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Record of Proceedings

Richfield City Council Meeting Summary – September 8, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, September 8, 2026
BodyRichfield, Minnesota
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, September 8, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
Meeting Thumbnail
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Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

1:19

Good evening.

1:20

I'm gonna call this or um Richfield City Council meeting to order.

1:24

It is September 8th at 7 p.m.

1:27

If you're able, please rise and join us for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Speaker 2

1:32

I pledge allegiance to the flag

Speaker 3

1:35

of the United States of America and their public for which it stands.

Speaker 1

1:47

Thank

Unassigned speaker

1:47

you.

Speaker 1

1:49

Next we'll move on to approval of the agenda.

Unassigned speaker

1:53

I

Speaker 4

1:53

move approval of the agenda.

1:55

Second.

Unassigned speaker

1:55

It's

Speaker 1

1:56

been moved and seconded.

1:57

Is there any discussion?

1:59

All in favor, please say aye.

2:01

Aye.

2:02

All opposed, and we have approved the agenda.

2:05

Next we'll move on to approval of the minutes of the August 14th, 2026 City Council special meeting.

2:11

The minutes of the August 25th 2026 City Council work session, and the minutes of the August 25th, 2026 City Council regular meeting.

Speaker 5

2:25

Excuse me, Mayor.

2:26

There's one more set of minutes.

2:27

There was the August 14th, 2026.

Speaker 1

2:30

Yeah,

Speaker 4

2:30

that's

Speaker 1

2:31

included.

Speaker 4

2:31

Okay,

Speaker 1

2:32

thank

Unassigned speaker

2:32

you.

Unassigned speaker

2:32

I

Speaker 4

2:33

move the approval of the three sets of minutes.

Speaker 1

2:35

Second.

2:35

It's been moved and seconded.

2:37

Is there any discussion?

2:39

All in favor of approving all three sets of minutes, please say aye.

2:43

Aye.

2:44

All opposed, and we've approved all three sets of minutes.

2:48

Next we'll move on to the open forum.

2:53

Participants can share their comments in person by voicemail or email and may also request to participate virtually.

2:59

For more information on submitting comments, refer to the council agenda and minutes page on Richfield Mn.gov slash city council.

3:08

When you come up to the podium, the microphones on if there's a little green light that's lit up.

3:15

And please state your name and city of residence.

3:18

When you have three minutes, then you will have three minutes to address the council.

3:51

So if you want to comment on any any agenda item, please do it now during the open forum.

3:58

If you ask questions, the city manager will provide answers either via email or at the next council meeting.

4:20

So at this point, I want to call up Birgit Johnson.

Speaker 6

4:40

Stemming from taking out the home's streets and curb work where the highway now is.

5:00

It appears funding was lacking, and so Vets Park developed into the wildlife oasis and refuge in the middle of ridgefield.

5:09

It is now.

5:10

When Vetz Park was first developed into a park, there were few species of wildlife.

5:17

Over time, Vets Park was open, Wetz Park was opened 38 years ago.

5:23

I witnessed how more and more critters made Wetz Park their home or rest stop.

5:30

Nature took charge again.

5:32

Wetz Park is on the bird migration flight pass.

5:36

With the resident birds, we have 214 bird species documented.

5:41

In fact, Vets Park is a birding hotspot spot, according to ePERT, a scientific worldwide website tracking and documenting birds.

5:54

If you stop by the MOU, Minnesota Ornisologists Union booths at the Minnesota Soda State Fair, Minnesota DNR building, you may have seen the sign with the five birding hotspot spots in the metro area.

6:11

One is Vets Park.

6:13

We have American River Otters moving around between Vetz Park, Taft Park, and Milner's Pond.

6:21

Whitale Deer move through.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Affordable Housing████████████████████████24%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████████████████17%
Procedural█████████████13%
Public Safety███████7%
Technology and Innovation██████6%
Arts And Culture██████6%
Active Transportation██████6%
Food Truck Regulation█████5%
Parks and Recreation████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Richfield City Council Meeting – September 8, 2026

The Richfield City Council met on September 8, 2026 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of consent calendar items, a public hearing on a 290-unit multifamily development, a first reading of a food truck ordinance, and updates to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund priorities. Key discussions centered on the 6501 Portland Avenue project, Flock ALPR technology, and charter amendments.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved disbursements/claims totaling $4,733,590.12.
  • Approved first amendment to the 2025 Public Health Preparedness Services agreement with Bloomington Public Health.
  • Approved a resolution for a cooperative construction agreement with Three Rivers Park District and City of Edina for a connecting trail from Southdale Library to Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail (Resolution 12446).
  • Approved the Affordable Housing Trust Fund 2026 Revised and 2027 Budget (Resolution 12447).
  • Approved second reading and summary publication of an ordinance amending fire prevention code subsections 400.21 and 400.22 (Resolution 12448, Bill 2026-07).
  • Item 7d (updates to Affordable Housing Trust Fund Priorities) was removed to Item 8a for separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Birgit Johnson (Richfield resident) spoke in support of preserving Veterans Park’s natural habitat, noting its significance for wildlife and birding, with 214 documented bird species, and urged protection of the park.
  • Kathleen Balaban (Richfield resident) expressed opposition to the proposed apartment development, citing concerns about building size, placement, wildlife, and potential easement costs. She also criticized the city’s application process for the Charter Commission, stating it does not comply with statutory laws regarding term expiration and reappointment.
  • Angie Reiger (Richfield resident) questioned the trustworthiness of Flock Safety, citing reported instances of unauthorized federal access to camera data, misleading statements by Flock to other cities, and alleged violations of privacy policies. She requested the Council carefully consider these concerns.
  • One email submission was received and noted by the Council.

Discussion Items

8a. Updates to Affordable Housing Trust Fund Priorities

Staff proposed changes to clarify that projects receiving Trust Fund awards will not automatically qualify for 4d tax classification. The language changes “will” to “may” and adds language that Trust Fund awards do not automatically result in approval. Council clarified that the intent is to ensure a deliberate decision on tax implications for each project. The motion to approve passed 4-0.

10a. First Reading – Mobile Food Units (Food Trucks) Ordinance

Staff presented a draft ordinance adding mobile food unit provisions to the city code, including definitions, property owner consent, approved locations, performance standards, and licensing fees. A minor correction was noted: customer ordering and pickup areas must face a sidewalk, not a street. The ordinance allows year-round operation under an annual license. The first reading was approved 4-0, with a second reading expected at the next meeting.

11a. Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan – 6501 Portland Avenue

A proposal for a 290-unit, five-story multifamily development in two phases (130 workforce family units and 160 senior units) at the former American Legion site. The project requires a conditional use permit due to exceeding 100 units. Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions. The applicant (Jacob Stein, Larkin Hoffman, and Steve Minn, Lupe Development Partners) objected to several conditions including a future 66th Street connection, bird-collision reduction requirements, bicycle parking, and flexibility for artwork vs. windows. Council adopted three amendments: (a) requiring ADA clearance on sidewalks abutting parking stalls, (b) requiring bicycle parking to be accessible without moving a vehicle, and (c) allowing the developer to choose windows or artwork with Community Development Director approval. After debate, the resolution (Resolution 12449) was approved 3-1, with Council Member Burk voting nay due to concerns about housing variety and the intent of the Veterans Park Overlay District.

12a. Charter Commission Recommendations for Charter Amendments

City Attorney explained proposed amendments to align election petition requirements with state rules (including birth-year requirements) and improve readability. The Charter Commission voted on August 19, 2026 to recommend amendments to sections 4.05, 5.04, 5.05, 5.10, 5.12, and 5.15. Council accepted the letter and authorized publication of a public hearing notice, setting a tentative hearing for October 13, 2026. Motion passed 4-0.

13. City Manager’s Report

Assistant City Manager Thongvanh addressed concerns about Flock automatic license plate readers (ALPR), emphasizing privacy, accountability, data security, and statutory compliance. He noted the Police Department’s FAQ will be updated with violent-crime clearance rate data before and after ALPR implementation. The city has completed the required biennial audit.

14. Council Discussion (Hats Off to Hometown Hits)

  • Council Member Christensen reminded residents of Penn Fest on September 20, from noon to 5 p.m. along Penn Avenue, featuring food trucks, vendors, and activities.
  • Council Member Hayford Oleary reported on the Transportation Commission’s annual bike tour, which reviewed construction projects including I-35W/66th Street crossings, the future 73rd Street overpass, Penn Avenue corridor improvements, and Safe Routes to School completions at Sheridan Hills.
  • Council Member Burk noted that Police Chief Henthorne is working to have a Flock government relations representative participate in the Human Rights Commission panel discussion, tentatively scheduled for October 6, 2026.
  • Mayor Supple promoted the launch of the comprehensive planning process (“Great Plans, Great Cities”) and the Revive program offering funding for older commercial building improvements.
  • Mayor Supple announced that City Manager Rodriguez plans to retire in early 2027; recruitment for City Manager and Fire Chief positions is underway.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Calendar approved (4-0) for items 7a-c, 7e-f.
  • Updates to Affordable Housing Trust Fund Priorities approved (4-0) – clarifies that Trust Fund awards do not automatically grant 4d tax classification.
  • First reading of food truck ordinance approved (4-0) – second reading scheduled.
  • Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan for 6501 Portland approved (3-1) with three amendments addressing ADA clearance, bicycle parking accessibility, and artwork/window flexibility. Council Member Burk dissented due to housing variety concerns.
  • Charter Commission recommendations accepted and public hearing authorized (4-0).
  • Public hearing on charter amendments tentatively set for October 13, 2026.
  • Human Rights Commission panel on Flock ALPR tentatively scheduled for October 6, 2026.
  • Violent-crime clearance rate data from Flock cameras to be added to city FAQ within one to two days.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. I'm gonna call this or um Richfield City Council meeting to order. It is September 8th at 7 p.m. If you're able, please rise and join us for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and their public for which it stands. Thank you. Next we'll move on to approval of the agenda. I move approval of the agenda. Second. It's been moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? All in favor, please say aye. Aye. All opposed, and we have approved the agenda. Next we'll move on to approval of the minutes of the August 14th, 2026 City Council special meeting. The minutes of the August 25th 2026 City Council work session, and the minutes of the August 25th, 2026 City Council regular meeting. Excuse me, Mayor. There's one more set of minutes. There was the August 14th, 2026. Yeah, that's included. Okay, thank you. I move the approval of the three sets of minutes. Second. It's been moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? All in favor of approving all three sets of minutes, please say aye. Aye. All opposed, and we've approved all three sets of minutes. Next we'll move on to the open forum. Participants can share their comments in person by voicemail or email and may also request to participate virtually. For more information on submitting comments, refer to the council agenda and minutes page on Richfield Mn.gov slash city council. When you come up to the podium, the microphones on if there's a little green light that's lit up. And please state your name and city of residence. When you have three minutes, then you will have three minutes to address the council. So if you want to comment on any any agenda item, please do it now during the open forum. If you ask questions, the city manager will provide answers either via email or at the next council meeting. So at this point, I want to call up Birgit Johnson. Stemming from taking out the home's streets and curb work where the highway now is. It appears funding was lacking, and so Vets Park developed into the wildlife oasis and refuge in the middle of ridgefield. It is now. When Vetz Park was first developed into a park, there were few species of wildlife.

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