Meeting record · Richfield, Minnesota
City Council — Tuesday, October 24, 2023
4 items on the record
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Items on the record
Item 4.AOutcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
First Reading of Franchise Ordinance with CenterPoint Energy
The first reading of a proposed franchise ordinance and agreement with CenterPoint Energy Minnesota Gas was on the consent calendar, which would authorize CenterPoint Energy to use city right-of-way for natural gas distribution infrastructure. The city's previous franchise agreement expired on May 27, 2023, though it remained in effect pending a replacement. The proposed new agreement was expected to run for 10 years with an option to renew for a second 10-year term, and would preserve the city's authority to impose franchise fees on the utility.
Item history
- Oct 24, 2023 · City Council · This item
- Nov 28, 2023 · City Council
- Nov 28, 2023 · City Council
Item 6Outcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Ordinance Amendment: Managed Natural Landscapes and Grass Height
The second reading of an ordinance amending Richfield's city code to allow managed natural landscapes and raise the maximum allowable grass height from 6 inches to 8 inches was scheduled for consideration. The change was required to bring Richfield into compliance with a Minnesota state law (Minn. Stat. 412.925), signed May 24, 2023 and effective July 1, 2023, which mandates that cities allow property owners to install and maintain intentional native or non-native plantings. If approved, managed natural landscapes — such as rain gardens, meadow vegetation, and ornamental plantings — would be permitted to exceed 8 inches and go to seed, provided they are properly maintained and free of noxious weeds.
Item history
- Oct 24, 2023 · City Council · This item
- May 28, 2024 · City Council · First Reading
Item 8Discussedinformational or procedural item — no vote taken
Approval of Claims and Payroll
The Council was scheduled to approve routine claims and payroll disbursements for the period ending October 19, 2023, totaling approximately $4.24 million across accounts payable and employee payroll. Approval of claims and payroll is a recurring item on every Council meeting agenda and reflects the city's standard financial operations. No unusual or extraordinary expenditures were noted in the agenda materials for this disbursement cycle.
Item 10Outcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Closed Session: Multi-District Lawsuit on Aqueous Film Forming Foams
The City Council was scheduled to convene a closed attorney-client privileged session to discuss the city's options to participate in a multi-district lawsuit and related class settlements involving aqueous film forming foams (AFFF), commonly used as firefighting foam. The litigation is pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina and relates to products liability claims tied to PFAS chemical contamination. This closed session was expected to allow the Council to evaluate Richfield's legal position without public disclosure of legal strategy.
Official documents
Last updated Wednesday, April 8, 2026 · AI-assisted summaries — the official documents above are authoritative.