Meeting record · Richfield, Minnesota
Work Session — Tuesday, November 14, 2023
10 items on the record
Read this day's brief Official records (city portal)
Items on the record
Item 1Outcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Public Education and Outreach Campaign for Proposed Municipal Speed Limit Changes
Staff and consultant Scott Barsuhn presented the 'Richfield Drives 25' public education and outreach campaign for proposed municipal speed limit changes at this work session. The presentation covered campaign vision, communication strategies, visual themes, and action steps, with council members offering feedback on design elements including sign readability, color choices, and colorblind accessibility. Council feedback from this session was needed to finalize campaign materials and begin procurement ahead of proposed speed limit implementation in 2024.
Item 2Discussedinformational or procedural item — no vote taken
Update on Regional Opioid Response Work from Bloomington Public Health
Bloomington Public Health Administrator Dr. Nick Kelley presented an update on regional opioid response efforts being coordinated across Bloomington, Edina, and Richfield. The presentation covered opioid-related deaths and hospital visits in Hennepin County, settlement fund guidelines, and a regional workplan focused on prevention, treatment, and harm reduction. Richfield is slated to receive more than $575,000 in opioid settlement payments over 18 years, with those funds to be pooled with Bloomington and Edina for regional response programming.
Item 3Discussedinformational or procedural item — no vote taken
Proclamation Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
Mayor Mary Supple was scheduled to issue a proclamation recognizing November 2023 as Native American Heritage Month in Richfield, acknowledging the Dakota Nation's historical connection to the land and the injustices Indigenous peoples have faced. The proclamation recognizes that nearly 400 Richfield residents self-identify as Native American and affirms the city's commitment to eliminating systemic racism and honoring Indigenous contributions. This was a ceremonial action requiring no council vote.
Item 4Discussedinformational or procedural item — no vote taken
Proclamation Celebrating Small Business Saturday
Mayor Mary Supple was scheduled to issue a proclamation designating November 25, 2023 as Small Business Saturday in Richfield, encouraging residents to shop at locally owned businesses during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The City partnered with Hennepin County on the multijurisdictional 'Love Local' campaign to amplify the message. This was a ceremonial action requiring no council vote.
Item history
- Nov 22, 2022 · City Council
- Nov 14, 2023 · Work Session · This item
Item 8.AOutcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
First Reading: Rezoning 6613-6625 Portland Avenue South to Mixed Use Neighborhood (MU-N)
The council was scheduled to consider the first reading of an ordinance to rezone property at 6613-6625 Portland Avenue South from MR-2 (Multi-Family Residential) to MU-N (Mixed Use Neighborhood), enabling a proposed 38-unit housing development by Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative targeting neuro-diverse young adults. Half of the units would be available at 30% of Area Median Income and the other half at 50% AMI on HRA-owned parcels that have been seeking a viable development proposal since 2009. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval, and a second reading was expected on November 28, 2023.
Item 8.EOutcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Contract Approval: Purchase of Quick Lime for Water Treatment
The council was scheduled to consider approving a contract with Graymont (W I), LLC for 1,400 tons of quick lime at $215.80 per ton, totaling $302,120 for calendar year 2024 water treatment operations. Quick lime is the chemical used to soften Richfield's drinking water, and approximately 1,400 tons are required annually. Graymont has been Richfield's sole supplier since 2009, and only one bid was submitted at the October 26, 2023 bid opening before the current contract's December 31, 2023 expiration.
Item history
- Nov 14, 2023 · Work Session · This item
- Dec 10, 2024 · City Council
Item 8.GOutcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Sale of Fire Ladder Truck Unit #3789 to Grand Marais Fire Department
The council was scheduled to consider authorizing the City Manager to sell Richfield Fire Ladder Truck Unit #3789—a 2004 Pierce Aerial 75-foot ladder truck—to the City of Grand Marais Fire Department for $65,000. The truck has been in service 19 years, three years beyond its intended replacement interval, and its replacement is scheduled for delivery in 2024. Because no trade-in market exists for trucks of this age, the direct sale to Grand Marais was presented as the most financially beneficial option.
Item 8.HOutcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Rescind Acceptance of Park Play Equipment Proposals and Reissue RFPs
The council was scheduled to consider rescinding its acceptance of Midwest Playscapes' proposals for new play equipment at Donaldson Park and Fairwood Park, rejecting all proposals, and authorizing staff to reissue new requests for proposals. The issue arose because the proposal the city scored and accepted was based on an outdated pre-addendum RFP and was missing a required large net climbing feature; the city has no record of receiving Midwest Playscapes' claimed revised submission from August 11, 2023. Because the project was bid under best value contracting law, staff determined the city has no legal discretion to renegotiate and must restart the process.
Item 10Outcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
First Reading: Ordinance Authorizing City Engineer to Set Speed Limits
The council was scheduled to consider a first reading of an ordinance that would amend Section 1305 of the Richfield City Code, authorizing the City Engineer to set speed limits on municipal roadways. This proposal stemmed from direction given to staff to explore speed limit reductions, following three council work sessions in 2022 and 2023 and a 2019 state law permitting cities to set their own limits. A second reading was expected to be scheduled for December 12, 2023, with an alternate option for 76th and 77th Streets to be presented at that time.
Item history
- Nov 14, 2023 · Work Session · This item
- Dec 12, 2023 · City Council
- Jan 9, 2024 · City Council · Second Reading
Item 11Outcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Appointment of Youth Member to Human Rights Commission
The council was scheduled to consider appointing Beatriz Hernandez Guerrero as a youth commissioner to the Human Rights Commission. Youth commissioner terms run one year and expire August 31 annually, with recruitment conducted through the City website, Facebook, and local high schools. The appointment was expected to support youth representation and advance Richfield's Strategic Plan goal of ensuring city commissions reflect community diversity.
Item history
- Nov 14, 2023 · Work Session · This item
- Apr 8, 2025 · City Council · Approved
Official documents
Last updated Wednesday, April 8, 2026 · AI-assisted summaries — the official documents above are authoritative.