Richfield City Council Meeting - October 13, 2026

The Richfield City Council met on October 13, 2026, at 7:02 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, open forum with significant public testimony on Flock license plate readers and commissioner training, five public hearings on delinquent assessments and charter amendments, approval of a consent calendar, and discussion on tree planting and upcoming events. All votes were unanimous (5-0) unless noted. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.

Proclamations and Presentations

• Indigenous Peoples Day Proclamation: Mayor Supple read and presented the proclamation to Samantha and Oliver Weaver, who accepted on behalf of the community. The proclamation recognized October 12, 2026, as Indigenous Peoples Day in Richfield.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Open Forum (Six speakers and one email submission):
  • Angie Rieger (Richfield resident) expressed concerns about the transparency and delay of the Flock license plate reader panel discussion, lack of data on effectiveness, and potential privacy and legal implications. She questioned the city's reliance on Flock and cited a federal judge's ruling in Oklahoma that warrantless Flock searches may violate the Fourth Amendment.
  • Tammy Kay (Richfield resident) opposed all automatic license plate readers (ALPRs), citing privacy, civil liberties, and concerns about federal surveillance. She urged continued community engagement and cautioned against law enforcement cooperation with ICE.
  • Eric Schneider (Richfield resident) criticized Flock's withdrawal from a scheduled panel discussion and read from a Flock CEO email that described critics as part of a coordinated attack, urging transparency and accountability.
  • Kathleen Balaban (Richfield resident) expressed disappointment with the city's commissioner training, noting it was only 45 minutes, lacked coverage of parliamentary procedures (Robert's Rules/Sturgis), commission bylaws, and roles, and recommended improved training materials.
  • Aaron McKain (Richfield resident) raised concerns about the accuracy of Flock technology, potential legal liability for wrongful stops, and the risk of civil unrest in a diverse community.
  • Lee (no last name given) urged the Council to reconsider public safety technology from private companies, citing corporate accountability, mass surveillance, data privacy, and the risk of taxpayer-funded tools being used in bad faith.

Public Hearings (Items 9a-9f)

The Council opened a combined public hearing for five assessment items (9a-9e) and a separate hearing for charter amendments (9f).

Testimony on Delinquent Solid Waste Charges (Items 9a-9e):

• Daniel Anshus (rental property owner in Richfield) stated a tenant failed to pay garbage bills; he was not notified of unpaid charges and requested waiver of late fees and penalties, offering to pay the underlying trash charges.
• Jerome Glaser (Prior Lake resident, owns four rental properties in Richfield) expressed concern about property owners being held responsible for tenants' delinquent bills, insufficient notice, and requested documentation of collection efforts and improved notification.
• Xuseen (Richfield renter) requested a waiver for solid waste charges on a vacant property being prepared for assisted living (no residents for about a year), noting they paid water bills and would pay garbage once occupied.
• Paul Kilzer (Richfield resident, former rental property owner) questioned charges for a property that was unoccupied and sold, stating he did not use the service.
• Amy Pham (Richfield resident) requested assistance with charges from a former tenant who abandoned the property, left unpaid bills and damage; she was unaware of the balance until the assessment notice.

Testimony on Charter Amendments (Item 9f):

• Bill Bullock (Richfield resident, Charter Commission President) spoke in support of the proposed amendments to align petition requirements with state law, including adding county of residence to initiative forms.

Discussion Items

• Solid Waste Assessment Notification: Council members discussed the lack of direct notification to property owners when tenants are delinquent. Staff confirmed haulers notify occupants but do not copy owners, and owners can contact the city for account information. Council directed staff to follow up individually with speakers and recommend addressing owner notification during upcoming hauler contract negotiations and rental licensing process.
• Sanitary Sewer Line Assessments: Council expressed support for the five-year payment option and asked about extending the program to water line repairs. Staff explained a policy change would be required but such failures are rare due to water softening; the option could be revisited if needed.
• Tree Planting Exceptions: City Manager Rodriguez reported on a $500,000 USDA grant for removing diseased ash trees and planting over 500 replacement trees in southeast Richfield (75% complete, watering through 2027). Some residents complained about tree placement near utilities or preferences. Council discussed whether to establish an exception policy; staff recommended consistent criteria, possibly with Sustainability Commission input, but noted policy development may not happen until 2027 due to scheduling. Council member Hayford Oleary supported planting as planned, viewing boulevard trees as a public asset, while Council member Coleman-Woods supported exceptions for utility conflicts. Staff confirmed trees will not be planted over sewer lines and are placed at least three feet from underground utilities; one tree will be relocated.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (5-0). Includes:
  • Disbursements/claims totaling $5,807,548.36.
  • Temporary on-sale liquor license for Blessed Trinity Catholic School (gala on December 5, 2026).
  • First reading of transitory ordinance for liquor fund capital improvements.
  • Resolution accepting a $2,000 grant from the Minnesota Wind Chill Foundation for Ultimate Frisbee programs.
• Delinquent Utility/Fee Assessment (Resolution 12457): Adopted unanimously (5-0).
• Delinquent Solid Waste Assessment (Resolution 12458): Adopted unanimously (5-0). Staff will follow up individually with speakers.
• Diseased Tree Removal Assessment (Resolution 12459): Adopted unanimously (5-0). Total approximately $52,928 across 12 properties (subject to change).
• ILN/77th Street Project Area (Resolutions 12460 and 12461): Adopted unanimously (5-0). Assessment of $64,018.01 for 2025 maintenance and ordering 2027 services.
• Sanitary Sewer Line Repair/Replacement Assessment (Resolution 12462): Adopted unanimously (5-0). Total $58,455 across six properties over five years.
• Charter Amendments (Ordinance 2026-XX): Approved first reading unanimously (5-0). Second reading scheduled for October 27, 2026.
• Fee Schedule Amendments (Ordinance Appendix D): Approved first reading unanimously (5-0). Public hearing and second reading scheduled for October 27, 2026.
• Youth Commissioner Appointments: Approved unanimously (5-0). Appointed: Karmen Melnichuk (Arts Commission), Bahja Mohamed (Community Services Commission), Lotte Robelia (Sustainability Commission), Alexandra Hyde (Human Rights Commission). Terms expire August 31, 2027.
• Flock License Plate Readers: The facilitated panel discussion was rescheduled to Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. A Council work session on Flock will be held December 1, 2026, following the Truth in Taxation hearing.

Council Discussion

• Hats off to Hometown Hits: Council member Coleman-Woods thanked staff and her husband; Council member Burk thanked the Human Rights Commission for facilitating Flock discussion and the Mayor and Police Chief for answering questions. Mayor Supple announced commission applications open through October 31, early voting starting October 16, and congratulated the Richfield Foundation for raising over $24,000 at its Toast of Richfield event (grant applications due October 15).