The Richfield City Council held its regular meeting on November 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The agenda included public comments on the Inclusionary Housing Policy (IHP), annual reports from three city commissions, and council action on several resolutions. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to debating an update to the IHP, resulting in a divided vote to keep the minimum project threshold at five units. The council also unanimously supported the recommended design for the Penn Avenue Reconstruction Project and confirmed a new Finance Director. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved, authorizing routine disbursements, a resolution of support for the MnDOT Local Road Improvement Program grant application for the 69th Street Reconstruction Project, a contract with Twin Cities Elevator for the Water Treatment Plant Elevator Replacement Project ($156,312.00), and the canvassing of the 2026 General Election. Public Comments & Testimony - Judy Mo, Director of the Richfield Disability Advocacy Partnership (RDEP), urged the council not to weaken the Inclusionary Housing Policy. She specifically opposed raising the minimum project threshold from five units, arguing it would prioritize developer interests over community needs for affordable and accessible housing. - Katie Hannestead, a Richfield resident, seconded Ms. Mo's statements, expressing opposition to shifting the policy's focus towards developers and emphasizing the need for the city to maintain its strong inclusionary standards. Presentations & Reports - Halloween Coloring Contest: The council recognized winners in three age categories. Mayor Supple served as judge for the contest, which received approximately 150 entries. - Sustainability Commission: Chair Chris Danner presented the report, highlighting the connection between sustainability and affordability, the benefits of the city's tree canopy (e.g. a mature oak tree providing over $200 per year in benefits), and the commission's desire for deeper involvement in future city projects. - Transportation Commission: Chair Lou Dzierzak detailed the commission's work on the Penn Avenue and 69th Street reconstruction projects, including public engagement and collaboration with Hennepin County. - Advisory Board of Health: Chair Rachel Decker reviewed the board's focus on public health concerns, including cannabis safety and Kratom research, and their community outreach at Penn Fest. Discussion Items Inclusionary Housing Policy Update - Staff Proposal: Assistant Director Julie Urban and Executive Director Melissa Pelman presented an update to the Inclusionary Housing Policy (IHP), recommended by the HRA. Key proposed changes included increasing the minimum project size from 5 to 15 units, extending the affordability term to 20 years, and eliminating the in-lieu payment option for accessible units. Staff argued the changes were necessary due to high construction costs (40% above pre-pandemic levels) and a lack of small project proposals. - Council Deliberation: - Councilmember Burke moved an amendment to maintain the 5-unit threshold, arguing the lower threshold was a point of pride for the city and essential for ensuring accessibility requirements were applied to smaller developments. - Councilmember Hayford O'Leary strongly opposed the 5-unit threshold, arguing the current policy was not delivering housing and that predictability, through the 15-unit threshold, was key to attracting development. - Councilmember Christensen proposed a compromise of 10 units. - Councilmember Coleman Woods supported the 5-unit threshold but expressed a willingness to revisit the policy in the future. - Votes: - The sub-amendment to set the threshold at 10 units failed (2-3 vote). - The amendment to maintain the 5-unit threshold passed (3-2 vote, with Burke, Supple, and Coleman Woods in favor; Christensen and Hayford O'Leary opposed). - The final amended policy (5-unit minimum, 20-year affordability, no in-lieu payments) was approved (4-1 vote, with Hayford O'Leary opposed). Penn Avenue Reconstruction - Staff Presentation: Transportation Engineer Matt Hardiger presented the recommended design for the Penn Avenue Reconstruction Project (75th Street to Crosstown 62). The design includes a three-lane section, roundabouts, a separated bike path, raised crosswalks, and a center median at 73rd Street. The total estimated project cost is $34.5 million, with an $11.35 million city share. - Council Deliberation: Staff addressed a business concern regarding the closed median at 73rd Street, explaining the safety rationale and pedestrian traffic projections. - Vote: The resolution of support for the recommended design alternative was adopted unanimously. Key Outcomes - Resolution 12A (I-494 Frontage Roads): Approved the jurisdictional transfer agreement and $3,169,646 in compensation from MnDOT. - Resolution 12B (I-494 Coop Agreement): Approved the cooperative construction agreement for Phase 2 of the I-494 project. - Resolution 12C (Inclusionary Housing Policy): Approved as amended. The policy retains the 5-unit minimum, extends the affordability term to 20 years, and removes the in-lieu payment option. Final vote: 4-1. - Resolution 12D (Penn Avenue Reconstruction): Formally supported the recommended design alternative, allowing Hennepin County to proceed with right-of-way acquisition. Passed unanimously. - Item 13A (Finance Director): Council confirmed the appointment of Steve McDaniel as Finance Director for the City of Richfield, effective November 11, 2026. Unanimous. - Item 13B (Tobacco License Revocation): Consideration of revoking the tobacco license for Lyndale Pump N' Munch was postponed to November 24, 2026, at the request of the business's attorney. - Item 13C (Purchasing Policy): The council adopted the revised Purchasing and Spending Authority Policy, clarifying spending levels and contract execution authority. - City Manager Report: City Clerk Michelle Friedrich reported that the 2026 General Election had 17,822 votes cast (6,000 during early voting) from over 23,000 registered voters.
