richfield.
Concern to consider
The current emergency pre-eviction notice ordinance will be allowed to expire while staff gathers more input, potentially reducing existing tenant protections in the interim.
What happens next: Staff will pursue additional landlord and tenant feedback during winter 2026-27 before bringing forward any permanent Section 8 nondiscrimination or pre-eviction notice policy changes; the current emergency ordinance will be allowed to expire per the staff-suggested timeline.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6aDiscussed
Proclamation Celebrating Arab American Heritage Month
The Richfield City Council proclaimed April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month, recognizing the contributions of more than 3.5 million Arab Americans nationally following a supporting recommendation from the Richfield Human Rights Commission at its March 3rd meeting. The proclamation is symbolic and carries no funding or regulatory changes.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
A symbolic city recognition that highlights inclusion and diversity in Richfield without any tax or policy impact.
Concern to consider
None; the proclamation has no budgetary or regulatory effect.
What happens next: No further Council action is required; the proclamation stands as an official city recognition.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6bDiscussed
Proclamation Celebrating Earth Day
The Council proclaimed Earth Day 2026, a symbolic recognition encouraging environmental awareness and stewardship among Richfield residents. The action involves no funding or new regulations.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Raises community awareness of environmental issues and city sustainability efforts.
Concern to consider
None; purely a ceremonial declaration.
What happens next: No further Council action required.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6cDiscussed
Proclamation Celebrating Arbor Day
The Council proclaimed Arbor Day 2026 in Richfield, a symbolic recognition promoting tree planting and urban forestry awareness with no associated funding or ordinance changes.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Promotes awareness of the value of trees and city tree-planting programs.
Concern to consider
None; a ceremonial action only.
What happens next: No further Council action required.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6dDiscussed
Presentation of the 2025 Food Safety Awards
The Council recognized local food establishments with the 2025 Food Safety Awards, honoring businesses that met high food safety standards during city health inspections.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Highlights restaurants and food businesses maintaining strong food safety practices, informing residents' dining choices.
Concern to consider
None; a recognition event with no cost or regulatory change.
What happens next: No further Council action required.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7aApproved
Approval of Disbursements/Claims
The Council approved routine city disbursements and claims covering bills, contracts, and payroll obligations as part of the April 14 consent calendar.
per the meeting record — vote tally not extracted
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Potential benefit
Ensures city vendors, contractors, and employees are paid on time, keeping city services running smoothly.
Concern to consider
Routine spending approvals receive limited individual scrutiny since they are bundled in the consent calendar.
What happens next: No further Council action needed; claims are paid per approved schedule.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7a (Mar. 24)Approved
Approval of Disbursements/Claims (March 24)
The Council approved $3,432,125.76 in city disbursements for the period, including $2,372,145.26 in A/P checks and EFTs and $1,059,980.50 in payroll, as part of the March 24 consent calendar.
Passed 5-0
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Key figure: $3,432,125.76 — Total March 24 disbursements approved, including A/P checks/EFTs of $2,372,145.26 and payroll of $1,059,980.50
Potential benefit
Ensures timely payment of city bills, contracts, and employee payroll, keeping city operations running.
Concern to consider
Routine disbursements receive limited individual line-item scrutiny under the consent calendar process.
What happens next: Claims are paid per the approved schedule; no further action required.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7bApproved
Stormwater Construction and Maintenance Agreement with Woodlawn Terrace Cooperative
The Council approved a stormwater construction and maintenance agreement with Woodlawn Terrace Cooperative, located at 7421 Lyndale Avenue South, establishing responsibilities for upkeep of stormwater infrastructure serving the property.
per the meeting record — vote tally not extracted
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Potential benefit
Clarifies maintenance responsibilities to help prevent local flooding and drainage issues near the property.
Concern to consider
Cooperative residents and the city share ongoing maintenance obligations, which could involve future costs.
What happens next: The agreement takes effect upon execution by the Mayor and City Manager.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7b (Mar. 24)Approved
Agreement with Richfield Leadership Network for Social Services
The Council approved an agreement with the nonprofit Richfield Leadership Network to provide social services to city residents. Council clarified the agreement includes $5,000-$10,000 in funding intended for tow fee reimbursement to help residents affected by city snow removal and parking enforcement towing.
Passed 5-0
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Key figure: $5,000-$10,000 — Funding range for tow fee reimbursement assistance under the Richfield Leadership Network agreement
Potential benefit
Provides financial assistance to residents facing towing costs from city snow removal and parking enforcement, funded between $5,000 and $10,000.
Concern to consider
Some residents, per Open Forum comments, raised concerns about using taxpayer funds for reimbursement programs rather than requiring stricter budget limits.
What happens next: The agreement takes effect upon execution by the Mayor and City Manager.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7cApproved
2026 Sanitary Sewer Lining (CIPP) Project Contract with Visu-Sewer
The Council approved a $790,929.60 contract with Visu-Sewer for the 2026 Sanitary Sewer Lining Cured-in-Place-Pipe project, which rehabilitates aging sewer pipes without full excavation, and authorized the City Manager to approve additional contract changes up to $175,000 without further Council review.
per the meeting record — vote tally not extracted
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Key figure: $790,929.60 — Contract awarded to Visu-Sewer for the 2026 Sanitary Sewer Lining CIPP Project
Potential benefit
Extends the life of aging sanitary sewer pipes citywide, reducing risk of sewer backups and costly emergency repairs.
Concern to consider
Authorizing up to $175,000 in additional contract changes without Council review reduces oversight on cost increases.
What happens next: Construction proceeds under the contract terms; the City Manager may approve changes up to $175,000 without additional Council votes.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7c (Mar. 24)Approved
DNR Local Trail Connections Program Grant Application - Nine Mile Creek Trail to Southdale Library
The Council approved Resolution No. 2026-12417 authorizing Recreation Services staff to apply for a Minnesota DNR Local Trail Connections Program grant to connect the Nine Mile Creek Trail to the Southdale Library through Adams Hill Park, and authorized staff to execute a grant agreement and proceed with construction if awarded.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Could bring state grant funding to build a new pedestrian trail connection improving access between a park, trail, and library for a densely populated neighborhood.
Concern to consider
The project depends on grant award; no guaranteed funding yet, and construction timing is uncertain.
What happens next: Staff will submit the grant application to the Minnesota DNR; if awarded, staff will execute the grant agreement and proceed with the trail connection project.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7dApproved
2026 Mill and Overlay Project Contract with GMH Asphalt Corporation
The Council approved a contract with GMH Asphalt Corporation to perform the city's 2026 Mill and Overlay street resurfacing project, repaving deteriorated street surfaces in Richfield.
per the meeting record — vote tally not extracted
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Potential benefit
Improves road conditions and driving safety on streets scheduled for resurfacing this year.
Concern to consider
Construction activity may cause temporary traffic disruptions in affected areas.
What happens next: Construction schedules will be announced as the project begins.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7d (Mar. 24)Approved
Stormwater Maintenance Agreement with Best Buy Company, Inc.
The Council approved a stormwater maintenance agreement with Best Buy Company, Inc., authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to execute the agreement governing stormwater infrastructure responsibilities on Best Buy's Richfield property.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Clarifies stormwater maintenance responsibilities at a major corporate property, helping manage drainage and flood risk.
Concern to consider
None significant; a routine maintenance agreement.
What happens next: The agreement takes effect upon execution by the Mayor and City Manager.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7eApproved
Resolution Prohibiting On-Street Parking on Nicollet Avenue (CSAH 52)
The Council approved a resolution prohibiting on-street parking along County State Aid Highway 52 (Nicollet Avenue) between 77th Street and 66th Street, a roadway safety measure aligned with county road standards.
per the meeting record — vote tally not extracted
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Potential benefit
Improves traffic flow and safety along a busy county highway corridor.
Concern to consider
Removes available on-street parking for residents and businesses along this stretch of Nicollet Avenue.
What happens next: Parking restriction signage will be installed per the resolution.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7e (Mar. 24)Approved
Contract Renewal with ADESA Minneapolis for Vehicle Auctions
The Council approved a 2026 contract renewal with ADESA Minneapolis to continue auctioning vehicles forfeited through Public Safety and Police Department operations.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Generates city revenue through the sale of forfeited vehicles and maintains an established auction process.
Concern to consider
None significant; a routine annual contract renewal.
What happens next: The contract renewal takes effect for 2026 vehicle auctions.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7fApproved
Approval of the Updated Climate Action Plan
The Council approved an updated Climate Action Plan setting goals and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and guiding sustainability initiatives across Richfield.
per the meeting record — vote tally not extracted
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Potential benefit
Sets a roadmap for city sustainability efforts that could include energy efficiency, transportation, and waste reduction programs.
Concern to consider
Implementation of plan goals may require future funding or policy changes affecting residents and businesses.
What happens next: City staff will begin implementing plan strategies, with specific programs brought to Council as they are developed.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 12aApproved
Confirmation of Kate Croteau as Human Resources Director
The Council confirmed the appointment of Kate Croteau as the City of Richfield's Human Resources Director, effective May 18, 2026.
per the meeting record — vote tally not extracted
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Potential benefit
Fills a key city leadership position responsible for staff hiring, employee relations, and workplace policy.
Concern to consider
None specific; a standard personnel appointment.
What happens next: Croteau begins her role as HR Director on May 18, 2026.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 12a (Mar. 24)Approved
Correction to Advisory Board of Health Appointment: Erik Porter
The Council corrected an administrative error by removing alternate commissioner Jacob Peterson from the Advisory Board of Health and appointing Erik Porter to the Board, effective March 24, 2026 through January 31, 2027.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Corrects a prior administrative error to ensure the Advisory Board of Health has its proper appointed commissioner.
Concern to consider
None significant; a routine correction to a governance appointment.
What happens next: Erik Porter begins serving on the Advisory Board of Health immediately, with term expiring January 31, 2027.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 12b (Mar. 24)Approved
Appointment of Jacob Peterson to the Planning Commission
The Council appointed Jacob Peterson to fill a vacant seat on the Planning Commission, effective March 24, 2026 through January 31, 2027.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Fills a vacant seat on the Planning Commission, ensuring the body responsible for land use and development decisions is fully staffed.
Concern to consider
None significant; a routine appointment.
What happens next: Jacob Peterson begins serving on the Planning Commission immediately, with term expiring January 31, 2027.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilDiscussed
Utility Rate Study and Financial Analysis for Infrastructure Renewal Planning
At the March 24 work session, HDR Rate Analyst Shawn Koorn presented a 10-year utility rate study through 2035 assuming 4% inflation, finding a significant funding gap in the water utility while sewer and stormwater funds remain financially stable. Council reached consensus to maintain the current rate structure with proportional increases across residential, multifamily, and commercial customers, with further equity analysis planned before any 2027 rate changes.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Key figure: 4% — Annual inflation assumption used in the 10-year utility rate study through 2035
Potential benefit
Informs planning to keep water, sewer, and stormwater rates stable and cost-based while addressing a funding gap in the water utility.
Concern to consider
A significant funding gap in the water utility could lead to future rate increases starting as early as 2027.
What happens next: A detailed rate presentation is planned for the August Utility Rates Work Session, with additional sessions possible before implementation in 2027.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗