Meeting record · Richfield, Minnesota
City Council — Tuesday, September 26, 2023
6 items on the record
Read this day's brief Official records (city portal)
Items on the record
Item 5.AOutcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Appointment of Election Judges and Establishment of Absentee Ballot Board for School District Election
The council was scheduled to appoint election judges and establish an absentee ballot board for the Richfield School District (ISD #280) School Board election on November 7, 2023. The City administers this election under a standing agreement with the school district, and 133 judges confirmed their availability. Minnesota Statute 204B.21 requires judge appointments at least 25 days before the election, making this a time-critical action — failure to act would render the election invalid.
Item history
- Sep 26, 2023 · City Council · This item
- Jul 23, 2024 · City Council · Approved
Item 7Outcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Ordinance Amendment: Building, Planning, and Zoning Fee Schedule
A public hearing and second reading were scheduled for an ordinance amendment updating the building, planning, and zoning fee schedule in Richfield City Code Appendix D. Staff annually review permit fees to ensure they reflect actual staff time and processing costs, and proposed changes were designed to take effect January 1, 2024. Staff noted that some current fees are insufficient to cover processing costs, while confirming proposed increases remain in line with peer communities.
Item history
- Sep 26, 2023 · City Council · This item
- Sep 24, 2024 · City Council · Second Reading
- Sep 9, 2025 · City Council · First Reading
- Sep 23, 2025 · City Council · Approved
Item 8Outcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
First Reading: Ordinance Prohibiting Smoking in Public Parks and Community Events
The first reading of an ordinance was scheduled that would prohibit smoking — including cannabis smoking — in Richfield's public parks and during city-sponsored or co-sponsored community events, with violations subject to a petty misdemeanor offense. The proposal was prompted by Minnesota's cannabis legalization law, which left gaps in city-level enforcement authority for public spaces. The draft ordinance would not restrict smoking on streets, sidewalks, or trails between parks, nor would it prohibit edible cannabinoid products.
Item history
- Sep 26, 2023 · City Council · This item
- Oct 10, 2023 · City Council
Item 9Outcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Amended and Restated Business Subsidy Policy
The City Council was scheduled to consider adopting an updated Business Subsidy Policy to bring Richfield into compliance with state law changes made after the existing 2002 policy was enacted. Key proposed changes included raising the wage floor requirement for subsidy recipients from 110% of the federal minimum wage to 125% of the state minimum wage, and expanding eligible goals to include redevelopment along priority commercial corridors and downtown. The item had been tabled from the September 12 meeting while staff consulted legal counsel on whether wage requirements could extend to independent contractors; counsel confirmed they legally apply only to W-2 employees, but recommended adding language requiring subsidy recipients to comply with all applicable labor laws.
Item 10Outcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Appointment of Youth Members to City Advisory Boards/Commissions
The appointment of two youth members to city advisory commissions was scheduled for consideration at this meeting. Maya Ervasti was recommended for the Human Rights Commission and Alexander Valle-Orsonio for the Transportation Commission, each serving one-year terms expiring August 31. The City Manager's office conducts annual recruitment through the city website, Facebook, and local high schools to fill these youth vacancies.
Item 12Outcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Approval of Claims and Payroll
The council was scheduled to consider routine approval of claims and payroll totaling approximately $3.8 million for the cycle ending September 21, 2023. The payment batch covers accounts payable checks and payroll processed through U.S. Bank. This is a standard administrative action the council takes at each regular meeting to authorize disbursement of city funds.
Official documents
Last updated Wednesday, April 8, 2026 · AI-assisted summaries — the official documents above are authoritative.