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CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
City Council Work Session
February 17, 2026
ITEM #1 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Supple called the work session to order at 5:45 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
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; Melissa Poehlman, Community
Development Director; Julie Urban, Assistant Community Development
Director; and Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk.
ITEM #2 ITEM DISCUSSION
a. Discussion of a draft Emergency Pre-Eviction Notice Ordinance.
Community Development Director Poehlman presented the draft emergency ordinance extending the
pre-eviction notice period for nonpayment of rent from 14 to 30 days due to income disruptions from
Operation Metro Surge. Community Development Director Poehlman noted the emergency pre-
eviction notice ordinance preserves evictions for non-financial reasons and maintains existing
enforcement policies. Staff expressed support for the temporary measure, noting potential impacts on
both tenants and landlords. Community Development Director noted preliminary landlord feedback
was mixed with concerns about shifting financial burdens and accumulating tenant debt. Community
Development Director Poehlman reported $12,000 of the $50,000 allocation to VEAP of rental
assistance funds have been distributed with additional monetary donations raised by community
support.
Council voiced general support for the emergency ordinance and provided staff direction.
ITEM #3 ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Supple adjourned the work session at 5:51 p.m.

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City Council Work Session Minutes -2- February 17, 2026
Date Approved: March 10, 2026
Mary B. Supple
Mayor
Michelle Friedrich Katie Rodriguez
City Clerk City Manager