Richfield City Council — Agenda
Monday, June 8, 2026
Sidewalk and Tree Planting Policy
Public Safety and Police Accountability
Pride Month Proclamation
City Council Salaries for 2027 and 2028
69th Street Reconstruction Project Engineering Services
Secondhand Goods Dealer License for EcoATM, LLC
Human Rights Commission Appointment
Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction Project Funding
Community Recognitions and Infrastructure Updates
2050 Comprehensive Plan Update
Affordable Housing Policy (4d(1) Tax Classification)
2026 Election Early Voting Period
Votes (7)
Sidewalk and Tree Planting Discussion
Dissent: None
City Engineer Powers and Assistant Public Works Director Link led a discussion on Richfield's future sidewalk policy, including residential street design, tree placement (7-10 feet from curb), sidewalk construction, maintenance, and long-term planning. Council supported a context-sensitive approach, prioritizing high-use pedestrian corridors and integrating with future street reconstruction. Key considerations included tree health, ADA accessibility, costs, snow removal, stormwater, and exploring a petition process for neighborhood sidewalks. Staff received direction to continue developing policy options and engagement strategies.
Open Forum Public Comments
Dissent: None
One resident, Birgit Johnson, spoke during the Open Forum, discussing a recent police shooting. She emphasized the importance of reporting suspicious activity, addressing property crime through law enforcement, and maintaining respectful public discourse, while also raising questions about firearm access, accountability, and prevention measures.
Proclamation Celebrating Pride Month
Dissent: None
Mayor Supple read the proclamation celebrating Pride Month, recognizing its significance and the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. Kim Lutz formally received the proclamation on behalf of the community.
Approval of Consent Calendar Items 7a-d
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Burk [ITEM #7] · Seconded by Council Member Christensen [ITEM #7]
The City Council approved all items on the Consent Calendar in a single motion. These items included the approval of disbursements/claims, a work order for engineering services for the 69th Street Reconstruction Project, a new Secondhand Goods Dealer License for EcoATM, LLC, and the second reading of an ordinance amending City Council salaries for 2027 and 2028.
Appointment to Human Rights Commission
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Burk [ITEM #12a] · Seconded by Council Member Christensen [ITEM #12a]
Council Member Burk presented the staff report for the alternate appointment of Jocelynn Klos to the Human Rights Commission. The Council approved her appointment for a term beginning the day after the meeting and extending until January 31, 2029.
City Manager’s Report - Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction Funding
Dissent: None
City Manager Rodriguez used her report to acknowledge and thank Representative Mike Howard, Senator Melissa Wiklund, and city staff for their crucial efforts in securing $2 million in state funding for the Nicollet Avenue reconstruction project, highlighting the success of their advocacy and bonding activities.
Council Discussion - Community Recognitions and Infrastructure
Dissent: None
Council members and the Mayor used the discussion period for various recognitions and updates. Council Member Hayford Oleary thanked the Honoring All Veterans Memorial Board and reported positive feedback on city infrastructure, including the rainbow roundabout, from a recent tour. Council Member Burk praised the newly completed pool facility. Mayor Supple recognized National Public Works Week and the Public Works Department, and also expressed appreciation for the Memorial Day ceremony.
Notable Quotes (9)
led a discussion on the future of the City’s sidewalk policy, including residential street design, tree placement, sidewalk construction, maintenance responsibilities, and long-term planning considerations.
generally supported planting boulevard trees 7–10 feet from the curb with consistent placement by block to preserve tree health and maintain flexibility for future sidewalk installation.
favored a context-sensitive approach to residential sidewalks, prioritizing collector streets, school routes, and other high-use pedestrian corridors, while considering sidewalk installation during future street reconstruction projects.
discussed a recent police shooting, emphasizing the importance of reporting suspicious activity, addressing property crime through law enforcement, and maintaining respectful public discourse. Ms. Johnson reflected on the circumstances of the deceased individual, acknowledged broader social challenges and the demands placed on law enforcement, and raised questions about firearm access, accountability, and prevention measures.
read the proclamation celebrating Pride Month. The proclamation was received by Kim Lutz.
expressed appreciation to Representative Mike Howard, Senator Melissa Wiklund, city council members, the mayor, and Public Works staff for their efforts in securing $2 million in funding for the Nicollet Avenue reconstruction project, and for supporting related advocacy and bonding activities.
thanked the Honoring All Veterans Memorial Board for its Memorial Day event and reported on a recent infrastructure tour hosted for approximately 25 attendees from across the country. Council Member Hayford Oleary shared that participants expressed positive feedback about the city's infrastructure projects and noted a conversation about the rainbow roundabout, which highlighted significance as a welcoming community symbol for some visitors.
commented on the appearance of the newly completed pool facility, expressing appreciation to residents who supported funding for the project. Council Member Burk encouraged community members to visit and enjoy the facility.
recognized National Public Works Week and thanked the Public Works Department for its contributions to city operations and public safety. Mayor Supple also expressed appreciation to the Honoring All Veterans Memorial Board and volunteers for organizing the Memorial Day ceremony, which included musical performances by the Richfield Symphonic Band, a color guard presentation, a flyover performance by the T6 Thunder, and remarks from keynote speaker Lieutenant Lee of the Special Guerrilla Unit, recently recognized as veterans by the State of Minnesota.
Ordinances & Resolutions (13)
Official record of the City Council Work Session, approved during the regular meeting.
Official record of the City Council Regular Meeting, approved during the meeting itself (for a prior meeting, but the current meeting's minutes are what we are analyzing).
Approved for engineering services for the 69th Street Reconstruction Project.
Approved for EcoATM, LLC.
Ordinance amending City Code Subsection 210.01 related to City Council salaries for 2027 and 2028.
Approving summary publication of Bill 2026-05 pertaining to City Council salaries.
Read by Mayor Supple.
Agreement under consideration for assistance with the 2050 Comprehensive Plan update.
City's long-term planning document required to be updated every 10 years, which will guide future development.
Under consideration as a tool to create and preserve affordable housing.
Two agreements with the Metropolitan Council for which authorization is sought for the Mayor and City Manager to execute.
Resolution under consideration to support the hosting of a Minnesota GreenCorps Member.
Legislation impacting the length of the early voting period for 2026.