Richfield City Council — Agenda
Monday, January 26, 2026
Impact of Federal Immigration Enforcement (ICE) and Policy Responses
Housing Development Proposal for American Legion Site
City Legislative Priorities for the Upcoming Year
Pawnbroker License Renewal
Land Use Rezoning for Minnesota Independence College & Community (MICC) Learning Center
Establishment of Human Resources Department and Director Position
Municipal Consent for I-494 Corridor Vision Project 2
Proclamation of Winter Salt Week 2026
Richfield Foundation Grant Presentation
Votes (15)
Presentation of a Revised Housing Development for American Legion Site
Lupe Development presented an updated proposal for the 6501 Portland Avenue site, incorporating civil engineering, architecture, and landscape design revisions. Key discussions included zoning flexibility (reduced parking, absence of building step-backs, parking within green buffer), affordability structure (80% of units at or below 60% AMI), project design, and potential resolutions of support for funding. Council and HRA members provided initial feedback, noting design improvements but raising lingering concerns about step-backs and EV parking.
Richfield Legislative Priorities
Richfield department directors outlined their legislative priorities for the upcoming year. Elected officials, including State Senator Melissa Wiklund, County Commissioner Debbie Goettel, State Representative Michael Howard, and a representative for Ilhan Omar, provided updates on current initiatives and discussed collaborative opportunities between city departments and their respective offices. Mayor Supple also updated the group on meeting procedures and her perspective on the surge of federal law enforcement in Minnesota communities.
Mayor's Remarks and Open Forum on Federal Immigration Enforcement
Moved by Mayor Supple [N/A] · Seconded by Council Member Hayford Oleary [N/A]
Mayor Supple opened the meeting by acknowledging recent ICE activity, expressing solidarity with affected families, and urging the federal government to end enforcement actions. She thanked community volunteers and emphasized human rights. The Open Forum was extended to 90 minutes, allowing 29 residents to speak on the impact of ICE activity, describing fear, trauma, economic disruption, and advocating for city intervention through emergency ordinances, removal of FLOCK cameras, and an eviction moratorium. Concerns were raised about alleged violations by federal agents and the need for local police to protect residents.
Consent Calendar Approval
Moved by Council Member Hayford Oleary [N/A] · Seconded by Council Member Coleman-Woods [N/A]
The City Council approved multiple items in one motion from the Consent Calendar. This included approval of disbursements/claims totaling $7,684,375.85, an extension of an American Rescue Plan Act Professional Services Agreement with Reach for Resources, an amendment to a public health services agreement with Bloomington, a permit for MnDOT, a Hennepin County SCORE funding agreement, a Cooperative Agreement with the West Metro Drug Task Force, an agreement with LETAC for Policies360, and several annual designations for Mayor Pro Tempore, Acting City Manager, Council Representatives, official newspaper, and official depositories.
Renewal of 2026 Pawnbroker License for Metro Pawn & Gun, Inc.
Moved by Council Member Hayford Oleary [N/A] · Seconded by Council Member Burk [N/A]
Council Member Hayford Oleary introduced the item, noting the complete renewal application and the postponement of the public hearing for proper notice. No residents participated in the public comment opportunity during the public hearing. The public hearing was closed, and the license renewal was approved.
First Reading: Rezoning for Minnesota Independence College & Community Learning Center
Moved by Council Member Burk [N/A] · Seconded by Council Member Hayford Oleary [N/A]
Council Member Burk presented the staff report for the first reading of an ordinance to rezone four parcels at approximately 76th Street and Morgan from R to MR-2 for the construction of a new learning center for Minnesota Independence College & Community (MICC). Council members inquired about the tax status of the property, given a change from originally planned residential use, and Community Development Director Poehlman noted staff would provide a response.
First Reading: Establishment of Human Resources Department and Director Position
Moved by Council Member Coleman-Woods [N/A] · Seconded by Council Member Burk [N/A]
Council Member Coleman-Woods presented the staff report for the first reading of an ordinance amending Section 300 and 310 of the Code of Ordinances to establish a Human Resources Department and add a Director of Human Resources position. This follows public comments during the Open Forum (Kathleen Balaban) questioning the budgetary impact and necessity of this new position, noting that its costs were not included in the approved 2026 budget.
Resolution on Municipal Consent for I-494 Corridor Vision Project 2
Moved by Council Member Hayford Oleary [N/A] · Seconded by Council Member Burk [N/A]
Council Member Burk presented the resolution. The Council discussed unaddressed safety concerns in the proposed final layout for the I-494 Corridor Vision Project Phase 2, particularly at the 76th Street and 35W interchange where a regional trail crosses. Concerns included the omission of an original bridge design for traffic flow and potential impacts on air quality. The Council decided to disapprove municipal consent subject to conditions to address these improvements, following state statute procedures for conditional compliance.
City Manager's Report and Follow-up on Open Forum Concerns
City Manager Rodriguez reported no questions from the previous meeting and mentioned two Open Forum speakers from December 22, 2025 (one supporting ICE, one complimenting Public Works). She noted staff would review comments from the current Open Forum to explore further ordinance or policy actions. Council and staff discussed potential emergency ordinances, including temporary suspension of Flock safety cameras, an eviction moratorium for federal enforcement victims, and possible participation in litigation, alongside clarifications on legal feasibility, data-sharing, and protections for public spaces. Staff were tasked with providing updates.
Council Discussion and Appreciation
Council Member Coleman-Woods praised community unity and local law enforcement for protecting residents. Council Member Burk referenced resources for rights violations by ICE. Mayor Supple thanked Public Works for snow plowing and community volunteers for supporting those impacted by ICE, and expressed gratitude to Public Safety for de-escalation. No Council Liaison Reports were presented.
Proclamation: Winter Salt Week 2026
Mayor Mary B. Supple proclaimed January 26-30, 2026, as 'WINTER SALT WEEK' in the City of Richfield. The proclamation emphasizes the city's reliance on deicing salt, the environmental impact of chloride contamination in freshwater resources, and the importance of raising awareness among residents, businesses, and government agencies about responsible deicing salt use. It encourages participation in initiatives that promote smart salting practices for public safety and long-term environmental health.
Richfield Foundation Presentation of Grants
The Richfield Foundation presented grants to various organizations, aiming to connect resources to community efforts for a stronger, more vibrant Richfield. The presentation highlighted their activities, including grants to organizations, matching grants for grassroots ideas, and their annual fundraiser, 'A Toast to Richfield'. The list of 2025 grantees included diverse groups such as Bilingual Learning Center, Children’s Dental Services, VEAP, Richfield Police Department, and Richfield Dual Language School PTSO.
Proposed Emergency Ordinance: Limiting Federal Immigration Enforcement Staging on City Property
This item is on the agenda for the adoption of an emergency ordinance. It directly responds to significant public outcry and specific resident requests from the Jan 13 Open Forum, which included demands to use City Code (Appendix A, Section 3.06 and Chapter 13, Section 1305.25(s)) to prohibit federal agents from staging raids or parking on public property. This proposal reflects a legislative attempt to address the 'fear and chaos' caused by increased federal enforcement activities and protect residents' civil rights and community stability.
Resolution: Participation in Municipal Prosecutors’ Amicus Curiae Brief
This is an agenda item for the City Council to consider a resolution to ratify its participation in an Amicus Curiae Brief from municipal prosecutors. This action likely pertains to legal support or collaboration related to broader issues impacting cities, potentially including federal enforcement actions, given the context of other discussions.
Mayor's Appointment of a Housing and Redevelopment Authority Commissioner
The City Council is scheduled to consider approving the Mayor's appointment of a Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Commissioner. This is a routine governance item for staffing and oversight of the city's housing and redevelopment initiatives.
Notable Quotes (13)
whether the plan warrants flexibility related to the reduced parking ratio, the absence of a required building step-back, and the placement of parking within the green buffer adjacent to the park; (2) whether the proposed affordability structure--80% of units in each building at or below 60% AMI with the remaining 20% yet to be determined, adequately addresses the HRA’s concern that the project not be fully income-restricted; (3) whether the project design meets the HRA’s expectations for funding consideration; and (4) whether Council and HRA members are willing to consider resolutions of support for funding applications at this time given the lack of specificity regarding affordability and tax-based financing.
Council noted ICE activity within the City of Richfield and acknowledged the harm and trauma experienced by families affected by recent detentions, expressing solidarity and support. Council urged the federal government to end ICE enforcement actions, stating they undermine community safety and affirming that all residents deserve safety and dignity.
Ms. Gaibor stated that immigrant community members are avoiding work, school, and commerce due to safety concerns, resulting in economic and educational impacts. Ms. Gaibor noted concerns regarding ICE enforcement practices, accountability, and alleged violations of traffic and safety laws, as well as the effect of these actions on public health and community stability.
Ms. Waters stated that fear and disruption have affected residents’ ability to work, attend school, and access basic needs, and cited perceived economic and public health impacts on the community. Ms. Waters referenced provisions of the City Charter and City Code related to emergency ordinances and parking regulations and requested that the City Council consider adopting an emergency ordinance or resolution restricting the use of public property by federal agents for enforcement activities.
At the bare minimum, we have mass surveillance FLOCK camera systems in our city that are being leveraged by ICE. ... Keeping the cameras up is aiding and abetting ICE. ... You can eliminate those cameras because they are being used and are a key data-point in tracking down our neighbors and abducting our neighbors. They are anti-privacy, anti-American, and it’s a minimal thing that we can actually do today, to save members of our community from being abducted.
Council inquired about the tax status of a property, noting that the originally planned residential portion will not be built, and asked whether the property would be taxed according to its previously proposed residential designation or under a different classification.
Ms. Balaban questioned whether the position and its associated costs were included in the previously approved 2026 budget. Ms. Balaban noted that the proposed position would supervise two employees and that the salary would represent a significant portion of the department’s annual budget. Ms. Balaban opined that many of the listed duties are being performed by existing staff and that the proposal was not presented during the budget approval process. Ms. Balaban expressed concern about overall compensation costs within the general fund and questioned the timing and fiscal appropriateness of adding the position.
Council noted the area of 76th Street and 35W has been an area that the Council and staff have raised concerns in previous versions of this project. Council noted safety concerns at the interchange where one of Richfield’s regional trails crosses, near the east leg by the charter school and the west leg. Council noted that the original MDOT design included a bridge to improve traffic flow, but the current proposal does not incorporate that design.
City Manager Rodriguez noted staff will review the comments shared during Open Forum tonight and see if there is anything further the City can do in the form of an ordinance or policy action.
Council and staff discussed the need for follow-up review at a future meeting regarding whether certain matters should be addressed through ordinance, and whether timelines could be accelerated, including consideration of emergency ordinances. Specific topics raised included the potential removal or temporary suspension of Flock safety cameras due to data security concerns and the company’s association with federal enforcement agencies, as well as requests for clearer information on what actions are legally feasible for the City.
Mayor Supple thanked the Public Works department preemptively for the upcoming snow plowing and snow removal from city streets. Mayor Supple thanked the community volunteers for coming together from the impact and actions of ICE agents within the city. Mayor Supple express gratitude for the Public Safety department in deescalating tense situations and working to keep the community safe.
WHEREAS, reducing overuse of deicing salt reduces damage to infrastructure and property, protects freshwater resources, and reduces harm to aquatic plants and animals; and WHEREAS, it is crucial to raise awareness among residents, businesses, and local government agencies about the responsible use of deicing salt to protect both public safety and the long-term health of our freshwater resources;
WHEREAS, under Appendix A, Section 3.06 of the Richfield City Charter, the City Council is empowered to enact emergency ordinances necessary for the 'immediate preservation of the public peace, health, morals, safety, or welfare'; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the current presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has created 'fear and chaos' which constitutes a 'serious public health threat' and is jeopardizing the safety of residents, workers, and children; and WHEREAS, City Code, Chapter 13, Section 1305.25(s) explicitly authorizes the Council to issue resolutions prohibiting or limiting the 'stopping, standing or parking of vehicles' on any public property...
Ordinances & Resolutions (32)
Official recognition to promote responsible use of deicing salt for public safety and environmental protection.
An agreement for which an extension was considered for approval.
Second reading of an ordinance to facilitate construction of a new learning center for Minnesota Independence College & Community.
Related to the rezoning and construction of the MICC learning center.
Related to the rezoning and construction of the MICC learning center, including setback reductions, lot coverage increase, and parking reduction.
Related to the rezoning and construction of the MICC learning center, for reconfiguring lots.
Related to the rezoning and construction of the MICC learning center.
Second reading of an ordinance to establish a new city department and director position.
Proposed ordinance to restrict federal immigration agents' use of public land.
Proposed resolution for the city to join a legal brief, potentially related to federal enforcement issues.
Approving an amendment to a professional services agreement with Reach for Resources.
Approving the 2026-2028 Residential Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant Agreement with Hennepin County.
Appointing Council Member Sean Hayford Oleary as Mayor Pro Tempore for 2026.
Appointing Assistant City Manager Sack Thongvanh as Acting City Manager for 2026.
Designating Staff and City Council Liaisons/Representatives for Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Outside Organizations for Calendar Year 2026.
Designating an Official Newspaper for 2026.
Designating certain saving and loan associations, banks, and credit unions as depositories for the deposit and investment of city funds in 2026.
Designating certain financial institutions as depositories for the investment of City of Richfield funds in 2026.
Designating U.S. Bank as a depository of funds for the City of Richfield for the year 2026.
First reading of an ordinance to change the zoning district of parcels from R to MR-2 for MICC.
First reading of an ordinance amending Sections 300 and 310 to establish a Human Resources Department and add a Director position.
Disapproving municipal consent to the Minnesota Department of Transportation for the I-494 Corridor Vision Project 2 Proposed Final Layout (SP 2785-462).
Refers to emergency ordinances necessary for public peace, health, morals, safety, or welfare.
Authorizes the Council to prohibit or limit vehicle stopping, standing, or parking on public property.
MnDOT project for which municipal consent was considered and conditionally disapproved.
A second amendment to this agreement was considered for approval.
A permit considered for approval under the Consent Calendar.
An agreement for funding considered for approval under the Consent Calendar.
An agreement considered for approval under the Consent Calendar.
An agreement considered for approval under the Consent Calendar.
Draft resolution proposing a temporary moratorium on evictions, specifically in response to community economic impacts from federal enforcement activities.
Draft resolution proposing the immediate cessation of FLOCK Safety camera operations due to privacy concerns and perceived data sharing with federal agencies.