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CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
City Council Work Session
February 24, 2026
ITEM #1 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Supple called the work session to order at 5:30 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; Karl Huemiller, Recreation Director; Jill
Murphy, Recreation Program Manager; Kris Wieby, Facilities/Program
Manager; Rachel Lindholm, Recreation Coordinator; Courtney DesCamps,
Senior Analyst; and Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk.
Guests: Will Forbord, Loeffler Construction; Edie Sebesta, U+B Architects; and
Chuck Evans, Damon Farber Landscape Architects.
ITEM #2 ITEM DISCUSSION
a. Climate Action Plan (CAP)
Recreation Coordinator Lindholm presented an overview of the updated Climate Action Plan, and
noted the plan adopts state emission reduction goals, aligns with the Comprehensive Plan, and
introduces new elements including a “climate snapshot” highlighting local climate trends, a
vulnerability assessment identifying disproportionately affected populations, and two new goals
focused on public health/emergency preparedness and strengthening internal city capacity.
Council and staff discussion included concerns about LED streetlight brightness and color
temperature, with staff coordinating with Public Works on options, and questions about how
sustainability efforts are being incorporated into projects such as Wood Lake, Veterans Park, and the
future community center, with staff confirming ongoing integration of Climate Action Plan goals into
those initiatives.
Council discussed further integrating natural resource and sustainability goals into city planning,
including connections between the Climate Action Plan, Comprehensive Plan, and Parks Master Plan,
as well as tree canopy expansion and building retrofits. Staff confirmed the updated plan will guide
future planning efforts and retain a five-year blueprint with both continued and new actions. Council
supported moving the Climate Action Plan forward for approval.

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City Council Work Session Minutes -2- February 24, 2026
b. Veteran’s Park Improvements
Recreation Director Huemiller presented the Vision Plan phased improvements to enhance Veteran’s
Park accessibility, sustainability, and overall user experience. Key updates include creating a clearer
1.5-mile primary loop trail that is ADA-accessible and multi-use, consolidating redundant paved paths,
improving neighborhood connections, and shifting portions of the trail closer to the water and farther
from residential areas. The Veterans Memorial will be better integrated into the park through looped
trail alignment and surrounding native prairie plantings. Turf areas will be reduced and converted to
native prairie to improve environmental sustainability, with an initial intensive maintenance period
followed by lower long-term upkeep. A wildlife viewing platform is proposed as a cost-effective
alternative to replacing the former floating boardwalk, alongside habitat restoration to enhance
visibility and birdwatching opportunities.
Council and staff reviewed additional priorities that include establishing a new Memorial Garden near
the bandshell as a peaceful community remembrance space, with initial infrastructure installed as
funding allows. Staff noted the pavilion area will be reorganized to improve flow and functionality
during events, including crushed stone surfacing to support vendors, added overstory shade trees,
and clearer vehicle access controls. Building repairs to the golf structure and other targeted
improvements are also included. Council and staff reviewed light levels, trail surfaces and
experiences, accessibility, and the wildlife viewing platform. Council noted including a long-term plan
for arena lighting. Staff and Council reviewed other future priorities include mini-golf restroom
updates, and repairs to arena cedar soffits, fascia, and board installation.
Staff reviewed cost estimates of targeted improvements, by priority order, and noted implementation
will be guided by identified priorities and available funding. Council expressed general support for the
plan’s focus on accessibility, sustainability, connectivity, and thoughtful integration of trails and
gathering and memorial spaces.
ITEM #3 ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Supple adjourned the work session at 6:54 p.m.
Date Approved: March 10, 2026
Mary B. Supple
Mayor
Michelle Friedrich Katie Rodriguez
City Clerk City Manager