The meeting opened with Kathleen Balaban addressing the council during the open forum about the content of the consent calendar. She argued that financial items within the consent calendar warranted more scrutiny. Balaban highlighted the allocation of grant money and high-cost equipment, noting that items worth millions were being approved without adequate discussion. She suggested that financial planning among city departments was uncoordinated, specifically in relation to grant funding. Balaban urged for a review process that allowed greater discussion on high-cost items, warning that the council might be committing future funds without fully understanding the implications. The mayor thanked Balaban for her input before moving to the next agenda item.

Attention then shifted to the council’s deliberation over the adoption of a resolution authorizing the use of funds for the 2025 Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant program. The resolution included executing a subrecipient agreement with Hennepin County and any necessary third-party agreements. The change in the county’s approach to consolidate funding into a request for proposals, rather than direct funding to specific cities, sparked concern. This shift meant Richfield would now compete for future funding, a departure from the direct funding model that had been in place since the late 1970s. Council members discussed the potential impact on future housing programs, expressing concerns about how this competitive process might affect the city’s ability to secure necessary funds for affordable housing initiatives.

After deliberations, the council unanimously approved the resolution, despite reservations about the new funding model. The meeting transitioned to the approval of agreements with nonprofit organizations to provide social services in Richfield. The city manager was authorized to execute these agreements, with a budget of $91,400 allocated for services in 2025. A review committee, comprising one resident and three staff members, evaluated eight proposals from nonprofit agencies. Seven proposals were recommended for funding, including Cornerstone Advocacy Services, VEP, Loaves and Fishes, and Senior Community Services. The Islamic Circle of North America was not recommended due to its limited and duplicative services. The council member moved to approve the agreements, which passed following a brief discussion, with council members expressing appreciation for the vital role of these organizations.

In other business, the council approved the consent calendar without further discussion. Items included authorization for the city manager and mayor to enter a right of entry agreement for tree removal and approval for a therapy dog grant program for law enforcement and fire departments. Though the city manager explained the process, the lack of discussion on these items echoed Balaban’s earlier concerns about financial transparency.

The council also recognized Women’s History Month with a proclamation celebrating the achievements of women, including women of color, the LGBTQIA+ community, and women of various abilities and religions. The proclamation acknowledged the historical presence of the Dakota people and highlighted notable figures in the community. The Human Rights Commission Commissioner expressed gratitude for the proclamation and emphasized that such recognitions should lead to actions reflecting community values.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of community contributions. Public Works was commended for their prompt action in tree removal, and a council member recognized a neighbor’s milestone 100th birthday with a proclamation. Additionally, Patricia Ione was recognized for organizing a visit from the Muñeras Latinas Unidas, where the police department presented information about city services. VEP was also acknowledged for establishing hours at City Hall to provide access to food and assistance services for residents without transportation.