Mayor Supple read a proclamation declaring June 19, 2026 as Juneteenth Freedom Day in Richfield, marking the 1865 end of slavery and the city's commitment to addressing systemic racism. Human Rights Commission Liaison Council Member Burk received the proclamation on behalf of the city.
Mayor Supple proclaimed June 9, 2026 as Ava Wiederholt Day, honoring the 17-year-old Richfield resident and gymnast who won a state gold medal and qualified for the USA Special Olympics Games at the University of Minnesota, held June 20-26, 2026.
The Council approved disbursements totaling $4,901,968.12 through the Consent Calendar, including $3,530,526.30 in accounts payable checks/ETFs from May 15-29, 2026, and $1,371,441.82 in payroll dated June 5, 2026, which includes June 2026 health insurance premiums.
Professional Services Agreement with TC2 for 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update
The Council approved a not-to-exceed $149,930 contract with TC2 (partnering with HKGi, Humanize MN, and Zan Associates) to lead Richfield's state-mandated 2050 Comprehensive Plan update, due to the Metropolitan Council by December 31, 2028. Engagement will prioritize outreach to young people, Latinx residents, and other underrepresented groups, with the bulk of public engagement occurring in 2027.
Key figure: $149,930 — Not-to-exceed contract cost with TC2 for the Comprehensive Plan update
Potential benefit
Shapes the city's land use, housing, transportation, and parks policy direction for the next decade through a community-driven process.
Concern to consider
Costs the city roughly $150,000 and won't produce a finalized plan or concrete changes until close to 2028.
What happens next: The Comprehensive Plan process is expected to kick off later in 2026, with the bulk of public engagement happening in 2027 and a six-month adjacent jurisdiction review before the December 31, 2028 submission deadline.
Resolution Supporting Hosting a Minnesota GreenCorps Member
The Council adopted Resolution 12426 supporting Richfield's selection to host a Minnesota GreenCorps member, a state environmental service position that will work on city sustainability initiatives.
Brings a dedicated environmental service member to support city sustainability projects at no direct cost increase described in the minutes.
Concern to consider
Specific project scope and budget details for the GreenCorps placement were not detailed in the resolution.
What happens next: The GreenCorps member will begin their service placement with the city; specific project assignments were not detailed in the minutes.
Active Transportation Grant Agreements with the Metropolitan Council
The Council adopted Resolution 12427 authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to execute two Active Transportation Grant Agreements with the Metropolitan Council, securing funding to support bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects in Richfield.
Policy for Use of 4d(1) Tax Classification for Affordable Housing
The Council adopted Resolution 12428 approving a policy governing use of the 4d(1) tax classification, directing it be used only as a last resort after other funding sources are exhausted, with priority given to preserving existing affordable housing. For new construction, 4d(1) will only be applied when a project meets City priorities and is financially beneficial to the City.
Creates a clear framework balancing affordable housing preservation with protecting the broader property tax base.
Concern to consider
The policy is a decision-making framework, not direct funding, so it doesn't immediately create new affordable units.
What happens next: City staff and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority Commission will apply this policy when evaluating future affordable housing requests involving the 4d(1) classification.
18-Day Early Voting Period and Absentee Ballot Board Appointments for 2026 Elections
The Council adopted Resolution 12429 establishing an 18-day in-person early voting period, rather than a newly allowed 46-day option under state legislation passed May 15, 2026, for the August 11, 2026 primary and November 3, 2026 general elections. It also appointed Hennepin County as the primary absentee ballot board and established a City absentee ballot board for election days and as needed during the 46-day absentee voting window.
Maintains voter access through mail, online requests, Hennepin County Government Center, and City Hall drop-off while reducing city administrative workload and cost.
Concern to consider
Residents who prefer a longer 46-day in-person early voting window will have fewer walk-in days (18 instead of 46) to vote in person.
What happens next: The City will implement the 18-day early voting administration process and absentee ballot boards for the August 11, 2026 primary and November 3, 2026 general election.
Council Discussion: Hats Off to Hometown Hits and Liaison Reports
Council members shared community updates, including appreciation for 2026 graduating seniors, notice that the Richfield Pool at Veterans Park opens Friday, June 12, 2026, thanks to Pizza Lucé for its annual bike tour that drew over 100 bicycles to the Richfield location, and an invitation to the Summer Kickoff event at the Municipal Center and Heredia Park, featuring a State of the Community address.
Informs residents of upcoming community events including the pool opening and Summer Kickoff event.
Concern to consider
No formal Council action or funding decision was made during this discussion.
What happens next: The Richfield Pool opened June 12, 2026, and the Summer Kickoff event will proceed as planned at the Municipal Center and Heredia Park.
Closed Session: City Manager Performance Evaluation
The Council recessed into closed session at 7:32 p.m. under Minnesota Statutes section 13D.05, subd. 3(a), to conduct a performance evaluation of City Manager Katie Rodriguez, reconvening the regular meeting at 9:13 p.m. A second closed-session evaluation meeting was scheduled for June 16, 2026, with a public summary to be provided at the June 23, 2026 regular Council meeting.
Ensures the City Manager's performance is formally reviewed, with a public summary promised at the June 23, 2026 meeting for transparency.
Concern to consider
Details of the evaluation itself remain confidential under state law during the closed session.
What happens next: A second closed-session evaluation meeting is scheduled for June 16, 2026, with a public summary of the performance evaluation to be shared at the June 23, 2026 regular Council meeting.