You do need to read something. Good evening everyone. I'm calling to order this October 14, 2025 meeting of the Richfield City Council. If you're able, please rise and join us for the pledge of >> allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands nationy and justice for all. And these are public hearings. Thank you everyone. Next we'll move on to the approval of the agenda. >> So move >> second. >> It's been moved and seconded to approve the agenda. Is there any discussion? All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> All opposed. The agenda is approved. Next, we'll move on to the approval of the minutes for the city council work session from September 23rd, 2025 and the city council regular meeting from September 23rd, 2025. >> So move second. >> Okay. It's been moved and seconded to approve those minutes. Is there any discussion? All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> All opposed. And we've approved the minutes. So, next we're going to move on to the open forum. Members of the public are invited to address the city council during open forum. Speakers who have completed a comment card will be called to the podium to speak first. Speakers are asked to state their first and last name, city of residence, and the topic or item they wish to speak on. Each speaker will be given up to three minutes to provide their comments. Please note that that time may not be transferred or shared with another individual. So, in order not to um disrupt what you're saying, when we get down to 30 seconds, I'll hold up a yellow card so you know that you should start wrapping up and when the time is up, I'll hold up the red card. Open forum is an opportunity for the council to listen to public input. Council members will not respond to questions or comments during this time. However, all remarks will be taken into consideration. The council may direct staff to follow up or take appropriate action as needed. For more information on how to participate or provide public comment, please visit the city website at www.richfieldmn.govcity_city_consel gov/c city_govern city councsilmore_information. Now later this evening we will have a public hearing that has to do with the various assessments whether that was for the solid waste charges for the ILN 77th street project area the removal of diseased trees the sanitary sewer line assessment and the utility account assessments. So, if you're here to speak about that, that will be later on during the public hearing time. And it's my understanding that all of the comment cards I have at the moment are for that public hearing instead of just the general open forum. So, is there anyone that just wants to speak to the general general open forum and not about the assessments? Um, qu you had a question. Is this for the general open form or for the assessments? All right. if you could step forward and state your name and your city of residence. Good evening. My name is Latoya Peterson and I am a city resident of the city of Richfield. Um I know I only have three minutes. It's just a quick question. I'll look for followup and I'm hoping that there's comments later. I do see that someone from the police office police department is here tonight. So I hope that he's paying attention to this concern. Um, on my way home on Sunday, September 28th, 2025, I encountered white five white police officers responding to a juvenile matter. I'm sorry, I'm emotional because it's extremely disturbing. The response I got for why there were so many police officers present was because of the crowd. There were more police officers than they were than there were citizens. There were two parents visibly upset um and arguably agreeably upset about four or five onlookers um who were just videotaping the incident and when I approached seemed to be non-combative and were not actually engaged in the situation. They were just recording because as we know in our cities and our state that that's the best practice. My concern and question is what is the city's protocol for response to juveniles? Why was a juvenile sitting in the back of a squad car for as many minutes as he was? Why does the city believe that having five white male police officers respond is the best practice for this young young black juvenile? Um, why did the responding sergeant believe that it was okay to start aggressively walking towards me and get in my face to explain the policy? If a civilian such as myself had done that, I would have been in handcuffs or worse could have happened to myself. My solution to this and hope that comes out of this is a conversation with law enforcement about deescalation skills skills and best practice for responding to hostile well within their reason and understanding parents, community members, and other officials that stop by. And just an FYI, I work for the state of Minnesota and this is deeply concerning. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, since you didn't fill out a comment card, could you leave your contact information so we can get back to you as well? >> Yes, ma'am. Where would you like me to leave that? Um, do we have a Okay, the city clerk will help you with that. Thank you so much for your time. >> Is there anyone else who wishes to speak during open forum? Thank you. Then we'll move on to the proclamations and presentations. And so our first proclamation is celebrating Indigenous People's Day. And I would will be joined by um Human Rights Commissioner Mattie Vuken. So if you can join me up front so much. This is a proclamation of the city of Richfield. Whereas indigenous people's day is the celebration of the cultures, lands and languages of individual indigenous peoples, excuse me, throughout the land in which the United States is built on. And whereas the Dakota and Anishinab people have lived on the ancestral lands of Minnesota for thousands of years, including the land of the city of Richfield. And whereas indigenous peoples have served courageously throughout our history in all aspects of our society and deserve to be recognized and respected for all their contributions. And whereas Minnesota is home to countless indigenous leaders including Winona Leuk, Louise Erdich, and Clyde Bell. And whereas Mary Kunish is the first indigenous Minnesota state senator. And whereas the state of Minnesota is honored to have Peggy Flanigan serve as our Lieutenant Governor rep representing White Earth Nation. And whereas the city of Richfield confirms its commitment to supporting, uplifting, and honoring indigenous peoples to ensure a better future for all members of our community. Now therefore, I, Mary Supple, mayor of Richfield, on behalf of the Richfield City Council, do hereby proclaim October 13th as Indigenous People's Day in Richfield and call on the people of Richfield to observe this period with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies and continue to honor the contribution of indigenous Americans throughout the year. Proclaim this 14th day of October, 2025. Commissioner Vuken, thank you for joining us. Would you like to say anything? >> Sure. >> All right. Good evening, everyone. I'd like to say thank you, Mayor Supple, and the city council for having me here tonight. I am honored to accept the Indigenous People's Day proclamation on behalf of the human rights committee of Richfield. Lastly, I would like to stay state that um as a community member and a member of the human rights um commission that I believe it's imperative for us as a community to keep um learning and teaching ourselves and our children about the indigenous cultures and that we have a duty for our future to continue acknowledging all the cultures that make up our great state of Minnesota and Richfield. Thank you. Thank you. Our next presentation is the re annual report of the community services commission. So I'd like to welcome Chair Tessa Johan Johansson to the podium to speak. Thank you. Good evening. Get this. There we go. All right. Um, happy to be here to share our report of accomplishments since last October. Our community services commission received regular updates on projects like the new splash pad um, which opened this past year, Woodlake Nature Cent's building project, and improvements to the Richfield Pool and Ice Arena. Uh we also assisted with grading proposals for the new playground equipment at Donaldson Park. We used criteria based on neighborhood feedback sessions that were done in 2023. Uh we also heard updates on the installation which was completed in September and it's looking very nice. Um we provided feedback and heard updates for the projects related to the successful local sales tax referendum. We also prioritized uh proposed capital projects and recommended council approval of the 2026 parks, recreation, and open space capital improvement budget as well as the 2027 through 2030 capital improvement plan. We also met met jointly with the sustainability commission to hear presentations from Woodlake Nature Center, recreation services, and the forestry division of public works. Uh, we met on site at the Richfield pool for a facility tour, which I think everybody in the commission really enjoyed. Um, we were able to see the new splash pad and review a summary of the pool improvements that are planned for the off season. We also reviewed plans and policies for the revamped recreation fee assistance program, which saw $17,000 in funds utilized by qualifying Richfield households to assist with paying for activity fees. Um, we also provided guidance and feedback to staff regarding the roundup for Richfield Parks program at the Richfield liquor stores. In 2025, over $1,200 was raised to benefit the new recreation fee assistance program fund, which I will just note that our commission was really supportive and I think really excited to hear about um that particular program. Um, we also appointed new and returning members to the Friends of Woodlake board. And then new this year, we staff tables at special events representing the community services commission and sharing information about serving on Richfield advisory boards and commissions. Um, our commission was present at the Earth Day celebration, the opening week of the farmers market, the state of the community celebration as well as PatentFest. Uh we also appointed liaison to and received regular reports from the planning commission, arts commission, friends of woodlake board, transportation committee and sustainability commission. And we also continued to receive regular reports from staff um related to recreation programs in Woodlake Nature Center, uh pool arena and wheel fund, mini golf and malt shop, parks maintenance, sustainability and organics composting. Um, I think this coming year will uh be somewhat similar in that we'll continue to be prioritizing capital improvement items, continuing to hear regular reports from staff and other commissions, and providing feedback and guidance on approved capital projects, including the Woodlake building project, play equipment replacement schedule, and other projects. Lastly, I did also just want to mention, I think, how much appreciation our commission has for the work that's being done um for the Woodlake Nature Center building. the thoughtfulness that is has gone into the design has certainly not gone unnoticed by commission members and so I just thought I would share that feedback as well. So thank you. >> So thank you so much for your report and all the work you've been doing. I know your commission has been very very busy and we appreciate all the work and your leadership as chair. >> Is there any are there any other comments from any of the other council members? Do we have any questions? All right. You guys have done a lot of great work. So, thank you so much. >> You're welcome. Thank you. [Applause] >> Our next presentation is the Sustainability Commission annual report and I'll um invite Sher Amanda Keeper to come up and give that report. >> Good evening. Thanks for having me. Uh my name is Amanda Keeper. I chair the sustainability commission. Um this is our sixth year as a commission for the city. Um and I feel like we get better every year. Uh we've met 10 oh we will meet 10 times in 2025 and we have two meetings left. Um so first I'd like to thank our 2025 commissioners. um Adam Burnside, Matt Dorretz, Craig Heinen, Alexa Wnjak, Chris Danner, Katie Boon, and our former and current youth commissioners, Helen Burke and Rose Thompson. Also want to thank our support staff, uh Rachel Lindolman, Zack Mccardi, and our liaison, Council Member Coleman Woods, our leon to council, and Haley Tomkins, our community services leaison. We always love getting our updates from the um community services commission. Um, so the sustainability commission creates an annual work plan every year. Um, it provides opportunities for commissioners to lead projects that they care about to help support the city's sustainability work. Um, so that's kind of how we focus our work um, as a commission. And we have four main focus areas that um we tend to concentrate on and they include performing community outreach and education, hosting community events, uh protecting, restoring and enriching Richfield's lands and natural resources, and then learning about city the cities and partner organizations sustainability work and offering policy recommendations to council and staff. So, I'll just run through our accomplishments for each of those four areas. Um, we had a really dedicated crew this year that I think really leaned in to the work plan and got a lot done. So, we had a good year. Um, in the first focus area of performing community outreach and education, we had a lot of educational tableabling this year. um commissioners tabled at the farmers market, at the state of the community, uh the Earth Day event, and the unity in the community event, uh about multiple sustainability topics, including tree planting and tree care, um solid waste education, and caring for backyard fowl, that's chickens and ducks. Um, commissioners are also going to be tableabling at the pumpkin smash that's coming up in November to educate folks about composting and waste reduction and to try to get more residents to sign up for a curbside organics recycling bin, which is something we've been focusing on the last couple of years. Um, we have a couple commissioners that are leading a project to engage with multi-unit buildings in the city to learn about their sustainability efforts and to share resources with staff and residents. That's a really cool project. Um, commissioners helped distribute door hangers in Southwest Richfield promoting the NineM Creek wershed district's rain garden assistance program and also um commissioners presented at our at Richfield's two high schools to encourage students to apply to be youth commissioners. And we did have our first uh youth commissioner um uh this year and now we have a second one that has come on board to um to be next year's youth commissioner. So, that effort seems to be working and we're excited about that. Um, in the focus area of hosting community events, um, our youth commissioner, Helen Burke, planned and held a trash walking and litter cleanup event around Earth Day, and I was very impressed, um, Council Member Burke at her organization and planning around that. So, we were grateful for Helen's work. Um, we also had a commissioner help support the city's first swap event which was focused on winter clothing. Um, and they even did some outreach to the middle school and high school to help connect students um, with getting winter clothes that they need and we reducing waste at the same time. So, it was a win-win. Um, in the focus area of protecting and restoring and enriching rich fields, lands and natural resources mostly focused around tableabling and education there. But in addition to the the tree care um tableabling we did, we also had ongoing discussions as uh a commission about opportunities to update the city's tree protection policies and we expect those conversations to continue in 2026. Um and in addition to our solid waste education, we had ongoing discussions about ways to reduce plastic litter in the city, including connecting businesses to the minimize program. Um and finally uh our last focus area um uh on learning about the city and partner organization sustainability actions and offering policy recommendations. Um we had the the commission gave input on and approved the drafted changes to the backyard foul code which was successfully uh approved and implemented by council. Um, as was mentioned, we had our our annual joint meeting um with the community services commission to get those updates about Wood Lake and city forestry efforts. Um, we also heard uh presentations from several partner organizations this year, 9M Creek WHED, the 494 Community Services Board, and Great River Greening. Um, and of course, we receive regular updates from our support staff. Um at at uh most of our meetings we get great updates about the city the city's many um sustainability topics including waste reduction the city's climate action plan uh various energy and forestry grants and projects and uh the sustainability aspects of richfields our legacy our future project. So, um, in summary, it was another great year for the commission and like I said, we have a great crew that really leaned in and showed up to help educate our community about sustainability. So, thank you for the opportunity to share accomplishments. Do you have any questions? >> So, thank you for all of the work that the commission has done and for all your leadership. Do we have any questions? Um, comm um, Council Member Burke, >> just a quick comment that I I I know how much the youth commissioners benefit from this, so please continue that and thank you so much for your efforts with that. >> Right. Any other comments or questions? We do really appreciate all the work that you've done and thank you for being here tonight. >> Thank you. [Applause] And so our final presentation for the evening is the receipt of the city of Richfield annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended December 31st, 2024. And I'm going to turn that over to finance director Mary Boi to introduce the presenter. Thank you. those statements this year does the work papers that support the the financial report. Um, and I don't know if you do know that the finance staff, there's not one of them that is more than two years with the city. And so, um, this has been a year of learning. They did a fantastic job. and I will turn it over to Caroline to to let you hear about the financial report. >> Good evening, mayor, members of the council. Thanks for having me tonight. Um I'd like, as mentioned, I'm Caroline Stzman. I'm the partner involved in the audit for the city of Richfield. So, I'd like to take a few minutes of your time tonight just to go through the results of that audit. Um so, as we advance through, we'll go one more. Um the main reason that we are asked to work with the city is to provide an opinion on the financial statements also housed that is housed within the independent auditor's report and also housed within that independent auditor's report both management's responsibility as well as ours are outlined and as mentioned management's responsibility is for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with GAP. That means they're determining the numbers that are held within that financial statement. Our job then is to um obtain reasonable assurance that those financial statements are free of material misstatement. Meaning we are conducting our audit, we're sampling, we're vouching, we're verifying things. And through that process, um the opinion we're providing is what's called an unmodified opinion. That's the highest level that you can receive and not a change from previous years. Meaning we do believe those financial statements are fairly stated in all material respects as of December 31st, 2024. as we um outside of just um auditing the numbers, we also conducted our audit in accordance with government auditing standards. That requires us to consider internal controls as we go throughout our process. We have one item of note there, lack of segregation of accounting duties. That is inherently present for um cities, especially in a season of turnover. So, it's not uncommon to see that um with with all of the um changes that you had going on for the year. When you spend more than $750,000 worth of federal expenditures in any given year, there is additional requirements um what's called single audit testing. Um we conducted that this year as well. Um the programs that were tested were section 8 and then the coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds. There were no findings in relation to any of that additional test work. And then one final component before we look at the financial analysis, excuse me, is in relation to Minnesota legal compliance. The office of the state auditor compiles a number of Minnesota state statutes that we are required to ask a lot of questions about. We did not have any findings related to any of that activity either. So with that, we'll move on to one more where we start the graphs here and we start with the general fund. So here we have um total revenues, total expenditures as well as total fund balance. And we'll we'll look at the details a little bit more on revenues and expenditures, but from this graph's perspective, both increased for the year. The results of that activity did increase fund balance as well um by 400 or 541,000, excuse me. Um another way to look at your fund balance is in relation to your fund balance policy. and your fund balance policy indicates that you would strive to maintain a minimum unassigned fund balance of 40% of the current year actual general fund expenditures. This year's percentage is 38.1%. Here we have general fund revenue um in in more detail. In total, general fund revenue increased by 8.8%. Couple of the categories that contributed to that increase are property taxes which incre in increased as a result of an increase in the levy, licenses and permits increased with additional building activity and then intergovernmental revenues increased with an increase in local government aid for the city this year. Next, we have a similar presentation for your general fund expenditures. In total they increase 7.1% and across categories um the majority of the explanation relates to increases in wages. Here we have a budget to actual snapshot for your general fund. That first column is the final budget that was approved which anticipated fund balance would have a break even year. Actual results are in that middle column which we've touched on that bottom um value there increasing 541,000 and then that third column is a variance column. So looking at total revenues all the way over to that far right we see revenues were over budget and if we look at the components above that the items that are over budget are items that are more um volatile or can change based on activity for each year. So really taking a conservative approach on those budget line items is a common practice. And if we follow this chart down to total expenditures again to that far right column seeing underbudget there. And if we play apply a percentage to that it's 0.1%. So considering the size of budget that you're dealing with to be within 0.1%. Um that's I would say very good. Next we have tax capacity the levy and tax capacity rates. So the blue is the tax capacity that increased 3.8% for 2024. Green is the levy which increased 5.9%. And so with the results of those changes and the levy increasing at a slightly higher rate than the tax capacity, you're seeing a slight increase in that tax capacity rate. Next, we shift gears to your enterprise funds. And we start with your liquor fund. The sales um in your liquor fund had essentially a break even year. Slight increase there of less than 1% 6%. Cost of sales decreased two and a half percent. So as a result, if we move to the next slide, we see that gross profit percentage did increase um in that very first column there for 2024 as did the gross profit percentage compared to the 2023 amount. All the rest of those are um some neighboring cities um and their results. So just doing a comparison with the prior year activity showing that um last year slightly below the state average um as well as the other cities that were presented there but again seeing the increase for 2024. Here we have a water and sewer utilities fund charges for services did decrease here with a decrease in uh usage for the year. Operating expenses did increase about 7%. So the results of that activity are in that gray bar there showing an operating loss for the year. We do include operating income and loss with and without depreciation expense that is included as a means for you to analyze um if those charges for services are covering all of your expenses for the fund including that depreciation as a means to set dollars aside for future um replacement of those assets. In all of the years previous to this you were covering that depreciation expense 100%. So just this one year and um for 2024 that's still 83% that was being covered and that's just a information for you. Um moving on to the next one. The last slide that we have for you is the storm sewer fund. So a similar presentation here um showing that charges for services did decrease about four and a half% for the year. Operating expenses were down um a little more than that about 14%. So as a result seeing operating income for the year and it is common for the storm sewer fund to kind of um have what you're seeing here um based on project years because it's one where you're kind of cycling through building up for a project having a project. So pretty common to see that activity fluctuate like that. That's what I prepared to go through with you. I'd be happy to take any questions you might have. >> Do we have any questions? Um, well, I would like to say thank you to the whole audit team and the whole finance department. And for anybody who's watching this or here at the meeting, there's a very interesting document um that's over a 100 pages, but if you go into it, it has a lot of statistics about Richfield and like who the biggest employers are and who the biggest taxpayers are and all kinds of information that might be of interest to you. So I would encourage people to look at that. Um so if there are no questions at this point, I would move to accept the annual comprehensive financial report for the year ended December 31st, 2024. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Okay, it's been moved and seconded. Do we have any discussion or questions? Hearing none. All in favor of accepting the annual comprehensive financial report for the year ended December 31st, 2024, please say I. >> I. >> All opposed. And we have passed that. Thank you. >> Thank you for your time. >> Next, we will move on to the consent calendar, and I'll turn it over to city manager Rodriguez. >> Thank you, Mayor. The consent calendar contains several separate items which are acted upon by the city council in one motion. Once the consent calendar has been approved, the individual items and recommended actions have also been approved. No further council action on these items is necessary. On tonight's consent calendar, item A, approved dispersements and claims. Item B, consider approval for a temporary on sale intoxicating liquor license for the Blessed Trinity Catholic School located at St. Richard's Catholic Church, 7540 Penn Avenue South for their annual gala taking place December 6, 2025. Item C, first reading of a transitory ordinance providing funding for certain capital improvements from the Laker Contribution Special Revenue Fund. Item C, sorry I skipped ahead. First reading, I'm sorry. Item D, consider adoption of a resolution of of support designating that the photograph winter interest by Samantha Chin be used to wrap the Henipin County utility box located at Penn Avenue and 66th Street. Item E, consider approval of an agreement with John A. Dson and Sun, Inc. in the amount of $670,984 for the replacement of the roof on rink 2 of the Richfield Ice Arena. Item F. Consider the first reading of an ordinance imposing a tax on lodging and repealing and replacing in its entirety chapter 14 of the Richfield Code of Ordinances. Item DG G, adopt a resolution authorizing acceptance of an office of traffic safety funds. The agreement extension was previously approved at the September 9th meeting, but the resolution was admitted from the staff report. Item H, consider approval to renew the contract with Chief's Towing, Inc. for the public safety towing service services for December 1st, 2025 through November 30th, 2027. Item I, consider the joint powers agreement to enable Richfield to provide an alternative response for selective 911 calls in a manner that most effectively and efficiently supports and protects the physical, mental, behavioral health of individuals in the cities of Richfield and Adina. Item I, site plan approval for 7424 Lindell Avenue South, conversion to retail. And I submit all of these items for your consideration as part of the consent calendar. >> Is there a motion to approve the consent calendar? >> So moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Second. >> Okay, it's been moved and seconded. Um, are there any comments or questions? >> Council member Hay Ferri. >> Uh, just on item J. I just want to express my welcome to the business owners who are present. Um, Lion Cannabis LLC. Um, I watched the planning commission meeting and I just really appreciate it. the residents who are involved and the work of the business uh to be a good neighbor to those residents. So, thank you and welcome to Richfield. >> Any other comments or questions? Um on that same topic, I noticed in the staff report that the traffic committee is still looking at the issues that came up at the planning commission. And so, I just wanted to make sure that the residents that talked about that know that that is still on the agenda to be taken care of all the traffic issues. Um, secondly, I wanted to say thank you to the city of Adina because I know it's been good to work with them cooperatively on our alternative response program and this joint powers agreement will continue forward with that. I know they've there's been a lot of good work with the two cities working together and I appreciate that. And finally, I just wanted to clarify for item F about the lodging tax. Essentially, what this is doing is it's having the Minnesota Department of Revenue start collecting that tax rather than the local people trying to track it down. And it's an efficiency and I think it will help everyone involved. So, thank you to everybody that set all that up. Any other questions or comments? All in favor of approving the consent calendar, please say I. >> I. >> All opposed. And we have approved the consent calendar. Okay. Next, we're moving on to public hearings. And what we're going to do is we're going to have one public hearing for all the various assessments. So, if it's the if you want to speak about the solid waste charges, the ILN 77th Street project area, the removal of diseased trees, the sanitary sewer line assessment, or the utility accounts, that will all be happening now. and I'm kind of keeping track of what the comments are. And then after the public hearing closes, we will go back through and consider each of the different areas and if there are any questions that have come up in the public hearing, we can ask staff to address them at that time. So, we'll follow the same procedure that we did for the open forum. And so I will be doing the timekeeping and have the cards when you have 30 seconds left and then when your time's up so three minutes. And so I'm going to turn it over to council member Hayford Deliri to start the public hearing. >> All right. Um yeah, just to add to this um when you're called to Mayor will you be reading off the cards that have registered in advance? Okay. So the mayor will read off if you have registered in advance. If you have not filled out one of those, you'll still have the opportunity to speak after we get through those who have filled out a card. Um, any resident wishing to participate in the public hearing, you'll proceed to the podium when called or after that one at a time. Please provide your name and address prior to your comment. I would also specifically ask if you can can say which assessment you're you're here to talk about. That would be helpful for us. Um, we'll hear your comment. If you'd like staff to follow up, please include your name and phone number or email on the sign-in document. Each comment will be limited to 3 minutes in length. And just as a reminder, we we can't respond during this time. We are here to listen. We are taking notes. If there are questions, uh we will do our best to address those or have staff follow up with you. Um so, mayor or I will >> the mayor is getting the Okay, >> during open forum, it was noted we didn't have a sign-in sheet. So, I'm going to create one right now. So, if someone would like to have us follow up and you don't have your name or email on the sheet, we'll use that and then I'll be right back. And >> it looks like Geraldine Cook will be the first resident to speak. card. >> Yeah, we might actually want their address since it's property. >> They don't have to. >> Yeah. Fill out a sheet. >> So, when you're filling out the sheet, if you could, you don't have to say it out loud, but if you could put your address or phone number down, that would be helpful. >> Yes. I'm a lifelong Richfield resident. I was born and raised here and I recently bought a house 5 years ago. You guys recently installed a water meter as an update to the water program which I thought was great until I got my water bill the following month and it went up over $1,100 in a month. At that time, I had lost my social security benefits um because I felt I was working too much when I wasn't working at all. I've fought social security now for the past seven months. Finally got my statement reinstated. I came in earlier and talked to utilities commission. They actually found some discrepancies on the computer and they were able to go back and explore that. So, they were able to bring down what I owe for the utilities, but they're not giving me any options for monthly payments. They're telling me everything has to be due by November 14th. I don't have $1,000 before November 14th. >> Thank you. And if you've put your contact information, we will um get back to you on an individual basis. And then when we >> I don't remember if I put my email address on that form or not. >> If you just write it on this sheet of paper there too, that will work. Thank you. And then when we get to the water utility section, we'll talk about how how the process works. Thank you. So, our next speaker will be Gloria Arnberg. Thank you. I did fill out the form and I believe you've got my email and everything on there. I've owned property in Richfield since 2014. I am a property owner, but also it's a rental property. Um, I consistently get the water sewer bills, consistently pay them, consistently pay the taxes, make sure all my inspections are done. I I had a tenant move out of the property at 7315 Logan because I found that she was using it as a daycare center, which is totally illegal. Then I received um a comment came to the address of 7315 Logan, not to the property owner address, which is mine, that said that she had wrote a check for waste disposal in 2023 that came back insufficient funds, but it was not done until after the tax assessments had been created. Now, another one is coming that's saying another one is due 2024. I've never received any information about these being delinquent. And yet, I receive all this other information from the city regarding payments that you want from me, information that you need from me, and I'm very disturbed about this. Not only that, I'm not only getting the cost of it. Every time the city, the waste management or every time the disposal company bills, they charge an NSF charge again and again and again. The cost of has practically doubled what the cost of the actual um rubbish cost was. And I've talked to and I don't recall her name, but I've talked to finally so many people but that own the company out in California that said she would be willing to work with me and that I would receive written information. Nothing has been forthcoming. I'd like to see how this issue could be resolved and I appreciate your time. >> Thank you. And we do have your email address so that the staff can get back with you. So, it's written down on the card. >> Yes, it is. >> Thank you. >> Our next speaker is Linda Munch. Good evening. My name is Linda Mch. I've been a resident of Richfield for 23 years. Um, when I first started getting waste management bills, they were addressed to my address, but someone's name that I had never seen before or heard of. And they were delinquent in hundreds of of dollars. And so I appeared here before then or at that point. and the city of Richfield worked with me and we worked out a deal and I lived up to my end of the bargain and waste management has not they're still billing me for this person and it's not the person I bought the house from so I don't know who this person is but um and they're also charging me every month or every 3 months for um yard disposal yard waste and I do not have a yard waste can. I've called them. I've talked to somebody's several people probably and I've been assured that they will take care of the matter and it will be resolved and it hasn't been. So, any assistance you could give me, I would appreciate. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. And we also have your um email here so we can reach out to you afterwards. >> Thank you. Our next speaker is Les Roski and I apologize if I'm mispronouncing the last name. So, it's um capital R O S E C K E. Is that person here? Um, it possibly could be the gentleman. We'll we'll check with one person here. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> You're up. Yep. >> All right. Thank you, sir. Um, and can you sign in with a phone number or some way that we can contact you to um answer your question? >> Mine is very simple. I've been a resident of Richfield since 1981. I'm a senior citizen. I've applied with social service agencies to help with utility payments. I have a large balance due on my waste management. How should I handle it? You're gonna have to come to me because I can't hear a word you're saying from where you are. >> Okay. So, sir, I'll come over and show you how to write down your phone number so we can contact you. I'll come over. >> So, sir, >> thank you very much. >> All right. If you can write down your name and your phone number here so we can get back to you to help you with that. So, put your name and your phone number. Okay. >> And that's it. >> Yes. We'll have staff get back in touch with you to help you figure it out. >> Tomorrow. >> Um I don't know exactly when, but as soon as we can. probably tomorrow or in the next few days. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. Our next speaker is Marco Loose. Uh, good ne good evening. My name is Alexa Rosilus and I'm representing my dad, Marco Loose. I received the notice about, well, he received a notice about this new assessment and I have a few questions and concerns I'd like to share. First, I'd like to understand exactly what this assessment covers, what project is for, and how my property share was calculated. >> Um, in order to answer that, are you talking about the sanitary sewer assessment? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Okay. And second, I'd like to ask why the previous agreement of paying each year wasn't respected. That arrangement helped families like mine manage the cost better, and changing it now will negatively impact our family's economy. Lastly, I'd like to know what options exist for payment plans or deferrals in situations where the full amount can be paid by the deadline. Okay, >> I'm taking notes, so hold on a second. >> Okay, >> payment. >> Is this still >> and that's all. Thank you for your time. >> Thanks. >> All right. Thank you. And we have your email address written down so we can get back to you as well. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Thanks so much. All right, that was all of the cards that were filled out ahead of time. Is there anyone else who wishes to speak at the public hearing? >> Right. Anyone else that wishes to speak at the public hearing? I move that we close the public hearing. Second. >> It's been Did you second? >> It's been moved and seconded to close the public hearing. >> All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> So, I'm going to take a moment to make sure all of the contact information gets to staff and then we will go through each individual assessment. So now we're going to move on to n item 9A. We've already had the public hearing, so we'll just be considering the resolution. So I will turn it over to Council Member Hay Fidili to do item 9A. Thank you. All right. And in this item, we'll be considering a resolution adopting the proposed certification of delinquent solid waste charges to property taxes within the residential organized collection system from July 1st, 2024 to June 30th, 2025. Garbage, recycling, organics, and yard waste services for most residential properties in the city is provided through the city's organized collection program established in 2021. The city requires services to be provided by the haulers even if a resident has not paid their service bills as not having waste picked up is a public health concern. As a result of this requirement, the city agreed to take on the certification process to resolve unpaid balances. As of October 2nd, 2025, city staff determined the actual pending unpaid garbage collection services to be $180,47483. This amount will continue to be adjusted as assessments are paid before being sent to the county. Um would staff like to say anything um before I make a motion? No. Okay. Um I will move that we adopt a resolution adopting the certification of costs incurred for unpaid garbage collection services between July 1st, 2024 and June 30th, 2025. >> All right. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Okay, it's been moved and seconded. We're open for discussion and questions. >> Okay, Council Member Hayford Deliri. >> Um, I guess this is probably a question that really applies to all of them, but um, a number of folks mentioned this deadline to pay. My understanding is that that deadline would be if they didn't want it to be assessed to the property taxes. I'm assuming if it is assessed to the property taxes, either it's basically on their mortgage bill or they pay it twice per year if they own their property outright. uh council member uh and mayor and council, the the due date deadline to pay is prior to when the city uh sends assessment or certification roles to the county for property tax assessment? Yes. >> Okay. In the situation somebody does own their property outright, is there any way to split the payment into smaller amounts than what would be split by the county's property tax payment? >> Unfortunately, I'm not the right person to ask that question to. All right. Does any other staff know? >> Um, mayor and council member, I I think I can answer that. So, the resolution adopting these assessments indicates that this is a one annual installment. So, it would be paid on next year's um taxes. And so, it's really we have to go with the county's um collection of of those amounts. It's not up to the city. Okay. >> But it would be paid in the same manner as any other part of your property tax. >> Correct. Okay. Thank you. So there's no interest if it's paid by the 14th of November, but then after that, >> yes, >> it would go forward. Um, there were a number of people that talked about needing to work with staff. So staff will be reaching out to those people. Um, and I'm trying looking through the things. Let's see. Seems like waste. So, um, the question that I also would like staff to look into, um, there was a question of are there any social services programs that help with these things? Would that be through Henipin County? >> Mayor, there are programs um, and it is through Henipin County. They are often uh, there is more demand than there is availability. Uh, we can certainly connect residents and have done so um, through utility billing. I know we have um and we can and I will circle back. I've taken notes as well and see what we can do. >> Okay. Are there any other questions that came up during um open during the um public hearing that we haven't asked about? All right. So then we have a res a motion to adopt the resolution for the certification of costs incurred for unpaid garbage collection services. All in favor, please say I. I. >> All opposed. And we've passed that recommendation. And so staff will be reaching out to the people that spoke on their um on that matter. So next we will move on to the public or excuse me, we did the public hearing. We'll move on to consider the resolution for the ILN77 Street project area. And I'll turn that over to Council Member Burke. So, the item for consideration is to consider a resolution adopting the assessment on the ILN77th Street project area for $130,596,000.78. Again, that's $130,596.78 for costs incurred to maintain the area for 2024 and a resolution ordering the undertaking of the current service project within the ILN77th Street project area for 2026. The Interstate Lindale Nicollet or ILN77th Street project area assessment was established to recover special maintenance expenses in the 77th Street area in 1988. Current services include maintenance and operation of irrigation systems, weed control, mowing, fertilization, trash and litter removal, replantings, noise wall maintenance, and tree removal replacement and maintenance. These current services are provided on both sides of the 77th Street noise wall. The maintenance functions are funded through a maintenance assessment on 77th Street commercial properties. So, the recommended action is to adopt a resolution adopting the assessment on the ILN 77th Street project area for $130,596.78 for costs incurred to maintain the area for 2024. and a second uh action to adopt a resolution ordering the undertaking of the current service project within the ILN77th Street project area for 2026. Stephan, anything to add to that? Is there a second? Sec. Okay, it's been moved and seconded. Do we have any questions or discussion? I don't believe anybody spoke to that at the public hearing. So, we don't have any questions from that. So, all in favor, please say I. >> I. >> All opposed. >> And we've adopted both resolutions. Next, we'll move on to item 9C, which has to do with the special assessments for the removal of disease trees. And I'll turn that over to Council Member Coleman Woods. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh the item for consideration before the council today is a public hearing and consider rel a resolution adopting special assessments for the removal of diseased trees from private property for work order January 1st 2024 through December 31st 2024. And in summary, the health of the trees health of trees within municipal limits is threatened by shade tree diseases and it is the city's responsibility to control and prevent the spread of these diseases. In if the city deems it necessary to remove a diseased tree on private property, the property owners have three options available. One, remove the tree themselves. Two, hire and pay for their own contractor to remove the tree. or three, hire their own contractor and request the cost of the tree removal be assessed against their property tax. In the period from January 1st, 2024 through December 31st, 2024, 24 property owners chose to assess or were designated for assessment, and four property owners have since paid off their entire balance. The total amount being assessed to be assessed is currently $45,420.15 across 20 properties. The recommended action uh is to conduct and close the public hearing and adopt a resolution for special assess assessments for removal of disease trees from private property for work ordered January 1st, 2024 through December 31st, 2024. Do staff have any comments or recommendations? for this program. It's very very hard uh to come up with kind of that that kind of money out of nowhere um for trees and also for sanitary sewer lining. So uh thank you. And then again this one's paid over five years. >> Thank you. That was what my question was going to be if it could be spread out over the five years. So that is good information to have. So, we have the motion before us. Is there a second? >> Second. >> All right. So, um, no one spoke about this at the public hearing. Are there any questions that any council members have? >> All in favor, please say I. >> I. All opposed. >> And we've adopted the resolution. Thank you. Next, we'll move on to item 9D. Um, Council Member Christensen, and that has to do with the special assessments for the sanitary sewer line replacements. >> Thank you, Mayor. This is item for consideration is to adopt uh consider a resolution adopting special assessments for sanitary sewer line repair or replacement on private property for work ordered from January 1st, 2024 through August 1st, 2025. The sanitary sewer line special assessment program was developed with the aim of lessening the financial burden residents experience when their sanitary sewer fails. The program allows the city to pay the initial cost of a given sewer repair and then recoup these costs from the property those costs from the property via special assessment over a 5-year period. This allows a property owner to have the sewer repaired quickly, but to pay off the costs of the work over a more manageable timeline. From January 1st, 2024 to August 1st, 2025, 13 properties chose to participate in the program, which resulted in $93,371 in sewer repairs being paid by the city. Recommended action is by motion is to adopt a resolution for special assessments for sanitary sewer line repair or replacement on private property for work ordered from January 1st, 2024 through August 1st, 2025. Does the staff have any input in this? >> This is just like the tree assessment where this one also is paid over five years. >> All right. Is there a second? Second. >> All right. Do we have any comments or questions? Council member Hay Ferri. >> Um, so we did receive, I believe, one comment on this item and it sounded like the person was unaware of the the nature of the charges, but just to clarify, the the property owner would have had to sort of sign up for this, right? Okay. Um, yeah, I hope you can follow up with that property owner, but it doesn't the testimony doesn't quite align with my understanding of the program. And that was my question is I we do want to follow up with the person to make sure that we're talking about the right thing because we also have sanitary sewer charges, but you're talking about in this program is like if the the sewer line from the house to the city sewer fails and the city covers the cost and then you have five years to pay it back. >> Yeah, Mayor, that that's correct. >> All right. So, um, it's going to be very important that we reach out and and talk with the individuals involved here so that we can work it out. But I'm glad to hear that there's going to be a five-year payment period over the time to fill it out. >> All right. Any other comments or questions? So, all in favor, please say I. >> I. >> I. >> All opposed. And we have adopted the resolution. Next, we'll move on to item 9E. And I'll turn that over to Council Member Hayford Olirri. And this has to do with the assessments for utility accounts and other things. >> Yep. Uh this is to consider a resolution adopting the proposed assessment of delinquent utility accounts, false alarm charges, public health or safety hazard charges, weed eradication charges, and vacant property registration fees to be certified to property taxes. Minnesota state statutes 444.07542. 075, 429.101, and 429.061 provided that certain unpaid charges may be assessed against the benefiting property. Chapter 7 of the Richfield Code of Ordinances provide that unpaid water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and street light charges may be certified to the county auditor to be included in a property owner's annual property tax bill. Section 92502, Subdivision 5. section 9157 subdivision 3 and chapter 8.02 of the city charter provide that the city is allowed to specially assess delinquent fees. The city code authorizes a certification fee to be charged against each delinquent account by certifying the delinquent charges to the property taxes. The city is assured of collection of the charges. The delinquent accounts must be certified to the county auditor in order for the city to collect the charges through the property tax payment process. Property owners have been notified that any unpaid charges or fees may be assessed against the property. Um, does staff have anything to add prior to me making a motion? >> We're available for questions. >> Okay. I will u move that we approve the attached resolution authorizing certification of unpaid water, sanitary stewer, storm water and street light charges, false alarm charges, public health or safety hazards, weed eradication charges, and vacant property registration fees to the county auditor to be collected with other taxes on said properties. >> Second. >> Okay, it's been moved and seconded. Um do we have any questions or comments? I believe it came up in the um public hearing about whether there are options for um payment plans for this. And so it's my understanding if it's if if you pay by November 14th, you don't get interest. But otherwise, it'll be put on the property taxes for the following year so that you could pay it off in the normal manner for paying off property taxes. But we will have staff reach out and talk to the residents that spoke That is correct here. >> Okay. So, all of that is correct information and so we'll make sure we work with the people that testified tonight. Are there any other questions or comments? All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> All opposed. >> Um, I want to thank everybody that came out and spoke with us this evening, and I'm hoping we can work it out with staff to make sure we go through the whole process and figure out the the plan for how everything goes. Um, I know there's some of the staff is already out in the hall talking with people and so some of it may get resolved yet tonight. Thank you. Next, we'll be moving on to other business and for item 12A, we'll go to Commissioner Coleman Woods for and we'll let you take off with that one. That is the appointment of youth commissioners to the city >> advisory boards and commissions. Great. Thank you, mayor. Uh, and the city advisory commission terms for youth members are for one year and terms expire in on August 31st, uh, 2026. The city manager's office offers an ongoing recruitment window for vacant youth commissioner seats and includes information on the city's website, Facebook page, and the communication and communication with the local high schools. Both applications received were forwarded to city council for review. And do staff have any recommendations prior to me making the motion? Great. Uh and in which case, uh a motion a motion to approve the appointment of Jaye Portales to the advisory board of health and Carmen Mel Melnichuk to the arts commission as youth commissioners. >> Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? I would say that I'm really thrilled that we're starting to get more youth commissioners. We always had a lot of youth commissioners and then COVID hit and we lost all our youth commissioners and now it's great to start seeing um people getting involved in the youth being on the commissions because it's a valuable viewpoint that we need to have. So if there's no further discussion, all in >> Did I have a second on that one? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Um all in favor please say I. All opposed. And thank you to our youth commissioners for applying and welcome to the commissions. Next, we'll move on to item 12B and I'll turn that over to council member Burke. So, the item for consideration is to consider approval of an agreement between between the city of Richfield and the Science Museum of Minnesota in the amount of $354,6858 for professional services in the fabrication and installation of interpretive exhibits for the new Wood Lake Nature Center building as well as an agreement with Blue Rhino in the amount of $354,500 for the same services and with the same terms. terms and conditions. The project was jointly bid for a total of $79,158. The new Woodlake Nature Center building will include displays that educate the public and provide interpretive information about the natural habitat at Woodlake Nature Center. Science Museum of Minnesota and Blue Rhino were contacted were contracted in August 2024 to design the new exhibit space. designs were completed in August 2025. An invitation for bids to fabricate and install the exhibits was published on July 31st, 2025 with bids due on August 12th, 2025. A single bid was received submitted jointly by the Science Museum of Minnesota and Blue Rhino Studios for $79,158. The work is divided between the two organizations with the Science Museum of Minnesota completing the interactive exhibit fabrication work and Blue Rhino Studios completing the murals, sculptures, and snoops. The city will contract with each firm individually with the same terms and conditions. The total cost of both phases for the Science Museum of Minnesota came to $354,658 with a phase one cost of $229,790. Total cost of both phases for Blue Rhino is $354,500 with a phase one cost of $312,500. Only the Science Museum of Minnesota agreement is attached here with the understanding that the Blue Rhino contract will be identical in terms and conditions, but with reference to their portion of the project as detailed in their bid. Staff have anything to add? >> We're available for questions. >> Okay. Uh so the recommended action uh is to approve the agreement between the city of Richfield and the Science Museum of Minnesota in the amount of 354,658 for professional services in the fabrication and installation of interpretive exhibits for the new Wood Lake Nature Center building as well as an agreement with Blue Rhino in the amount of $354,500 for the same services and with the same terms and conditions and authorized the mayor and city manager to finalize and execute both contracts. So move. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. Do we have any further discussion or questions? >> Um, Council Member Hay for Liry. >> I just wanted to say I appreciated seeing some of the examples of um the contractor's other work. It looks really cool and I think it's going to be great. I would like >> Thank you. Other questions or comments? >> I I just want to duplicate that. It's really exciting to look at what's possible and uh can't wait to see it happen. Thank you. I have one curiosity question. It mentioned murals, sculptures, and snoops. So, what is a snoop? >> A snoop would be um sort of a hidden it might be a it might swing. You might come up and look in a little um globe and see something small, but the globe would make it bigger. So the little secret hideout, they're secret places in the murals where you find out new information about what the mural is in. So a Jack in the Pulpit, you would open it up and you'd find out something you didn't know about a Jack in the Pulpit. >> So just a different a different way to share information. >> So it makes it more interactive. >> More interactive. And they're in fun offbeaten parts of the exhibit. So they're some are easy to find, some are a little bit more challenging to find. >> And I would echo the sentiments that it's very exciting to see the project moving forward. I I know it we're not talking about the geothermal wells right now, but it's kind of fun to see those going in. So thank you for all the work on the project. >> Thank you for all your support. >> All right, any other questions or comments? >> All in favor, please say I. I. >> All opposed. And we have passed the resolution. Next, we'll move on to the city manager report. >> Thank you, mayor. Uh, we had three speakers at our last open forum. Uh, Miss Baliban uh asked for more information on our commission web pages, uh, more detailed minutes and the ability to be able to view the commission meetings. Um, we will have more consistent commission pages um once we update the website. Uh, as far as minutes, uh, we have answered these questions before. We do approve the minutes on the commission's web pages, but it's done after they approve them. And so it because they're meeting less often than the council, they may not get get posted as quickly. So, you have to wait a month before they're approved and then they're posted. Um and also we don't record at the board in commission meetings because of cost and also staff time limitations. Um Mr. Sather provided comments on short-term rentals uh but did not have any questions. He he did uh talk to me after the meeting and he was pleased with the council's actions on the short-term rental licensing program. Um Mr. Lowry spoke again uh with his concerns about loud traffic near his home. Uh he he did say that we had not responded to the message from Main Street Village and we have responded both verbally and in writing. Um and public safety will continue to control the area. Um finally, I wanted to announce some good news. Uh we were picked as a stop on the Senate bonding tour. Uh, it will be Wednesday, October 29th at 5:40 and we only have 15 minutes, so it will be a very short twob block tour, but I will send the council more details and I hope some of you can attend. And that's it for me. Thanks. >> Thank you. Are there any questions for city manager Rodriguez? Um, council member Hay Ferri. >> Just to confirm, the Senate Senate monitor is looking at Nicollet Avenue or is there a different Okay, thanks. >> Right. Thank you. Next, we'll move on to council discussion items, and that will include both hats off to hometown hits, and if you have any liaison reports to give for the commissions and groups that you're liaons to, you can um first of all, I would like to begin with some actual some sad news. We were saddened to hear of the recent death of Rick Jabs. Many of you may remember all the work Mr. Jabs did in community service here in Richfield. In fact, he was the recipient of the first annual Edwina Garcia Community Builder Award for his commitment to the Richfield community. He was involved in everything from the little league to the band boosters to the remodeling fair. Mr. Jabs was chair of both the building committee for this municipal center that we're sitting in right now and for the band shell. And we are so grateful for all he did for our community. our deepest condolences to Rick's family and friends. And I believe Council Member Hayer Liry wanted to add some words, too. >> Yeah, this I I heard this news from another longtime uh Richfield volunteer, and I was really saddened to hear it. Um Rick Jabs was the chair of the planning commission when I first joined it about 10 years ago and he was just a really good leader and it was obvious that that um went well beyond the planning commission. But he was the sort of leader and you could tell this with the other commissioners who'd been on there longer and with staff, the sort of leader that makes it almost effortless to follow their lead. Um you know, it just feels natural. Um he felt at ease. He had a humble spirit and he really gave a lot to to Richfield. Um that was true in the planning commission. it was true. And some of the other things uh that the mayor mentioned, including his ongoing support um for the Banshell um both through city task forces and uh being involved in the private nonprofit that helped support its construction. Um I know that Rick ended up living out his last years in Bloomington, but his spirit will always be with Richfield, and we are really grateful for everything he gave to the community. So, thank you, Rick, and thank you to your his family for sharing him. Thank you. Um, Council Member Burke. >> Nothing. Thank you. >> All right. Council member Hay for Larry, did you have any other items? >> I have no additional items. >> All right. Council member Christensen. >> Council member Coleman Woods. >> Um, my hats off to Morris Nielsen for hosting the uh I don't know how many years they've been doing that, but it's been a long time. And they had a line around the block for the trunker treat. And um so I'm I continue to get excited about Halloween season because my kids are too old to to well they don't they don't claim to trickor treat but they're outside but um the trunk or treat has been a a longstanding uh part of our community and it's always fun to see all the kids outside and dressed up. So thank you Mars Nielson. Yes, that was I was at the trunk or treat as well and it was a lot of fun seeing all the costumes and the kids and all the community participants. Um, another great Halloween tradition is the great pumpkin giveaway and so that was earlier that same day and I believe they gave away over 550 pumpkins and it was just fun seeing all the kids out there having a great time. They had an inflatable obstacle course. There were um people, local businesses that donated things so like they could put glitter sparkle things in your hair. I don't know the exact name for it. Um there were uh was cider the kids were playing on the playground. We had a coloring contest that um the arts commission helped with and there were also things like picture booths and just it was just a fun activity for everybody. So, hats off to all the people that helped contribute to that and all the um people that participated as well. And finally, we had reports from two of our commissions tonight. And if you would like to join one of the commissions, the um application period is open through October 31st. And so, you can go on the website and apply to be on one of those commissions. And we would look forward to having you be part of that. So, thank you all for being here this evening. Um, we have no further business. So, I would entertain a motion to adjourn the meeting. >> So, moved. Second. >> It's been moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting. All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> All opposed. And we stand adjourned. Thank you.