HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-03 City Council Meeting MinutesPage 1
MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 3, 2023
7:00 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. then shared the procedure for public hearing and
community comment.
II. ROLLCALL
Answering rollcall were Members Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland.
Absent: None.
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED AS PRESENTED
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to approve the meeting agenda
as presented.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
V. COMMUNITY COMMENT
Emily Avilis, 4009 Grimes Avenue S., requested review of the roadway reconstruction assessments in
Morningside C as they felt they were inequitable and unfair to the residents. She reviewed the petition that
had over 100 signatures of the 115 homes in the neighborhood and asked the Council to consider their
questions.
Ed Mathie, 4011 Kipling, asked how the residents were protected from assessments being assessed
inequitably. He shared data on the projected assessments that were 48% higher than Morningside D/E, then
shared further that the split was based on what worked for the project from a construction standpoint and
not an equity standpoint.
Lisa Hollensteiner, 4066 Grimes Avenue S., asked if the City was allowed to assess residents more than the
estimated property value added. She spoke about the value-added shortfall and how the benefit must be
greater or equal to the assessment which had occurred in Morningside D/E but not in C. She asked which
estimate should Morningside C residents be expecting, either the $13,800 assessment or the $10,800
assessment. She referred to policy that said homeowners would share in covering nonresidential lots but
there was no policy on how street divisions were determined. She noted a dividing line was made at 42nd
Street and because their neighborhood had all the nonresidential lots included the assessment, it was unfair.
Meriwether Felt, 4116 Grimes Avenue S., spoke about the recent park reconstruction and brightness of the
lighting at Avail Academy. She shared how they worked to have the lights be the same color, intensity,
directed downward, and the benefit of lighting on Weber Park. She noted that Avail Academy did not want
to honor the agreement and encouraged the City to contact them.
Paul Thompson, 4244 Crocker, spoke about the large piles of soil left from the recent construction and
asked for an update on the City’s goal to have them removed by end of October to allow for use of the
skating rink.
Gary Milacnik, 4020 Monterey Avenue, shared comments about how the roads in their neighborhood were
never good because of the soils. He complimented City services received but noted as housing becomes
more expensive, taxes become more expensive too with the increase in high-end housing. He commented
Minutes/Edina City Council/October 3, 2023
Page 2
on how increased taxes drive out older residents which results in even more high-end housing. He
encouraged the City to review why nonresident street reconstruction areas were charged as assessments
as they should be charged to the City. He concluded that streets were more dangerous now and
reconstruction resulted in more tree loss.
Andy Brown, 5512 Park Place, spoke about NOAH housing, how his family had been in the neighborhood
since 1981, and addressing flooding since the beginning. He stressed the importance that Council and staff
focus on zoning codes and enforce building codes. He commented on nearby homes where flooding
concerns had increased since removal of retaining walls and said the City needs to focus more on the existing
residents.
David Frenkel, 4510 Lakeview Drive, encouraged enforcement of building codes.
Bradley Benyas, 4200 Lynn Avenue, inquired about the phase out of special assessments and subsequent
phase in of higher taxes.
V.A. CITY MANAGER’S RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY COMMENTS
Manager Neal responded to Community Comments at the last meeting.
VI. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED AS AMENDED
Member Risser made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, approving the consent agenda
as amended removing Item VI.O., Resolution No. 2023-76; Appointing Election Judges for the
November 7, 2023 General Election, as follows:
VI.A. Approve Minutes of the Worksession and Regular Meeting of September 19, 2023
VI.B. Approve Claims for Payment for Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated September 15,
2023, totaling $1,434,697.38; Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated September 22, 2023
totaling $1,888,519.32
VI.C. Approve Public Utility Improvement Agreements
VI.D. Adopt Ordinance No. 2023-17; Amending Ordinance No. 2012-16 Implementing an
Electric Service Franchise Fee on Northern States Power Company
VI.E. Adopt Ordinance No. 2023-21; Amending Green to Go Packaging Enforcement
VI.F. Request for Purchase; Change Order No. 1: Commissioning Services for Fire Station
No. 2, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, HGA, $129,175
VI.G. Request for Purchase; Watermain Break Street Patching, awarding the bid to the
recommended low bidder, McNamara Contracting, $111,206
VI.H. Request for Purchase; ENG23-12NB Heights Park Pedestrian Bridge Streambank
Repair, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Pember Companies, $26,121
VI.I. Request for Purchase; Change Order No. 1 for ENG 23-1 NB Morningside C Roadway
Reconstruction, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Groth Sewer &
Water, $15,125
VI.J. Request for Purchase; Change Order No. 1 for ENG 22-4NB Nine Mile Creek
Vegetation Management, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, to accept
bid alternates and adjust project boundaries
VI.K. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-75; Approving Cooperative Construction Agreement with
Department of Transportation
VI.L. Accept Traffic Safety Report of August 29, 2023
VI.M. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-67; Approving Hennepin Youth Sports Grant Application
VI.N. Request for Purchase, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Technology, awarding the
bid to the recommended low bidder, EPA Audio Visual, $102,942
VI.O. Resolution No. 2023-76; Appointing Election Judges for the November 7, 2023 General
Election
Rollcall:
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
Minutes/Edina City Council/October 3, 2023
Page 3
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
VI.O. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-76 APPOINTING ELECTION JUDGES FOR THE NOVEMBER 7,
2023 GENERAL ELECTION – ADOPTED
The Council thanked all who served as election judges and encouraged others to contact the City to serve
in future elections. Clerk Allison said the City would be in need of more volunteers for the five elections in
2024 and encouraged residents to apply.
Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2023-76, appointing
election judges for the November 7, 2023 general election. Seconded by Member Agnew.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
VII. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
VII.A. ENERGY EFFICIENCY DAY OCTOBER 4, 2023 – PROCLAIMED
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to proclaim October 4, 2023,
Energy Efficiency Day in Edina.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
Sustainability Manager Hancock said this was the most important thing residents and businesses could do on
their climate action journey and how this proclamation celebrated energy efficiency all month long then
spoke about how even the small things helped by shutting off lights when leaving a room.
VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file.
VIII.A. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-69 WEED MOWING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS, IMPROVEMENT
NO. WD-23 – ADOPTED
Assistant Director Parks and Natural Resources Director Swenson shared in the summer of 2023 the Parks
& Recreation Maintenance Division cut weeds on four properties. The properties and cost associated with
the use of equipment and staff time to cut the weeds was provided. Each cost should be assessed to the
property owner for the payment to the City. He outlined work to contact the four property owners and
the subsequent administrative fees then shared Edina City Code Chapter 30 Division 2 Maintenance
Standards, Sub Section 30-119 Weeds which states that, "Except for the period from May 1 to June 15 each
year for residential properties, weeds shall be regularly cut or controlled such that no individual plant shall
exceed, at any time, twelve inches (12") in height or length, as measured from its base at the ground to the
tip of each stalk, stem, blade or leaf."
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 7:43 p.m.
Public Testimony
None.
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to close the public hearing.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
The Council asked questions and provided feedback.
Member Pierce introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2023-69 levying special
assessments for Improvement No. WD-23 weed mowing. Seconded by Member Jackson.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
Minutes/Edina City Council/October 3, 2023
Page 4
VIII.B. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-70 TREE REMOVAL SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS, IMPROVEMENT
NO. TR-23 – ADOPTED
Mr. Swenson shared the list of properties collectively had diseased trees that were removed in accordance
with City Code Chapter 30, Article IV-Shade Tree Diseases. All property owners were first given an
opportunity to remove the diseased trees within a one-month (31 days) period of time. If the trees were
not removed within the period of time, the City contracted removal of the trees and assessed the property
owner. The property owners at the addresses chose to have the City contract the removal of their trees in
2023 and have the cost of the removal or trimming assessed to their property. He noted this practice
prevented the spread of tree diseases or was completed for safety.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 7:48 p.m.
Public Testimony
None.
Mayor Hovland made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to close the public hearing.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
Member Agnew introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2023-70 levying special
assessments for Improvement No. TR-23 weed mowing. Seconded by Member Jackson.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-73 CERTIFICATION OF DELINQUENT UTILITIES, NO. DU-23 –
ADOPTED
Assistant Finance Director Thao shared that Resolution No. 2023-73 would certify delinquent utility
accounts for collection with 2024 real estate taxes. She shared a list of accounts with delinquent utility
charges with balances over $50 and delinquent 30 days or longer and said in 2023, 1,178 properties were
sent notices. She shared customers were notified in writing and an administrative fee of $35 would be
applied and that customers could pay their balances until November 20 otherwise the amounts would be
certified to Hennepin County and applied with a 6.5% interest rate.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 7:43 p.m.
Public Testimony
None.
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to close the public hearing.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2023-73 certification of
delinquent utilities, No. DU-23. Seconded by Member Pierce.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.D. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-58 50TH AND FRANCE BUSINESS DISTRICT SPECIAL
ASSESSMENT, IMPROVEMENT NO. M-23 – ADOPTED
Facility Manager Otten shared the 2022 maintenance project and how the City provided trash and snow
removal as well as general upkeep for the France Business District. He said the assessable costs were
Minutes/Edina City Council/October 3, 2023
Page 5
$430,660.37 and resulted in a proposed assessment of $0.91/square foot, which was down from 2021 due
to COVID cleaning costs and deferred planned maintenance costs.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 8:00 p.m.
Public Testimony
Paul Thompson, 4244 Crocker, addressed the Council.
Member Agnew made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to close the public hearing.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
The Council asked questions and provided feedback.
Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2023-58 levying special
assessments for public improvements. Seconded by Member Pierce.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.E. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-68 AQUATIC VEGETATION SPECIAL ASSESSMENT,
IMPROVEMENT NO. AQ-23 – ADOPTED
Water Resources Manager Wilson said the City managed contracts for aeration and aquatic vegetation
management services in Arrowhead Lake, Indianhead Lake, Lake Nancy, and Minnehaha Creek Mill Pond as
requested by groups eligible for the service according to section 3.4.2.4 Lake and Pond Management of the
2022 Water Resources Management Plan. These groups agreed to pay for the services by special assessment
and the 2023 assessment period covered services from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. She outlined
the proposed Arrowhead Lake assessment for 36 properties at $292.64/unit, 33 units at Indianhead Lake at
$449.06/unit, Lake Nancy for 20 units at $87.62/unit, and explained the Mill Pond tiered assessment.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 8:05 p.m.
Public Testimony
None.
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to close the public hearing.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
The Council asked questions and provided feedback.
Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2023-68 levying special
assessments for public improvements. Seconded by Member Pierce.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.F. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-71 TH-169 VALLEY VIEW TO APACHE NOISE WALL SPECIAL
ASSESSMENT; IMPROVEMENT NO. SA-21 – ADOPTED
Director of Engineering Millner shared funding for the wall, per MnDOT’s Noise Wall Policy, was a cost
share split with 90% paid by MnDOT and 10% to be paid locally. The 10% local cost was to assessed to the
residents that received benefit from the noise wall. The City defined benefit as a 3.0 decibel noise reduction
or greater which was a threshold the human ear could detect and that noise wall assessments were payable
over 15 years. He said the noise model used to determine preliminary assessments was based on a
Minutes/Edina City Council/October 3, 2023
Page 6
theoretical noise wall and had been updated with the actual wall design. The updated model showed a greater
benefit to more properties than originally estimated and that 41 additional properties were included in this
assessment that were not aware of a potential assessment related to the noise wall. He stated multiple
project area maps were shared showing the changes of project limits and properties that benefitted from
the noise wall construction and that two residents provided public input and four who commented on
BetterTogetherEdina.
The Council asked questions and provided feedback.
Natalie Reis, MnDOT Metro Noise and Air Quality Supervisor, responded to questions regarding noise level
reductions based on the model use which was first done on preliminary design and then on 60% completion
and included additional noise reductions and was not done based on noise monitoring.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 8:20 p.m.
Public Testimony
None.
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to close the public hearing.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2023-71 levying special
assessment for public improvements. Seconded by Member Pierce.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.G. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-72 MORNINGSIDE D AND E NEIGHBORHOOD ROADWAY
RECONSTRUCTION SPECIAL ASSESSMENT, IMPROVEMENT NO. BA-461 – CONTINUED
TO OCTOBER 1, 2024
Mr. Millner shared the project area map and that all streets were reconstructed then clarified the
Morningside C assessments would be done in October 2024. He spoke about the delayed sections due to
utility work which was not typical but that the majority of the project was completed. He shared costs paid
and the proposed assessable portion which only included street costs with the remaining costs covered by
various funds of the City. He said the proposed $8,338.95 per REU was reduced from the estimated $9,400
per REU and said staff received comments on formal objections in writing based on turf restoration,
contractor delays, and others. He shared the work of the Street Funding Task Force and how assessments
were to slowly transition from 100% assessment to 0% over the next 16 years.
The Council asked questions and provided feedback.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 8:50 p.m.
Public Testimony
Mindy Ahler, 4244 Crocker Avenue, addressed the Council.
Paul Thompson, 4244 Crocker Avenue, addressed the Council.
Bill Olexy, 4243 Crocker Avenue, addressed the Council.
Mr. Neal shared that due to contractor concerns and work not being completed, staff recommended this
action be continued to October 1, 2024, for certification of assessments to allow time for the grass to grow
and work to continue and address any possible systemic assessment equity issues.
Minutes/Edina City Council/October 3, 2023
Page 7
Member Agnew made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to continue the public hearing
and consideration of Resolution No. 2023-72, levying special assessments for public
improvements, to October 1, 2024.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.H. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-66 APPROVING A SITE PLAN AT 7250-7300 BUSH LAKE ROAD
FOR MINNESOTA MADE HOCKEY – CONTINUED TO OCTOBER 17, 2023
Community Development Coordinator Lewis shared Invicta Group, LLC (known as Minnesota Made
Hockey), was proposing to construct a new 10,240 square foot training facility on the southern portion of
the lot at 7250-7300 Bush Lake Road. The parcel was 5.55 acres and currently had a 63,311 square foot
structure containing two ice rinks and assorted support spaces that would remain. The proposed building
was 64’ x 160’ and would include a turf area, weight training, and other hockey specific training
space. Minnesota Made Hockey currently operated a training facility as a tenant in the building located at
7101 Amundson Avenue. The purpose of the new building was to move those operations to the new facility.
The new structure would replace an outdoor ice rink that was added in 2013. The site was zoned Planned
Industrial District, which allowed for athletic facilities as a permitted use and to accommodate the request,
site plan approval was required. He spoke to the number of variances first required and the adjustments
made to eliminate those variances and how now the request was just downsizing of the original project.
Nick Sperides, Sperides Reiners Architects, thanked staff and Council on the behalf of the applicant and said
they looked forward to their approval.
The Council asked questions and provided feedback.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 9:19 p.m.
Public Testimony
Paul Thompson, 4244 Crocker Avenue, addressed the Council.
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to close the public hearing.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
Mr. Teague clarified the necessary motion was to continue the public hearing and take action on October
17, 2023.
Member Agnew made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, to rescind the previous action
closing the public hearing.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to close the public hearing at
noon on October 9, 2023, and continue action on Resolution No. 2023-66, approving a site plan
at 7250-7300 Bush Lake Road, to the October 17, 2023, Council meeting.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.I. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-65 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, PUTTSHACK ROOFTOP
DINING, 10 SOUTHDALE CENTER – CONTINUED TO OCTOBER 17, 2023
Assistant City Planner Bodeker shared Brendan Barker, on behalf of Puttshack, was proposing rooftop dining
at Puttshack, located at 10 Southdale Center. Puttshack was an upscale, tech-infused mini golf experience
to be located within the former Herberger’s building, above the Kowalski’s grocery store. He noted both
the Kowalski’s and Puttshack spaces were currently under construction. Puttshack was proposing to have
Minutes/Edina City Council/October 3, 2023
Page 8
foodservice on their outdoor rooftop patio and food and drinks served from inside the space. She shared
the proposed hours of operation and spoke about amplified noise subject to the noise ordinance, required
fencing, lighting ordinance, and other factors. The proposed rooftop patio was planned to have 153 seats
and to accommodate the applicant’s request, a Conditional Use Permit for the rooftop dining was required
in the Planned Commercial District. She shared site photos and referred to the proximity to residential
uses and shared conditions of approvals.
The Council asked questions and provided feedback.
Greg Drain, Puttshack, outlined their proposed business model that was similar to Top Golf for mini golf
and provided photos with the goal and mission to allow everyone to play. He said they provided an inclusive
and accessible space for all and provided places for the public to meet. He spoke about the proposed menu
offerings and their focus on young families and providing corporate activity space as well.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 9:43 p.m.
Public Testimony
None.
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to close the public hearing at
noon on October 9, 2023, and continue action on Resolution No. 2023-65, approving a
conditional use permit for Puttshack at 10 Southdale Center, to the October 17, 2023, Council
meeting.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
IX. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
IX.A. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-74; ACCEPTING DONATIONS - ADOPTED
Member Pierce introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2023-74, accepting
donations. Seconded by Member Jackson.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
IX.B. ORDINANCE NO. 2023-18; AMENDING CHAPTER 20 OF THE EDINA CITY CODE
CONCERNING MERCHANT CARRYOUT BAG REDUCTION – FIRST READING GRANTED
Ms. Hancock shared that in 2022, City Council approved a work plan initiative for Edina's resident
volunteer Energy & Environment Commission (EEC) to revise and update EEC’s 2017 report on possible
recommendations for a plastic bag ordinance with a deliverable of an updated report with recommendations.
She said the EEC recommended to the Council at their February 7, 2023, meeting that the City require
merchants charge a $.05 fee to customers for carryout bags and requested the Council direct staff to draft
an ordinance that updated City Code to include this requirement and implement an outreach plan to inform
residents and businesses of this requirement. Council received this recommendation and directed staff to
draft an ordinance and seek public feedback based on an April 2023 Council-approved public input plan
implemented. She said staff brought the results of the public input process, along with a staff
recommendation, to Council's July 18 work session. At that time, Council requested an ordinance for
review. Ms. Hancock said this ordinance reflected the EEC recommendations then shared history of the
ECC’s work and findings and purpose of the ordinance to reduce the threat of pollution, meet climate goals,
and inspire behavior change away from disposable goods. She outlined the code summary that included a
$0.05 fee charged to customers with fees to be retained by the merchant and include annual reporting and
be effective July 2024 then reviewed the exceptions and exemptions.
The Council asked questions and provided feedback.
Minutes/Edina City Council/October 3, 2023
Page 9
Member Agnew made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, to grant First Reading of
Ordinance 2023-18, amending Chapter 20 of the Edina City Code Concerning Merchant
Carryout Bag Reduction.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser
Nays: Hovland
Motion carried.
IX.C. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION; CENTURY HOMES PROGRAM – APPROVED
Heritage Preservation Commission Chair Lonnquist (HPC) completed a 2022 work plan item that explored
Century Homes Programs in other cities and defined the resources needed to launch one in Edina. In 2023,
the Commission prepared all elements needed for a successful Century Homes Program to launch in January
2024. Program elements researched by the Commission included application materials, plaques, program
guidelines, cost, and potential outreach that celebrated the history of homes at least 100 years old. She
shared how the program would follow the Comprehensive Plan, expand the City’s preservation focus beyond
the Country Club District, offer alternatives to heritage landmark designation, promote historical awareness,
and reduce carbon emissions and rehab construction by encouraging renovations instead of new
construction. The HPC consulted with the Edina Historical Society who voiced strong support for the
program. They also verified the research resources they could offer interested homeowners and expressed
interest in organizing future walking tours highlighting Century Homes throughout Edina. Chair Lonnquist
said while the program’s implementation and oversight would be a staff operation, the HPC was proposing
a 2024 work plan item to inform the public about the new Century Homes program and how they intended
to draft materials to share in a mailing to all eligible property owners and in meetings with three community
organizations.
The Council asked questions and provided feedback.
Member Pierce made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, to approve the Century Homes
Program as outlined by the Heritage Preservation Commission and implement program in
2024.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
IX.D. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-59 AND ORDINANCE NO. 2023-20; ZONING ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT, SITE PLAN REVIEW WITH VARIANCES FOR 4401 W. 76TH STREET (FIRE
STATION #2) – ADOPTED
Mr. Teague shared the City of Edina was proposing to tear down the existing 102,000 square foot building
on the site to construct a new 36,000 square foot Fire Station. The building would provide operational space
for the Edina Fire Department and Community Health Department. This facility would be located on the
northern third of the site, with the remaining two-thirds of the site available for redevelopment that could
include housing, retail, public buildings/uses and public space. This project would be a catalyst for
implementing the Southdale Design Guidelines within this area. The large existing parking lot on the southern
portion of the site would be seeded and the existing wetland on the southwest corner of the site would be
restored. Future phases could include the potential subdivision of the site for development opportunities,
including a greenway connection to the City’s Park system. He said as part of the sketch plan review, Trace
Jacques of the BKV Group designed a couple of development scenarios for consideration. The scenarios
were created based on the Southdale Design Experience Guidelines. During the sketch plan review there
was not a definitive plan scenario selected for how that southern portion of the lot would develop; therefore,
staff was not recommending PUD rezoning at this time. The future of that land could be decided upon by
the City Council later. The proposed plans provide roadway and pedestrian access to that area on both the
east and west sides of the site per the Southdale Design Experience Guidelines. The Planning Commission
recommended denial of the Zoning Ordinance Amendment, Site Plan and Variances on a 5-3 vote and
concerns of the project included the location of the proposed building on the site, not dividing the parcel
Minutes/Edina City Council/October 3, 2023
Page 10
into smaller 200 x 200-foot parcels, utilizing the existing PID Zoning District and not rezoning to PUD with
a master plan for the entire site.
Fire Chief Slama shared statistics on increased calls for service and call volume that was only expected to
continue to rise as the population aged then shared about parking and proposed station identifiers on the
signage.
The Council asked questions and provided feedback.
Member Agnew moved to grant First and waive Second Reading adopting Ordinance No.
2023-20, amending the Zoning Ordinance to Allow Publicly Owned and Operated Civic and
Cultural Institutions, including but not limited to Administrative Offices, Libraries, Public
Safety Building and Places of Assembly as a Permitted Use in the PID, Planned Industrial
Zoning District. Seconded by Member Jackson.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2023-59, Approving a Site
Plan with Variances for Front Wall Signage, Side Wall Signage First Floor Building Height and
Building Transparency Facing a Public Street for Fire Station #2 at 4401 76th Street West.
Seconded by Member Pierce.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
IX.E. SKETCH PLAN FOR 5120 AND 5124 HANKERSON AVENUE – REVIEWED
Mr. Teague shared the City Council was asked to consider a sketch plan request to tear down two existing
single-dwelling units to build two double dwelling units. These sites would both gain access off the alley on
the west side of the sites. The subject properties were zoned R-1, Single Dwelling Unit District and the site
was guided low density residential, which allowed between 1-5 units per acre. The properties were 19,468
square feet in size (9,769 and 9,699 s.f. each) and the proposed density was 9 units per acre. He said the
applicant has indicated they would seek the following if a formal application was made: a Comprehensive
Plan Amendment to re-guide the site from Low Density Residential to Medium Density Residential, which
would allow up to 12 units per acre; and Rezoning from R-1, Single-Dwelling Unit District to PUD, Planned
Unit Development. Flexibility through the PUD would be setback, building coverage and lot area per
dwelling, similar to the existing PUD to the south.
Steve Behnke, Donnay Homes, shared their proposed plan adjacent to the successful Hankerson project
that was fully occupied. He said there were a number of people interested in more rambler townhomes
ramblers and how the proposed four units in two buildings would not be duplexed but townhomes, similar
to the Grandview Townhomes in Edina. He said the proposal was for a Comprehensive Plan change due to
density at 9 and medium density allowed up to 12, zoning from R-1 to PUD and an amendment that would
benefit all units under same zoning and watershed. He commented on the height differences with regard to
the existing neighborhood and how this was an extremely walkable area with an alley for vehicles and an
urban front door feel. Mr. Behnke said the homes would be priced in the mid $800,000s and provide more
density without overwhelming the neighborhood.
Paul Donnay, Donnay Homes, shared his history in Edina and other locations and asked for the Council
support as there was a need for this type of housing. He said while the Planning Commission had concerns,
he noted Edina residents who were taxpayers for decades were looking to move from their current homes
and remain in Edina and this housing type would work as it still had a lot and lawn and still be in City. He
shared his successful work as president of HOAs for many projects until 75% occupancy was reached and
that residents appreciated HOAs in these projects.
Minutes/Edina City Council/October 3, 2023
Page 11
Dennis Bormfleth, 5124 Hankerson Avenue, spoke to the condition of the existing homes and affordable
housing and the need to increase the density on this property which was supported by staff and the goal to
develop the area. He shared their hope for four units and an overall good project and location.
The Council asked questions and provided feedback.
IX.F. SMALL AREA PLAN FOR THE LINCOLN DRIVE/HIGHWAY 169 NEIGHBORHOOD NODE
– APPROVED
Mr. Neal shared the proposed Small Area Plan (SAP) for the Lincoln Drive/Highway 169 Neighborhood
Node which included the 19 acres north of Londonderry Drive, west of Lincoln Drive; and the 25.87 acres
south of Londonderry Drive made up of 5901, 5816 and 5995 Lincoln Drive. He said staff recommended
the SAP be placed on the 2024 Planning Commission work plan to be started in Quarter 1 of 2024.
The Council asked questions and provided feedback.
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to approve including the
proposed Small Area Plan for the Lincoln Drive/Highway 169 neighborhood node on the 2024
Planning Commission work plan to be started in quarter 1 of 2024 as outlined by the 25.87
acres south of Londonderry Drive made up of 5901, 5816 and 5995 Lincoln Drive.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
X. COMMISSION CORRESPONDENCE (MINUTES AND ADVISORY COMMUNICATION) -
Received
X.A. MINUTES: ENERGY AND ENVIRONMNET COMMISSION, AUGUST 10, 2023
MINUTES: TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, AUGUST 17, 2023
XI. MANAGER’S COMMENTS – Received
XI.A. PREP MEMO OCTOBER 3, 2023
XII. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS – Received
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to adjourn the meeting at
12:27 a.m.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Allison, City Clerk
Minutes approved by Edina City Council, October 17, 2023.
James B. Hovland, Mayor
Video Copy of the October 3, 2023, meeting available.
Sharon Allison (Nov 20, 2023 08:32 CST)