Richfield City Council — Agenda
Monday, February 9, 2026
Story
Richfield Council bans ICE use of city property
Public Concerns Regarding Federal Immigration Enforcement (ICE/DHS)
Housing Instability and Eviction Prevention
Student Safety and Judicial Accountability
Minnesota Independence College & Community (MICC) Development
Establishment of Human Resources Department and Director Position
Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction Project (CSAH 52)
Regional Collaboration on Immigration Enforcement and Advocacy
Votes (11)
Review and discuss the Fleet Electrification Analysis conducted by the fleet electrification consultant Sawatch Labs (Work Session - Jan 27, 2026)
Dissent: None
Sustainability Coordinator Lindholm presented findings that identified 24 light-duty vehicles as strong options for conversion to electric, with estimated savings of $140,000 and significant greenhouse gas reductions. Level 2 chargers at Public Works and City Hall were recommended. Deputy Public Works Director Link advocated for a phased approach, prioritizing infrastructure installation. Council discussion covered budget impacts, leasing vs. purchasing, and the need for a separate study for police vehicles and a detailed financial analysis before making commitments. Council expressed general support for exploring EV fleet vehicles cautiously.
Open Forum (Regular Meeting - Jan 27, 2026)
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Coleman-Woods [Approx. 07:45] · Seconded by Council Member Burk [Approx. 07:45]
The Open Forum was extended to 50 minutes, and an ADA accommodation for a 4-minute time limit was approved, allowing seventeen residents to speak. The primary themes were deep concerns about increased Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the city, its negative impacts on immigrant families, children, and the broader community. Residents urged the Council to take action, including limiting law enforcement's cooperation with federal agencies, reallocating police funding to community services, advocating for a statewide eviction moratorium, and reconsidering the use of surveillance technologies like Flock cameras. Many expressed pride in community solidarity and called for greater city transparency and protection for vulnerable residents.
Proclamation recognizing January 26–30 as Winter Salt Week 2026 (Regular Meeting - Jan 27, 2026)
Dissent: None
Mayor Supple read a proclamation officially recognizing January 26-30 as Winter Salt Week, presenting it to Deputy Public Works Director Chris Link.
Richfield Foundation Presentation of Grants (Regular Meeting - Jan 27, 2026)
Dissent: None
Lindsay Crye, Chair of the Richfield Foundation, presented grants on behalf of the organization. She highlighted the Foundation's nearly 40-year history of supporting local nonprofits and neighborhood projects, with a mission to connect resources to community efforts and a vision of a vibrant, connected Richfield. The presentation included the announcement of 2025 grant recipients.
Consent Calendar Items (Regular Meeting - Jan 27, 2026)
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Hayford Oleary [Approx. 08:00] · Seconded by Council Member Burk [Approx. 08:00]
City Manager Rodriguez presented three items for the consent calendar: approval of disbursements/claims totaling $2,790,170.34; the second reading of Ordinance No. 2026-01 rezoning parcels for the Minnesota Independence College & Community (MICC) with related resolutions; and the second reading of Ordinance No. 2026-02 establishing a Human Resources Department and Director position, with a related resolution. These items were approved collectively.
Adoption of an emergency ordinance limiting the use of city-owned property for civil immigration enforcement staging purposes (Regular Meeting - Jan 27, 2026)
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Coleman-Woods [Approx. 08:10] · Seconded by Council Member Burk [Approx. 08:10]
Council Member Coleman-Woods presented Ordinance No. 2026-03, recommending an emergency ordinance to prohibit the use of city-owned off-street property (like parking lots and vacant lots) for civil immigration enforcement activities, unless legally required or with a judicial warrant. This measure was a direct response to recent federal enforcement activity and aimed to provide clear guidance for staff and residents, taking immediate effect. Staff clarified the ordinance does not apply to on-street parking or public areas inside city buildings.
Resolution Ratifying Participation in Municipal Prosecutors’ Amicus Curiae Brief (Regular Meeting - Jan 27, 2026)
Dissent: None
Moved by Mayor Supple [Approx. 08:15] · Seconded by Council Member Hayford Oleary [Approx. 08:15]
Mayor Supple read Resolution 12407, which formally ratifies the city's participation in a municipal prosecutors' amicus curiae brief. City Manager Rodriguez acknowledged the prompt consideration required due to recent intercity meetings and expressed gratitude for the Council's quick decision.
City Council's approval of the Mayor's appointment of a Housing and Redevelopment Authority Commissioner (Regular Meeting - Jan 27, 2026)
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Hayford Oleary [Approx. 08:20] · Seconded by Council Member Coleman-Woods [Approx. 08:20]
Council Member Hayford Oleary presented the staff report recommending Brett Stursa as a Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) commissioner for a five-year term starting March 1, 2026. The appointment followed an application and interview process conducted by HRA/EDA members. Mayor Supple clarified that HRA and Economic Development Authority (EDA) members are the same, so this appointment also applies to the EDA. The Council also thanked Erin Vrieze Daniels for her prior service.
City Manager’s Report (Regular Meeting - Jan 27, 2026)
Dissent: None
City Manager Rodriguez provided a comprehensive update on responses to public concerns from recent open forums, particularly regarding federal immigration enforcement. Key actions included issuing Council statements, allocating $50,000 for emergency rental assistance, and adopting the emergency ordinance limiting city property use by ICE. Ongoing efforts include 'know your rights' information, monitoring ICE vehicle traffic stops, filing an amicus curiae brief, and exploring options for extending eviction notice requirements (as a city-level moratorium was deemed legally unfeasible). She also reported on Flock camera system security (no federal data sharing, 30-day retention), increased police patrols near schools, and school programming adjustments due to ICE activity. Council and staff discussed potential local ordinances for tenant protections, including an affirmative defense for income loss due to ICE involvement.
Council Discussion (Regular Meeting - Jan 27, 2026)
Dissent: None
Council members used this time for general acknowledgments and updates. Council Member Burk praised community solidarity during challenging times, echoed by Council Member Hayford Oleary who also encouraged caucus participation. Council Member Coleman-Woods celebrated the Richfield High School basketball teams' success. Mayor Supple updated on coordination among West Metro mayors, city managers, and police chiefs to strengthen regional advocacy and engage with state and federal processes, noting that collective action increases impact. No liaison reports were presented.
Consider a resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to finalize and execute Hennepin County Cooperative Agreement No. PW 22-19-25 for the 2026-27 Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction Project (Consent Calendar - Feb 10, 2026 Agenda Item)
Dissent: None foreseen from report
This item proposes approval of a cooperative agreement with Hennepin County for the extensive reconstruction of Nicollet Avenue (CSAH 52). The project, scheduled for 2026-27, will update aging infrastructure from 77th Street to 66th Street, including roadway, utilities, ADA features, and active transportation elements. Richfield's estimated cost share is approximately $7.99 million of the total $23.8 million project. The plan aligns with city master plans for bicycle, pedestrian, and active transportation, aiming to enhance safety for all users. The City is actively seeking state bond funds to alleviate financial burden, with the agreement stipulating how these funds would be allocated if awarded. The resolution is crucial for the County to proceed with bidding.
Notable Quotes (19)
The study identified 24 light-duty vehicles as strong options for conversion to battery electric vehicles: estimating approximately $140,000 in savings and significant greenhouse gas reductions.
emphasized a phased approach beginning with infrastructure installation before EV fleet vehicle acquisition.
emphasized the need to conduct a separate study of police vehicles and to complete a detailed financial analysis before committing to a transition to electric vehicles.
expressed concern that some immigrant residents have recently limited their public presence due to fear related to immigration enforcement and noted community efforts to support affected neighbors, concluding with pride in the community’s collective response.
Ms. Tackes summarized public comments from the January 13 meeting regarding concerns about increased Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the city. Ms. Tackes noted all comments expressing opposition to the current enforcement presence and requests for city action related to law enforcement practices, data-sharing technology, and housing stability.
Ms. Cleland requested information on the economic impact of ICE activity on the city and asked the Council to clarify what authority and measures the city can use to prevent federal agencies from staging on city property, emphasizing the need to protect families, businesses, and community safety.
Mr. Fulton expressed support for city actions that could limit ICE access to public spaces and for the removal of surveillance technologies such as Flock and opined on law enforcement limitations with federal agencies.
The measure responds to recent federal enforcement activity in Richfield, aims to address public safety and access concerns, and provides clear guidance for staff and residents. The ordinance does not limit federal enforcement or lawful judicial actions and would take effect immediately.
reviewed and clarified the ordinance applies only to city-owned off-street properties, such as parking lots, and cannot restrict access to on-street parking or public areas inside city buildings.
added that recent intercity meetings provided an opportunity that required quick vetting for the Council meeting and expressed gratitude for the Council’s prompt consideration and decision.
clarified that, according to the Economic Development Authority (EDA) bylaws, EDA members are the same members as Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) members. Therefore, the appointment of the HRA commissioner also applies to the EDA, but the official appointment is made through the HRA.
Key actions completed included: Posting summaries of Council statements condemning ICE actions, both on the Richfield Recap and social media, with Mayor Supple issuing a separate statement over the weekend.
Legal review found an eviction moratorium is not permitted; the city is examining options to extend eviction notice requirements.
Flock camera systems were reviewed and confirmed secure, with no federal data sharing, license plate data retained for 30 days (compared to the 60-day industry standard), and no Condor video-enabled cameras in use.
expressed appreciation for community members who are supporting one another during a time of crisis, noting strong local solidarity and willingness to help neighbors and others in need.
Mayor Supple noted that collective action among multiple cities increases impact, and that work is ongoing to formalize governance and communication, with a more formal announcement anticipated soon.
The City Council adopted a resolution supporting the project layout at the October 8, 2024 City Council meeting.
The project will create a safer, more comfortable corridor for all users of Nicollet Avenue, whether they are walking, biking, rolling, driving a personal vehicle, or taking public transit. The proposed design emphasizes the safety of the roadway's most vulnerable users to reduce or eliminate vehicle crashes with pedestrians and bicyclists, and reduce the severity of vehicle crashes on the road.
State funding could significantly reduce the financial impact on the debt levy and utility funds. Language has been included in the agreement to dictate the dispersal of any awarded bond funds.
Ordinances & Resolutions (22)
Agreement for the 2026-27 Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction Project.
Infrastructure project to reconstruct CSAH 52 (Nicollet Avenue).
Proposed resolution for the Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction Project.
Proposed resolution for a lawful gambling permit at Sandy's Tavern.
Study conducted by Sawatch Labs to evaluate the city's vehicle fleet for EV conversion.
Rezoning four parcels for the Minnesota Independence College & Community (MICC).
Approving summary publication of Ordinance 2026-01.
Approving a Conditional Use Permit and Variances for MICC.
Approving a Preliminary Plat for MICC Bulldog.
Amending the Code of Ordinances to establish a Human Resources Department and Director position.
Approving summary publication of Ordinance 2026-02.
Emergency ordinance limiting the use of city-owned property for civil immigration enforcement staging purposes.
Ratifying Participation in Municipal Prosecutors’ Amicus Curiae Brief.
City plan outlining objectives for bikeway corridors, relevant to Nicollet Avenue project.
City plan incorporating best practices for pedestrian safety, relevant to Nicollet Avenue project.
City plan focused on prioritizing active transportation users, relevant to Nicollet Avenue project.
Standard for traffic signs, pavement markings, and warning devices.
Policy followed by Hennepin County for preliminary design development.
Surveillance camera system reviewed for data sharing and retention practices.
Specific type of camera confirmed not in use in Richfield.
Minutes approved for the work session.
Minutes approved for the regular meeting.