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CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
City Council Work Session
January 27, 2026
ITEM #1 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Supple called the work session to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Bartholomew Room.
Council Present: Mary Supple, Mayor; Walter Burk, Sean Hayford Oleary, Rori A. Coleman-
Woods.
Remote Access: Council Member Christensen participated remotely via interactive technology
for an excused medical reason.
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Chris Link, Deputy Public Works Director;
Karl Huemiller, Recreation Director; Andrew Spear, IT Manager; Rachel
Lindholm, Sustainability Coordinator; and Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk.
Guests: None.
ITEM #2 ITEM DISCUSSION
a. Review and discuss the Fleet Electrification Analysis conducted by the fleet electrification
consultant Sawatch Labs
Sustainability Coordinator Lindholm presented the results of the recent fleet analysis study, the
purpose of the analysis study, and the findings of the study related to guidance of future EV fleet
purchases, budget, and sustainability decisions. The study, conducted by Sewatch Labs from
October 2024 through January 2025, evaluated 68 of the City’s 254 vehicles, and focused on light-
duty vehicles where viable electric options currently exist. Sustainability Coordinator Lindholm noted
that based on total cost of ownership, vehicle use patterns, and charging feasibility, the study
identified 24 light-duty vehicles as strong options for conversion to battery electric vehicles:
estimating approximately $140,000 in savings and significant greenhouse gas reductions.
Sustainability Coordinator Lindholm reviewed the charging infrastructure needs identified in the
study, and the study recommendation indicating Level 2 chargers at facilities such as Public Works
and City Hall. Deputy Public Works Director Link emphasized a phased approach beginning with
infrastructure installation before EV fleet vehicle acquisition.
Council and staff discussed budget impacts, leasing versus purchasing, the current practice of
cascading police vehicles to other departments, and the importance of rightsizing both vehicle type
and fleet size.

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City Council Work Session Minutes -2- January 13, 2026
Mayor Supple adjourned the work session at 6:26 p.m.
Council and staff requested additional work session discussion.
Mayor Supple reconvened the work session at 6:27 p.m.
Deputy Public Works Director Link asked for Council feedback on EV fleet vehicles. Council
discussed next steps following the fleet analysis and emphasized the need to conduct a separate
study of police vehicles and to complete a detailed financial analysis before committing to a
transition to electric vehicles. Council expressed general support for exploring EV fleet vehicles and
discussed leasing versus purchasing. Council highlighted the importance of understanding long-
term costs, maintenance implications, and budget impacts through a clear side-by-side financial
comparison before moving forward. Council indicated interest in pursuing the EV fleet vehicle
concept cautiously and methodically, with financial analysis as the first priority related to city budget
constraints.
ITEM #3 ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Supple adjourned the work session at 6:30 p.m.
Date Approved: February 10, 2026
Mary B. Supple
Mayor
Michelle Friedrich Katie Rodriguez
City Clerk City Manager