June 23, 2026 Work Session: Essential Services Study Discussion

Dissent: No dissent noted on the overall direction, but significant discussion on scope and detail.

Moved by No formal motion · Seconded by N/A

Council and staff discussed the Essential Services Study, its purpose, and methodology for classifying city services. Key concerns included the depth of breakdown for discretionary services with regulatory requirements, comparative regulatory burden across services, and the level of detail provided for large budget items like Public Safety. Council members requested more granular data, especially for Public Safety (e.g., community policing, crime prevention, social worker contracts, Flock Cameras) and a breakdown of funding sources for expensive services. Staff noted feasibility limitations given the study's scope and staff capacity, but agreed to consider refinements and further analysis for future strategic planning.

June 23, 2026 Regular Meeting: Acceptance of Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)

Dissent: None

Moved by Mayor Supple [June 23 Regular Meeting] · Seconded by Sharon Christensen [June 23 Regular Meeting]

Finance Director Bogie and Bergan KDV Manager Caroline Strutsman presented the 2025 annual audit results. The report received an unmodified opinion, indicating fair financial statement presentation. No findings were reported for federal or Minnesota legal compliance audits, and the City maintained compliance with its fund balance policy. An overview of general fund revenues, expenditures, and financial results for liquor, water, sewer, and storm sewer funds was provided.

June 23, 2026 Regular Meeting: Approval of Consent Calendar

Dissent: None

Moved by Sean Hayford Oleary [June 23 Regular Meeting] · Seconded by Rori Coleman-Woods [June 23 Regular Meeting]

City Manager Rodriguez presented the consent calendar, which included approval of disbursements/claims totaling $2,378,777.83 (US Bank A/P Checks/ETF's and Payroll). Other items approved included resolutions supporting Regional Solicitation applications for various projects (Bicycle Master Plan, W 68th St Sidewalk, W 73rd St Trail, Richfield Middle School Safe Routes to School, W 76th St Modernization, W 76th St & Newton Ave Intersection), new Secondhand Goods Dealer licenses for EcoATM, LLC, temporary liquor licenses for Richfield Foundation and Fred Babcock Days, appointment of 2026 Election Judges, affirmation of municipal tort liability limits, and an agreement with Preferred Properties for Richfield Ice Arena soffit replacement.

June 23, 2026 Regular Meeting: First Reading of Ordinance Amending Alcohol in City Parks (Subsection 840.11)

Dissent: None

Moved by Sean Hayford Oleary [June 23 Regular Meeting] · Seconded by Rori Coleman-Woods [June 23 Regular Meeting]

Council Member Hayford Oleary presented the first reading of an ordinance to amend City Code Subsection 840.11, regulating alcohol in City parks. The proposed changes aim to provide flexibility by allowing alcohol at Wood Lake Nature Center and the Community Center, low-alcohol beverages at the Richfield Ice Arena and City-sponsored events, with appropriate permits and director approval. Council members supported the revisions but discussed security requirements for smaller events and whether to explicitly prohibit alcohol in the pool area, ultimately agreeing to the drafted ordinance without additional amendments.

June 23, 2026 Regular Meeting: Amendment to 2026 General Pay Plan

Dissent: None

Moved by Sharon Christensen [June 23 Regular Meeting] · Seconded by Rori Coleman-Woods [June 23 Regular Meeting]

Council Member Christensen presented a resolution to amend the 2026 General Pay Plan, adding pay grades 23 through 25 and reclassifying the City Manager position to pay grade 25. Human Resources Director Croteau explained that these changes align with compensation market shifts and recent legislative updates, including the removal of the state salary cap for local government employees, to maintain a competitive and equitable pay structure and aid future recruitment and retention.

June 23, 2026 Regular Meeting: City Manager’s Annual Performance Evaluation and Employment Agreement Amendment

Dissent: None

Moved by Mayor Supple [June 23 Regular Meeting] · Seconded by Rori Coleman-Woods [June 23 Regular Meeting]

Mayor Supple presented the summary of City Manager Katie Rodriguez’s annual performance evaluation for July 2025 through June 2026. The Council recognized Ms. Rodriguez for her outstanding leadership, organizational improvements, and support during challenging events. A resolution was proposed to amend her employment agreement, reflecting a salary adjustment based on her performance.

June 30, 2026 Special Meeting: City Manager Executive Search Firm Interviews

Dissent: No dissent noted, consensus was reached.

Moved by No formal motion · Seconded by N/A

Senior Analyst Courtney DesCamps provided an overview of the executive search firm selection process for the next City Manager, following an RFP that yielded ten proposals and led to interviews with five shortlisted firms: Strategic Government Resources, GMP Consultants, DDA Human Resources, Government Professional Solutions, and Innovative Public Advisors. Council members interviewed representatives from each firm, focusing on recruitment strategy, public engagement, experience, candidate outreach, timeline, and communication. Following discussions on firm strengths, the Council reached a consensus to direct staff to work with GMP Consultants on a contract to be presented for formal approval at the July 14, 2026 meeting.

July 14, 2026 Agenda: Cannabis and Substance Use Prevention (CSUP) Agreement First Amendment

Dissent: N/A

Moved by N/A · Seconded by N/A

The City Council is asked to consider approval of the first amendment to the CSUP services agreement with Bloomington Public Health. This amendment seeks to extend the contractual work until June 30, 2028, and increases the total authorized contract amount by $181,130 for a new not-to-exceed total of $270,909. The funding supports evidence-based cannabis and substance-use education, prevention, and policy work, with an equity lens and focus on a regional approach. This work fulfills Minnesota Statute 145A mandates for public health responsibilities.

July 14, 2026 Agenda: Second Reading and Summary Publication of Ordinance Amending Alcohol in City Parks (Subsection 840.11)

Dissent: N/A

Moved by N/A · Seconded by N/A

The City Council is asked to consider approval of the second reading and summary publication of an ordinance amending Subsection 840.11 of the Richfield City Code, which regulates alcohol in City parks. This amendment would allow alcohol sales and consumption in facilities like the Wood Lake Nature Center and the Community Center, and low-alcohol beverages at the Richfield Ice Arena and City-sponsored events, subject to permits, director approval, and indemnification. The goal is to provide flexibility and enhance revenue generation for recreation facilities, with critical timing issues related to the Wood Lake Nature Center's opening.

July 14, 2026 Agenda: Resolution of Support for 2026 Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Funding

Dissent: N/A

Moved by N/A · Seconded by N/A

The City Council is asked to approve a resolution supporting a project submittal for the 2026 Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funding solicitation. The application is for constructing a roundabout at the West 76th Street and Newton Avenue intersection, replacing an aging signal system. This project aims to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries, increase pedestrian and driver safety, and leverage federal funding (90/10 split) to lower the city's cost. The expected request is $1,935,000, with a city match of $215,000 for construction and $450,000 for engineering costs, to be paid from Municipal State Aid funding. Staff acknowledge the need for additional education and outreach to the adjacent Minnesota Independence and Community College.

July 14, 2026 Agenda: Temporary On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for St. Peter Catholic Church

Dissent: N/A

Moved by N/A · Seconded by N/A

The City Council is asked to approve a temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license for St. Peter Catholic Church for their Tri Fest Harvest 2026 event on September 26-27, 2026, at 6730 Nicollet Avenue South. The church plans to serve intoxicating liquor, wine, and 3.2 percent malt liquor. An extensive plan is in place to monitor legal drinking, check IDs, limit serving, provide food, and manage intoxicated individuals, including alternative transportation. The Public Safety Director found no basis for denial, and all licensing requirements, including fees and liquor liability insurance, have been met.

July 14, 2026 Agenda: Professional Services Agreement with GMP Consultants

Dissent: N/A

Moved by N/A · Seconded by N/A

The City Council is asked to approve a Professional Services Agreement with GMP Consultants to conduct the executive recruitment for the City's next City Manager. This follows a consensus reached during interviews with five executive search firms on June 30, 2026. The agreement outlines the scope of services and compensation, with funding included in the 2026 revised City Council budget. Approval is crucial to maintain the recruitment timeline, allowing GMP Consultants to begin developing the recruitment profile, engaging stakeholders, and preparing the position announcement.