Letter From The City Council

Parks and Recreation Kids Day
Letter From The City Council
The results are in . . . 2014 was an incredibly busy and productive year for Richfield! It comes as no surprise that the renewal of the
face of Richfield continues to generate an excitement for our community and our place in the region.
The long anticipated Richfield Parkway project was completed, connecting Bloomington Avenue to 63rd Street and the Cedar Point
development. The beautifully designed and landscaped parkway provides an attractive entranceway to the area and protects the
adjacent neighborhood from “cut-through” traffic.
Looking Back at 2014
This report contains some
of the City of Richfield’s
accomplishments and
highlights over the past
year.
LYN65
Page 3
Richfield’s twenty-year goal of obtaining an underpass beneath Trunk Highway 77 (Cedar Avenue) at the eastern terminus of 77th
Street, was a focal point of several City staff and local elected officials for 2014. Richfield established a strong presence at the 2014
legislature, lobbying for State funding for the 77th Street Underpass. The result of that effort was that the project was included in the
2014 bonding bill and expectations are high that a significant portion of the project funding will be allotted to the City in the early
spring of 2015. Unfortunately, at this time, the actual amount of that funding has not been announced.
Along 77th Street, the renovation continues as Richfield Bloomington Mitsubishi was completed, the old City Garage was demolished
and readied for redevelopment and the new Honda dealership is under construction and scheduled to open in 2015. It will be the tallest
Honda dealership in the United States.
In the heart of Richfield, in and around 66th and Lyndale, the renewal of the City continues. At the site of the former Lyndale Garden
Center, the beautiful new Lakewinds Co-op grocery store opened in late spring. Across the street from Lakewinds, the new Lyn65
restaurant opened in late summer. In addition, several new retail businesses opened at Lyndale Station, and construction of a new
restaurant and coffee shop at the corner of 66th and Lyndale, is well underway and scheduled to open in the spring of 2015.
In Veterans Park, the new locker room addition to the Richfield Ice Arena, home to the Minnesota Magicians, a Tier II Junior Hockey
League team, was completed. Also, completed in 2014, was the renovation of the former Hat Trick Hockey space at the Ice Arena into
a fitness training facility leased from the City by the Magicians.
Finally, the City launched an exciting, online tool to enhance our connection with our residents, called Richfield Connect. Over 400
people have participated in multiple conversations posted about City projects and issues and responded to questions and polls that
help us, as policymakers and staff, make better informed decisions. If you haven’t already done so, please sign up through the City’s
website at www.cityofrichfield.org.
RFD 75th
Anniversary
Page 5
We hope you like what you see happening in our community . . . help us make it even better in 2015!
Mayor
Debbie Goettel
[email protected]
Councilmembers
Michael Howard, At-Large
[email protected]
Pat Elliott, Ward 1
[email protected]
Edwina Garcia, Ward 2
[email protected]
Tom Fitzhenry, Ward 3
[email protected]
Exclusive
Bourbon
Page 8
EXECUTIVE & ADMINISTRATIVE
New City Signs
2 CITY OF RICHFIELD ANNUAL REPORT
MN/DOT began work on the Community Gateways at entry points to the City
along Highway 62. The gateways, which were aided in design by a resident
taskforce, are the final elements as part of the Crosstown reconstruction project.
When complete, the construction will include signage monuments, stone walls,
and landscaping at Penn, Lyndale, Nicollet, and Portland Avenues.
Comcast
Cable services in Richfield will see a major change in 2015. A change in ownership of the franchise serving Richfield and the entire metro area occurred in
late 2014. Starting in the spring of 2015, Comcast customers will be served by
Greatland Connections. The initial impact of the change on customers should
be virtually seamless.
Richfield Connect
Motor Vehicle and Passports
Since its launch in early February 2014, the
City’s online, civic engagement forum, Richfield Connect, has been a great success! The
City has posted questions, polls and surveys on
over 30 topics, including snowplowing operations, park improvements, street redesigns, and
commission participation. City staff and Council
In a week’s time we process on average 1250 motor vehicle transactions, 130 passport applications, Members regularly monitor the discussion on
Richfield Connect and utilize the feedback when making decisions about City
60 driver’s license applications and 55 DNR transactions.
services, projects and processes. As of mid-December, there are were 327 active
participants on Richfield Connect. If you haven’t already done so, please sign
For the year:
up today at www.richfieldconnect.mindmixer.com and join the conversation!
• Up 117% increase in passport applications fees - $125,875 in revenue.
• Up 116% increase in passport photo fees - $68,566 in revenue.
• Up 78% increase in driver’s license fees - $18,326 in revenue-due to an increase in our deputy
filing fee in August 2014-from $5 to $8.
In addition to being busy with passports, our Motor Vehicle transactions are up by 2900 over 2014.
The City prides itself on our fast and friendly customer service. Our motor vehicle department, which
also takes in passport applications, has been very busy the last couple years and we chalk that up to
being as fast and efficient as we can without sacrificing accuracy. On a daily basis, customers comment on how they travel out of their way to our office, because they know they can get in and out
with little to no wait time and they receive their service with a smile.
FINANCE
Budget and Tax Levy
In December, the City Council approved the 2015 Budget and tax levy. The City will
operate in 2015 with a balanced General Fund budget just over $21 million. The 2015
gross tax levy represents an increase over the 2014 tax levy of 1.53%.
The 2015 tax levy is: a General Fund tax levy, a Debt Service tax levy and a tax levy to
replace rolling stock and technology equipment.
Awards
Finance Manager Chris Regis accepted the
GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence
in Financial Reporting.
The City has earned the award for 30 consecutive years and 34 years overall.
Budget Transparency Tool
We invite you to explore our new OpenGov site to gain a better understanding of the City of
Richfield’s expense and revenue data. Our new OpenGov site allows you to explore the City’s
budget and historical finances in a simple graphical interface. Each graph or chart is interactive, dynamic, and shareable.
OpenGov is a financial transparency website which displays the City’s actual and budgeted
finances over a seven (7) year period. The default view displays the City’s expenses broken
down by department.
The City has chosen to show activity of the City’s General Fund. The General Fund is the
chief operating fund of the City. All of the City’s primary services, Public Safety, Fire, Public
Works, Community Development, and Recreation Services are accounted for in the General
Fund. In addition, the City’s OpenGov site also contains what is called “Current View.” This will
provide current financial information of the General Fund by comparing monthly activity to
the budget.
The budget transparency tool can be accessed on the City’s website and at
www.richfield.opengov.com.
Issuance of New Debt
During 2014, the City’s bond rating from Standard and Poor’s was reaffirmed at AA+.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
CITY OF RICHFIELD ANNUAL REPORT 3
Housing
Four new homes were built, two substandard properties were purchased and structures
demolished. One vacant lot was sold through the City’s successful new construction
program, Richfield Rediscovered. The photos on the upper right are of two newly-constructed Richfield Rediscovered homes. The HRA acquired the properties, demolished
the substandard houses, and sold the vacant lots to homeowners looking to build new
houses and make Richfield their hometown.
Two vacant lots were sold to the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation for construction of new, affordable homes that will be completed in early 2015. One of these homes
will be accessible to people with physical disabilities. Additionally, two vacant lots were
sold to Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity for construction of new, affordable homes that
will be under construction in 2015-2016.
Four Deferred Loans (at 0% interest) helped homeowners on a fixed-income maintain
their homes. Eleven Fix-Up Loans (at 3% interest) were made to homeowners to improve
their homes. One Transformation Home Loan (at 0% interest) helped homeowners
undertake a major remodel, converting an attached garage into a mud room and family
room. The photos on the right are of a recently remodeled home that utilized the HRA’s
Transformation Home Loan program to pay for a portion of the costs. The homeowners
enlarged and remodeled the kitchen and opened it up to the dining and living rooms.
Approximately 75 home visits were made by remodeling and design experts, making
the remodeling process easier for Richfield homeowners. Over 80 visits were made to
Richfield homes by the Home Energy Squad, making them more energy efficient and
saving homeowners money. Those energy savings were made accessible to Spanishspeaking residents by translating marketing and other program materials into Spanish.
A new pilot Rental-to-Homeownership Program offered financial incentives to landlords
seeking to return rented single-family homes back to owner occupancy.
Planning & Zoning
Land use applications were processed for numerous developments including:
• Phase II of Lyndale Station (66th Street & Lyndale Avenue)
• Spanish immersion preschool Rayito de Sol (6949 Nicollet Avenue)
• Flex Academy Charter School at the HUB (former Bally’s Total Fitness building)
• A new telecommunication tower at the Public Works building
• Fireside Pizza (6736 Penn Avenue)
• Broadway Pizza (7514 Lyndale Avenue)
• Progress Valley (308 78th Street East)
• Amendments to approvals at Richfield-Bloomington Honda
• Amendments to approvals at Lyndale Gardens
A number of zoning ordinance amendments were made in continual efforts to maintain
a clear and concise document that accurately reflects the community’s expectations.
Additionally, changes were made to allow home occupations to operate from garages,
revise screening regulations for mechanical equipment, and transfer responsibility for
variance requests back to the Planning Commission.
Inspections
Redevelopment
7600 Pillsbury Avenue (former City Public Works garage site)
The City received a development proposal for redevelopment of the former City Public Works
site for the construction of 44 townhomes. Construction could begin as early as the spring
of 2015 with completion in the fall of 2015.
Lyndale Gardens (former Lyndale Garden Center) - 6400 Lyndale Avenue
The Lakewinds Natural Foods grocery store opened in spring 2014 (see photo below).
When fully complete, the Lyndale Gardens development will include 120 units of rental
housing, retail/office and quasi-public amenities, in addition to the grocery store. Construction of the quasi-public improvements is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2015,
with the rental housing and restaurant/retail building beginning sometime thereafter.
Lyndale Station - 6501 Lyndale Avenue
The second phase of the Lyndale Station development began construction in the fall of 2014.
The second phase consists of an 8,000 square foot, free-standing building at the northeast
corner of Lyndale Avenue and 66th Street. The building will house a restaurant and coffee
shop. Construction is anticipated to be completed in late spring/early summer 2015.
Minnesota is adopting a new set of updated construction codes that will go into effect
in early 2015. To see details, go to www.doli.state.mn.us.
Richfield Bloomington Honda/Mitsubishi - 400 W. 77th Street
Richfield Bloomington Honda demolished their existing building in 2013 and acquired
several additional parcels to begin construction of the new two-story Richfield Bloomington
Honda/Mitsubishi dealership. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2015.
E-Permits will be coming to the Richfield website in January 2015. Contractors and
homeowners can obtain certain permits for single family homes. For more details, visit
www.cityofrichfield.org.
LYN65 - 6439 Lyndale Avenue
The LYN65 restaurant and bar opened in early 2014. The restaurant and bar offers a unique
and inviting venue to gather with friends and enjoy locally-sourced, chef-prepared food.
The inspections division issued over 5,000 permits, performed over 6,300 inspections for
construction-related work and conducted 627 Point-Of-Sale inspections. Point-Of-Sale
inspections are required when a single-family house or duplex is sold or transfers title.
This program helps to ensure the safety of the City’s owner-occupied housing and aids
in maintaining property values.
Rental licenses were issued for 222 apartment buildings, 113 duplexes and 747 single
family homes. There was approximately $1,000,000 received from permit and rental
license fees. All residential rental properties within the City are required to be licensed.
This program helps to ensure the safety of the City’s residential rental properties, the
welfare of the City’s residents, and aids in maintaining property values.
Economic Development
The Economic Development Division was formed in
2013 with the purpose of attracting new businesses
to the City of Richfield, aiding in the establishment of
new businesses, and assisting existing businesses to
grow and thrive.
The Open to Business program, in conjunction with
the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD), continues to assist current and prospective entrepreneurs in Richfield. To date, the Open to
Business program has assisted 26 Richfield entrepreneurs with a total capital investment of $441,720.
New marketing efforts in 2014 resulted in increased interest in the City’s development opportunity locations. The photo on the right is Rob Smolund, the Open to Business consultant for
the City of Richfield. He offers walk-in appointments the fourth Wednesday of every month
from 9:00 to 11:00, at the Municipal Center. He is also available by appointment outside of
those hours by calling 612-789-7337 ext. 260.
PUBLIC
SAFETY
Police Division
4 CITY OF RICHFIELD ANNUAL REPORT
The Police Department was busy in 2014, responding to over 16,300 calls for service.
The Department hired five new police officers to fill vacancies and anticipates hiring at least
three more officers in 2015. There were also five promotions: one at the rank of Chief, one
at Deputy Chief, one at the rank of Police Sergeant, and two at Police Detective. We also
welcomed Community Liaison, Isela Gomez, whose objective is to enhance communication
and understanding between Law Enforcement and residents.
The Department continued participation in many community outreach programs, including
the State-funded Towards Zero Deaths “TZD” campaign, Safety Day, 21st Annual Citizens
Police Academy, Teen Academy, Night to Unite (154 block parties in 2014) and Unity in the
Community. The Department also expanded the grant-funded Heroes for Helpers program
to 14 participants.
In 2014, the Department implemented a new Mental Illness response policy, along with
providing officers continuous training for scenarios where mental illness may be present.
The Department hosted four Home Alone Safety Sessions for ages 9-12 in collaboration
with Fire, Recreation, and Community Education. This class prepares the kids to be alone
for short periods of time, before or after school or while you run errands. During this class,
kids will make their own first-aid kits and learn basic first-aid techniques. Topics discussed
included personal and home safety, internet safety, phone skills, fire safety, escape plans,
what to do in severe weather, snack ideas and appropriate activities.
Support Services
New Technology and Upgrades
The Department is currently working on a transition in 2016 to TriTech Suite of Public Safety
software, which will allow officers to spend more time focusing on Public Safety needs and
less on paperwork. We are also enhancing our digital forensics software with high capacity,
multi disc capacities. This ability greatly improves investigative capabilities as technology
changes. Currently in an experimental phase, the Department is also developing and
incorporating Digital Body Cameras into patrol functions.
The Department is also working on upgrades to the Department police cars which will have
new data connections installed in early 2015 that will increase connectivity by as much
as 400%. Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) were installed in two police vehicles in
2014. As of the middle of December, there have been180 stops resulting from the APLR
technology.
The Support Services Division transitioned from a homegrown business licensing case
management system to a LOGIS based system that is more efficient and comprehensive.
In addition, code revisions were made in 2014 to ordinances having to do with tobacco
(one-year tobacco sampling moratorium), request to increase the number of on-sale
wine licenses and increasing the number of 3.2 percent malt liquor licenses the City
can have available.
The Division Manager participated in a Shared Services Learning Project with the State
of Minnesota, Bloomington and Edina that identified opportunities to strengthen and
improve the existing cross-jurisdictional sharing of public health services. The three
cities have partnered to share these services for over 30 years.
In response to a City Council goal, Environmental Health staff took a focused, proactive
approach to maintaining the appearance of the major thoroughfares and gateway
entrances to Richfield. If you have a property maintenance concern in our community,
please notify staff by calling 612-861-9880 or completing a code violation form on our
website at www.cityofrichfield.org.
FIRE
CITY OF RICHFIELD ANNUAL REPORT 5
Operations
Training
Incident volume continues to increase and 2014 was the third year in a row that incident
volume exceeded 4,000 calls for service. The breakdown between fire response and
emergency medical response remained nearly constant with 72% of calls for service
related to a medical emergency.
The department spent a great deal of time in 2014 meeting the new guidelines established
by the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB) for Emergency
Medical Technicians at the Basic level. Testing for department personnel was completed
in November.
In November the department took part in a live fire exercise at Pentagon Park in Edina. It’s
very rare to be able to conduct training for high rise operations with live fire in an acquired
structure. Richfield Fire, along with twelve other departments, were able to take part in this
invaluable training.
RFD 75th Anniversary
2014 – 2015 is the 75th Anniversary of the Richfield Fire Department. Prior to 1939, the
City contracted with the City of Minneapolis for fire protection. In 1939, Minneapolis
significantly raised its price for service. The City Council decided that Richfield could
provide better service for less money and the RFD was born. The department kicked
off the year-long celebration in September with an Open House which was attended
by approximately 500 people. Department apparatus are now sporting a special 75th
Anniversary logo which is also making an appearance on special department uniforms.
One of the most exciting anniversary projects was the creation of a book covering the 75
years of Richfield Fire. The book is filled with pictures and news articles from department
and personal archives and shows the evolution of Richfield and Richfield Fire. The book
is available as a free download via the City’s website and on iTunes.
Technology Upgrades
The department continues to implement technology to improve operations and provide
better service to the community. Off-duty firefighters are now able to receive call-back
notifications via their cell phones. Additionally, via the same application, they can notify
the department if they’re able to respond back to the station.
In an emergency, time and information are critical. The department maintains firefighting
pre-plans on specific buildings in the community in order to facilitate better operations.
Pre-plans have also benefited from an upgrade. Previously, all building pre-plans were
contained in a large 3-ring binder located in each fire truck. Now, updated plans are linked
to the address within the dispatch application that is utilized in the truck. Responding
units simply click on an icon on the map and the pre-plan is displayed. Updates are simple
as firefighters no longer need to replace the relevant page in each truck, and can simply
update the information online.
PUBLIC
WORKS
Portland Avenue Reconstruction Monroe Ball Field Improvements
6 CITY OF RICHFIELD ANNUAL REPORT
The City, in cooperation with Hennepin County, completed the public involvement process The City of Richfield partnered with the Minnesota Twins and the Toro Company for ball
to determine the future of Portland Avenue, between 67th and 77th Streets, when recon- field improvements at Monroe Park. Both organizations donated $10,000 and volunteer
structed in 2015. The project will replace the existing 1960’s-era street and utilities with time to complete the project. Thank you Minnesota Twins and Toro!
a modern design that accommodates the traffic patterns of today and supports multiple
modes of transportation. A primary focus of the design is safety for all users, so the new
design includes elements such as left-turn lanes, bike lanes, boulevards, and full access
medians to achieve the project goals. Additionally, a multi-purpose trail will accommodate
recreational users, connecting Veterans Memorial Park on the north side of the City with
Roosevelt Park and the Three Rivers Regional Trail (76th Street) on the south side of town.
The final design is near completion.
Soda Ash Project
Water Quality Project
In late April, the Utilities Division completed installation of soda ash equipment at the
Water Treatment Facility. Soda ash is a secondary chemical in the softening process and
this equipment allows staff to feed the chemical into the system to address the increased
raw water hardness. Staff slowly introduced and gradually increased soda ash over the
next six months (May-November) and has lowered the overall water hardness from 150170 ppm to 100-120 ppm.
To reduce the phosphorus going downstream to Taft Lake, the City worked cooperatively
with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District to install an infiltration system at Veterans
Park. The system will pump water from Legion Lake to be infiltrated throughout the park.
A flocculation treatment system will be installed in Taft Lake in 2015 which will filter the
phosphorus out of the lake, much like a pool filter.
Richfield Parkway
The extension and connection of Richfield Parkway north of 66th Street to Bloomington
Avenue provides access for continued redevelopment of the Cedar Avenue area. The twoyear project also included improved parking facilities for Taft Park, an enhanced pedestrian
crossing into Taft Park, and construction of a portion of the Intercity Regional Trail that,
when completed in 2016, will connect the Lake Nokomis area of Minneapolis to Richfield
and the Minnesota River Valley Recreational Area in Bloomington.
Security Camera Installation
The Utilities Division finished installing security cameras at the two remaining well houses.
All seven well houses now have security cameras, paid for by using a matching funds grant
from the Minnesota Department of Health.
Residential Mill & Overlay
RPZ Inspection Program
The Utilities Division began a Reduced Pressure Zone inspection program of commercial
properties. A RPZ device is a type of backflow prevention device used to protect water
supplies from contamination. In 2014, the Division completed 113 inspections and found
To preserve the base lift of the residential roads, the City is implementing an accelerated no violations.
mill and overlay program to complete over 85 miles of Richfield residential streets over the
next six years. In 2014, $900,000 in repairs were completed on curbs, sidewalks, pedestrian
ramps, catch basins, and manholes to prepare for the 2015 mill and overlay area. CenterPoint Energy has also been working to replace as gas lines and services prior to the City’s
work starting.
Multiple open houses and city officials’ meetings were held in 2014 to determine the
future look and feel of 66th Street when it is reconstructed, starting in 2016. The goal of
the reconstruction project is to design the roadway to be safer, more livable, and welcoming to all users by addressing the deteriorating pavement, utility and drainage concerns,
non-motorized accommodations, and storm water quality conditions. The project extends
With EAB found at Fort Snelling Golf Course and along the river in Bloomington, staff con- from Xerxes Avenue to 16th Avenue. Preliminary design is ongoing with construction
centrated EAB preventative measures on the east side of the City, from Portland Avenue anticipated to start in 2016 and last two years.
to Nicollet Avenue. Staff will continue to both treat trees and mark others for removal. In
2014, 137 trees were treated and 224 were marked for removal.
66th Street Reconstruction
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
If you suspect any tree on your property to be infested with EAB, please contact the Forestry
Division at 612-861-9170.
Richfield Sweet Streets
To find out more about these street projects
check out the Richfield Sweet Streets® website. You can even follow us on Facebook!
RECREATION
Arts Commission
The Richfield Arts Commission was very active in 2014, with many events open to the
public, including its monthly Art Center open houses, Shakespeare in the Park, a poetry
reading at the Community Center, activities at Penn Fest, a teen art contest and more.
CITY OF RICHFIELD ANNUAL REPORT 7
Veterans Park Play Equipment
The 25-year-old play equipment at Vets Park was removed and replaced with brand
new, state-of-the-art equipment. The Community Services Commission utilized the help
of Richfield Connect to first gather ideas and preferences of residents. The proposals
were scored by some members of the Commission and the top two designs were again
featured on Richfield Connect for comment. The winning design contains an 80–foot zip
line, 25-foot-high climbing net, exercise equipment, a climbing rock, and much more.
12th Annual Urban Wildland
The City continues to offer quality community events on a monthly basis. A successful
twelfth-annual Urban Wildland Half Marathon and 5K was conducted in August with 1,200
runners and many new and renewing sponsors.
Emily Day Pavilion
The Emily Day Pavilion was built in the activity area of Wood Lake Nature Center with
donations and a grant from Emerson Church and the Mdewakanton Sioux Community.
The project includes lighting, bird netting and a drinking fountain. A dedication was held
in October. Emily Day, a retired Richfield teacher and active community member, was
present for the ceremony.
Wood Lake Parking Lot
The parking lot and bordering asphalt sidewalk were replaced at Wood Lake Nature Center.
A demonstration parking lot rain garden was also built along with the parking lot project,
with help from a grant from Hennepin County Environmental Services.
Half-Haunted Halloween
Open Streets at Penn Fest
An estimated 5,000 people attended Open Streets at Penn Fest on September 21, with over
100 local businesses, community groups, musicians, vendors & food trucks participating.
The City’s partnership with Penn Central helped to make the event a success.
Wood Lake Nature Center held its annual Half Haunted Halloween celebration. This year’s
event attracted 1,150 people, setting an attendance record.
Pickleball
Pickleball continues to be a very popular new sport in Richfield, with courts set aside
for play at Donaldson, Jefferson, and Heredia Parks. In addition to the drop-in play at
the parks in the summer, indoor sessions began this year, two days a week at St. Peter’s
Catholic Church.
Memorial Day Ceremony
Adaptive Bowling League
The annual Memorial Day Ceremony was held at the site of the Honoring All Veterans
Memorial in Vets Park, drawing over 1,000 people.
The Adaptive Bowling League continued to be a popular program as 150 participants with
developmental disabilities took part in our winter and fall bowling sessions. The success
of the season was celebrated at the annual bowling banquet with 172 guests attending.
Minnesota Magicians
The Richfield Ice Arena built a brand new locker room for the Minnesota Magicians of the
North American Hockey league. The new addition includes 2,000 square feet of space with
a coach’s office, bathrooms, skate sharpening room, and storage. The locker room will
help with recruiting and making the Magicians a premier team in the league. The team
signed a 15-year lease for use of the space. Also, a training facility was constructed in the
old Hat Trick Hockey space, which will be used by the Magicians and run by a company
called Exceed.
Special Events
During 2014, the Ice Arena hosted the Upper Great Lakes Figure Skating Championships
which added $40,000 in ice rental and concession revenue. The Caribou Cup tournament,
new in 2014, was booked for an additional $20,000 in ice rental revenue. The Outdoor
Pool, despite poor weather conditions in June, increased its revenue by 10 percent.
LIQUOR
OPERATIONS
Sales
8 CITY OF RICHFIELD ANNUAL REPORT
The Liquor Operations experienced an overall 4.29% increase over 2013 with an
impressive 25.2% increase at the newly remodeled 64th and Lyndale location.
The upgrade allowed more retail shelving for merchandise and expanded wine
and craft beer selection. Wine sales increased 28.31% over 2013 and beer sales
increased 24.96%.
Initiatives
Liquor Operations had a busy 2014. We had a major product line extension of Minnesota
Craft Beers to accommodate consumer interest and established a Consumer Identification
Method for Organic, Sustainable and Biodynamic Products.
Profit Distribution
The four City-operated liquor stores supplied the parks and recreation department
with $450,000 this year used for:
• $175,000 for parking lot reconstruction at Wood Lake Nature Center
• $150,000 for play equipment at Veterans Park
• $65,000 for lighting and improvements at the Taft Athletic Facility
• $50,000 for major park maintenance projects
• $28,6000 for Lincoln Field internal loan repayment
• $14,000 for boardwalk repair at Wood Lake Nature Center
• $10,000 for community garden replacement
We completed a Request for Proposals for a Point of Sale Upgrade Needs Analysis. Vendor
selection, training and transition is planned for Spring of 2015.
Our staff coordinated three major customer focused events:
May – Craft Beerfest
July – Craft Beer Social held off-site
October – Wine and Cheese Tasting held off-site
Finally, the tuckpointing and exterior lighting upgrade was completed at the 6444 Lyndale
location.
A Visit From M.A. Rosko
M.A. Rosko broadcast a live segment on New Year’s Eve with Liquor Operations Director Bill
Fillmore.
Exclusive Bourbon
The Liquor Operations participated in a barrel program in 2014. This program
allowed the sale of an exclusive bourbon that can only be found in Richfield Liquor
stores. The staff chose an aged 10 years Evan Williams bourbon that is available
in very limited quantity. So stop by and grab your bottle today because once it’s
gone, it’s gone.
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