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The Richfield Recap - May 30, 2024 |
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Speed Limit reductions begin on June 25
On June 25, Richfield will decrease residential speed limits 5 miles-per-hour (mph). The changes will impact all residential streets in Richfield, including Lyndale Avenue. Speed limits on roads governed by the county, including Penn Avenue, 66th Street, Nicollet Avenue and Portland Avenue, will remain unchanged for now, along with the four lane sections of 76th and 77th Streets.
Why is Richfield lowering speed limits?
Lower speed limits decrease the frequency and severity of vehicle crashes and protect pedestrians and cyclists. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, a pedestrian hit by a driver traveling 40 mph has only a 15% chance of survival. For every 10 mph a driver slows their vehicle, that chance of survival increases by nearly 40%. That means a pedestrian hit at 20 mph has a 95% chance of survival.
Have other Minnesota cities implemented a lower speed limit?
Yes. All of the cities that border Richfield have already lowered — or are in the process of lowering — their speed limits. Edina approved a default 25 mph speed limit in August 2021, and Bloomington approved a default 25 mph speed limit in September 2023. Minneapolis lowered its default speed limit to 20 mph in March 2020.
Why 25 miles per hour?
Staff analyzed speed distribution, roadway context, adjacent land use, and pedestrian activity across the city. Since all roads in Richfield are residential, and most drivers on lower volume streets are already driving at or below 25 mph, the city council and staff opted for a citywide blanket speed limit. This will help reduce confusion and create a clear expectation of maximum driving speed on any road in the city.
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Are you interested in serving on the City Council?
There's not much time left! The candidate filing period closes at 5 p.m. on June 4 for Wards 1, 2 and 3. In order to file your intent to run for office, you must get at least ten registered voters to sign your nominating petition, fill out the required forms and pay the fee. All information is included in the link below.
Candidates running for office will appear on the November 5, 2024, General Election ballot. If three or more candidates run (per Ward), the city will hold a Primary Election in August.
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 Come out this Friday or Saturday for a kickoff to summer at Augsburg Adventure Playground. Friday/Saturday Fun this week will include storytime with Richfield's Fire Department! Storytime begins at 10 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday.
Not available on the weekends? Check out the new Augsburg Park playgroup, TodPod! The playgroup meets on Monday mornings for a 30-minute session of songs and stories, followed by open play at the park.
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 Funding awarded for Safe Routes to School project
Earlier this week, the city formally accepted a $586,225 Safe Routes to School Infrastructure grant from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The grant will fund projects to increase safety for pedestrians and bicyclists near the STEM/RDLS campus.
Safety concerns around the school were first identified in 2014, and concepts were refined during an engineering study of the site in 2021. These concepts were tested during a 2023 demonstration project using plastic bollards, paint and temporary striping.
Feedback received during the demonstration project was incorporated into the application for funding from MnDOT. Further public engagement is expected to begin this summer.
Construction of the project will occur in the summer of 2025.
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 Comment on Xcel Energy's Integrated Resource Plan
Earlier this year, Xcel Energy proposed a new Upper Midwest Energy Plan that will continue to work on carbon reductions while "ensuring customers continue to have the reliable, safe, affordable electric service they depend on."
The proposal builds on the approved plan for Xcel to retire all of its coal plants by 2030 and replace them with renewable energy sources.
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will hold public hearings to solicit input from customers and residents. Public meetings will be held both virtually and in-person. Comments can also be submitted in writing.
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Register your security camera with SafeCam
Security cameras can be a great tool in deterring crime or helping to solve crimes. The Richfield Police Department would like to partner with residents to keep your neighborhood safe through the SafeCam initiative.
With SafeCam, residents and businesses can voluntarily register their private video surveillance systems with the department and allow officers to contact them if a crime occurs in or near their location. The SafeCam program is 100% voluntary and does NOT provide police with access to security camera systems that are privately owned by participants. You may opt out of the program at any time.
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Reminder: Early bird pricing at the outdoor pool ends June 6
Purchase your Richfield Outdoor Pool passes online through June 6 to receive early-bird pricing and multi-pass discounts. Prices increase on June 7 when the pool opens for the summer season.
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Roadwork Updates: I-494 Project
 The closures and dates listed below have been provided to the city of Richfield by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), and are subject to delay based on weather or other circumstances.
Current Closures:
- Long-term Ramp Closure: Penn Avenue to eastbound I-494. Closed until mid/late November.
- Long-term Street Closure: 78th Street between Chicago and 12th Avenues. Expected reopening between July and November.
Upcoming Closures:
- Ramp Closure: Beginning June 3 (delayed from 5/28) - Westbound I-494 to Penn Avenue. Expected reopening in mid-June.
- Overnight Closure: June 7/8 - Northbound 35W from I-494 to 76th Street.
- Long-term Ramp Closures: Beginning June 10 - Eastbound I-494 to northbound 35W AND southbound 35W to eastbound I-494. Expected reopening in mid-October.
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Come join our team!
The city offers an innovative and progressive culture with a vision towards the future. We provide a supportive environment for employees to thrive, with opportunities for professional and personal growth and competitive benefits and compensation.
New Opening: ICPOET Police Officer
The Richfield Police Department is seeking applications for the Intensive Comprehensive Peace Officer Education and Training Program. The ICPOET program allows non-traditional or career transition candidates to serve their communities in a new way, as a law enforcement officer. The police department will pay the tuition for the candidate to attend law enforcement training and will also pay the candidate an hourly rate of $25.77 while they attend the 22 week training course.
Learn more about the ICPOET Police Officer Position!
Other Openings:
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In case you missed it....Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Park
 Despite the rain, more than 300 people came out to Veterans Park on Monday afternoon to honor servicemembers who have died while serving in the U.S. Military. The ceremony included a flyover by the T-6 Thunder, along with music, speeches, an invocation and color guard/rifle squad.
Click below to see more videos and photos of the beautiful ceremony.
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