HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-01-17 City Council Work Session PacketAgenda
City Council Work Session
City of Edina, Minnesota
city Hall Community Room
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
5:30 PM
I.Call To Order
II.Roll Call
III.2023 State Legislative Delegation Meeting
IV.Adjournment
The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public
process. If you need assistance in the way of hearing ampli(cation, an
interpreter, large-print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861
72 hours in advance of the meeting.
Date: January 17, 2023 Agenda Item #: III.
To:Mayor and City Council Item Type:
Reports / Recommendation
From:Scott H. Neal, City Manager
Item Activity:
Subject:2023 State Legislative Delegation Meeting Information
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
None.
INTRODUCTION:
Staff have invited Edina's legislative delegation to attend the City Council's work session. Representatives from
the Municipal Legislative Commission, Metro Cities and the League of MN Cities are also invited. Staff proposes
to have a discussion about the City's 2023 state legislative priorities and positions, which are detailed in the
attached staff report and summary.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Staff Report 2023 Legislative Priorities and Positions
Summary 2023 Legislative Priorities and Positions
January 17, 2023
Mayor and City Council
Scott H. Neal, City Manager
Gillian Straub, City Management Fellow
2023 City Legislative Priorities and Positions
Information / Background:
This staff report provides City positions and priorities on state legislative issues that may be considered in
the 2023 state legislative session, beginning January 3, 2023. Priorities are issues specific to Edina and do not
directly affect other communities. Positions are issues affecting cities in general and are not specific to Edina.
Historically, staff presented positions and priorities together; this change allows for greater clarity of how
the following priorities and positions affect Edina and other communities.
In addition to the priorities and positions listed below, the City of Edina belongs to the Municipal Legislative
Commission (MLC), Metro Cities (Association of Metropolitan Municipalities), and The League of Minnesota
Cities (MLC). In most cases, the City of Edina’s interests align with these organizations both by virtue of the
City’s participation in these organizations and the guiding purpose of the organizations. Each of these
associations adopt legislative priorities annually, and these priorities are attached to this report. Staff
contacts and a summary of the following priorities and positions are also attached.
Priorities:
1 Sales Tax Exemption for the Community Health and Safety Center (Fire Station 2)
The City of Edina is constructing a new Community Health and Safety Center, replacing the existing Edina
Fire Station 2 and housing the Public Health division. See Priority 5 on page two for a description of all
services to be provided from the Center.
The City will seek a sales tax exemption for the material and supplies purchased for the construction of the
Center, including infrastructure necessary for safe access to the property.
2 Sales Tax Exemption for Projects in Braemar Park Master Plan
The City will make improvements with new local sales and use tax revenue in the Braemar Park Master Plan.
The City will seek a sales tax exemption for the material and supplies purchased for the construction,
reconstruction, upgrade, expansion of City facilities included in the Braemar Park Master Plan.
STAFF REPORT Page 2
3 Sales Tax Exemption for Projects in Fred Richards Park Master Plan
The City of Edina will make improvements and expansions with its new local sales and use tax revenue at
Fred Richards Park, as outlined in the Fred Richards Park Master Plan. The City will seek a sales tax
exemption for the material and supplies purchased for the construction, reconstruction, upgrade, expansion
or remodeling of all projects included in the Fred Richards Park Master Plan.
4 LOST Expanded Spending Capacity
The City is seeking additional spending capacity of the local sales and use tax that was approved by Edina
voters in the November 2022 general election. The additional spending capacity is $31.7 million to fund an
additional sheet of indoor ice at Braemar Arena. The proposal does not require an increase to the rate or
duration of the approved sales and use tax. The City Council approved formal request for this additional
spending capacity at their December 20, 2022 Council meeting. The City will seek support from its
legislative team for this initiative.
5 Bonding for Community Health and Safety Center (Fire Station 2)
The City requested $10 million in state funds to acquire land, predesign, design, construct, furnish and equip
a new Community Health and Safety Center located in the southeast quadrant of Edina. The Center
replaces the existing Edina Fire Station 2 and will house fire prevention and inspection services, fire
suppression, Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance care, emergency management, public health, restaurant
and swimming pool inspections, rental housing licensing and inspections services, and recycling and organics
collection services.
Co-locating Community Health with the Fire Department advances preventative services through proactive
programming; prepares the City and region for current and future public health crises and emergencies; and
provides services such as vaccination clinics, disaster medication distribution during community health
events.
State bonding for the Center is appropriate because the Center will provide regional benefits, such as
expanded capacity for emergency management or community health events. The City purchased the site for
the proposed center and incurred pre-construction costs. Representative Edelson first introduced this
bonding request in H.F. 2703 in 2022.
6 Bonding for the South Metro Public Safety Training Facility
The Facility is a Joint Powers Agreement owned jointly by a consortium of the cities of Edina, Eden Prairie
and Bloomington and the Metropolitan Airports Commission. The facility is managed by the City of Edina.
The Facility has been providing training space for their public safety personnel since 2004. In addition, the
Facility maintains ongoing contracts with the City of Minnetonka, Department of Homeland Security, Federal
Air Marshal Service and the Veteran’s Affairs Police Department. It also offers continuing education courses
and firearms safety courses open to the general public.
The SMPSTF consortium received a bonding bill appropriation in 2020 of $1 million for improvements and
expansions related to the construction of a new tactical training structure which can be used year-round for
STAFF REPORT Page 3
multiple training functions including a roof collapse simulator and a training maze with moveable walls, and it
will house large equipment, keeping them out of the elements.
The project was designed and let for public competitive bidding. The lowest responsible bidder was 60%
higher than the project budget, so all bids were rejected. The board of directors for the facility decided to
pursue additional funding through the 2023 bonding bill for the project. The board is requesting an
additional $1 million to complete the project.
State bonding for the Facility is appropriate because the Facility provides significant regional benefits, and the
improvements and expansion will ensure it can continue to provide public safety training, otherwise
unavailable in the area. Representatives Edelson, Kotyza-Wittuhn, Elkins, Carlson, and Howard first
introduced this bonding request in H.F. 3080.
7 Bonding for the Pedestrian Bridge over Highway 62
The City will request $2 million for the replacement of the pedestrian bridge over Highway 62. The
pedestrian bridge was struck twice in 2022, prompting closure of the bridge. Minnesota Department of
Transportation owns the bridge. The bridge is critical for pedestrians and cyclists to get safely over T.H. 62
and access Edina parks, recreational facilities, medical facilities, grocery stores, and other businesses. Safe
bike and pedestrian access is critical for Edina Aquatic Center employees who do not have access to cars.
The current alternative pathway down Valley View Road or via France Avenue is less safe.
The City is requesting funds because the replacement project will likely include Edina assuming long-term
ownership and maintenance of the bridge, and the $2 million requested will finance Edina’s portion of the
cost of the new bridge.
STAFF REPORT Page 4
Positions:
The following legislative positions are grouped into five categories: General Government (page 4-8),
Affordable Housing (page 8-10), Environment and Sustainability (10-13), Transportation (13-14) and Public
Safety (15-17). These positions represent issues which apply to Edina and other Minnesota cities.
1 GENERAL GOVERNMENT
1.1 Realign Motor Vehicle Lease Sales Tax Allocation
In 2015, state legislation reallocated $32 million of the sales tax collected from leased vehicles from the
State's general fund, half to Greater Minnesota and half to metro counties through the County State Aid
Highway Fund. To balance funding for transit and roads/bridges, the new law excluded Hennepin and
Ramsey Counties from receiving their percentage of funding. Instead, the other five metro counties split the
proceeds generated in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties.
With the elimination of the Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB) in 2017, all seven metro counties
now collect their own local transportation sale tax, but the exemption still blocks Hennepin and Ramsey
Counties. The City of Edina advocates for returning to the original intent by eliminating the exemption of
Hennepin and Ramsey Counties and distributing the sales tax on lease vehicles, per the county state aid
formula, to all metro counties. The City support re-aligning the distribution because:
Distributing Hennepin and Ramsey County proceeds to the other five metro counties puts cities in
Hennepin County at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing county funds for road and bridge
projects.
This change would provide an estimated $10.7 million in additional funding to Hennepin County for
roads and bridges.
1.2 Preserve Legal Structure for Utility Franchise Fees
The current legal structure for utility franchise fees allows costs to be shared by all users rather than only
property owners. The City advocates for preserving this structure because:
Edina uses utility franchise fees for the Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety (PACS) and Conservation and
Sustainability (CAS) funds. Both funds are vital to the City's progress in sustainability and pedestrian
and cyclist safety.
1.3 Public Notices in Newspapers
State statute requires publishing public notices in newspapers. The City supports legislation eliminating
outdated and unnecessary city publications and giving cities the authority to a) Determine whether web
publication should replace or supplement newspaper publication; b) Designate an appropriate publication
that reaches the maximum number of residents possible; c) Use alternative means of communication to fulfill
statutory requirements such as city newsletters, cable television, video streaming, email, blogs and city
websites; d) Expand the use of summaries where information is technical or lengthy by removing the
requirement for Council approval of summary publications. The City supports eliminating unnecessary
requirements because:
Some requirements are no longer relevant or representative of the technology that has significantly
increased access to government.
STAFF REPORT Page 5
These requirements are unnecessarily costly to the city. In 2019, Edina spent approximately $21,052
on public notices.
Cities determining whether web publication should replace or supplement newspaper publication
best meets the unique needs of each community.
1.4 Data Practices
The purpose of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) is to provide open and
transparent information to the public, while protecting personal information from indiscriminate disclosure.
The City supports mechanisms to define and regulate reasonable data requests, and charges that better
reflect the actual costs of responding to data requests because:
Cities are experiencing increases in repetitive, overly broad, and far-reaching data requests.
These requests require significant staff time to locate government records, redact private data or
data unrelated to the request, and assemble documents to be provided in order to comply with
requirements to provide access to public government data.
1.5 Increase Purchasing Agency
The city manager is the chief purchasing agent of statutory Plan B cities. State law requires the city manager
to recommend purchases and contracts over $20,000 and requires additional approval by the city council.
This approval is obtained through requests for approval on the consent agenda. The City supports a raise in
the legal maximum to at least $100,000, with the ability for individual city councils to set lower thresholds at
their discretion because:
The $20,000 statutory threshold has not been raised since 2004. This does not account for standard
inflation over the past 18 years.
Most city purchases are well over $20,000. Allowing the city manager a higher purchasing threshold
makes purchasing more efficient, while maintaining compliance and oversight of budget.
Neighboring charter cities with the council-manager form of government have significantly higher
limits, including St. Louis Park at $175,000, and Bloomington and Richfield have city manager
purchasing authority in excess of $20,000.
1.6 Repeal Statutory Salary Limitation on City Employees
Minnesota law limits the salaries of city employees to I10% of the governor's salary, with an annual
inflationary adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index. The Legislature should end the salary cap all
together because:
In 1998 and 2003, the Legislature exempted entities, including school districts, hospitals, clinics, and
health maintenance organizations owned by a government organization, from the salary limitation.
During the 2018 session, the Legislature expanded that exemption by allowing the Metropolitan
Airports Commission to be exempt from the salary limitation. This puts cities at a specific and
unique disadvantage when competing with other political subdivisions for talent.
No other state in the nation has a similar cap, which puts Minnesota cities at a disadvantage when
recruiting nationally.
Locally elected city council members and mayors are in the best position to determine the needs of
their communities, including the compensation of city employees.
The artificial cap results in salary compression making it difficult to fill leadership positions.
STAFF REPORT Page 6
Public employee salaries are public data. In addition, Minnesota law already requires that each
political subdivision post the salaries of its three highest-paid employees on its website, so the
salaries of key employees are readily known to the local taxpayers and voters who provide the
ultimate check on the actions of city councils.
1.7 Implement Rank Choice Voting System
Minnesota Law currently allows only charter cities to consider and adopt rank-choice voting as an
alternative voting method in local elections. Edina, as a statutory city, cannot adopt this voting choice. The
City supports legislation that would give statutory cities the same authority as charter cities to adopt rank-
choice voting. The City of Edina also supports implementing statewide standards for those cities that choose
to adopt rank-choice voting. The City supports these positions because:
They would ensure elections are consistent throughout the state.
They would reinforce confidence in the fairness of the alternative process and confidence in the
outcome of such elections.
1.8 Change Group Home Regulation
Licensed residential facilities do not have any distance separation requirements in single-family residential
use zones in Edina. State statute 245A.11 has distance requirements of 1,320 feet between licensed
residential facilities, but these requirements do not apply to Edina. The City supports regulation that
requires this distance separation because:
Grouping facilities on the same block in a single-family residential neighborhood is detrimental to the
neighborhood and the individuals in the facilities.
Neighborhoods experience an increase in traffic, parking needs, deliveries, and other activities
compounded by numerous facilities on the same block.
Individuals no longer reap the benefit of enjoying a normal residential setting with a diversity of
households. When entire blocks are acquired for licensed residential facilities, the setting is more
similar to a large institutional campus.
Grouping facilities effectively turns a residential area into a commercial area.
1.9 Authorize Statutory Cities to Collect Park Dedication Fees for Multifamily
Redevelopment Projects
Current state law does not allow statutory cities to capture park improvement district fees from certain
types of multifamily buildings because they are not subdivisions. The City supports legislative authorizing
cities to collect park dedication fees from multifamily development projects if the project creates new
demands on the park system because:
Multifamily buildings and apartments generate significant demands to parks and outdoor amenities.
Fees would more evenly distribute the costs for maintaining and creating new parks.
Municipal Liquor
Positions 1.10-1.14 all relate to municipal liquor. Edina has operated a municipal liquor store since it was
established by local referendum in 1948. The liquor operation generates over $1 million annually in profit.
These profits fund Edina’s recreate facilities, including the ice arena, art center and aquatic center, allowing
the City to reduce user fees and allow greater access. The City recreation program serve children and
STAFF REPORT Page 7
families from all over the metro area, not just Edina. Continual support of liquor stores and their ability to
generate profit allows municipal liquor stores to benefit the community and region through local programs
and amenities.
1.10 Reinforce the Open Wholesaling Systems through Legislation
In 2021, Miami-based Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits filed a lawsuit against the State of Minnesota
seeking elimination of a Minnesota law called the Coleman Act, which contains the open wholesaling system
of spirits distribution. Open wholesaling of spirits requires that all spirit brands (with some exceptions) be
available for sale to all licensed Minnesota-wholesalers. This encourages healthy competition among
wholesalers that benefits both sellers and customers. If Southern Glazer's lawsuit is successful, more than
half of the spirit brands in Minnesota may become exclusive with Southern Glazer's. The City opposes this
lawsuit and supports an amendment of the Coleman Act to reinforce a system of open wholesaling because
without protections for open wholesaling:
Wholesale prices will increase.
Service levels on certain brands will decrease.
Purchase and delivery schedules will reduce.
Sale margins will be compressed.
1.11 Oppose Changes to Tap Room Retail Operations
Due to changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, tap rooms can offer direct-to-customer bulk sales via
carryout. These sales are controlled by quantity, and the product must use different packaging than the
product supplied wholesale to liquor stores. The City opposes changes to tap room retail operations
because:
The changes allowing retail operations were implemented in October 2021. More time is needed to
understand their effect on the market, customer, and other retailers.
Changes could allow bulk or exclusive sale from tap rooms.
1.12 Protect Customer Data
As a municipal operation, municipal liquor stores may be subject to data practices requests. The City
supports protections for customer data because:
Customer data that may be subject to request could include purchase history and personally
identifying information.
The threat of data requests erodes trust with the customer.
It may put municipal liquor stores at a competitive disadvantage.
The City’s municipal liquor discontinued its customer rewards program, because without clarity of
what information is subject to a data request, the City would not hold personally identifying
information and purchase history that could be subject to a data request.
1.13 Clarity on THC-Infused Products
With the passage of state statute 151.72 in July 2022, products containing THC are permitted for sale. The
City seeks clarification on if retail liquor stores can sell THC-infused beverages because:
There are currently no guidelines on labels separating THC-infused products from alcoholic
beverages.
STAFF REPORT Page 8
There is currently no employer licensing system or program that allows for effective enforcement of
and compliance with the law.
The current guidance from the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division of the Minnesota
Department of Public Safety does not allow any retail liquor operation to sell CBD, hemp or THC-
infused beverages.
Without federal passage of the SAFE banking act, cannabis-related legitimate operations cannot
generate proceeds from unlawful activity, and banking institutions can be penalized by federal
authorities for providing services to a cannabis-related business.
1.14 Maintain Constraints on Off Sale Liquor
Currently, grocery and convenience stores can sell 3.2% alcohol, while all other alcohol products are sold at
liquor stores. Some grocery stores opt to apply for an off-sale liquor license and can sell beer, wine and
liquor at the store, with some adjustments, including a separate entrance. The City of Edina supports
maintaining the constraints on off sale liquor because:
Claims that the off-sale liquor license inhibits growth are rebutted by several grocery stores opting
for some locations applying for the off-sale liquor license.
The constraints allow for smaller private and municipal liquor stores to compete on an even playing
field.
1.15 Adult Use Cannabis
The Governor and State Legislative leaders have made numerous public statements that they will pursue the
liberalization of state’s laws around adult use of cannabis during the 2023 legislative session. A bill to
accomplish that goal, House File 600 has been filed. This bill designates the State as the licensing and
regulatory authority, and as the sole recipient of tax revenues generated. If the Legislature passes HF 600 or
a similar bill, the City of Edina would support the following amendments:
The retail sale of adult use cannabis should be licensed and regulated by both the state and the local
governments.
The revenue stream from taxation of adult use cannabis should be shared between state and local
governments.
Local governments should have the option to establish municipal dispensaries in the model of
municipal retail liquors stores.
1.16 Hearing Aid Affordability
Currently, hearing aids are not classified as durable medical equipment (DME) and therefore are not
covered under many health insurance plans. Without health insurance coverage, many who need hearing
aids are unable to get them, as they cost three to six thousand dollars. The City of Edina supports programs
or policy changes which reduce the cost of hearing aids and increase access to them because:
Cochlear implants, which cost $80 thousand to $120 thousand, are typically covered by health
insurance while hearing aids are not.
Without health insurance coverage, hearing aids are not affordable for those living on a fixed
income. Both Edina seniors on a fixed income and youth who age out of hearing aid support cannot
access hearing aids because of cost.
Hearing aids are critical devices for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
STAFF REPORT Page 9
2 AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Affordable housing includes three focuses: regulatory tools for affordable housing (2.1, 2.2), new funding
sources for affordable housing (2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6), and protecting low- and moderate-income tenants (2.7,
2.8).
Regulatory Tools for Affordable Housing
2.1 Apply the 4d Property Tax Classification to Community Land Trust Properties
Community Land Trust properties are currently taxed as the 1a – Residential Homestead classification, at up
to a 1.25% rate, which does not best fit the use and purpose of the Community Land Trust properties. The
City supports a change to the 4d property tax classification, which is applied to low-income rental
properties at up to a 0.25% rate because:
Homeowners lease, and do not own, the land from the Land Trust.
The property is required to be affordable as memorialized through the ground lease.
The Land Trust is designed to create affordable home ownership opportunities, but requiring the
homeowner to pay property taxes on the value of the house and the land at the single-family
homestead rate makes homes less affordable.
Due to both leasing the land and the requirement that it stay affordable, 4d is a more appropriate
tax classification than 1a.
Edina has 21 land trust residential properties, with property values in the city rapidly increasing.
High property values and corresponding taxes impact the ability of land trust homeowners to
remain in their home.
2.2 Protection of and Taxation for Housing Purchased by Corporations for Renting
The City supports legislation that authorizes a tax on the sale of these properties to corporations and
protections prohibiting the conversion of single family residences in to rental properties by developers and
corporations. The City supports SF 3147, which imposes the tax, and SF 4313, which prohibits the
conversion, because:
The City and surrounding communities have seen an increase in the number of residences
converted from single family homes owned by the residents to rental properties.
Such conversion negatively impacts ownership opportunities for residents.
New Funding Sources for Affordable Housing
2.3 Use Pooled Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for Affordable Housing
Currently, state statute allows for the pooling of TIF to be utilized for affordable housing within the defined
redevelopment area of the city. However, the pooled TIF must be maintained in a separate fund with
ongoing annual reporting requirements. The City supports legislation allowing the City to deposit pooled
TIF for affordable housing in Edina's Affordable Housing Trust Fund, because:
It would allow for greater flexibility in the use of the pooled TIF for qualified costs to facilitate the
construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing.
It would alleviate the administrative burden of annual reporting.
Similar special legislation has been approved for Minnetonka, Richfield and St. Louis Park.
STAFF REPORT Page 10
2.4 Additional Affordable Housing Financing Bonding Authority
The Legislature provides bonding authority to construct affordable housing. The City supports an effective
bonding bill that provides Housing Infrastructure (HIB) and General Obligation (GO) Bonds to fund
affordable housing to serve low-income households because:
The demand for affordable housing continues to rise, meriting the need for additional financing.
2.5 Establish Revenue Resource for Affordable Housing
Currently, the need for affordable housing in the State has grown to crisis proportions, without funding to
meet the need. The City supports establishing a financing source to fund local and regional programs to
facilitate the creation and preservation of affordable housing because:
Increased state funding can enable local jurisdictions to enact programs facilitating the creation and
preservation of affordable housing, including subsidized and Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing
(NOAH).
Protecting low- and moderate-income tenants
2.6 Protect Tenants in Affordable Housing Property Ownership Changes
State statue currently prohibits any local adoption of an ordinance to control rents on private residential
properties unless the ordinance is approved in a general election. The City supports first, a statewide tenant
protection plan, and second, an amendment to State statue 471.9996 to allow for a 90-day tenant protection
period following the transfer of naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH) property ownership
because:
Investment buyers have been purchasing NOAH multi-family residential properties, rehabilitating
properties and increasing rents.
Some new owners have non-renewed the leases of existing tenants with minimal notice and/or
substantially increased the rent with minimal notice.
A 90-day tenant protection period would prohibit rent increases and non-renewals and allow time
for residents to seek alternative housing.
2.7 Reform Eviction Expungement
Records of unlawful detainer filings, or eviction lawsuits, remain on a tenant’s public record regardless of
whether the matter was settled or dismissed prior to the court hearing or if the tenant prevails at the
hearing. The City supports legislation that would expand the eligibility for discretionary and mandatory
expungements for eviction case court files because:
In these cases, the eviction record is not a reasonable predictor of future tenant behavior and
should be expunged.
The existence of this record impedes the ability of the renter to secure suitable rental housing in
the future.
STAFF REPORT Page 11
3 ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
Environment and sustainability has five thematic focuses: energy management and environment (3.1, 3.2, 3.3,
3.4), right to repair (3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9), sustainable transportation (3.10), local environmental public
health programs (3.11) and water resource management (3.12, 3.13)
Energy Management and Environment
3.1 Adopt a more advanced state energy code and/or allow for local adoption of more
efficient building standards
The state building code, which includes enforcement of the energy code, precludes cities from adopting a
more progressive building code. Minnesota is required by law to review and adopt a new commercial energy
code when the U.S. Department of Energy issues a determination that the new commercial energy code is
more efficient than the previous one. Minnesota currently adheres to the 2018 International Energy Code,
with some amendments. The City supports legislation to adopt a more advanced state energy code, and/or
allow for local adoption of more efficient building standards because:
Minnesota’s current process of adopting energy codes years after they are issued by the US
Department of Energy will not meet state or Edina climate action goals.
State adoption of base energy codes every three years instead of six will allow Edina to meet climate
action goals.
Allowing cities to pass a local, voluntary, advanced energy building standard would allow Edina to
meet climate action goals.
3.2 Increase the State's Renewable Energy Standard
The current Renewable Energy Standard, governed by the state Department of Commerce, requires that
25% of electricity generated by utilities come from renewable sources by 2025. However, Minnesota’s
Climate Action Plan calls for establishing a standard to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity and 55%
renewable electricity by 2040. The City supports increasing the State’s renewable energy standard because:
This standard has not been updated since 2007.
The standard does not establish requirements that adequately address the climate crisis or meet
state and city climate action plan goals.
Edina needs the State to accomplish its own climate goals as an enabling condition for the City to
achieve ours.
3.3 Increase Funding and Research on Reducing On-site Fossil Fuel Use
The City supports research and funding to explore the reduction of on-site fossil fuel use for electricity and
heat because:
It may reduce community member exposure and public health effects.
3.4 Adopt Local Environmental Protection Measures
The City requests the Legislature adopt enabling legislation allowing local governments to devise and
implement environmental protection measures, including measures such as plastic bag and Styrofoam food
packaging bans and maintain authority for fees of said products because:
It would allow cities to adopt protection measures best suited to their communities.
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It would allow Edina to meet climate action goals.
Right to Repair
3.5 Allocate I 00% of State Revenue from the Solid Waste Management Tax (SCORE) to
County Waste Management Activities
Currently, the City is awarded a portion of the SCORE funds annually for residential recycling, residential
organics recycling and participation in both at the multi-family building level. The City strives to spend 100%
of the funds on allowable purposes. The City supports continued SCORE funding because:
The funds advance waste reduction, reuse, recycling and organics programs to meet city, county and
state recycling goals.
SCORE funding allows the City to conduct critical outreach.
3.6 Support Efforts for the Proper Labeling of Compostable Products
The City supports promoting only vetted manufactures because:
Working with only vetted manufactures reduces the likelihood of products with misleading claims to
be sold or distributed in Minnesota.
It reduces City contamination in the recycling process.
It simplifies education on which certifications customers can look for.
3.7 Fund Expanded Infrastructure at the Local Level for the Creation of Compost
Processing Sites and Anaerobic Digesters.
The City supports additional funding for counties creating compost processing sites and anaerobic digesters
because:
Landfilling all waste in the county and metropolitan area is no longer a viable option.
Compost processing sites and anaerobic digesters provide more options for waste haulers.
3.8 Support Extended Producer Responsibility
Extended Producer Responsibility initiatives require manufacturers to finance all costs associated with
collection, reusing, recycling, or safe disposal of their products such as carpets, mattresses, and electronics.
The City supports this and similar efforts because:
The goals align with the City’s focus on reuse events and building partnerships.
3.9 Develop and fund-zero waste initiatives
Zero-waste initiatives manage all discarded materials to their highest and best use according to the waste
management hierarchy set forth in the Waste Management Act. The City supports the development of these
initiatives because:
They will aid local governments reaching recycling and composting goals.
The City’s waste reduction goals mirror those set by the state, county and Edina’s climate action
plans.
STAFF REPORT Page 13
Sustainable Transportation
3.10 Support Funding and Technical Assistance to Electrify Public and School Buses
Currently, less than one percent of Metro Transit’s fleet of buses run solely on electric power; 12% are
hybrid-electric buses. There are very few electric public-school buses in Minnesota, and none in Edina. The
City supports efforts to increase electrification of public and school buses because:
It would support transportation equity and reduce overall GHG emissions.
Carbon emissions from traditional diesel buses disproportionally impact populations that rely on
this mode of transportation, including children, elders, low-income households and BIPOC
communities.
Local Environmental Public Health Programs
3.11 Continue Support for Local Environmental Health Regulatory Programs
Currently, the State delegates authority to operate food, pool and lodging establishment regulatory
programs to cities and counties. The City of Edina supports continuing local operation of these public health
services and programs, because:
It allows cities to provide services to meet local needs.
Water Resource Management
3.12 Support Funding Research, Training, and Legislation for Applicators of Chloride-
Containing De-Icing Chemicals
Salt is a pollutant and causes damage to infrastructure and the environment. Private contractors tend to
over-apply salt on parking lots and sidewalks, often because they are afraid of “slip-and-fall” lawsuits. The
City supports state funding for research and training for public and private applicators of chloride-containing
de-icing chemicals, and legislation to address liability concerns of private deicing salt applicators because:
Waterbodies throughout the state, including within and downstream of Edina, fail to meet the water
quality standards for chloride (salt) established by the state and so have been added to the federal
register of impaired waters as required by the Clean Water Act.
The proposed legislation, which is modeled on similar laws passed in New Hampshire and Illinois,
would provide liability exemption for contractors who attend training, get certified, and document
their practices, reducing the over-application of salt.
3.13 Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) Municipal Grant Program
Inflow and infiltration (I/I) are terms for the ways that clean water (ground and storm) makes its way into
sanitary sewer pipes and gets treated, unnecessarily, at regional wastewater plants. The Metropolitan
Council identifies cities contributing excessive 1/1 into the regional wastewater system and charges the city
for the excess. The City supports state financial assistance to cities for metro area 1/1 mitigation, such as
the Municipal State Bond Grant Program because:
I/I mitigation supports efficient use of the regional system for waste treatment.
STAFF REPORT Page 14
I/I mitigation slows the need for capacity upgrades.
4 TRANSPORTATION
4.1 Continue Municipal State Aid (MSA) Funding
The City has 40.85 miles of roads designated as MSA. This state funding is vital to maintain these high-quality
connections. The City asks for continued support of municipal state aid funding because:
The state aid road system was developed to provide vital, high-quality connections necessary for the
overall state highway network to work well.
The roads that are on the state aid system typically carry heavier traffic volumes, connect major
points of interest and provide an integrated and coordinated road system.
4.2 Allow Cities to Create Street Improvement Districts
Cities do not have the ability to create street improvement districts and use a variety of other funding
sources for street improvement. The City supports enabling legislation allowing cities to create street
improvement districts because:
Almost 85% of municipal streets are ineligible for municipal state aid (MSA) funds and must be paid
for with property taxes, special assessments or other funding sources such as franchise fees. Cities
need greater resources and flexible policies to meet growing demands for street improvements and
maintenance.
Maintenance costs increase as road systems age, and no city is spending enough on roadway capital
improvements to maintain a 50-year lifecycle. For every one dollar spent on maintenance, a road
authority, and therefore taxpayers, save seven dollars in repairs.
State statute 435.44 already allows for similar sidewalk improvement districts.
These districts could serve as a long-term replacement plan of special assessment financing of local
street improvement projects.
4.3 Increase Local Bridge Replacement Program (LBRP) Funding
The Local Bridge Replacement Program provides local agencies transportation funding for the
reconstruction, rehabilitation or removal of bridges or structures. The program is financed by the passage of
specific legislation allocating general obligation state bond funds, but regularly does not receive enough
funding. The City supports funding dedicated to the Local Bridge Replacement Program to provide safe
bridges because:
In 2019, there were $36 million in waitlisted unfunded bridge projects.
The City had two projects which qualified for funding but were waitlisted: the Minnehaha Creek and
Wooddale Avenue bridge.
The City has 27 local bridges.
4.4 Expansion of Public Transportation Frequency and Reach
Edina, like much of the Metro area, has experienced multiple reductions on transit service frequency and
reach as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and workforce shortages. The City supports additional funding
to reverse the impact of recent service reductions, support operator hiring initiatives, and develop a
connecting bus study for the METRO Green Line Extension (Southwest LRT) because:
STAFF REPORT Page 15
Edina’s transit ridership prior to the pandemic was about half the average rate of Hennepin County.
To reach its climate action goals, Edina aims to double public transit ridership from 3% in 2019, to
7% by 2030. Adequate public transit offerings are essential to meeting Edina’s climate action goals.
Transit service supports many community goals, including improving mobility, relieving traffic
congestion, reducing GHG emissions and promoting sustainable development and growth.
4.5 Support Tools and Strategies to Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled
In Edina, the transportation and land use section accounts for around 40% of citywide greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions and are projected to become the leading GHG emissions source in Edina as the electricity
sector moves to more renewable energy sources. The City supports funding to provide alternative
transportation infrastructure to decrease the use of single-occupancy vehicles and their associated negative
impacts on air quality, traffic congestion and quality of life because:
Total vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in Edina in 2021 was more than 500 million miles, an increase
from past years.
The City’s Climate Action Plan identified a goal to reduce VMT to seven percent by 2030.
Decreasing commuters driving alone by six percent to match the county-wide average would
decrease VMT by up to 10 million miles.
5 PUBLIC SAFETY
5.1 Funding of Fire Resources, Training and Statewide Response Teams
The Edina Fire Department relies on state funding for training through the Minnesota Board of Firefighter
Training and Education (MBFTE). The City supports broader discretion in the use of the Fire State Aid it
receives because:
The department relies on the appropriation of the dedicated revenue funds from insurance
surcharge proceeds to fund vital functions of the Minnesota Fire Service.
The MN Fire Service requests approximately $13 million to be appropriated from the dedicated
revenue account to fund the State Fire Marshal's office, the Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training
and Education (MBFTE) and the Statewide Response Teams (HAZMAT, Task Force I Structural
Collapse Team and Air Rescue Team).
Edina is one of the primary departments that makes up the MN Task Force I Statewide Response
Team.
This funding has been approved by the Minnesota Legislature in the past.
5.2 Continue Railroad and Hazardous Substance Safety Training and Funding
Railroads are required to provide training to responders and to share planning, response and rail line activity
information with responders and emergency managers. The City supports continuing these requirements,
because:
These requirements increase railroad safety.
Edina has one active railway that carries two freight trains a day through the City.
5.3 Residential Fire Sprinklers
There are few statutory requirements for residential fire sprinklers. The City opposes efforts to statutorily
limit the use of residential fire sprinklers and supports the inclusion of professionals and industry experts in
STAFF REPORT Page 16
the creating or writing of any code parameters, particularly the installation of fire suppression systems in
residential building code, because:
Sprinklers protect occupants, firefighters and property from fires.
Recent Minnesota studies show the cost of installing residential fire sprinkler systems averages $1.15
per sprinklered square foot, or approximately one percent of new home construction.
5.4 Support Funding for Auto Theft and Violent Crime Investigation
The City supports the creation and funding of a multijurisdictional group of law enforcement officials
focusing on investigations and prevention because:
Auto theft and violent crimes committed in stolen vehicles have dramatically increased.
5.5 Support Funding and Programming for Recruitment and Retention Needs
The City supports a variety of funded recruitment and retention programs for law enforcement agencies.
Programs include creating a grant program for bonuses, renewing part-time officer licenses for small
agencies, paid health care for licensed police officers who retire at 55 after 10 consecutive years of service
with a Minnesota city, county or tribal government and scholarship programs with higher education
partners. The supports these funded programs because:
Agencies of all sizes are having trouble recruiting and retaining officers.
Out of state agencies are recruiting Minnesota officers away from the state.
5.6 Continue Law Enforcement Training Funding
Beginning in 2018, the required POST (Peace Officers Standards and Training) Board training was
reimbursed to local agencies. The City supports continuing financial support of the POST Board training
because:
The allocated training funding covers mandated training.
The training includes topics critical to law enforcement officers, such as: recognizing and valuing
diversity and cultural differences, conflict management and mediation, crisis intervention and mental
illness crises.
5.7 Require K12 Threat Assessments
The City supports legislation which would require school districts to study and address general and specific
school safety issues because:
Previous funding, including the grants passed by the Legislature in 2018, has only provided for
infrastructure improvements.
Further assessment of school safety issues, beyond physical infrastructure, is needed.
5.8 Increase Funding for Public Safety Disability Requirements
In 1997, the legislature passed state stature 299A.465, requiring cities to pay the costs of health insurance
benefits for firefighters and law enforcement officers disabled in the line of duty, including their dependents,
until the employees are 65 years old. The law required cities to first pay the costs, then the Department of
Public Safety was to reimburse the full costs paid by the city annually. By 2002, state funding was deficient,
and the law was amended, removing the Department of Public Safety’s obligation to reimburse cities. The
STAFF REPORT Page 17
City supports the State either fully funding the post-employment health insurance costs or provide these
benefits directly to firefighters and law enforcement officers, eliminating cities as a pass through because:
The number of disability retirements and the cost of providing health insurance continues to
increase significantly.
In 2020, the City was reimbursed for only 20% of its costs, contradicting the original intent of the
law and placing the financial burden on cities.
5.9 Focus on Mental Health and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support for Law
Enforcement Officers and Firefighters
In 2019, worker’s compensation legislation passed that presumes a diagnosis of PTSD is work-related for
law enforcement officers and firefighters. The City supports efforts focusing on treatment and support for
employees to safely and effectively return to work if possible. The City also supports programs and funding
for emotional trauma training and for advancing wellness and mental health support as a component of any
law enforcement reform. The City supports these positions because:
Law enforcement officers and firefighters are responsible for caring for the public in traumatic
situations. As employers, it is critical to recognize, help prevent and support those at risk for PTSD.
The current duty disability under PERA and worker’s comp are not always compatible with goals of
treatment, support, and return to work if possible.
5.10 Arbitration Reform
In the current system of police arbitration under the Minnesota Public Employment Labor Relations Act
(MPERLA), individual arbitrators are allowed to override the professional discipline and termination
decisions made by city manager and police chiefs. City managers and police chiefs make these decisions to
ensure professional, safe and effective policing. Ultimately, arbitrators can, in their sole judgement, require a
city to return an officer to the streets, when the city has determined the officers is not meeting the
standards required of the department and community, without an appeals process for the city.
The City supports using administrative law judges and instituting a standard of reasonableness focused on if
the facts presented show that the employer’s actions were reasonable and consistent with city and
department policies. The City supports these positions because:
The current system undermines the ability of elected and appointed officials, including police chiefs,
to make lasting discipline or termination decisions.
These decisions help ensure a public safety department meets the needs of the community, which it
cannot do under the current system of police arbitration.
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends adopting the legislative positions and priorities.
STAFF REPORT Page 18
City of Edina Staff Contact Information
Priorities
1 Sales Tax Exemption for the Community Health and
Safety Center (Fire Station 2) Scott Neal, City Manager
SNeal@EdinaMN.gov
952-826-0401
Lisa Schaefer, Assistant City
Manager
LSchaefer@EdinaMN.gov
952-826-0416
2 Sales Tax Exemption for Braemar Ice Arena
3 Sales Tax Exemption for Fred Richards Park
4 LOST Expanded Tax Capacity
5 Bonding for Community Health and Safety Center (Fire
Station 2)
6 Bonding for the South Metro Public Safety Training
Facility
7 Bonding for the Pedestrian Bridge over Highway 62
STAFF REPORT Page 19
Positions
1 GENERAL GOVERNMENT
1.1 Re-align Motor Vehicle Lease Sales Tax Allocation Scott Neal, City Manager
SNeal@EdinaMN.gov
952-826-0401
Lisa Schaefer, Assistant City
Manager
LSchaefer@EdinaMN.gov
952-826-0416
1.2 Preserve Legal Structure for Utility Franchise Fees
1.3 Public Notices in Newspapers
1.4 Data Practices
1.5 Increase Purchasing Agency
1.6 Repeal Statutory Salary Limitation on City Employees
1.7 Implement Rank Choice Voting System
1.8 Change Group Home Regulation Cary Teague, Community
Development Director
CTeague@EdinaMN.gov
952-826-0460
1.9 Authorize Statutory Cities to Collect Park Dedication
Fees for Multifamily Redevelopment Projects
1.10 Reinforce the Open Wholesaling Systems through
Legislation Josh Furbish, Liquor Operations
General Manager
JFurbish@EdinaMN.gov
952-903-5732
1.11 Oppose Changes to Tap Rooms Retail Operations
1.12 Protect Customer Data
1.13 Clarity on THC Infused Products
1.14 Maintain Constraints on Off Sale Liquor
1.15 Adult Use Cannabis
1.16 Hearing Aid Affordability
Scott Neal, City Manager
SNeal@EdinaMN.gov
952-826-0401
Lisa Schaefer, Assistant City
Manager
LSchaefer@EdinaMN.gov
952-826-0416
STAFF REPORT Page 20
2 AFFORDABLE HOUSING
2.1 Apply the 4d Property Tax Classification to
Community Land Trust Properties
Stephanie Hawkinson, Affordable
Housing Development Manager
SHawkinson@EdinaMN.gov
952-833-9578
2.2 Protection of and Taxation for Housing Purchased by
Corporations for Renting
2.3 Use Pooled Tax Increment Financing for Affordable
Housing
2.4 Additional Affordable Housing Financing Bonding
Authority
2.5 Establish Revenue Resource for Affordable Housing
2.6 Protect Tenants in Affordable Housing Property
Ownership Changes
2.7 Reform Eviction Expungement
3 ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
3.1 Adopt a More Advanced State Energy Code and
Allow for Local Adoption of More Efficient Building
Standards Grace Hancock, Sustainability
Coordinator
GHancock@EdinaMN.gov
952-826-1621
3.2 Increase the State's Renewable Energy Standard
3.3 Increase Funding and Research on Reducing On-Site
Fossil Fuel Use
3.4 Adopt Local Environmental Protection Measures
3.5 Allocate I 00% of State Revenue from the Solid
Waste Management Tax (SCORE) to County Waste
Management Activities
Twila Singh, Organics Recycling
Coordinator
TSingh@EdinaMN.gov
952-826-1657
3.6 Support Efforts for the Proper Labeling of
Compostable Products
3.7 Fund Expanded Infrastructure at the Local Level for
the Creation of Compost Processing Sites and
Anaerobic Digesters.
3.8 Support Extended Producer Responsibility
3.9 Develop and Fund-Zero Waste Initiatives
3.10 Support Funding and Technical Assistance to
Electrify Public and School Buses
Andrew Scipioni, Transportation
Planner
AScipioni@EdinaMN.gov
952-826-0440
STAFF REPORT Page 21
3.11 Continue Support for Local Environmental Health
Regulatory Programs
Jeff Brown, Community Health
administrator
JBrown@EdinaMN.gov
952-826-0466
3.12 Support Funding Research, Training, and Legislation
for Applicators of Chloride-Containing De-Icing
Chemicals
Jessica Wilson, Water Resources
Coordinator
JWilson@EdinaMN.gov
952-826-0445
3.13 Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) Municipal Grant Program Ross Bintner, Engineering Services
Manager
RBintner@EdinaMN.gov
952-903-5713
4 TRANSPORTATION
4.1 Continue Municipal State Aid (MSA) Funding Chad Millner, Director of Engineering
CMillner@EdinaMN.gov
952-826-0318
Andrew Scipioni, Transportation
Planner
AScipioni@EdinaMN.gov
952-826-0440
4.2 Allow Cities to Create Street Improvement
Districts
4.3 Increase Local Bridge Replacement Program (LBRP)
Funding
4.4 Expansion of Public Transportation Frequency and
Reach
4.5 Support Goals and Strategies to Reduce Vehicle
Miles Traveled
5 PUBLIC SAFETY
5.1 Funding of Fire Resources, Training and Statewide
Response Teams Andrew Slama, Fire Chief
ASlama@EdinaMN.gov
952-826-0332
5.2 Continue Railroad & Hazardous Substance Safety
Training and Funding
5.3 Residential Fire Sprinklers
5.4 Support Funding for Auto Theft and Violent Crime
Investigation Todd Milburn, Police Chief
TMilburn@EdinaMN.gov
952-826-0487
5.5 Support Funding and Programming for Recruitment
and Retention Needs
5.6 Continue Law Enforcement Training Funding
5.7 Require K12 Threat Assessments
Lisa Schaefer, Assistant City
STAFF REPORT Page 22
5.8 Increase Funding for Public Safety Disability
Requirements
Manager
LSchaefer@EdinaMN.gov
952-826-0416 5.9 Focus on Mental Health and Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD) Support for Law Enforcement
Officers and Firefighters
5.10 Arbitration Reform
Draft 2023 Summary of Legislative Priorities and Positions
January 3, 2023
Priorities:
1 Sales Tax Exemption for the Community Health and Safety Center (Fire Station 2)
The City of Edina is constructing a new Community Health and Safety Center, replacing the existing Edina Fire Station 2
and housing the Public Health division and will seek a sales tax exemption for the construction of the Center.
2 Sales Tax Exemption for Projects in Braemar Park Master Plan
The City will make improvements with new local sales and use tax revenue in the Braemar Park Master Plan and will seek
a sales tax exemption for the construction.
3 Sales Tax Exemption for Projects in Fred Richards Park Master Plan
The City of Edina will make improvements and expansions with its new local sales and use tax revenue at Fred Richards
Park, as outlined in the Fred Richards Park Master Plan, and will seek a sales tax exemption for the construction.
4 LOST Expanded Spending Capacity
The City is seeking additional spending capacity of the local sales and use tax for $31.7 million to fund an additional sheet
of indoor ice at Braemar Arena. The request does not require an increase to the rate or duration of the approved sales
and use tax.
5 Bonding for Community Health and Safety Center (Fire Station 2)
The City requested $10 million in state funds to complete a new Community Health and Safety Center replacing the
existing Edina Fire Station 2 and housing the Public Health division. State bonding for the Center is appropriate because
the Center will provide regional benefits, through emergency management or community health events. The City
purchased the site for the proposed center and incurred pre-construction costs. Representative Edelson first introduced
this bonding request in H.F. 2703 in 2022.
6 Bonding for the South Metro Public Safety Training Facility
The Facility is a Joint Powers Agreement owned jointly by a consortium of the cities of Edina, Eden Prairie and
Bloomington and the Metropolitan Airports Commission, and it is managed by the City of Edina. The Facility provides
training space for their public safety personnel, other agencies public safety personnel and the public.
The SMPSTF consortium received a bonding bill appropriation in 2020 of $1 million for a new tactical training structure.
After design and public competitive bidding, the lowest responsible bidder was 60% higher than the project budget, so all
bids were rejected. The board is requesting an additional $1 million to complete the project, due to the regional benefit
of the Facility. Representatives Edelson, Kotyza-Wittuhn, Elkins, Carlson, and Howard first introduced this bonding
request in H.F. 3080.
7 Bonding for the Pedestrian Bridge over Highway 62
The City will request $2 million for the replacement of the pedestrian bridge over Highway 62. The City is requesting
funds because the replacement project will likely include Edina assuming long-term ownership and maintenance of the
bridge, and the $2 million requested will finance Edina’s portion of the cost of the new bridge.
Positions:
1 GENERAL GOVERNMENT
1.1 Realign Motor Vehicle Lease Sales Tax Allocation
Hennepin and Ramsey Counites contributions to the County State Aid Highway Fund for roads and bridges are allocated
to the other five metro counties, while all seven metro counties now collect their own local transportation sales tax. The
City of Edina advocates for distributing the sales tax on lease vehicles, per the county state aid formula, to all metro
counties, because it puts Hennepin and Ramsey Counties at a disadvantage in funding needed roads and bridge projects.
1.2 Preserve Legal Structure for Utility Franchise Fees
The current legal structure for utility franchise fees allows costs to be shared by all users rather than only property
owners. The City advocates for preserving this structure because the funds are used for the Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety
(PACS) and Conservation and Sustainability (CAS) funds.
1.3 Public Notices in Newspapers
The City supports legislation eliminating outdated and unnecessary city publications and giving cities the authority to
select a publication, publication method, and use summaries, as the requirements are no longer relevant and are costly.
1.4 Data Practices
The City supports mechanisms to define and regulate reasonable data requests, and charges that better reflect the actual
costs of responding to data requests due to increases in data requests and increased staff time required for repetitive,
broad and far-reaching requests.
1.5 Increase Purchasing Agency
The city manager purchasing limit in statutory Plan B cities is $20,000; any purchase in excess of that requires approval by
the city council. The City supports a raise in the legal maximum to at least $100,000, with the ability for individual city
councils to set lower thresholds at their discretion because the current limit has not been raised since 2004, many city
purchases exceed $20,000 and neighboring cities have higher limits.
1.6 Repeal Statutory Salary Limitation on City Employees
Minnesota law limits the salaries of city employees to I10% of the governor's salary, with an annual inflationary adjustment.
The Legislature should end the salary cap all together because numerous other government organizations are exempt, no
other states have a similar cap, leading to recruiting disadvantages and salary compression. The City supports local elected
leaders determining the needs of their community and recognizes that salary information is already made transparent
through the required publishing of top salaries.
1.7 Implement Rank Choice Voting System
The City supports legislation that would give statutory cities the same authority as charter cities to adopt rank-choice
voting and statewide standards for rank choice voting to ensure consistency, fairness and confidence in the outcomes of all
elections.
1.8 Change Group Home Regulation
The City supports regulation that requires distance separation for licensed residential care facilities because without this
regulation, neighborhoods experience an increase in traffic, parking needs, and deliveries; individuals no longer reap the
benefit of enjoying a normal residential setting with a diversity of households; grouping residential facilities is more similar
to a large institutional campus and commercial area, rather than a residential one.
1.9 Authorize Statutory Cities to Collect Park Dedication Fees for Multifamily Redevelopment
Projects
The City supports legislation authorizing cities to collect park dedication fees from multifamily development projects due
to the significant demands generated to parks and outdoor amenities and the more even distribution of costs of parks
through fees.
1.10 Reinforce the Open Wholesaling Systems through Legislation
The City supports reinforcement of the open wholesaling system because without open wholesaling, wholesale prices will
increase, service levels on certain brands will decrease, purchase and delivery schedules will reduce, and sale margins will
be compressed.
1.11 Oppose Changes to Tap Room Retail Operations
In October 2021, tap rooms began offering direct-to-customer bulk sales via carryout, with controls on quantity and
packaging. More time is needed to understand their effect on the market, customer, and other retailers.
1.12 Protect Customer Data
The City supports protections for customer data that may currently be subject to data practices requests because it
requests erodes trust with the customer, puts municipal liquor stores at a competitive disadvantage, and led to the
discontinuation of Edina’s municipal liquor customer rewards program.
1.13 Clarity on THC-Infused Products
As of July 2022, products containing THC are permitted for sale. The City seeks clarification on if retail liquor stores can
sell THC-infused beverages because there are currently no guidelines on labels, no employer licensing system ensuring
compliance with the law, state guidance from the Department of Public Safety does not allow it, and profits generated
would be considered unlawful activity.
1.14 Maintain Constraints on Off Sale Liquor
Minnesota allows off sale liquor for grocery stores which apply for the appropriate license, which some have done. Other
grocery and convenience stores sell the 3.2% alcohol allowed in stores without an off sale liquor license. The City
supports maintaining the constraints on off sale liquor because grocery stores can apply for the appropriate license and
the current licensing system allows smaller private and municipal liquor stores to compete.
1.15 Adult Use Cannabis
The Governor and State Legislative leaders have made numerous public statements that they will pursue the liberalization
of state’s laws around adult use of cannabis during the 2023 legislative session, including filing House File 600. HF 600
prioritizes the State as the licensing, regulatory and taxing authority. If the Legislature passes a bill such as HF 600, The
City supports provisions for licensing and regulation by state and local governments, shared taxation revenue between
state and local governments and the option to establish municipal dispensaries, like municipal liquor stores.
1.16 Hearing Aid Affordability
Hearing aid health care coverage and costs make these critical devices unattainable for those who are on a fixed income
and youth who age out of hearing aid support programs. The City of Edina supports programs or policy changes which
reduce the cost of hearing aids and increase access to them, due to the critical role they play and the cost which
prohibits people from accessing these devices.
2 AFFORDABLE HOUSING
2.1 Apply the 4d Property Tax Classification to Community Land Trust Properties
The City supports changing the tax classification for Community Land Trust properties from 1a – Residential Homestead
to 4d – Low-income Rental, because homeowners do not own the land, the trust is should create affordable home
ownership opportunities, which is difficult when the higher 1a tax rate makes the home less affordable.
2.2 Protection of and Taxation for Housing Purchased by Corporations for Renting
The City supports legislation authorizing a tax on the sale of these properties to corporations (SF 3147) and protections
prohibiting the conversion of single family residences in to rental properties by developers and corporations (SF 4313).
The City and surrounding communities have seen an increase in the number of residences converted from single family
homes owned by the residents to rental properties, and such conversion negatively impacts ownership opportunities for
residents.
2.3 Use Pooled Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for Affordable Housing
The City supports legislation allowing the City to deposit pooled TIF for affordable housing in Edina's Affordable Housing
Trust Fund to increase flexibility in the use of the pooled TIF for affordable housing, alleviate the burden of annual
reporting, and because similar special legislation has been approved for Minnetonka, Richfield and St. Louis Park.
2.4 Additional Affordable Housing Financing Bonding Authority
The City supports an effective bonding bill that provides Housing Infrastructure (HIB) and General Obligation (GO)
Bonds to fund affordable housing to serve low-income households to meet rising need.
2.5 Establish Revenue Resource for Affordable Housing
The City supports establishing a financing source to fund local and regional programs facilitating the creation and
preservation of affordable housing to meet need that has grown to crisis proportions.
2.6 Protect Tenants in Affordable Housing Property Ownership Changes
Local adoption of an ordinance to control rents on private residential properties is prohibited unless the ordinance is
approved in a general election. The City supports first, a statewide tenant protection plan, and second, allowing for a 90-
day tenant protection period following the transfer of naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH) property
ownership due to increased investment purchases of NOAH multi-family residential properties, leading to rehabilitating
properties and increasing rents, and non-renewing leases of existing tenants with minimal notice and/or substantially
increased the rent with minimal notice.
2.7 Reform Eviction Expungement
Records of unlawful detainer filings, or eviction lawsuits, remain on a tenant’s public record regardless of whether the
matter was settled or dismissed prior to the court hearing or if the tenant prevails at the hearing. These records are not
a reasonable predictor of future tenant behavior, yet they impede renters from securing housing in the future. Therefore,
the City supports legislation that would expand the eligibility for discretionary and mandatory expungements for eviction
case court files.
3 ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
3.1 Adopt a more advanced state energy code and/or allow for local adoption of more efficient
building standards
The state building code, which includes enforcement of the energy code, precludes cities from adopting a more
progressive building code. Minnesota adheres to the 2018 International Energy Code, with some amendments. The City
needs a more advanced state energy code, or local adoption of more efficient building standards because to meet climate
action goals.
3.2 Increase the State's Renewable Energy Standard
The Renewable Energy Standard from the state Department of Commerce, requires that 25% of electricity from utilities
come from renewable sources by 2025, but this goal contradicts the Minnesota’s Climate Action Plan’s call for
establishing a standard to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity and 55% renewable electricity by 2040. The City supports
increasing the State’s renewable energy standard because it has not been updated since 2007, and without an increase,
the state and city cannot accomplish their goals.
3.3 Increase Funding and Research on Reducing On-site Fossil Fuel Use
The City supports research and funding to explore the reduction of on-site fossil fuel use for electricity and heat because
of public health effects.
3.4 Adopt Local Environmental Protection Measures
The City requests the Legislature adopt enabling legislation allowing local governments to devise and implement
environmental protection measures so that cities can adopt the protections best suited to their communities.
3.5 Allocate I 00% of State Revenue from the Solid Waste Management Tax (SCORE) to County
Waste Management Activities
The City supports continued SCORE funding because the funds advance waste reduction, reuse, recycling and organics
programs to meet city, county and state recycling goals.
3.6 Support Efforts for the Proper Labeling of Compostable Products
The City supports promoting only vetted manufactures because it reduces the sale of products with misleading claims,
reduces recycling contamination and simplifies education.
3.7 Fund Expanded Infrastructure at the Local Level for the Creation of Compost Processing Sites
and Anaerobic Digesters.
The City supports additional funding for the programs because landfilling all waste in the county and metropolitan area is
no longer a viable option.
3.8 Support Extended Producer Responsibility
Extended Producer Responsibility initiatives require manufacturers to finance all costs associated with collection, reusing,
recycling, or safe disposal of their products such as carpets, mattresses, and electronics, which aligns with the City’s focus
on reuse events and building partnerships.
3.9 Develop and fund-zero waste initiatives
Zero-waste initiatives manage all discarded materials to their highest and best use. The City these initiatives because
they will aid state, county and city governments reaching recycling and composting goals.
3.10 Support Funding and Technical Assistance to Electrify Public and School Buses
There are very few electric public-school buses in Minnesota, and none in Edina. The City supports efforts to increase
electrification of public and school buses because it would reduce overall GHG emissions and the impact of carbon
emissions on populations that rely on this mode of transportation.
3.11 Continue Support for Local Environmental Health Regulatory Programs
Currently, the State delegates authority to operate food, pool and lodging establishment regulatory programs to cities
and counties. The City of Edina supports continuing local operation of these public health services and programs, allowing
cities to provide services to meet local needs.
3.12 Support Funding Research, Training, and Legislation for Applicators of Chloride- Containing De-
Icing Chemicals
Salt is a pollutant and causes damage to infrastructure and the environment. Private contractors tend to over-apply salt
on parking lots and sidewalks, often because they are afraid of “slip-and-fall” lawsuits. Research, training and certification
is needed to decrease salt application, liability concerns, and improve water quality.
3.13 Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) Municipal Grant Program
Inflow and infiltration (I/I) are terms for the ways that clean water (ground and storm) makes its way into sanitary sewer
pipes and gets treated, unnecessarily, at regional wastewater plants. I/I mitigation through the Municipal State Bond Grant
Program supports efficient use of the regional system for waste treatment and slows the the need for capacity upgrades.
4 TRANSPORTATION
4.1 Continue Municipal State Aid (MSA) Funding
The City has 40.85 miles of roads designated as MSA. The City asks for continued support of this vital funding because
high-quality connections are necessary for the overall state highway network to work well, and the roads on the state aid
system typically carry heavier traffic volumes, connect major points of interest and provide an integrated and coordinated
road system.
4.2 Allow Cities to Create Street Improvement Districts
The City supports enabling legislation allowing cities to create street improvement districts because 85% of municipal
streets are ineligible for municipal state aid (MSA) funds and must be paid for with property taxes, special assessments or
other funding sources, yet cities face growing demands for street improvements and maintenance. Similar sidewalk
improvement districts are allowed under state statute, and a system for street improvement could eliminate the need for
special assessment financing.
4.3 Increase Local Bridge Replacement Program (LBRP) Funding
The Local Bridge Replacement Program provides local agencies transportation funding for the reconstruction,
rehabilitation or removal of bridges or structures, but the program does not receive enough funding, with $36 million in
waitlisted projects in 2019, including two Edina projects. The City supports funding dedicated to the Local Bridge
Replacement Program to meet local need.
4.4 Expansion of Public Transportation Frequency and Reach
The City supports additional funding to reverse the impact of recent service reductions, supports operator hiring
initiatives, and developing a connecting bus study for the METRO Green Line Extension (Southwest LRT) to increase
ridership to meet climate action goals and community goals.
4.5 Support Goals and Strategies to Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled
Transportation and land use account for 40% of Edina’s citywide greenhouse gas emissions and are likely to become the
leading GHG emissions source. The City supports funding to provide alternative transportation infrastructure to
decrease the use of single-occupancy vehicles to reduce their negative impacts on air quality, traffic congestion and quality
of life and meet climate action goals.
5 PUBLIC SAFETY
5.1 Funding of Fire Resources, Training and Statewide Response Teams
The Edina Fire Department relies on state funding for training through the Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and
Education (MBFTE). The City supports broader discretion in the use of the Fire State Aid it receives in order to fund vital
functions of the Minnesota Fire Service, including Task Force I Statewide Response Team, which Edina is a primary
member of.
5.2 Continue Railroad and Hazardous Substance Safety Training and Funding
The City supports continuing current training and planning requirements to increase railroad safety.
5.3 Residential Fire Sprinklers
The City opposes efforts to statutorily limit the use of residential fire sprinklers and supports the inclusion of
professionals and industry experts in the creating or writing of any code parameters, particularly the installation of fire
suppression systems in residential building code because of the protection that sprinklers provide at low costs.
5.4 Support Funding for Auto Theft and Violent Crime Investigation
The City supports the creation and funding of a multijurisdictional group of law enforcement officials focusing on
investigations and prevention due to the increase of auto theft and violent crimes committed in stolen vehicles.
5.5 Support Funding and Programming for Recruitment and Retention Needs
The City supports a variety of funded recruitment and retention programs for law enforcement agencies, including
bonuses, part-time officer licenses, paid health care in retirement, and scholarship programs. These programs will help
address the difficult hiring and retention landscape that agencies of all sizes are facing.
5.6 Continue Law Enforcement Training Funding
Beginning in 2018, the required POST (Peace Officers Standards and Training) Board training was reimbursed to local
agencies. The City supports continuing financial support of the POST Board training because the training is mandatory
and critical.
5.7 Require K12 Threat Assessments
The City supports legislation which would require school districts to study and address general and specific school safety
issues to address concerns beyond physical infrastructure, which has been addressed in other grant programs.
5.8 Increase Funding for Public Safety Disability Requirements
The legislature requires cities to pay the costs of health insurance benefits for firefighters and law enforcement officers
disabled in the line of duty, including their dependents, until the employees are 65 years old. The law required cities to
first pay the costs, then the Department of Public Safety was to reimburse the full costs paid by the city annually. State
funding has been deficient since 2002, and the cities are no longer reimbursed. Edina was reimbursed for 20% of the
overall costs in 2019. The City supports the State either fully funding the post-employment health insurance costs or
provide these benefits directly to firefighters and law enforcement officers, eliminating cities as a pass through due to the
number of disability retirements and cost of healthcare increasing significantly, placing the financial burden on cities.
5.9 Focus on Mental Health and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support for Law
Enforcement Officers and Firefighters
In 2019, worker’s compensation legislation passed that presumes a diagnosis of PTSD is work-related for law
enforcement officers and firefighters. The City supports efforts focusing on treatment and support for employees to
safely and effectively return to work if possible. The City also supports programs and funding for emotional trauma
training and for advancing wellness and mental health support as a component of any law enforcement reform. These
positions are critical given the role law enforcement officers and firefighters have caring for the public, and current
disability duty under PERA and worker’s comp are not always compatible with treatment, support, and return to work.
5.10 Arbitration Reform
Currently, individual arbitrators are allowed to override the professional discipline and termination decisions made by
city manager and police chiefs. Arbitrators can, in their sole judgement, require a city to return an officer to the streets,
when the city has determined the officers is not meeting the standards required of the department and community,
without an appeals process for the city. The City supports using administrative law judges and instituting a standard of
reasonableness focused on if the facts presented show that the employer’s actions were reasonable and consistent with
city and department policies, to restore the ability of local elected and appointed officials to make lasting discipline or
termination decisions and help ensure a public safety department meets the needs of the community.