Penn Avenue Reconstruction Project Design and Budget Update
The City Council reviewed Hennepin County's design plans for the 2028 full reconstruction of Penn Avenue (County Road 32) from 75th Street to Highway 62 and gave direction on bikeway, intersection, and parking design ahead of the county's fourth public open house on August 19, 2026. Council supported a one-way cycle track, compact roundabouts at 64th, 69th, and 75th Streets, closed medians at 67th, 71st, and 73rd Streets, and expanded on-street parking in the 65th-67th Street blocks. The total project is estimated at about $35 million, with the City's share estimated at roughly $11.4-$11.7 million.
No formal vote - Council reached consensus to direct staff
Residents along and near Penn Avenue will get safer crossings, separated bike lanes, and traffic-calmed intersections designed to reduce severe crashes by up to 75% at roundabouts.
Concern to consider
The project carries a roughly $11.4-$11.7 million city cost that will compete with other capital needs, and some property and parking impacts are still being negotiated with affected businesses.
What happens next: County design staff will refine the design based on Council direction, hold Open House 4 on August 19, 2026 at St. Richard Church, and bring a final layout to the City Council for concurrence in early October 2026 before starting right-of-way acquisition ahead of planned 2028 construction.
City Intern Richanta Pollard presented an overview of her work through the ACE internship program, which introduces young adults to local government careers, describing her work on event planning, communications, community outreach, election activities, and public health initiatives for the City.
Approval of Disbursements/Claims (July 4-17, 2026)
The council approved City disbursements and payroll totaling $2,866,272.45 for the period of July 4-17, 2026, consisting of $1,602,597.02 in accounts payable/EFT checks and $1,263,675.43 in payroll.
Key figure: $2,866,272.45 — Total disbursements/claims approved, including $1,602,597.02 in accounts payable/EFT checks and $1,263,675.43 in payroll for July 4-17, 2026
Potential benefit
Ensures City vendors and employees are paid on schedule, keeping City operations running.
Concern to consider
Represents routine spending of over $2.8 million in a two-week period, funded by existing City budgets.
What happens next: Disbursements were processed following approval.
2026 Concrete Project Contract with Standard Sidewalk Inc.
The council awarded a $395,806.75 contract to Standard Sidewalk Inc., the lowest of five bidders, to repair non-compliant sidewalks, curb, gutter, and pedestrian ramps citywide as part of a multi-year ADA compliance project stemming from a 2023 citywide ADA assessment. Work is scheduled to begin late July 2026 and finish by October 30, 2026, funded by existing franchise fees, with the City Manager authorized to approve up to $175,000 in contract changes.
The council was scheduled to approve a license agreement allowing E-Clan, Inc., doing business as B&J Trees, to sell trees under the picnic pavilion at Veterans Park.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
2027 Food, Pools and Lodging Agreement with City of Bloomington
The council was scheduled to approve the 2027 Food, Pools and Lodging agreement with the City of Bloomington, which continues shared public health inspection services for Richfield's food establishments, pools, and lodging facilities.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
Temporary Liquor License Expansion for Fireside Foundry
The council was scheduled to approve a temporary expansion of Thompson's Fireside Pizza's (Fireside Foundry) liquor license to allow outdoor beer and malt beverage service in its parking lot at 6736 Penn Avenue South on Sunday, September 20, 2026, during Richfield's Open Streets at Penn Fest event.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
73rd Street/Diagonal Boulevard 2026 Sidewalk Project Contract with JL Theis, Inc.
The council was scheduled to approve a $1,080,651.33 contract with JL Theis, Inc. for the 73rd Street/Diagonal Boulevard 2026 Sidewalk Project, with the City Manager authorized to approve contract changes up to $175,000 without further council consideration.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
Richfield Ice Arena Lobby Electrical and Mechanical Agreements
The council was scheduled to approve agreements with J. Becher and Associates ($139,850 for electrical work) and US Mechanical ($294,210 for mechanical work) for renovations to the Richfield Ice Arena lobby.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
USDA UCF Boulevard Tree Planting Contract with North Metro Companies, LLC
The council was scheduled to award a $269,068 contract to North Metro Companies, LLC for the USDA UCF Boulevard Tree Planting project, with the City Manager authorized to approve contract changes under $175,000 without further council consideration.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
Master Utility Agreement with MnDOT for 494 Project 2
The council was scheduled to adopt a resolution authorizing execution of Master Utility Agreement No. 1062054 with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and its selected design-build contractor, governing replacement, repair, or relocation of city-owned utilities as part of the 494 Project 2 highway project.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
Adoption of Hennepin County Elections Emergency/Continuity Plan
The council was scheduled to adopt the Hennepin County Elections Emergency/Continuity Plan, which establishes procedures for maintaining election operations in Richfield during emergencies affecting polling locations or election administration.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
Fluid Interiors Furniture Quote for Wood Lake Nature Center
The council was scheduled to approve a $429,407.61 quote from Fluid Interiors for interior and exterior furniture at the new Wood Lake Nature Center building, and to authorize the City Manager to negotiate final terms and execute the agreement.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
City CouncilItem 9aOutcome pendingYour input welcome
Public Hearing: Five-Year Street Reconstruction Plan (2027-2031) and Nicollet Avenue Bonds
The council was scheduled to hold a public hearing and consider adopting a resolution approving the Five-Year Street Reconstruction Plan (2027-2031) and authorizing the issuance of street reconstruction bonds to finance the 2026-2027 Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction Project.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
Sets a five-year roadmap for citywide street reconstruction and funds the Nicollet Avenue rebuild, improving road conditions residents rely on daily.
Concern to consider
Bond issuance to finance the work could affect the city's debt levels and future property tax rates, though specific bond amounts were not detailed in this agenda.
What happens next: The council was scheduled to hold the public hearing on July 28, 2026, and could adopt the resolution approving the plan and bond issuance following public testimony.
Council members were scheduled to share recognitions and updates on local events, initiatives, and community achievements during this discussion segment, with no formal action taken.