Richfield City Council — Agenda
Sunday, March 15, 2026
HRA Officer Elections
Emergency Rental Assistance Funding
Affordable Homeownership Program Agreements Adjustments
HRA Bylaws Amendment for Order of Operations
Designation of Official Depositories
Votes (5)
Election of officers for the Richfield Housing and Redevelopment Authority
This item addresses the annual requirement by HRA Bylaws to elect a Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary during the March meeting. The previous year's officers (Erin Vrieze Daniels, Gordon Hanson, Sean Hayford Oleary) were noted. The recommended action is a motion to elect officers for the 2026 term.
Consideration of an amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with VEAP to provide an additional $50,000 in Local Affordable Housing Aid funding for emergency rental assistance and the related navigation and servicing of the program.
VEAP requested an additional $50,000 in Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) funding due to an increase in demand for emergency rental assistance, largely linked to 'Operation Metro Surge'. The initial $50,000 committed in January 2026 was nearly depleted by March 3rd, having served 15 households. This additional funding aims to continue providing housing stability, with a focus on low-income households (under 50% AMI) and households of color, who represent a significant portion of those assisted.
Consideration of amended and restated Local Housing Incentive Account Subgrant Agreements with Home Source, Inc. and Woodlawn Terrace Cooperative adjusting the funding amounts, outcomes, and deadline for the creation of new affordable housing opportunities in Woodlawn Terrace.
The HRA reviewed and proposed amendments to existing Local Housing Incentive Account (LHIA) subgrant agreements. These changes adjust the funding distribution, with Home Source, Inc. receiving up to $168,750 and Woodlawn Terrace Cooperative receiving up to $28,250. The project outcome now mandates a minimum of three new three-bedroom units sold affordably and extends the grant deadline to December 31, 2026. These adjustments reflect refined project costs and aim to support the creation and preservation of affordable homeownership opportunities.
Consider the adoption of a resolution amending the Bylaws of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority to adjust the order of operations.
The HRA considered adopting a resolution to amend its Bylaws to revise the order of business during meetings. This initiative stems from the city's adoption of new agenda building software, CivicPlus, and aims to standardize meeting procedures across city commissions, aligning the HRA's agenda with that of the City Council. Notable changes include placing approval of agenda first, followed by minutes and open forum, and integrating the approval of claims into the Consent Calendar.
Consider resolutions designating official depositories for the Housing and Redevelopment Authority for 2026, including the approval of collateral.
In accordance with Minnesota statutes, the HRA is required to annually designate financial institutions as official depositories for its funds in 2026. This includes U.S. Bank (for transactional purposes linked to the 4M Fund), various savings and loan associations, banks, and credit unions (for deposits up to federal insurance limits), and several investment brokerage firms for the investment of HRA funds in government securities. This ensures statutory compliance and optimized investment returns.
Notable Quotes (8)
VEAP has seen an increase in the need for rental assistance related to Operation Metro Surge and, as of March 3, had spent $36,115.41 of the funds on rental assistance for 15 households as well as the $7,500 allocated for navigation and support. VEAP is seeking an additional $50,000 in funding to continue providing assistance.
A significant percentage of Richfield renters are households of color, and ensuring housing stability reduces racial inequities and helps all residents to thrive. Typically, 47% of the households VEAP assists are Latine and from other immigrant communities.
The grant covers WTC's costs to demolish abandoned units and prepare lots for new homes (e.g., tree removal, crowning the lot, upgrading utilities). Additional funds are paid to Home Source to reduce the price of the unit to an amount affordable to an income-qualified buyer (affordability gap).
The HRA's support of WTC preserves existing and creates new affordable housing, consistent with the Strategic Plan goal to maintain Richfield as an affordable place to live.
The City selected CivicPlus as our new agenda building software platform last year. In an effort to make agendas more consistent, Commissions are adjusting their order of operations to better align with City Council agendas. Therefore, staff proposes changing the order of operations to match the City Council.
Claims will now be included as part of the consent calendar, rather than a stand-alone item at the end of the agenda.
In compliance with Minnesota statutes, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) must designate on an annual basis those financial institutions it does business with.
U.S. Bank acts as the banking institution in the HRA’s banking arrangement with the 4M Fund. Monies received, checks written by the HRA, flow through U.S. Bank. However, at the end of each business day, any proceeds remaining in the HRA U.S. Bank accounts are swept to the 4M Fund to be invested. Therefore, at the end of the business day the HRA accounts are zero, which means the collateral requirements of Minnesota Statutes Section 118A.03 are not required.
Ordinances & Resolutions (20)
Governs the HRA's internal operations, including officer elections and meeting procedures. Proposed for amendment to adjust the order of operations.
An agreement with VEAP for providing emergency rental assistance, proposed for an amendment to add $50,000 in funding.
A funding source collected through a metro-area sales tax and allocated to cities for affordable housing initiatives, including emergency rental assistance.
Agreements with Home Source, Inc. and Woodlawn Terrace Cooperative, being amended to adjust funding and deadlines for affordable housing projects.
The foundational grant agreement between the HRA and Metropolitan Council, under which LHIA funds are provided.
A proposed formal resolution to adopt changes to the HRA's meeting order of business.
Proposed resolutions for the annual designation of banks and financial institutions for HRA funds, as required by state statutes.
State statutes that mandate the annual designation of financial institutions as depositories for municipal funds.
New agenda building software platform adopted by the City, which prompted the HRA to adjust its meeting order of operations for consistency.
An event identified as a cause for increased demand for emergency rental assistance through the VEAP program.
Designated banking institution and investment fund for HRA monies.
Designated financial institution for investment of HRA funds.
Designated financial institution for investment of HRA funds.
Designated financial institution for investment of HRA funds.
Designated financial institution for investment of HRA funds.
Designated financial institution for investment of HRA funds.
Designated financial institution for investment of HRA funds.
Designated financial institution for investment of HRA funds.
Governs data collection and dissemination by sub-grantees under HRA agreements.
Relevant Minnesota statute, with affordable housing subsidies noted as exempt from its requirements.