Richfield City Council — Agenda
Monday, June 22, 2026
Gene and Mary Jacobsen Awards Ceremony
Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for FY2025
Consent Calendar Approval
4d (1) Tax Classification Policy for Affordable Housing
2026 Election Voting Period Administration
City Manager Performance Evaluation
Council Member Community Updates
Votes (6)
Gene and Mary Jacobsen Awards Ceremony
The Richfield Human Rights Commission presented the 2026 Gene and Mary Jacobsen Outstanding Citizen award to Maria Day, recognizing her significant community contributions through Head Start and the Richfield Little Pantry. Her efforts in providing vital groceries and household supplies to neighbors in need were highlighted as exemplifying generosity, compassion, and community spirit. All nominees were invited to the celebratory event.
Receipt of the City of Richfield Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025
Interim Finance Director Mary Bogie presented the City's ACFR for FY2025. The audit by Bergan KDV, Ltd confirmed the financial statements' fair presentation, though it flagged a material weakness regarding the lack of segregation of accounting duties due to limited staff. This issue necessitated a material audit adjustment, which management subsequently corrected. The report provided detailed financial insights into the general fund and enterprise funds, noting increases in revenues and fund balances.
Consent Calendar (Approval of several items in one motion)
Moved by Council Member Coleman-Woods [Page 6] · Seconded by Council Member Burk [Page 6]
The City Council approved multiple items, including approving Disbursements/Claims, considering a Professional Service Agreement with TC2 for the 2050 Comprehensive Plan update, passing Resolution 12426 supporting Richfield as a Minnesota GreenCorps Member host, and passing Resolution 12427 authorizing grant agreements with the Metropolitan Council for active transportation. All items were recommended for approval and passed without individual discussion.
Consideration of a policy for use of the 4d (1) tax classification as a tool to create and preserve affordable housing
Moved by Council Member Hayford Oleary [Page 7] · Seconded by Council Member Burk [Page 7]
Council Member Hayford Oleary presented a proposed policy outlining the strategic use of the 4d (1) tax classification. This policy specifies that the 4d (1) classification should be utilized as a last resort, prioritizing the preservation of existing affordable housing and projects that align with the City's housing goals. New construction projects would only be considered if they are financially beneficial to the City. Council members universally expressed support for this balanced approach, acknowledging its utility as a framework for future requests and its consideration of tax impacts.
Consider and approve either a 46-day in-person or an 18-day early voting period for 2026 based on new election legislation passed on May 15, 2026
Moved by Council Member Burk [Page 8] · Seconded by Council Member Christensen [Page 8]
Council Member Coleman-Woods presented options for implementing new state election legislation, specifically regarding the duration of in-person early voting for 2026. Staff provided clarification on how voter access would be maintained under the proposed 18-day period, confirming continued availability of mail, online requests, and drop-off options, along with computer access for assistance at City Hall. Council members supported the 18-day option, emphasizing its balance between voter accessibility, ballot security, and administrative efficiency and cost reduction.
Closed Session City Manager Evaluation
Moved by Council Member Burk [Page 9] · Seconded by Council Member Coleman-Woods [Page 9]
The City Council entered into a closed session on June 9, 2026, and a special closed session on June 16, 2026, specifically for the purpose of conducting a performance evaluation of City Manager Katie Rodriguez. This action was taken in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 13D.05, subdivision 3(a). Mayor Supple announced the intent to provide a summary of the evaluation at the subsequent June 23, 2026, regular council meeting.
Notable Quotes (5)
Bergan KDV, Ltd has completed the annual audit of the City's financial report and has issued their opinion that the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the governmental activities, the business-type activities, the discretely presented component units, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information, as of December 31, 2025.
The City had a lack of segregation of accounting duties due to a limited number of office employees due city size and funding. The lack of adequate segregation of accounting duties could adversely affect the City's ability to initiate, record, process, and report financial data consistent with the assertions of management in the financial statements.
The policy reflects the direction of the Council and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority Commission’s direction that 4d (1) should be used only as a last resort after other funding sources have been exhausted. Priority would be given to preserving existing affordable housing and projects that advance key housing goals. For new construction, 4d (1) would only be considered when it meets City priorities and is financially beneficial to the City.
Staff explained that residents still have availability to vote beginning 46 days before an election through mail, online requests, or at Hennepin County Government Center, and can still drop-off ballots at City Hall. Staff also outlined plans to communicate the changes to residents and confirmed that computer access would be available at City Hall to assist voters with requesting mail-out ballots or with registering to vote.
Council is moving into a closed session meeting in the Babcock Room for the purpose of conducting a performance evaluation of City Manager Katie Rodriguez, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 13D.05, subdivision 3(a).
Ordinances & Resolutions (31)
The official agenda for the Richfield City Council meeting on June 23, 2026.
Minutes from a previous regular City Council meeting, presented for approval.
Minutes from a previous special City Council meeting, presented for approval.
The city's financial report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025.
Proposed resolutions for grant project applications to the Metropolitan Council.
Request for three new licenses for EcoATM, LLC.
A temporary liquor license for an event at Woodlake Center on October 8, 2026.
A temporary liquor license for an event at Fred Babcock VFW #5555 on August 1, 2026.
A resolution to affirm the financial caps on tort liability for the city.
A contract for $263,970 for the replacement of exterior soffit on rink one of the Richfield Ice Arena.
The first reading of an ordinance proposing changes to regulations concerning alcohol use in city parks.
A resolution concerning updates to the city's general employee compensation plan for 2026.
A resolution related to the City Manager's employment contract, following her performance evaluation.
Minnesota State Statute governing closed sessions for performance evaluations of public employees.
Agreement to assist the City with the 2050 Comprehensive Plan update.
Resolution supporting the City of Richfield's selection to host a Minnesota GreenCorps Member.
Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to execute two Active Transportation Grant Agreements with the Metropolitan Council.
A proposed policy to utilize tax classification as a tool for creating and preserving affordable housing.
Resolution approving the adoption of the 4d (1) Tax Classification Policy.
State legislation allowing municipalities to choose between different early voting periods for 2026 elections.
Resolution establishing Richfield’s 18-day in-person early voting administration process and absentee ballot boards for future primary and general elections.
State statute governing the administration of absentee and early voting.
The future comprehensive plan for the city, currently in the update process.
The city's current strategic plan, guiding its priorities.
The city's existing comprehensive plan, adopted in 2020.
Management plan for the city's tax increment financing districts.
Software used by the Public Works department for pavement management.
A revised plan allocating annual funds for pedestrian, bicyclist, and ADA improvements.
Ongoing planning efforts and secured grants for projects improving safety for students.
An accounting standard update to enhance the effectiveness of the financial reporting model for governmental entities.
An accounting standard update to provide essential information about certain types of capital assets in government financial statements.