Meeting record · Richfield, Minnesota
City Council — Tuesday, October 13, 2026
22 items on the record
Read this day's brief Official records (city portal)
Items on the record
Item 2Discussedinformational or procedural item — no vote taken
Pledge of Allegiance
The council will recite the Pledge of Allegiance to open the meeting.
What was said
The mayor asked everyone to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
From the meeting recording · AI-assisted, unofficial
Item 3Outcome pendingfinal tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Nov 10Approved · unofficial
Heard on the meeting recording — the exact tally arrives with the official minutes.
Approval of the Agenda
The council will consider approving the October 13, 2026 meeting agenda as presented, setting the order of business for the session.
What was said
A council member moved and another seconded approval of the agenda with no discussion.
From the meeting recording · AI-assisted, unofficial
Item 4aOutcome pendingfinal tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Nov 10Approved · unofficial
Heard on the meeting recording — the exact tally arrives with the official minutes.
Approval of September 22, 2026 Work Session Minutes
The council will consider approving minutes from the September 22, 2026 work session, which documented presentation of the final Essential Services Study inventorying 155 City services for future budget and strategic planning use.
What was said
A single motion was made to approve both the September 22, 2026 work session minutes and the September 22, 2026 council meeting minutes together.
From the meeting recording · AI-assisted, unofficial
Item 4bOutcome pendingfinal tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Nov 10Approved · unofficial
Heard on the meeting recording — the exact tally arrives with the official minutes.
Approval of September 22, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
The council will consider approving minutes from the September 22, 2026 regular meeting, which recorded adoption of the 2027 preliminary property tax levy of $33,933,792 (a 4.55% increase over 2026), consent calendar approvals, and Arts and Sustainability Commission appointments.
What was said
A single motion was made to approve both the September 22, 2026 work session minutes and the September 22, 2026 council meeting minutes together.
From the meeting recording · AI-assisted, unofficial
Item 5aDiscussedinformational or procedural item — no vote taken
Proclamation Recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day
The council will proclaim October 12, 2026 as Indigenous Peoples' Day in Richfield, honoring the ancestral ties of the Dakota and Anishinaabe peoples to the land and recognizing contributions of Indigenous Minnesotans such as Peggy Flanagan and Winona LaDuke.
What was said
The mayor read a formal proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day and invited community members Oliver and Samantha Weaver to accept it.
From the meeting recording · AI-assisted, unofficial
Item 6Discussedinformational or procedural item — no vote taken
Open Forum
Residents will have the opportunity to address the council on any topic during the Open Forum period, with a three-minute speaking limit per person.
What was said
Multiple residents spoke during open forum, largely expressing concerns about Flock license plate readers and surveillance, while one resident raised concerns about training provided to city commissioners.
From the meeting recording · AI-assisted, unofficial
Item 7aOutcome pendingfinal tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Nov 10Approved · unofficial
Heard on the meeting recording — the exact tally arrives with the official minutes.
Approve Disbursements/Claims
The council will consider approving $7,243,743.40 in disbursements, including $4,666,783.94 in accounts payable checks and wires (September 12–October 2, 2026) and $2,576,959.46 combined in two payroll runs.
What was said
The city manager read the consent calendar, including approval of disbursements and claims, and the council approved the full consent calendar in one motion.
From the meeting recording · AI-assisted, unofficial
Item 7bOutcome pendingfinal tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Nov 10Approved · unofficial
Heard on the meeting recording — the exact tally arrives with the official minutes.
Temporary Liquor License for Blessed Trinity Catholic School Gala
The council will consider approving a temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license for Blessed Trinity Catholic School's annual gala, to be held Saturday, December 5, 2026, at St. Richard's Catholic Church, 7540 Penn Avenue South.
Item history
- Oct 14, 2025 · City Council · Approved
- Oct 28, 2025 · City Council · Approved
- Dec 9, 2025 · City Council · Approved
- Oct 13, 2026 · City Council · This item
What was said
The consent calendar included a temporary liquor license for the Blessed Trinity Catholic School gala, approved as part of the single consent calendar motion.
From the meeting recording · AI-assisted, unofficial
Item 7cOutcome pendingfinal tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Nov 10Approved · unofficial
Heard on the meeting recording — the exact tally arrives with the official minutes.
First Reading: Transitory Ordinance Funding Capital Improvements from Liquor Contribution Fund
The council will consider the first reading of a transitory ordinance authorizing funding for certain capital improvements using money from the City's Liquor Contribution Special Revenue Fund, which draws from municipal liquor store profits rather than taxes.
Item history
- Oct 14, 2025 · City Council · First Reading
- Oct 28, 2025 · City Council · Second Reading
- Oct 28, 2025 · City Council · First Reading
- Oct 13, 2026 · City Council · This item
What was said
The consent calendar included the first reading of a transitory ordinance funding capital improvements from the liquor contribution fund, approved as part of the single consent calendar motion.
From the meeting recording · AI-assisted, unofficial
Item 7dOutcome pendingfinal tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Nov 10Approved · unofficial
Heard on the meeting recording — the exact tally arrives with the official minutes.
Minnesota Wind Chill Foundation Grant for Ultimate Frisbee Programs
The council will consider adopting a resolution authorizing Recreation Services staff to accept a $2,000 grant from the Minnesota Wind Chill Foundation to develop Ultimate Frisbee programs in Richfield.
What was said
The consent calendar included a Minnesota Wind Chill Foundation grant of $2,000 for ultimate frisbee programs; a council member commented positively on the program before the block was approved.
From the meeting recording · AI-assisted, unofficial
Item 8Discussedinformational or procedural item — no vote taken
Consideration of Items Removed from Consent Calendar
If any Council Member requests that a Consent Calendar item be removed, the council will discuss and act on that item separately at this point in the agenda.
Item 9aOutcome pendingfinal tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Nov 10Approved · unofficial
Heard on the meeting recording — the exact tally arrives with the official minutes.
Public Hearing: Delinquent Utility, False Alarm, Health/Safety, Weed Eradication, and Vacant Property Fees Assessment
The council will hold a public hearing and consider a resolution certifying delinquent utility accounts, false alarm charges, public health or safety hazard charges, weed eradication charges, and vacant property registration fees to affected property owners' tax bills.
Item history
- Oct 28, 2025 · City Council · Approved
- Oct 13, 2026 · City Council · This item
What was said
Council adopted a resolution certifying unpaid water, sewer, stormwater, false alarm, health/safety, weed eradication, and vacant property fees to the county auditor, with a brief clarifying comment that this could include multifamily or business properties.
From the meeting recording · AI-assisted, unofficial
Item 9bOutcome pendingfinal tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Nov 10Approved · unofficial
Heard on the meeting recording — the exact tally arrives with the official minutes.
Public Hearing: Delinquent Solid Waste Charges Certification
The council will hold a public hearing and consider a resolution certifying delinquent solid waste collection charges from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 to property taxes within Richfield's residential organized collection system.
Item history
- Oct 14, 2025 · City Council · Approved
- Oct 28, 2025 · City Council · Approved
- Oct 13, 2026 · City Council · This item
What was said
After extensive public testimony from rental property owners about being charged for tenants' unpaid garbage bills, council adopted the delinquent solid waste certification resolution while directing staff to follow up individually with affected owners and consider changes when renegotiating the hauler contract.
From the meeting recording · AI-assisted, unofficial
Item 9cOutcome pendingfinal tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Nov 10Approved · unofficial
Heard on the meeting recording — the exact tally arrives with the official minutes.
Public Hearing: Special Assessments for Diseased Tree Removal
The council will hold a public hearing and consider a resolution adopting special assessments against private property owners for diseased tree removal work ordered between January 1 and December 31, 2025.
Item history
- Oct 14, 2025 · City Council · Approved
- Oct 28, 2025 · City Council · Approved
- Oct 13, 2026 · City Council · This item
What was said
Council adopted the resolution for special assessments for diseased tree removal from private property with no discussion.
From the meeting recording · AI-assisted, unofficial
Item 9dOutcome pendingfinal tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Nov 10Approved · unofficial
Heard on the meeting recording — the exact tally arrives with the official minutes.
Public Hearing: ILN/77th Street Project Area Assessment and 2027 Service Project
The council will hold a public hearing and consider a resolution adopting a $64,018.01 assessment for 2025 maintenance costs within the ILN/77th Street Project Area, along with a resolution ordering continuation of the maintenance service project for 2027.
Item history
- Oct 14, 2025 · City Council · Approved
- Oct 28, 2025 · City Council · Approved
- Oct 13, 2026 · City Council · This item
What was said
Council adopted the ILN 77th Street project area assessment and ordered the 2027 service project, after staff clarified which side of the noise wall the maintenance district is responsible for.
From the meeting recording · AI-assisted, unofficial
Item 9eOutcome pendingfinal tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Nov 10Approved · unofficial
Heard on the meeting recording — the exact tally arrives with the official minutes.
Public Hearing: Special Assessments for Sanitary Sewer Line Repair/Replacement
The council will hold a public hearing and consider a resolution adopting special assessments against private property owners for sanitary sewer line repair or replacement work ordered between August 2, 2025, and August 1, 2026.
Item history
- Oct 14, 2025 · City Council · Approved
- Oct 28, 2025 · City Council · Approved
- Oct 13, 2026 · City Council · This item
What was said
Council adopted the resolution for special assessments for sanitary sewer line repair/replacement after a council member asked whether water line failures could similarly be spread over five years.
From the meeting recording · AI-assisted, unofficial
Item 9fOutcome pendingfinal tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Nov 10Approved · unofficial
Heard on the meeting recording — the exact tally arrives with the official minutes.
Public Hearing and First Reading: City Charter Amendment on Elections and Petition Requirements
The council will hold a public hearing and consider the first reading of an ordinance amending Richfield City Charter Sections 4.05, 5.04, 5.05, 5.10, 5.12, and 5.15, updating requirements related to municipal elections and citizen petition processes.
What was said
The Charter Commission president explained that proposed charter amendments on elections and petition requirements bring the city into compliance with state law; after public hearing, council approved the first reading.
From the meeting recording · AI-assisted, unofficial
Item 10aOutcome pendingfinal tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Nov 10Approved · unofficial
Heard on the meeting recording — the exact tally arrives with the official minutes.
First Reading: Fee Schedule Amendment for Building, Planning, and Zoning Fees
The council will consider the first reading of an ordinance amending Richfield City Code Appendix D (Fee Schedule) to update building, planning, and zoning fees, with a public hearing for the second reading scheduled for the October 27, 2026 Council meeting.
Item history
- Sep 9, 2025 · City Council · First Reading
- Sep 23, 2025 · City Council · Approved
- Oct 13, 2026 · City Council · This item
What was said
Staff presented the annual fee schedule update for building, planning, and zoning fees; council approved the first reading and scheduled the second reading and public hearing for October 27.
From the meeting recording · AI-assisted, unofficial
Item 12aOutcome pendingfinal tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Nov 10Approved · unofficial
Heard on the meeting recording — the exact tally arrives with the official minutes.
Appointment of Youth Commissioners to Various Commissions
The council will consider appointing youth commissioners to serve on various City commissions, providing young residents the opportunity to participate in local government.
Item history
- Oct 14, 2025 · City Council · Approved
- Oct 28, 2025 · City Council · Under Review
- Oct 13, 2026 · City Council · This item
What was said
Council approved the appointment of four youth commissioners—to the Arts, Community Services, Sustainability, and Human Rights Commissions—with terms expiring August 31, 2027.
From the meeting recording · AI-assisted, unofficial
Item 13Discussedinformational or procedural item — no vote taken
City Manager's Report
The City Manager will provide an update to the Council on ongoing city operations and initiatives.
What was said
The city manager reported on progress of a USDA urban forestry grant planting over 500 trees, resident complaints about boulevard tree placement, and discussed whether the council wants an exception policy; no vote was taken.
From the meeting recording · AI-assisted, unofficial
Item 14aDiscussedinformational or procedural item — no vote taken
Council Discussion: Hats Off to Hometown Hits
Council members will share updates on community events and local happenings during this discussion segment.
What was said
A council member gave a Hats Off to Hometown Hits shoutout to her husband's birthday and thanked public works staff for help with tree issues, within the combined council discussion segment.
From the meeting recording · AI-assisted, unofficial
Item 14bDiscussedinformational or procedural item — no vote taken
Council Liaison Reports
Council members will provide updates from their respective committee and commission liaison assignments.
What was said
Council members gave liaison updates, including thanks to the Human Rights Commission for hosting the Flock panel discussion, and the mayor noted commission vacancies, upcoming early voting, and the Richfield Foundation fundraiser results.
From the meeting recording · AI-assisted, unofficial
Official documents
Last updated Wednesday, October 14, 2026 · AI-assisted summaries — the official documents above are authoritative.