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Richfield Planning Commission Agenda
February 23, 2026 -- 7:00 PM
Richfield Municipal Center
Council Chambers
6700 Portland Avenue South
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Open Forum
a. 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 Planning
Commission Agenda and Minutes page on the City's Website.
4. Approval of the Agenda
5. Approval of Minutes
a. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Planning Commission Meeting of December 8, 2025.
6. Presentations
a. Penn Avenue Planning and Land Use Presentation
7. Public Hearings
8. Resolutions
9. Other Business
a. Election of Planning Commission Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary.
b. Appointment of liaisons to the City Council, Community Services Advisory
Commission, Housing and Redevelopment Authority, School Board,
Transportation Commission, Chamber of Commerce, and Sustainability
Commission.
c. Review and amend the Planning Commission bylaws.
d. Annual re-scheduling task.
10. Liaison Reports
11. City Planner’s Report
a. The following is some 2025 year-end data for the planning division:
• Work sessions: 7 (MICC, Legion, Ordinances)
• Land use cases: 9 (3 administrative, 5 to PC/CC, 1 time ext.)
• Ordinances: 8 (7 MR-2/3, 1 STR)
• Code cases: 56
• Driveway permits: 63
• Sign permits: 86
• Zoning letters: 22
• Other permits: 65
• Other: Leadership Training, 3 neighborhood meetings, started the metal detector
“rental” program.
• On January 13th, the City Council held a joint work session with the HRA to review a
revised sketch plan from the Legion. They discussed design expectations and the mix
of affordability. The video is available on the “meetings and agendas” page of the
City’s website.
• On January 27th, the City Council approved MICC’s request for land use entitlements.
• On February 10th, the City Council held a joint work session with the Planning
Commission to review a draft Request for Proposals to solicit consultants to assist with
the Comprehensive Plan update. One small adjustment to the language was made in
relation to land use: to focus on transportation corridors as well as the I-494 and Cedar
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Avenue corridors. Staff will continue to keep you updated as the project progresses.
12. Next Meeting
a. March 30, 2026.
13. Adjournment
Auxiliary aids for individuals with accessibility needs are available upon request. Requests must be made at least 96 hours in
advance to the City Clerk at 612-861-9739.
Includes Materials - Materials relating to these agenda items can be found in the Planning Commission agenda packet located by
the entrance. The complete Planning Commission agenda packet is available electronically on the City of Richfield’s website.
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[PAGE 3]
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Planning Commission Meeting
December 8, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Acting Chair Stursa at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Planning Commissioners Present: Brett Stursa, Acting Chair; Cole Hooey; Matt Taraldsen;
Benjamin Surma; and Stephanie Kowalkowski
Commissioners Excused: Eddie Holmvig-Johnson and Brendan Kennealy
Staff Present: Sam Crosby, City Planner; and Ruby Villa, Planner I
Others Present: Amy Gudmestad, Minnesota Independence College and
Community (MICC)
See item #7a for public hearing speakers
OPEN FORUM
There were no speakers.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
M/Taraldsen, S/Kowalkowski, to approve the agenda.
Motion carried: 5-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M/Hooey, S/Taraldsen, to approve the minutes of the Regular Planning Commission
Meeting of November 24, 2025.
Motion carried: 5-0.
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PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A REQUEST BY MINNESOTA
ITEM #7a INDEPENDENCE COLLEGE & COMMUNITY FOR A REZONING, CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT, PRELIMINARY PLAT, AND VARIANCES.
Planner Crosby presented Agenda Item No. 7a and reviewed statements of support sent
by Best Buy and Kathleen Posai (Richfield resident).
Planner Crosby addressed questions presented by Commissioner Hooey regarding the
need for a rezoning and the purpose behind dividing the parcels into two lots now as opposed to
when a project comes forward for the housing portion.
Amy Gudmestad, Chief Executive Officer of MICC, introduced herself to the Commission.
Acting Chair Stursa opened the public hearing.
Elizabeth Sunne-Ojeda, Richfield resident, spoke in opposition to the request.
Jeff Thayer, Richfield resident and member of MICC’s Board of Directors, spoke in favor
of the request.
Mark Otness, partner for Colony Apartment Homes, spoke in favor of the request.
M/Taraldsen, S/Hooey, to close the public hearing.
Motion carried: 5-0.
In response to Commissioner Stursa, Planner Crosby addressed a resident’s concern for
increased traffic: a traffic analysis was provided by the applicant which indicated that there will be
a very low increase in trip generations as part of the proposed project. This is because MICC
already operates in the area and thus a lot of their trips are already accounted for in the existing
conditions.
M/Hooey, S/Surma, to recommend approval of the requested rezoning, conditional use
permit, preliminary plat, and variances for Minnesota Independence College and Community.
Several commissioners expressed their support for the project and for MICC’s mission.
Motion carried: 5-0.
LIAISION REPORTS
• Community Services Commission: Commissioner Hooey had no report.
• City Council: Chair Holmvig-Johnson was absent.
• Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA): Commissioner Stursa had no report.
• Richfield School Board: Commissioner Kennealy was absent.
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• Transportation Commission: Commissioner Surma stated that the County and City are
seeking public involvement for the 2028 Penn Avenue reconstruction project. There is a
survey open right now.
• Chamber of Commerce: Commissioner Kowalkowski had no report.
• Sustainability Commission: Commissioner Taraldsen had no report.
ITEM #11 CITY PLANNER’S REPORT
Planner Crosby had no report.
ITEM #12 NEXT MEETING TIME AND LOCATION
Although likely to be cancelled, the next regular meeting is scheduled for January 26,
2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Richfield Council Chambers.
ITEM #13 ADJOURNMENT
M/Taraldsen, S/Kowalkowski, to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried: 5-0 and the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Submitted by:
Ruby Villa Matt Taraldsen
Planner I Planning Commission Secretary
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Planning Commission Meeting 2/23/2026
Agenda Section: Other Business
Agenda Item: 9.a.
Report Prepared By:
Ruby Villa, Planner I
Department Director:
Melissa Poehlman, Community Development Director
Item for Consideration:
Election of Planning Commission Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The bylaws of the Planning Commission require that the Planning Commission hold an
annual organizational meeting at the first regular meeting in February and elect from its
membership a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Secretary. Any member of the Planning
Commission may nominate another member, or they may nominate themselves. A
nomination of an officer requires a motion, a second, and a majority vote.
According to the bylaws (Part II, Organization), a majority vote is necessary to first elect a
Chairperson, and then to elect the remaining officers. The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson,
and Secretary are to take office immediately upon election and hold office until their
successors are elected next year. As such, there is no limit on tenure, except for the
officer’s willingness to serve in such capacity.
The Chairperson is responsible for conducting all Planning Commission meetings and
public hearings. The Chairperson is also responsible for representing the Commission in
dealing with the City Council and staff. The Vice-Chairperson fulfills the responsibilities of
the Chairperson in the event the Chairperson is absent. The Secretary assumes these
responsibilities when both the Chairperson and Vice-chairperson are absent and signs all
minutes and official Commission documents.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
By motion: Elect a Planning Commission Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Secretary.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Commissioner Holmvig-Johnson is the current Chair and has been acting in that role since
2023. The Vice Chair role is currently vacant (formerly Commissioner Stursa).
Commissioner Taraldsen is the current Secretary, since February 2025.
EQUITABLE OR STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS OR IMPACTS
None.
POLICIES (RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, REGULATIONS, STATUTES, ETC.)
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None.
CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES
None.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
None.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
None.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S)
None.
ATTACHMENTS
None
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Planning Commission Meeting 2/23/2026
Agenda Section: Other Business
Agenda Item: 9.b.
Report Prepared By:
Ruby Villa, Planner I
Department Director:
Melissa Poehlman, Community Development Director
Item for Consideration:
Appointment of liaisons to the City Council, Community Services Advisory Commission,
Housing and Redevelopment Authority, School Board, Transportation Commission,
Chamber of Commerce, and Sustainability Commission.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The role of a liaison is to keep the Planning Commission informed of other work or
decisions happening in the City by attending or watching meetings (or reading recent
meeting minutes) and sharing updates with members of the Planning Commission. A
description of each liaison position is below:
City Council:
The City Council is the legislative branch of the City government. The City Council is
responsible for the efficient operation of the City through the enactment of policies and
ordinances that are administered by staff. The City Council meets every second and fourth
Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. (Currently Commissioner Holmvig-Johnson.)
Community Services Commission:
The Community Services Commission is an advisory group appointed by the City Council to
discuss and provide feedback on City issues relating to recreation, parks, public works, and
any other issues as directed. The Community Services Commission meets on the third
Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. (Currently Commissioner Hooey.)
Housing and Redevelopment Authority:
The Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) is responsible for certain types of
housing, economic, and commercial/industrial development and redevelopment in the City.
The HRA meets every third Monday at 7:00 p.m. (Formerly Commissioner Stursa, currently
vacant.)
Richfield School Board:
The School Board is composed of locally elected public officials who provide strategic
guidance for the Richfield Public Schools and oversee and review the schools'
management. Although the Richfield Public Schools are a completely separate entity from
Richfield City Government, the Planning Commission also appoints a liaison to the Richfield
School Board. The School Board generally meets the first and third Monday of each month
at 7:00 p.m. (Currently Commissioner Kennealy.)
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Transportation Commission:
The Transportation Commission was appointed by the City Council to review transportation-
related topics and to make recommendations to the City Council. The Committee meets the
first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. (Currently Commissioner Surma.)
Chamber of Commerce:
Though a separate entity from Richfield City Government, the Chamber of Commerce
provides a connection between the City of Richfield and our local business community. The
Chamber's goal is to connect businesses for a prosperous community, and its board meets
on the first Tuesday of each month.(Currently Commissioner Kowalkowski.)
Sustainability Commission:
The Sustainability Commission works to support the education, promotion and
implementation of environmentally sustainable measures and practices in the City of
Richfield. The board also makes recommendations to the City Council regarding
sustainability-related initiatives and policies. The Sustainability Commission meets on the
f ourth Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm. (Currently Commissioner Taraldsen.)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Discuss and agree upon which Commissioner will serve as liaison to each board or
commission.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Although not expressly required by the bylaws, liaisons have traditionally been appointed
annually.
EQUITABLE OR STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS OR IMPACTS
None.
POLICIES (RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, REGULATIONS, STATUTES, ETC.)
None.
CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES
None.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
None.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
None.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S)
None.
ATTACHMENTS
None
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Planning Commission Meeting 2/23/2026
Agenda Section: Other Business
Agenda Item: 9.c.
Report Prepared By:
Ruby Villa, Planner I
Department Director:
Melissa Poehlman, Community Development Director
Item for Consideration:
Review and amend the Planning Commission bylaws.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Part 3, Section 3 of our bylaws requires that the Planning Commission review the bylaws
each year at the February organizational meeting.
The City selected CivicPlus as our new agenda building software platform last year. In an
effort to make agendas more consistent, Commissions are adjusting their order of
operations to better align with City Council agendas. Therefore, staff proposes changing the
order of operations to match the City Council, with the approval of the agenda going first,
then approval of minutes, and open forum thereafter.
If any of the Commissioners have any other change they would like to consider, now is the
time to bring it up for discussion.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
By motion: Amend Part 1, Section 7 of the Planning Commission bylaws to change the
format of meetings in order to conduct the Open Forum after the Approval of Agenda and
Minutes.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
None.
EQUITABLE OR STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS OR IMPACTS
None.
POLICIES (RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, REGULATIONS, STATUTES, ETC.)
An annual review of Planning Commission bylaws is required, and bylaws must align with
the City Code. Amending the bylaws requires a 2/3 majority of the members of the
Commission (5 Commissioners).
CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES
None.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
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None.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
None.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S)
None.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Bylaw Revisions
2. City Code Section 305
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BYLAWS AND RULES OF PROCEDURE
OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA
The following Bylaws and Rules of Procedure are adopted by the Richfield Planning
Commission to facilitate the performance of its duties and functions as empowered under
Chapter III, Subsection 305.07, Subdivisions 1-6 of the City Code. General requirements
related to residency, terms, attendance, removal, vacancies, etc. shall be dictated by
Subsection 305.01.
PART I. MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular Meetings
Regular meetings of the Planning Commission shall be on the fourth Monday of
each month commencing at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal
Center, unless otherwise noticed.
Section 2. Work Session Meetings
Approximately six times per year, the Commission will meet to discuss and
deliberate on general planning matters related to property development and
future well being of the Community. These meetings shall be held on the fourth
Monday of the month commencing at 6:00 P.M. whenever possible. In the event
of a conflict or need for additional discussion time, meetings shall be held on the
second Monday of the month commencing at 7:00 P.M. Unless otherwise
noticed, meetings shall be held in the Bartholomew Conference Room of the
Municipal Center.
Section 3. Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Planning Commission can be called by the Chairperson
and one member or by three members of the Commission or at the request of the
City Council. Notice, designating the time and place of the meetings, shall be
given to all members in accordance with the open meeting law.
Section 4. Quorum
Four members of the Planning Commission shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business. No action shall be taken in the absence of a quorum
with the exception that the Planning Commission members present may take
testimony for use at a later meeting at which a quorum is present, and may
adjourn a meeting to a later time without further notice.
Section 6. Voting
At all meetings of the Planning Commission, each member attending shall be
entitled to cast one vote. Voting shall be by voice. An affirmative vote of a
majority of members present shall be necessary for the passage of any matter
before the Planning Commission, except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws.
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Section 7. Proceedings
a) Format of Meeting
At a regular meeting of the Planning Commission, the following format
shall be followed in conducting the business of the meeting:
1) Call to order / noting of attendance
2) Open Forum Approval of Agenda
3) Approval of Minutes
4) Approval of Agenda Open Forum
5) Public Hearing Items
6) Other Business
7) Liaison Reports
8) Adjournment
b) Public Hearing
The purpose of a hearing is to collect information and facts in order for the
Commission to either render a decision or develop a planning
recommendation for the City Council. At a public hearing the following
procedure shall be followed for each case for which a public hearing is
held:
1) Chair shall state the case to be heard.
2) Chair shall call upon the Community Development Director or
designee to present the staff report and stand for questions from
the Commission.
3) Chair shall ask the applicant to present his/her case.
4) Members of the Planning Commission shall be
allowed to question the applicant about his/her proposal.
5) The Chair shall open the public hearing and all interested persons
may address the Commission, giving relevant information regarding
the proposal before the Commission.
a) All questions or statements by Richfield staff personnel,
Planning Commissioners, applicants or interested citizens
will be directed through the Chair.
b) All who wish to speak will be heard, but only in accordance
with the above procedure and after recognition by the Chair.
c) No individual may speak longer than five (5) minutes, except
through previous arrangement with the Chair, or by vote of
the Commission.
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d) The spokesperson for a group will be allowed ten (10)
minutes.
e) At the determination of the Chair, if questions or responses
from the Commission, the applicant, the public, or City staff
introduce materially new information or issues relevant to the
matter under consideration, interested citizens may make
additional comments in accordance with the above
procedure. In order to promote meeting efficiency, the Chair
may discourage duplicative comments.
6) The hearing shall be closed. Interested persons shall not be heard
again unless the hearing is reopened by a majority vote of the
Commission.
7) Members of the Planning Commission may ask additional
questions of City staff or the applicant, and the applicant shall be
allowed to respond.
8) The Commission shall discuss and clarify the item before it, and take
action in the form of a motion, resolution, or report.
PART II. ORGANIZATION
Section 1. Election of Officers
At the first regular meeting in February of each year, the Commission shall hold
an organizational meeting and elect from its membership a Chairperson, Vice-
chairperson, and Secretary. Officers shall be elected by a majority vote of all the
members of the Commission. Voting shall take place in a manner agreed to by
the Commission. If no one receives a majority of all the members of the
Commission, voting shall continue until one member receives majority support.
Vice-chairperson and Secretary shall be elected from the remaining members by
the same procedure.
If the Chairperson resigns from office before the next regular organizational
meeting, the Vice-chairperson shall automatically become acting Chairperson
until a new officer is elected at the next regular meeting. If both Chairperson and
Vice-chairperson resign, the Secretary shall become acting Chairperson. In any
instance, where an officer of the Commission resigns or retires from office a new
officer shall be elected to the vacated position at the next regular meeting of the
Commission.
If the Chairperson, Vice-chairperson, and Secretary are absent from a meeting,
the Commission shall elect a temporary Chairperson by voice vote.
In the event that the Secretary is absent from a meeting, the Chairperson shall
appoint a member of the Commission to approve the minutes of that meeting.
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Section 2. Tenure
The Chairperson, Vice-chairperson, and Secretary shall take office immediately
following their election and hold office until their successors are elected and
assume office.
Section 3. Duties of Officers
The duties and powers of the officers of the Planning Commission shall be as
follows:
a) Chairperson
1) Presides over all meetings of the Commission.
2) Appoints committees and performs such other duties as may be
ordered by the Commission.
3) Signs documents of the Commission.
4) Sees that all actions of the Commission are properly taken.
5) Calls special meetings of the Commission in accordance with these
Bylaws.
6) Works with appropriate city staff in organizing agendas of all
general Planning Commission meetings.
b) Vice-chairperson
Performs all of the duties and responsibilities of the Chairperson in his/her
absence.
c) Secretary
1) Assumes duties and responsibilities of the Chairperson when both
Chairperson and Vice-chairperson are absent.
2) Signs all minutes of the Commission as well as other official
documents of the Commission.
PART III. MISCELLANEOUS
Section 1. Suspension of Rules
The Commission may suspend any of these Rules by a 2/3 vote of those
members present.
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Section 2. Amendments
These Rules may be amended at any regular meeting by a 2/3
majority of the members of the Commission.
Section 3. Review
The contents of these Bylaws and Rules of procedure should be
comprehensively reviewed, evaluated, and modified where necessary, at the
organizational meeting held in February of each year.
Adopted this 23rd day of February, 2026
____________________________________
Chairperson, Richfield Planning Commission
____________________________________
Secretary, Richfield Planning Commission
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[PAGE 17]
SECTION 305. - ADMINISTRATION; COMMISSIONS; BOARDS
305.00. - Definitions.
Subdivision 1. The following terms, when used in this Section, shall have the following meanings
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Subd. 2. "Commission" means a body established by the City Council to advise the Council on
matters of municipal concern. The terms "commission" and "board" may be used interchangeably in this
Section.
Subd. 3. "Youth" means an individual who is at least 15 years of age.
305.01. - Creation; general requirements.
Unless otherwise provided by law or herein, the provisions in this subsection apply to all City
commissions.
Subdivision 1. Creation. A Commission may be established by a majority of the City Council. The
Council shall adopt a resolution or ordinance that will describe the purpose and function of the
Commission. City Commissions are advisory bodies to the City Council. The Council shall periodically
review the role, responsibilities and procedures of each Commission. The Council may eliminate a
Commission by adopting a resolution or ordinance rescinding the resolution or ordinance establishing the
Commission.
Subd. 2. Residency. Members of city commissions shall be residents of the City, unless an
ordinance or resolution expressly provides otherwise.
Subd. 3. Terms. The City Council shall appoint members to the commissions for terms not to exceed
three years. No member shall serve more than three consecutive terms on the same Commission.
Appointment to serve on a Commission for a period of time greater than one-half of a complete term shall
be counted as a full term. If the Council appoints an individual who had a break in continuous service of at
least one full term, it shall be treated as a first-term appointment. Commissioners may only serve on one
Commission at a time.
Subd. 4. Youth appointments. The City Council may appoint a maximum of two youth members to
certain commissions. Terms for youth appointments shall be one year, commencing on September 1 and
ending on August 31. No youth member shall serve more than three consecutive terms on the same
Commission. Except as otherwise provided for by resolution of the Council, youth members must be
residents of the City and enrolled in a high school or equivalent. A youth member may only serve on one
Commission at a time.
Subd. 5. Attendance. Members are required to attend regular commission meetings. Commission
members shall notify the Commission Chair or staff liaison if he or she is unable to attend a meeting. The
Council shall conduct an annual review of the attendance of members of City commissions.
Subd. 6. Removal/vacancy. Commission members serve at the pleasure of the City Council and,
unless prohibited by law, may be removed at any time for any reason, including but not limited to,
excessive absences from commission meetings. When a vacancy occurs, the Council shall appoint a
person to fill the unexpired term of the vacated seat. Unless provided otherwise by law or city resolution,
a seat on a Commission is vacated upon any of the following:
(a) Death;
(b) Removal of legal residence in the City;
(c) Resignation in writing presented to the City Manager, or designee;
(d) Removal by the Council; or,
(e) Election or appointment to a public office.
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Subd. 7. Committees. Commissions may establish committees from time to time as the need arises.
Subd. 8. Staff/council liaisons. Each January, the City Council shall designate a Council member as
liaison and one alternative liaison to each Commission. The City Manager shall appoint one City
employee to serve as a staff liaison to each Commission. Council and staff liaisons are not voting
members of a Commission.
Subd. 9. Bylaws/rules of procedure.
(a) Commissions may adopt bylaws to govern meeting procedures and other matters not
addressed in this Section. If the bylaws of a Commission and this Section conflict, this Section
shall prevail. Commissions may amend bylaws with approval of a 2/3 majority vote of the
Commission.
(b) At all meetings of a Commission where formal action is required on a matter, the meeting shall
be governed by Sturgis' Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure. At meetings where no
action is required, no formal parliamentary procedure shall govern the conduct of the
proceedings unless necessary such as when a formal motion is before the Commission.
305.03. - Establishment of human rights commission.
Subdivision 1. Scope of section. It is declared that it is the public policy of the City to fulfill its
responsibilities as a partner of the state department of human rights in securing for all citizens equal
opportunity in housing, employment, public accommodations, public services and education, and to fully
implement those goals set forth in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 363A, the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
Subd. 2. Establishment of commission. There is established and continued a human rights
commission.
Subd. 3. Purpose of commission. The purpose of the Commission is to secure for all citizens equal
opportunity in employment, housing, public accommodations, public services and education and full
participation in the affairs of this community and to take appropriate action consistent with the Minnesota
Human Rights Act. The Commission shall also advise the City Council on long range programs to
improve human relations in the City.
Subd. 4. Composition of the commission. The Commission consists of 13 members appointed by the
Council. Eleven members shall be appointed for terms of three (3) years, except that (i) a person
appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which the predecessor in that
term was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of such, and (ii) two (2) persons shall be
appointed as "youth" members for one (1) year terms. The two (2) youth members shall be given all
rights, privileges and responsibilities granted to the other appointed members. Members serve without
compensation and may be removed from office at any time by the Council.
Subd. 5. Commission's responsibilities. The Commission shall:
(a) Adopt bylaws and rules for the conduct of its affairs including the election, assumption of duties
and definition of responsibilities of officers and committees;
(b) Engage in discussions with the state department of human rights for the purpose of delineating
cooperative regulatory and enforcement procedures;
(c) Enlist the cooperation of agencies, organizations and individuals in the community in an active
program directed to create equal opportunity and eliminate discrimination and inequalities;
(d) Formulate a human relations program for the City to provide increased effectiveness and
direction to the work of all individuals and agencies addressing themselves to planning, policy
making and educational programming in the area of civil and human rights;
(e) Advise the City Council and other agencies of the government on human relations and civil
rights problems and act in an advisory capacity with respect to planning or operation of any City
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department on issues of civil and human rights and recommend the adoption of such specific
policies or actions as are needed to provide for full equal opportunity in the community;
(f) Study, investigate and assist in eliminating alleged violation of Minnesota Statutes, Chapter
363A by conference, conciliation and persuasion, and when necessary, cooperate with the state
department of human rights in enforcing the provisions of the state act;
(g) Develop such programs of education as will assist in the implementation of the Minnesota
Human Rights Act and foster the Commission's assumption of leadership in recognizing and
resolving potential human rights problems in the community; and
(h) Develop and implement programs that enhance the advancement of human rights in the
community and that promote an awareness of and appreciation for cultural diversity.
Subd. 6. Investigations, enforcement, penalties. The Commission may receive and investigate
complaints of alleged violations of this subsection. Investigations shall conform to the Complaint Process
formulated by the State Department of Human Rights.
305.05. - Fire Civil Service Commission.
Subdivision 1. Abolish police civil service. The Police Civil Service Commission is abolished.
Subd. 2. Fire Commission continued. The former joint police and fire civil service commission is now
known as the Fire Civil Service Commission and shall continue.
Subd. 3. Membership. The Fire Civil Service Commission shall consist of three (3) members
appointed for terms in the same manner, for the same terms, and with the same qualifications pursuant to
Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 420. Terms of commissioners are for three (3) years commencing on
February 1 of the year of appointment.
305.07. - Planning commission.
Subdivision 1. Establishment. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 462.354, subdivision 1, there
is created and continued a City Planning Commission.
Subd. 2. Commission form. Except in cases in which the Planning Commission is authorized by this
Code or other applicable law to render a final decision, the Planning Commission serves in an advisory
capacity to the City Council. Staff services for the Commission shall be furnished by the Community
Development Department of the City.
Subd. 3. Composition of the commission. The Commission consists of seven (7) members
appointed by the Council to serve for terms of three (3) years, with terms of members to be staggered so
that as nearly equal number of terms as possible shall expire each year. Terms begin on the first day of
February.
Subd. 4. Powers and duties of the commission. The Planning Commission shall undertake the duties
given by Minnesota Statutes, sections 462.351 to 462.354. The Planning Commission shall deliberate
and make recommendations, or final decisions as applicable, on:
(a) Proposed amendments to the zoning code or map;
(b) Land development applications requiring site plan approval, interim use permits, conditional
use permits or variances from the land development regulations of the City; and
(c) Such other matters relating to planning and development within the City, as may be referred to
it by the Council.
Subd. 5. General objectives of the commission. The Planning Commission shall, as necessary,
perform the following functions on behalf of the City:
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(a) Subject planning decisions to citizens' examination and influence through technical advisory
subcommittees which may study and recommend courses of action on special planning matters;
(b) Act as an advocate of various beneficial planning projects, as directed by the Council, to
stimulate interest and acceptance of planning within the City; and
(c) Act as a coordinator of planning activities within the City by working with public, quasi-public
and private planning groups to coordinate the total planning efforts of the City and other
governmental units.
Subd. 6. Additional powers and duties. The Council may assign additional duties and responsibilities
to the Planning Commission to assist the Commission in effectively carrying out the Commission's
objectives, powers and duties.
305.09. - Board of health.
Subdivision 1. Creation of board. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 145A, there is created
and continued a board of health.
Subd. 2. Council to constitute board. The Board consists of the City Council and a physician who is
the health officer of the City.
Subd. 3. Powers and duties of board. The Board shall:
(a) Investigate and make such reports and obey such directions concerning communicable
diseases as the State Board of Health may require or give; and
(b) Cause all laws and regulations relating to the public health, including any and all health
regulations contained in this code to be obeyed and enforced.
Subd. 4. Inspection and enforcement. The Board and authorized officers or employees of the Board
shall have the right to enter into any building, conveyance or place where contagion, infection, filth or
other source or cause of preventable disease exists or is reasonably suspect.
Subd. 5. Uniform enforcement and appeals. Orders or rules and regulations adopted or issued by
the Board shall be enforced in the manner provided in Section 320. Persons aggrieved by an order or rule
or regulation of the Board may appeal in accordance with the provisions of Section 320.
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Planning Commission Meeting 2/23/2026
Agenda Section: Other Business
Agenda Item: 9.d.
Report Prepared By:
Ruby Villa, Planner I
Department Director:
Melissa Poehlman, Community Development Director
Item for Consideration:
Annual re-scheduling task.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
During the 2024 bylaws review, the Planning Commission indicated a preference for the
annual rescheduling of Planning Commission meetings that fall on City observed holidays.
This year, the May meeting falls on Memorial Day. Staff recommends rescheduling the May
meeting to Wednesday, May 27th, which would be the next date that the Chambers are
available.
While the December meeting for 2026 does not fall on a holiday, the Planning Commission
has traditionally voted to reschedule this meeting earlier due to end-of-year travel
arrangements. Staff recommends rescheduling the December meeting to two weeks earlier,
Monday, December 14th (the Chambers are unavailable on Monday, December 21st).
RECOMMENDED ACTION
By motion: Approve the rescheduling of the May Planning Commission meeting from
Monday, May 25th to Wednesday, May 27th.
By motion: Approve the rescheduling of the December Planning Commission meeting from
Monday, December 28th to Monday, December 14th.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
None.
EQUITABLE OR STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS OR IMPACTS
None.
POLICIES (RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, REGULATIONS, STATUTES, ETC.)
None.
CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES
It would be helpful to decide the meeting dates as early as possible, so the Council
chambers can be reserved and both Commissioners and applicants can plan accordingly.
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FINANCIAL IMPACT
None.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
None.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S)
Approve the rescheduling of the May and December meetings with alternative dates.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Holidays/Planning Commission Meetings Schedule
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2026 – February 2027 Holidays Date
New Year’s Day Thursday, January 1
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, January 19
Presidents Day Monday, February 16
Memorial Day Monday, May 25
Juneteenth Friday, June 19
Day before Independence Day Friday, July 3
Labor Day Monday, September 7
Veterans Day Wednesday, November 11
Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 26
Friday after Thanksgiving November 27
Christmas Day Friday, December 25
New Year’s Day Friday, January 1
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, January 18
Presidents Day Monday, February 15
Planning Commission Meetings Proposed Alternative Dates
2026 – February 2027
Monday, March 23
Monday, April 27
Monday, May 25 Wednesday, May 27
Monday, June 22
Monday, July 27
Monday, August 24
Monday, September 28
Monday, October 26
Monday, November 23
Monday, December 28 Monday, December 14
Monday, January 25
Monday, February 22
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