Work SessionItem 2aOutcome pending
Council Code of Conduct Review
Council and staff reviewed the city's existing code of conduct, focusing on expectations for council roles, communication, and professional standards. Council directed staff to continue reviewing and refining the code as needed, with no formal vote taken.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
A clearer code of conduct can lead to more professional, respectful, and predictable interactions at public council meetings.
Concern to consider
Because the review is ongoing with no finalized changes, residents don't yet know what specific new standards will be adopted.
What happens next: Council and staff will continue reviewing and refining the code of conduct; any formal changes would need to be brought back for Council consideration.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6aDiscussed
Proclamation Celebrating Arab American Heritage Month
Mayor Supple read and presented a proclamation celebrating Arab American Heritage Month to Richfield School Board Member Callmie Dennis and Richfield Schools Director of Student Support Services Christina Gonzalez at the April 14, 2026 meeting.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Publicly honors Richfield's Arab American community and its contributions to civic life.
Concern to consider
The proclamation is symbolic and creates no new city programs or funding.
What happens next: No further action required; the proclamation was presented and adopted.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6bDiscussed
Proclamation Celebrating Earth Day
Mayor Supple read and presented a proclamation celebrating Earth Day to Richfield Recreation Director Karl Huemiller at the April 14, 2026 meeting, highlighting city sustainability efforts.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Recognizes Earth Day and highlights city environmental and sustainability efforts, including upcoming volunteer activities noted by Council Member Coleman-Woods.
Concern to consider
No new funding or regulation accompanies the proclamation.
What happens next: No further action required; the proclamation was presented and adopted.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6cDiscussed
Proclamation Celebrating Arbor Day
Mayor Supple read and presented a proclamation celebrating Arbor Day to Richfield Recreation Director Karl Huemiller at the April 14, 2026 meeting, recognizing the city's tree-planting and urban forestry efforts.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Recognizes the city's tree-planting and urban forestry efforts.
Concern to consider
No new funding or regulation accompanies the proclamation.
What happens next: No further action required; the proclamation was presented and adopted.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6dDiscussed
Presentation of the 2025 Food Safety Awards
Support Services Manager Jennifer Anderson presented the city's 2025 Food Safety Awards, a program established in 2006 that evaluates restaurants on risk management, employee health policies, and training. Broadway Pizza won in the full-service category and Five Guys won in the fast-food category.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Recognizes Broadway Pizza and Five Guys for excellence in food safety, reflecting the city's inspection program established in 2006.
Concern to consider
The presentation is recognition-only and does not change food safety regulations for other establishments.
What happens next: No further action required; awards were presented.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7aApproved
Approve Disbursements/Claims ($4,489,623.91) - April 14 Meeting
The Council approved $4,489,623.91 in disbursements and payroll, including $1,941,220.34 in A/P checks/EFTs, $1,136,746.51 in payroll dated March 27, and $1,411,657.06 in payroll dated April 10, 2026, which included April health insurance premiums.
Passed 5-0
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Key figure: $4,489,623.91 — Total disbursements and payroll approved, including April 2026 health insurance premiums
Potential benefit
Ensures $4,489,623.91 in vendor payments and payroll, including April health insurance premiums, were paid on schedule to keep city operations running.
Concern to consider
Represents a large recurring taxpayer-funded expenditure with limited line-item detail provided in the public agenda.
What happens next: Payments were disbursed as approved; no further action required.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7bApproved
Stormwater Construction and Maintenance Agreement - 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 stormwater infrastructure at the property.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Establishes a formal agreement governing construction and ongoing maintenance of stormwater infrastructure at Woodlawn Terrace Cooperative.
Concern to consider
Places specific maintenance obligations on the cooperative property, which could carry future compliance costs for the property owner.
What happens next: The agreement took effect upon approval; no further Council action required.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7cApproved
Contract Award to Visu-Sewer for 2026 Sanitary Sewer Lining (CIPP) Project
The Council approved a $790,929.60 contract with Visu-Sewer for the 2026 Sanitary Sewer Lining Cured-in-Place-Pipe Project and authorized the City Manager to approve contract changes up to $175,000 without further Council review.
Passed 5-0
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Key figure: $790,929.60 — Contract award for 2026 Sanitary Sewer Lining CIPP Project
Potential benefit
Funds $790,929.60 in sanitary sewer lining work to repair aging pipes without full excavation, reducing risk of sewer backups.
Concern to consider
Grants the City Manager authority to approve up to $175,000 in additional contract changes without further Council review.
What happens next: Construction proceeds under the approved contract; the City Manager may approve changes up to $175,000 without further Council action.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7dApproved
Contract Award to GMH Asphalt Corporation for 2026 Mill and Overlay Project
The Council approved a contract with GMH Asphalt Corporation for the 2026 Mill and Overlay street resurfacing project as part of the city's annual street maintenance program.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Funds street resurfacing work through GMH Asphalt Corporation as part of the 2026 street maintenance program, improving road quality citywide.
Concern to consider
Contract amount and specific streets were not detailed in the available minutes.
What happens next: Resurfacing work proceeds under the approved contract per the 2026 construction schedule.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7eApproved
Resolution No. 2026-12418: On-Street Parking Prohibition on Nicollet Avenue (CSAH 52)
The Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-12418 prohibiting on-street parking on County State Aid Highway 52 (Nicollet Avenue) from 77th Street to 66th Street. The change takes effect after construction and new signage are complete, with the 77th-to-70th Street segment under construction first and the remaining segment following the next year.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Improves traffic flow and safety on Nicollet Avenue between 77th and 66th Streets, coordinated with planned road construction.
Concern to consider
Removes on-street parking option for residents and businesses along the affected stretch of Nicollet Avenue.
What happens next: Parking restrictions take effect after construction and new signage are installed, starting with 77th to 70th Street in year one and the remaining segment the following year.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 7fApproved
Approval of Updated Climate Action Plan
The Council approved the updated citywide Climate Action Plan as part of the April 14, 2026 consent calendar, guiding Richfield's future sustainability and emissions-reduction efforts.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Adopts an updated citywide Climate Action Plan guiding Richfield's future sustainability and emissions-reduction efforts.
Concern to consider
Specific new targets, costs, or programs in the updated plan were not detailed in the available minutes.
What happens next: The updated plan takes effect immediately; implementation details will follow through future budgets and programs.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8aOutcome pending
Approve Disbursements/Claims (April 28 Consent Calendar)
The Council was asked to approve routine city disbursements and claims as part of the April 28, 2026 consent calendar; no specific dollar total was listed in the agenda materials for this batch.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
Ensures the city's bills, vendor payments, and payroll are paid on schedule, keeping operations and services running.
Concern to consider
The agenda did not disclose a specific dollar total for this particular disbursement batch.
What happens next: Council was scheduled to vote on the consent calendar, including this item, at the April 28, 2026 meeting.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8bOutcome pending
Contract Award to Concrete Idea, Inc. for Sheridan Hills Elementary Safe Routes to School Sidewalk Project
The Council considered awarding a $429,153.25 contract to Concrete Idea, Inc. for the Safe Routes to School Sheridan Hills Elementary sidewalk project, with authority for the City Manager to approve additional contract changes up to $175,000 without further Council review.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Key figure: $429,153.25 — Contract award for Sheridan Hills Elementary Safe Routes to School sidewalk project
Potential benefit
Funds a $429,153.25 sidewalk project near Sheridan Hills Elementary intended to improve student and pedestrian safety on school walking routes.
Concern to consider
Grants the City Manager authority to approve up to $175,000 in additional contract changes without further Council review or public input.
What happens next: Council was scheduled to vote on awarding the contract at the April 28, 2026 meeting.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8cOutcome pending
Resolution for Bond Proceeds Reimbursement - Penn Avenue (CSAH 32) Reconstruction Project
The Council considered a resolution authorizing reimbursement of certain project expenditures from proceeds of street reconstruction and utility bonds to be issued for the Penn Avenue (CSAH 32) Reconstruction Project, a standard bond financing mechanism.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
Allows the city to reimburse itself from upcoming bond proceeds for costs already spent on the Penn Avenue reconstruction, keeping the project financing on track.
Concern to consider
Commits the city to issuing additional street reconstruction and utility bonds, typically repaid through property taxes and utility rates.
What happens next: Council was scheduled to vote on the resolution at the April 28, 2026 meeting.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8dOutcome pending
MnDOT Agreement No. 1062789 for Sheridan Hills Safe Routes to School Project
The Council considered authorizing execution of a Minnesota Department of Transportation agreement to disburse state general obligation bond funds supporting the Sheridan Hills Safe Routes to School project.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
Secures state general obligation bond funding to help pay for the Sheridan Hills Safe Routes to School project, reducing the local cost burden.
Concern to consider
Ties the project to state agreement terms and reporting requirements under MnDOT Agreement No. 1062789.
What happens next: Council was scheduled to vote on authorizing the agreement at the April 28, 2026 meeting.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8eOutcome pending
Encroachment Agreement with Herspace, LLC at 6440 Nicollet Avenue
The Council considered an Encroachment Agreement with Herspace, LLC allowing the property owner at 6440 Nicollet Avenue to keep an existing private parking lot and commercial sign within the public right-of-way.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
Formally allows the property owner at 6440 Nicollet Avenue to legally keep an existing parking lot and sign that extend into public right-of-way, avoiding removal costs.
Concern to consider
Sets a precedent for private use of public right-of-way, which could complicate future street or utility work in that area.
What happens next: Council was scheduled to vote on the agreement at the April 28, 2026 meeting.
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 Human Resources Director for the City of Richfield, effective May 18, 2026, following the elevation of the HR Director position and a competitive candidate search.
Passed 5-0
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Potential benefit
Confirms Kate Croteau as Richfield's Human Resources Director effective May 18, 2026, following the elevation of the position and a competitive candidate search.
Concern to consider
No public concerns were raised, though the appointment is an internal personnel decision made without direct resident input.
What happens next: Kate Croteau begins as Human Resources Director on May 18, 2026.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilOutcome pending
Work Session Discussion: Kratom Policy
The Council discussed potential future regulation of kratom, an increasingly available but currently unregulated substance sold locally in natural and synthetic forms. Staff said the Advisory Board of Health will conduct further review, with policy consideration anticipated in early 2027.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
City is examining regulation of kratom to address health and youth-access concerns before drafting any ordinance.
Concern to consider
No policy will be considered until early 2027, meaning kratom remains unregulated in Richfield for now.
What happens next: The Advisory Board of Health will conduct further review, with policy consideration anticipated in early 2027.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilOutcome pending
Work Session Discussion: Gun Safety Policy
The Council discussed potential local gun safety options in response to recent community impacts, including the Annunciation Catholic Church shooting. The City Prosecuting Attorney advised that state preemption currently bars Richfield from enacting stricter firearm laws than state law and that local ordinances would likely face legal challenges.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
Council explored possible local gun safety options, including restrictions in public buildings, despite legal limits.
Concern to consider
State preemption currently prevents Richfield from enacting or enforcing any stricter local gun laws.
What happens next: Staff will provide additional information to Council at a future work session.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilOutcome pending
Work Session Discussion: Long-Term Sidewalk and Street Design Policy
Council Member Hayford Oleary proposed a long-term '100-year vision' sidewalk and street design policy incorporating sidewalks, traffic calming, and safer street design into future reconstruction projects, especially near residential areas and school zones. Council supported a network-based pedestrian plan and directed staff to set minimum goals before addressing funding.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
Supports developing a long-term, citywide sidewalk network plan that would build sidewalks and traffic calming into future street reconstruction.
Concern to consider
No funding strategy has been set yet, and full buildout could require significant future infrastructure and maintenance costs.
What happens next: Staff will develop minimum policy goals, with funding strategies addressed in future planning and budget processes.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗
City CouncilOutcome pending
Work Session Discussion: Section 8 Discrimination Prohibition Policy
Council Member Burk proposed an ordinance prohibiting Richfield landlords from discriminating against prospective tenants using Section 8 housing vouchers, tied to the city's 'Bring It Home' program. Council was divided on whether to let the current emergency pre-eviction protection ordinance expire or extend it, directing staff to gather more landlord and tenant feedback before a permanent decision.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
Would prohibit landlords from refusing tenants who use Section 8 vouchers, expanding housing options for voucher holders through the 'Bring It Home' program.
Concern to consider
Council remained divided on letting the current emergency pre-eviction protection ordinance expire, creating uncertainty for tenants and landlords.
What happens next: Staff will gather additional landlord and tenant feedback before Council considers permanent pre-eviction notice and Section 8 policy changes; the current emergency ordinance is set to expire.
Sources: City Council agenda (city portal) ↗