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CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Council Regular Meeting
March 24, 2026
ITEM #1 CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Supple at 7:02 p.m. on March 24, 2026, in the Council
Chambers.
Council Present: Mary Supple, Mayor; Walter Burk, Sean Hayford Oleary,
Sharon Christensen, and Rori A. Coleman-Woods.
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Karl Huemiller, Recreation
Director; Kristin Asher, Public Works Director; Jay Henthorne,
Director of Public Safety; Mary Tietjen, City Attorney; and
Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk.
Guests: None.
ITEM #2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Supple led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ITEM #3 APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: made by Council Member Hayford Oleary, seconded by Council Member Burk to
approve the agenda as presented.
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, Council
Member Christensen, and Council Member Coleman-Woods.
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #4 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: made by Council Member Coleman-Woods, seconded by Council Member Hayford
Oleary to approve the minutes of the (1) City Council Work Session from March 10, 2026, and (2)
Regular Meeting from March 10, 2026.
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, Council
Member Christensen, and Council Member Coleman-Woods.
Motion carried: 5-0

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City Council Meeting Minutes -2- March 24, 2026
ITEM #5 OPEN FORUM
Mayor Supple noted the process for individuals wishing to speak during Open Forum and reviewed
the three-minute time limit for public comments and explained the use of time warning cards to alert
the speaker when their time is almost expired. Instructions were given for speakers to state their
name and city of residence before speaking. Mayor Supple noted two emails received by staff
regarding public comment were forwarded to Council for review.
Three residents addressed the Council during the Open Forum opportunity.
Birgit Johnson, Richfield resident, described her personal journey becoming a U.S. citizen as a
respectful immigration experience, with a supportive and diverse naturalization ceremony. Ms.
Johnson emphasized that immigrants work hard to earn citizenship and should be treated with
dignity.
Ashley Heurung, Richfield resident, expressed opposition to a proposal allowing the city manager
and mayor to spend up to $10,000 on ICE-related reimbursements, citing concerns about lack of
limits, transparency, and oversight. Ms. Heurung emphasized recent spending approved by
Council, questioned prioritization over core services, and urged requiring full council approval and
clear guidelines for any future use of taxpayer funds.
Ginny Morin, Richfield resident, expressed opposition to ongoing city spending on charitable
initiatives funded by taxpayers. Ms. Morin emphasized high taxes, questioned budget
management, and urged stricter limits and more disciplined budgeting and prioritization of city
funds.
ITEM #6 PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
None.
ITEM #7 CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Rodriguez presented the consent calendar.
a. Approve Disbursements/Claims
U.S. BANK 3-13-2026
A/P Checks/ETF’s: (2-28-2026 - through 3-13-2026) $2,372,145.26
Payroll (3-13-2026) $1,059,980.50
TOTAL $3,432,125.76
b. Consider approval of an agreement with the Richfield Leadership Network nonprofit to
provide social services to the City of Richfield and authorize the Mayor and City Manager
to execute the final agreement.
c. Consider approval of a resolution authorizing Recreation Services staff to submit a
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Local Trail Connections Program Grant to

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City Council Meeting Minutes -3- March 24, 2026
connect the Nine Mile Creek Trail to the Southdale Library through Adams Hill Park, and
authorize staff to execute a grant agreement, if awarded, and proceed with the trail
connection project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-12417
AUTHORIZING STAFF TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE MINNESOTA
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR THE LOCAL TRAIL CONNECTIONS
PROGRAM TO CONNECT THE NINE MILE CREEK TRAIL TO THE SOUTHDALE
LIBRARY THROUGH ADAMS HILL PARK, AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO EXECUTE
A GRANT AGREEMENT, IF AWARDED, AND PROCEED WITH THE TRAIL
CONNECTION PROJECT
d. Consider approval of a Stormwater Maintenance Agreement between the City of Richfield
and Best Buy Company, Inc. and authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute the
agreement.
e. Consider approval of a contract renewal with ADESA Minneapolis for 2026 for auctioning
forfeited vehicles from Public Safety/Police Departments.
Council responded to feedback on item 7b, explaining that the proposed $5,000–$10,000 for tow
fee reimbursement is intended to balance fairness for residents with maintaining city policies such
as snow removal and parking enforcement. Council noted that not enforcing towing could create
operational and maintenance issues for the City and stated the funding supports equity and
community stability and is a reasonable and purposeful use of city funds.
Council commented on item 7c, thanking Recreation Services staff for applying for the grant.
Council highlighted the importance of improving pedestrian connectivity between the Southdale
Library and nearby park areas, particularly for children in a densely populated neighborhood, and
noted the potential for future trail connections.
MOTION: made by Council Member Hayford Oleary, seconded by Council Member Burk to
approve consent calendar items 7a-e as presented.
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, Council
Member Christensen, and Council Member Coleman-Woods.
Motion carried: 5-0
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS, IF ANY, REMOVED FROM CONSENT
ITEM #8
CALENDAR
None.
ITEM #9 PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
ITEM #10 PROPOSED ORDINANCES
None.

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City Council Meeting Minutes -4- March 24, 2026
ITEM #11 RESOLUTIONS
None.
ITEM #12 OTHER BUSINESS
a. Consider a correction to an alternate appointment to fill a vacancy on the Advisory Board
of Health and approval of Erik Porter as Advisory Board of Health Commissioner.
Council Member Hayford Oleary presented staff report 12a, considering a correction to the previous
commissioner’s appointment with the Advisory Board of Health due to an administrative error.
MOTION: made by Council Member Hayford Oleary, seconded by Council Member Burk to remove
alternate commissioner Jacob Peterson as the Advisory Board of Health Commissioner.
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, Council
Member Christensen, and Council Member Coleman-Woods.
Motion carried: 5-0
MOTION: made by Council Member Hayford Oleary, seconded by Council Member Burk to
approve the appointment of Eric Porter as the Advisory Board of Health Commissioner
commencing on March 24, 2026, and expiring January 31, 2027.
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, Council
Member Christensen, and Council Member Coleman-Woods.
Motion carried: 5-0
b. Consider an alternate appointment to fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission.
Council Member Coleman-Woods presented staff report 12b, considering alternate commissioner
Jacob Peterson, to fill the vacancy on the Planning Commission.
MOTION: made by Council Member Coleman-Woods, seconded by Council Member Hayford
Oleary to approve the appointment of Jacob Peterson to the vacant seat on the Planning
Commission, commencing on March 24, 2026, and expiring January 31, 2027.
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, Council
Member Christensen, and Council Member Coleman-Woods.
Motion carried: 5-0
ITEM #13 CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Rodriguez reported at the last meeting there were six residents who spoke during the
open forum—four on impacts of increased immigration enforcement and two on outdoor lighting
concerns. She noted no new questions were raised, and topics had been addressed in previous
meetings. City Manager Rodriguez referenced a discussion by staff regarding agenda item
placement of commission vacancies and appointments on future agendas and requested Council
feedback. Council noted keeping commission vacancies and appointments under Other Business
to formally acknowledge the time commitment of appointees.

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City Council Meeting Minutes -5- March 24, 2026
ITEM #14 COUNCIL DISCUSSION
a. Hats off to Hometown Hits.
Council Member Hayford Oleary expressed appreciation for the upcoming Richfield High School
Job Olympics. Council Member Hayford Oleary noted the event provides students with hands-on
experience in areas like job applications, mock interviews, thank-you notes, and professional skills,
and encouraged volunteering for the event.
Council Member Christensen thanked city staff, particularly the IT department, for their support with
remote meeting technology over the past four months. She expressed appreciation for the
assistance that allowed her to continue participating in meetings remotely and remarked that it
feels good to be back in-person at the meetings.
Council Member Coleman-Woods welcomed back Council Member Christensen and wished the
Richfield High School basketball team good luck in the quarterfinal state championship game
against Sartell at Williams Arena, adding, “Let’s go Spartans!”
Mayor Supple recognized Village Shores, noting a follow-up visit and celebrating the 100th birthday
of one of its residents. She also highlighted a successful community fundraising event at House of
Prayer Church, hosted by the Richfield Community Safety Network, which featured an “Animals
Helping People” theme and drew a large turnout. Mayor Supple mentioned Hennepin County’s
ongoing small business assistance program and upcoming opportunities through the Economic
Development Department, thanking staff and organizers for their efforts.
b. Council Liaison Reports
None.
ITEM #15 ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: made by Council Member Coleman-Woods, seconded by Council Member Burk to
adjourn the meeting at 7:27 p.m.
Voting Aye: Mayor Supple, Council Member Burk, Council Member Hayford Oleary, Council
Member Christensen, and Council Member Coleman-Woods.
Motion carried: 5-0
Date Approved: April 14, 2026
Mary Supple
Mayor
Michelle Friedrich Katie Rodriguez
City Clerk City Manager

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From: Michelle Friedrich
To: Mary Supple
Cc: Mark McKinley; Katie Rodriguez
Bcc: Sean Hayford Oleary; Sean Hayford Oleary; Walter Burk; Rori Coleman-Woods; Rori Woods; Sharon Christensen
Subject: FW: Re:City Council Open Forum 3/24/26
Date: Monday, March 23, 2026 1:35:00 PM
Attachments: image001.png
Good afternoon Mayor and Council,
We have received a public comment email for Open Forum for the Council regular meeting
scheduled for Tuesday, March 24. Please see the email trail below.
Thank you,
Michelle Friedrich (she/her/hers)
City Clerk
6700 Portland Ave S., Richfield MN 55423
Tel: (612) 861-9739 |Fax: (612) 861-9715
mfriedrich@richfieldmn.gov
From: Deb Nelson 
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 11:26 AM
To: Michelle Friedrich 
Subject: Re:City Council Open Forum 3/24/26
It is my understanding that a closed door session is occuring with regard forcing Golden
Tobacco, 22 W 66th Street, to give up their tobacco license. This establishment,
operating for many years in Richfield, is a family run, minority owned, small business. It
is an Adult only smoke shop, with a sign posted outside their door, that you have to be at
least 21 to enter their premises. As far as I can tell, they comply with tobacco control law
measures, albeit in all their years, there has possibly been some violations, with stricter
compliances from the owner enacted. As a smoker, I frequent their establishment often,
and shop at other Hub stores at the same time. The owner, family, and employees are
friendly and a positive experience while shopping the Hub. I can't say that for some of
the stores. It may appear that City Council are continuing End Game strategies, but
please don't infringe on the rights and liberties of adults that smoke. Our choice, not
yours. You already have plenty of non-smoking laws to restrict use and sales to help
keep everyone safe. If your issue is underage sales, maybe have them card ALL
customers like they do at the city owned liquor stores. This is not an inconvenience, and
I'm 70, long past the looks of a 21 year old. And for those under-age, have them arrested

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or detained so that parents get involved to educate their child properly, as they should,
or if 18+, give them a fine as money speaks volumes. Ending Golden Tobacco's tobacco
license will put them out of business, and they don't deserve this. Thank you. Deb
Nelson

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From: Michelle Friedrich
To: Mary Supple
Cc: Mark McKinley; Katie Rodriguez
Bcc: Sean Hayford Oleary; Sean Hayford Oleary; Walter Burk; Rori Coleman-Woods; Rori Woods; Sharon Christensen
Subject: FW: City Council Open Forum 3/24/26
Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 4:32:00 PM
Attachments: image001.png
Mayor and Council,
Please review the email trail for an additional email Open Forum comment received today at 1:10
pm. This will also be included as a pdf tab on your dais computer at the regular meeting tonight.
Thank you,
Michelle Friedrich (she/her/hers)
City Clerk
6700 Portland Ave S., Richfield MN 55423
Tel: (612) 861-9739 |Fax: (612) 861-9715
mfriedrich@richfieldmn.gov
From: Aaron <2arondmn@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 1:09 PM
To: Michelle Friedrich 
Subject: City Council Open Forum 3/24/26
I have concerns with the plan to use tax dollars to fund hardship by those affected by ICE
operations in the city. While this is a very compassionate thing to do, using taxpayer
money to fund this hardly seems appropriate. Minnesota taxpayers are already
burdened with high income, property and sales taxes, which we have learned that a large
amount has been used fraudulently. An appropriate approach would be to host a
fundraiser or a go fund me to allow like minded compassionate individuals to help out,
while not forcing the rest of our hard working citizens to give in a portion of their
paycheck. Not giving us the choice in contributing to someone else's possible hardship,
while many of us are struggling with our own, is just not right. Thank you for your
consideration in this matter.
Aaron Davis
Richfield Resident