Multi-Community Wellhead Protection Plan and Source Water Sustainability Updates
Staff presented an update on the West Metro Multi-Community Wellhead Protection Plan (WHPP), a joint effort with Bloomington, Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Edina, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Saint Louis Park to protect groundwater sources feeding 88 community wells, including 6 of Richfield's 7 wells in the Prairie du Chien/Jordan aquifer. Part 1 of the plan was adopted in spring 2025 and Part 2, covering implementation measures and contingency planning, is being drafted with a public hearing expected in November 2026 and final MDH approval expected by March 2027. No council action was required at this meeting; this was informational.
A coordinated regional plan reduces contradictory rules across overlapping drinking water supply management areas and helps protect the aquifer supplying most of Richfield's drinking water.
Concern to consider
No immediate cost or regulatory change for residents, but future implementation measures (expected 2027) could eventually affect land use or well permitting in protected zones.
What happens next: Draft Part 2 plan chapters will be developed June-September 2026, submitted to local governments in September 2026, with public hearings held in November 2026 and final MDH approval expected February/March 2027.
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.
final tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Aug 11
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.
Proclamation Celebrating the Passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act
The Council planned to issue a ceremonial proclamation recognizing the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its role in promoting accessibility and civil rights for residents with disabilities. The proclamation carries symbolic, not regulatory, weight.
The Council was scheduled to approve routine city disbursements and claims processed by the Finance Department as part of the consent calendar. The July 14 agenda did not itemize specific dollar amounts for this cycle.
final tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Aug 11
First Amendment to Cannabis and Substance Use Prevention (CSUP) Agreement with Bloomington Public Health
The Council was set to consider approving a first amendment to its Cannabis and Substance Use Prevention (CSUP) agreement with Bloomington Public Health, continuing an intergovernmental partnership that funds local substance use prevention programming.
final tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Aug 11
Second Reading: Ordinance Amending Subsection 840.11 - Alcohol in City Parks
The Council was scheduled to approve the second reading and summary publication of an ordinance amending Subsection 840.11 of the Richfield City Code governing alcohol use in city parks. The first reading passed 5-0 on June 23, 2026, with Council leaving the ordinance as drafted after discussing pool-area restrictions and event security requirements.
final tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Aug 11
Resolution of Support for 2026 Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Funding Application
The Council was set to consider a resolution of support for a project submittal to the 2026 Highway Safety Improvement Program funding solicitation, a step that could secure state or federal safety funding for a Richfield roadway project. The specific project and funding amount were not detailed on the agenda.
final tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Aug 11
A successful HSIP application could bring outside funding to improve road safety without relying solely on local tax dollars.
Concern to consider
The specific roadway project and funding amount were not identified in the agenda, limiting public understanding of the request's scope.
What happens next: If approved, the resolution supports the City's grant application; funding award decisions are made by the state program administrator.
Temporary On-Sale Liquor License for St. Peter Catholic Church Tri Fest Harvest 2026
The Council was scheduled to approve a temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license for St. Peter Catholic Church, located at 6730 Nicollet Avenue South, for its Tri Fest Harvest 2026 event taking place September 26-27, 2026.
final tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Aug 11
Professional Services Agreement with GMP Consultants
The Council was scheduled to consider a professional services agreement with GMP Consultants; the agenda did not specify the scope of work, contract term, or dollar amount involved.
final tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Aug 11