Richfield City Council — Minutes
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Transportation Commission Governance and Officer Elections
Temporary Suspension of Vehicle Impoundment due to Operation Metro Surge
Penn Avenue Planning, Land Use, and Redevelopment
Penn Avenue Phase 2 Engagement Results and Infrastructure Recommendations
City and County Infrastructure Project Updates
City Council Liaison Update on Immigration Enforcement (ICE) Operations
Votes (7)
Election of Officers for 2026-2027 Term
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Kubista [Timestamp] · Seconded by Commissioner Gepner [Timestamp]
The discussion involved nominations for Chair and Vice-Chair positions for the upcoming term, with sole nominees for each role. No debate or alternative candidates were presented.
Election of Officers for 2026-2027 Term (Vice-Chair)
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Yang [Timestamp] · Seconded by Commissioner Kubista [Timestamp]
Following the Chair election, nominations for Vice-Chair were taken, resulting in a single nominee. The process was straightforward, leading to a vote.
Review and Approval of Commission By-Laws
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Kubista [Timestamp] · Seconded by Vice-Chair Knosalla [Timestamp]
Commission members discussed a by-law amendment concerning an elected secretary for minutes and attendance. Commissioners expressed appreciation for city staff's current role. A request was made to staff to clarify the Commission's purview regarding fiber-optic build-out projects.
Consider Recommendation to City Council on Temporary Suspension of Vehicle Impoundment
Dissent: Commissioner Gepner abstained
Moved by Commissioner Yang [Timestamp] · Seconded by Commissioner Kubista [Timestamp]
Commissioner Yang initiated a discussion on modifying an existing city ordinance to assist residents affected by Operation Metro Surge, suggesting a temporary halt to vehicle impoundments and associated fines, with an exception for public safety. City staff indicated they would work with the city attorney to finalize the recommendation for upcoming council meetings.
Penn Avenue Planning & Land Use
Dissent: None
City Planner Sam Crosby presented an overview of Penn Avenue's current land use, zoning, and future redevelopment projects. Discussions covered lot size differences, historical comprehensive plans, and the potential for property acquisition to alleviate parking constraints. Councilmember Oleary clarified landowner development rights and the implications of relaxed parking requirements for adjacent streets.
Penn Avenue Phase 2 Engagement Results - Buffered On-Street Bike Lane Alternative
Dissent: Commissioner Gepner opposed
Moved by Chair Dzierzak [Timestamp] · Seconded by Commissioner Knosalla [Timestamp]
Hennepin County Senior Professional Engineer Matt Huggins presented engagement results, indicating low community demand for buffered on-street bike lanes. He also cited MNDOT's guidance and Penn Avenue's traffic volume (ADT) as reasons why such facilities are not recommended in this area. Commissioner Gepner voiced disagreement with this recommendation.
Penn Avenue Phase 2 Engagement Results - On-Street Parking Alternatives South of 68th Street
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Yang [Timestamp] · Seconded by Commissioner Olson [Timestamp]
The discussion focused on the preliminary recommendation to not proceed with on-street parking alternatives in residential areas south of 68th Street on Penn Avenue, based on low demand observed during community engagement events.
Notable Quotes (8)
Commissioner Yang suggested to make a recommendation to City Council to edit the existing City ordinance to assist residents who have been impacted by Operation Metro Surge and/or have been forced to leave their vehicles behind.
Powers estimated that the recommendation would be ready for council in approximately a month for either March or April council meetings.
Chair Dzierzak mentioned the disconnect between what is being built in the public right-of-way in contrast to what has been proposed in previous comprehensive plans for private property along the corridor.
Councilmember Hayford Oleary clarified to the commission that it is ultimately up to the landowner to decide how they want to develop their property (with some exceptions and approval processes from the city).
He emphasized that these impacts should also be taken into consideration when it comes to the design for the reconstruction of Penn Ave.
He emphasized that the actions he is looking for from the Transportation Commission are any comments on the preliminary recommendations resulting from the Phase 2 engagement results.
Commissioner Gepner disagreed with not proceeding with the buffered on-street bike lane alternative.
Huggins answered that based on MNDOT’s guidance and the number of vehicles on Penn Ave (ADT), it is not recommended to have on-street bike lane.
Ordinances & Resolutions (6)
Internal governance document of the Transportation Commission.
Existing City ordinance governing vehicle impoundment, subject to recommended amendment.
Previous comprehensive plan for the Penn Avenue corridor.
Metro Transit's recommended Bus Rapid Transit route.
City ordinance passed in Richfield regarding ICE operations.
Refers to ICE operations with impacts on residents and local communities.