Meeting record · Richfield, Minnesota
City Council — Tuesday, May 23, 2023
10 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
Food Safety Awards
The Richfield Advisory of Health was scheduled to present Food Safety Awards at the May 23 meeting, recognizing excellence in food safety across local restaurants — a recognition that had not been given since 2019 due to the pandemic. The awards were expected to be presented in two categories: full-service restaurants (nominees: Davanni's and Giordano's) and fast food, pizza, and carry-out (nominees: Five Guys and Panda Express). This was a ceremonial item honoring Richfield food service establishments for maintaining strong health and safety standards.
Item history
- May 23, 2023 · City Council · This item
- Jun 11, 2024 · City Council · Informational
Item 2Outcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Approval of the Agenda
The City Council approved the meeting agenda as presented.
Item 3Outcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Consent Calendar
The City Council approved the consent calendar, which included: (A) Temporary On Sale Intoxicating Liquor license for an event on June 10, 2023, at Fred Babcock VFW #5555; (B) Temporary On Sale Intoxicating Liquor license for events on July 3rd and 4th, 2023, at Fred Babcock VFW #5555; (C) Temporary On Sale Intoxicating Liquor license for the Academy of Holy Angels for their annual Rock The Lawn event on June 24, 2023.
Item 4Outcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Consideration of Items Removed from Consent Calendar
No items were removed from the consent calendar for separate consideration.
Item 5Outcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Confirmation of Appointment of Kumud Verma as Financial Director
The City Council was scheduled to consider confirming Kumud Verma's appointment as Finance Director for the City of Richfield, a position that had been vacant since August 2021. Ms. Verma, who joined the city as Finance Manager in May 2022, was reported to bring over 20 years of experience in accounting, budgeting, and municipal bond issuance, along with a Master's degree in Finance. City Manager Rodriguez recommended her confirmation, citing her leadership accomplishments and plans for a major financial software upgrade in May 2024.
Item 6Outcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Request to Modify and Terminate Best Buy’s Minimum Assessment Agreement
Best Buy was scheduled to request that the City and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) modify and then terminate a Minimum Assessment Agreement (MAA) that prevents the taxable value of Best Buy's corporate campus at 7601 Penn Avenue South from falling below $118.5 million during the life of the TIF District, which is set to expire December 31, 2025. City staff and the HRA Attorney recommended denial of the request, asserting the contractual agreement should be honored unless a 'do no harm' solution could be found. Best Buy proposed a revenue-sharing arrangement — offering the HRA 20% of any net property tax savings from a reduced assessment — but the parties remained at an impasse over an alleged $850,000 overpayment and approximately $1.5 million Best Buy claims it is owed under state law and the Contract for Private Development.
Item history
- Mar 6, 2023 · Work Session
- Mar 28, 2023 · City Council · Under Review
- May 23, 2023 · City Council · This item
- Jun 13, 2023 · City Council
Item 7Discussedinformational or procedural item — no vote taken
City Manager’s Report
City Manager Katie Rodriguez delivered the City Manager's Report to the Council, which is a standing agenda item at regular Council meetings. This report typically covers updates on city operations, ongoing projects, and other administrative matters. Specific details of the report's content were not captured in the available meeting documents.
Item history
- Mar 28, 2023 · City Council · Informational
- Apr 11, 2023 · Special Meeting · Informational
- May 23, 2023 · City Council · This item
Item 8Outcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Claims and Payroll
The City Council was scheduled to approve routine claims and payroll totaling approximately $2.43 million for the period ending May 23, 2023, covering accounts payable and employee payroll. This is a standard recurring agenda item through which the Council authorizes payment of city expenditures. No unusual or discretionary spending was flagged in connection with this item.
Item 9Outcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Hats Off to Hometown Hits
Council members recognized recent legislative achievements, community events, and the efforts of city staff, volunteers, and legislators.
Outcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Approval of Minutes
The City Council approved the minutes of the City Council Work Session of May 9, 2023, and the City Council Meeting of May 9, 2023.
Official documents
Last updated Wednesday, April 8, 2026 · AI-assisted summaries — the official documents above are authoritative.