Meeting record · Richfield, Minnesota
Work Session — Tuesday, April 8, 2025
6 items on the record
Read this day's brief Official records (city portal)
Items on the record
Item 1Discussedinformational or procedural item — no vote taken
Legislative Update: MSA Standards Bill (SF 2162/HF 2505)
The council discussed whether to send a letter of support for a state bill that would let Richfield adopt alternative roadway design standards for state-aid roads, easing the variance process used for projects like the 70th Street STEM/RDLS Safe Routes to School project. City Engineer Powers presented a draft support letter, and council members expressed general support, noting it would make future variance requests less burdensome. No formal vote was taken; staff will move forward with the letter of support.
Item 2Outcome pendingrecorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
Policy Proposal: 30-Day Pre-Eviction Notice for Non-Payment of Rent
Council Member Burk proposed requiring landlords to give tenants a 30-day written notice before starting eviction proceedings for non-payment of rent, beyond the state's current 14-day requirement. Staff raised enforceability concerns and recommended pursuing this change through state legislative advocacy rather than a city ordinance; council reached consensus supporting that approach, with local policy analysis not expected until late 2026 unless the state acts sooner.
Item 2Outcome pendingrecorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
Policy Proposal: Neighborhood Traffic Calming Funding Process
Council Member Burk proposed a process letting residents fund and request traffic-calming measures, such as speed bumps or curb extensions, to address speeding in their neighborhoods. Council reached consensus supporting a draft policy, directing the Transportation Commission to study neighborhood priorities, design guidelines, and funding sources, with a draft policy expected between late 2026 and early 2027.
Item 2Outcome pendingrecorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
Policy Proposal: 4d Affordable Housing Tax Classification Criteria
Mayor Supple proposed developing clear eligibility criteria for the state's 4d affordable housing tax classification, which shifts property tax burden between taxpayers. Staff will spend 6-8 months researching the issue and aim to bring a draft policy to council in early 2026; the council reached consensus supporting this approach and timeline.
Item history
- Apr 8, 2025 · Work Session · This item
- Apr 20, 2026 · Work Session · Under Review
- Jul 20, 2026 · Housing & Redevelopment Authority · Approved
Item 2Outcome pendingrecorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
Policy Proposal: 'Green-to-Go' Sustainable Food Packaging
Council Member Burk's proposal to require sustainable 'Green-to-Go' packaging for to-go food was designated a lower priority, since Hennepin County is exploring a similar countywide policy and staff said other sustainability efforts, like residential recycling, composting, and multi-family recycling, need to be established first.
Item 2Outcome pendingrecorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
Policy Proposal: Sidewalk Network Expansion
Council Member Hayford Oleary proposed expanding Richfield's sidewalk coverage, noting the city has only 45 miles of sidewalk along 100 miles of streets, compared to Bloomington's 300 of 342 miles. The council discussed folding sidewalk planning into the upcoming Comprehensive Plan update and the 2018 Pedestrian Master Plan, citing a specific sidewalk gap near a school on Russell Avenue between 65th and 66th Streets, while City Engineer Powers noted the city already spends $25,000-$50,000 per year on sidewalk maintenance.
Official documents
Last updated Wednesday, April 8, 2026 · AI-assisted summaries — the official documents above are authoritative.