Multi-Community Wellhead Protection Plan and Source Water Sustainability Updates
Water Resources Engineer Mattias Oddsson updated the Council on the West Metro Multi-Community Wellhead Protection Plan, whose Part 1 was adopted in spring 2025 and whose Part 2 is being drafted with public hearings expected in November 2026 and MDH approval by February/March 2027. Staff also reported that Richfield sits at the bottom of the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer, giving the city later exposure to groundwater depletion than other communities sharing the same source. No council action was required at this meeting.
Coordinated multi-city planning aims to protect Richfield's drinking water sources from contamination and helps ensure long-term groundwater sustainability, with Richfield's aquifer position giving it a buffer against depletion.
Concern to consider
No immediate action is required, but future vulnerability zone updates could affect what activities (like boulevard rain gardens) or development are allowed in certain areas, and Part 2 of the plan still needs a public hearing and formal adoption.
What happens next: Staff will complete the Potential Contaminant Source Inventory and draft Part 2 plan chapters through September 2026, hold a public hearing in November 2026, submit the final plan to MDH by December 2026, and begin implementation around March 2027 following expected state approval.
Work SessionItem 2.bOutcome pendingYour input welcome
Social Media Comments Discussion
Mayor Mary Supple asked the council to consider eliminating comment sections on the city's Facebook and other social media channels after vitriolic comments followed an April 29, 2026 officer-involved shooting in Richfield. Staff presented pros and cons, noting cities like Bloomington, Rochester, and Golden Valley have already removed comments from some platforms, and that disabling comments would prevent the city from using Facebook Ads or Events, tools heavily used by the Recreation Services department. The council did not take formal action but provided feedback to staff based on the presentation.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
Removing comments could reduce exposure to hate speech and harassment on city posts, similar to steps taken in Bloomington (2023), Rochester (2024), and Golden Valley.
Concern to consider
Removing comments could reduce transparency, eliminate a low-barrier way for residents to ask questions or raise concerns, and disable Facebook Ads/Events used to promote programs like the Farmers Market and Recreation Services.
What happens next: Staff will incorporate council feedback from this discussion into a possible policy recommendation on whether to restrict or eliminate comments on one or more of the city's four social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn).
A Natural Resources Management Plan could guide future conservation, parkland, and environmental stewardship efforts in Richfield, though specific details were not provided in this agenda.
Concern to consider
Without further detail available, residents cannot yet assess specific costs, restrictions, or benefits tied to this plan.
What happens next: No further detail was available; the discussion outcome and any next steps were not documented in the agenda materials.
Professional Services Agreement with GMP Consultants for Summary
The council approved a professional services agreement with GMP Consultants to conduct executive recruitment for Richfield's next city manager, authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to sign the agreement. GMP Consultants was selected following interviews with five search firms during a June 30, 2026 special meeting.
Proclamation Celebrating the Passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Mayor Supple proclaimed July 2026 as Americans with Disabilities Act Awareness Month in Richfield, recognizing that approximately 8.4% of Richfield residents have disabilities and highlighting City programs like the Adaptive Recreation & Learning Exchange Cooperative. Human Rights Commissioner Tim Garvey accepted the proclamation on behalf of the community.
The Council approved payment of city bills and payroll totaling $5,327,707.98, covering accounts payable checks and electronic transfers from June 15 through July 3, 2026 ($3,836,047.89) and payroll for July 2, 2026 including July health insurance premiums ($1,491,660.09).
First Amendment to Cannabis and Substance Use Prevention (CSUP) Agreement with Bloomington Public Health
The Council approved extending Richfield's substance-use prevention services agreement with Bloomington Public Health through June 30, 2028, increasing the total contract amount by $181,130 to a not-to-exceed total of $270,909. The funding supports cannabis and substance-use education, prevention, and policy work in Richfield, with Richfield paying 31% of shared regional program costs.
Second Reading: Ordinance Amending Subsection 840.11 Pertaining to Alcohol in City Parks
The Council adopted Bill 2026-06 and Resolution 12440, updating City Code Subsection 840.11 to allow alcoholic beverages under 17% at the Richfield Ice Arena, at City-sponsored events, and at the new Wood Lake Nature Center and future Community Center, with required permits and Recreation Services Director approval. This replaces a patchwork of prior exceptions (Veterans Memorial Park community celebrations and Junior Hockey at the Ice Arena) with a comprehensive policy ahead of the Wood Lake Nature Center's opening.
Allows weddings, fundraisers, and other events with alcohol service at Wood Lake Nature Center's new 3,000-square-foot event space and other City facilities, boosting rental revenue.
Concern to consider
Expands where alcohol can be consumed on public park property, requiring permits and City approval to manage safety.
What happens next: The ordinance takes effect following summary publication; staff will establish related policies and fees ahead of the Wood Lake Nature Center opening.
Resolution of Support for 2026 Highway Safety Improvement Program Funding Application
The Council adopted Resolution 12441 supporting a grant application to the state's 2026 Highway Safety Improvement Program for safety upgrades at the West 76th Street and Newton Avenue intersection. The resolution formally backs the funding request but does not itself commit City construction dollars.
Temporary On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Church of the Assumption Tri Fest Harvest 2026 Event
The Council approved a temporary liquor license for the Church of the Assumption (address corrected to 305 East 7th Street, not St. Peter Catholic Church as originally listed) for the Tri Fest Harvest 2026 event scheduled September 26-27, 2026. The item was pulled from the consent calendar to correct the event location before approval.