HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-17 City Council Meeting MinutesPage 1
MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 17, 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
Ralph Zickert, 4311 Cornelius Circle, followed up on his August 15 public comment that received no
response and reiterated that size was not an appropriate criteria in the selection of cities to compare best
practices of benchmark cities. He asked why that criteria was not included in the clean water strategy priority
matrix. He said the Cornelius Lake Association had been accused of gaming the system by promoting clean
water strategies and encouraged the importance of assets to design and reduce pollutants to downstream
lakes and streams as noted by staff at a recent conference. He shared comments about his September 19
public comment that received no response regarding the timeline to address the total buy-in/buy-out for
affordable units per City policy and encouraged the policy be finalized with regard to affordable housing. He
then shared comments related to his September 19 public comment about being displeased with the Lake
Cornelia vegetation management and said while true fell short of the comments and continued to be elevated
to Council. He asked why the City had refused accountability for failure of the builder to execute a contract
and said this could be considered fraud. He noted in light of the failure of reasonable changes being refused,
there was a need to address pond weed as this current process did not reconcile with the DNR, Nine Mile
Creek, and City standards. He expressed concern with how samples were collected then demonstrated the
process.
David Frenkel spoke about veterans who had lost limbs during wars, the lack of concern for ADA accessibility
in Edina, and comments shared by staff that were unimaginable regarding not doing more than what was
required. He had shared his concerns the State and was working to find a resolution but would go further if
not successful. He noted the City Manager’s contract expired at year end and inquired about the upcoming
review and possible renewal, then commented on upcoming Council and Mayor election possibilities. He
spoke about purchasing card use and the amount of waste on these cards and encouraged review of the
purchases that included excessive charges for travel and food, including a recent large purchase at Chik-Fil-
A. He encouraged the need for more oversight, how the Braemer Ice Arena Manager was let go without
public comment, and how this was the fourth ice arena manager under the current City Manager and should
not be allowed.
Andy Brown, 5512 Park Place, commented further on the purchase card purchases for food and beverage
as it seemed to be excessive and would not be allowed at the State of Minnesota where he worked. He
Minutes/Edina City Council/October 17, 2023
Page 2
suggested the Council be aggressive with these concerns, especially in light of double-digit property tax
increases.
V.A. CITY MANAGER’S RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY COMMENTS
Manager Neal said staff would respond to Community Comments made this evening and from the October
3 meeting on November 8. He noted the purchases at Chik-Fil-A by ice arena staff was made to sell the
food at the arena’s concession stand as an innovative way to sell different product during arena operations.
VI. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED AS PRESENTED
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, approving the consent agenda
as presented:
VI.A. Approve Minutes of the Worksession and Regular Meeting of October 3, 2023
VI.B. Approve Claims for Payment for Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated September 29,
2023, totaling $4,829,852.64; Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated September 29, 2023
totaling $18,074.39; Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated September 29, 2023 totaling
$550.00; Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated October 6, 2023 totaling $3,674,133.19;
VI.C. Request for Purchase; Council Chambers Cable Broadcast Audio Visual System,
awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Advanced Systems Integration for
$121,019
VI.D. Request for Purchase; City-Wide Solar Feasibility Study, awarding the bid to the
recommended low bidder, HGA Inc., $54,500
VI.E. Approve Agreement with Southdale Center for Public Safety Services
VI.F. Request for Purchase; Braemar Field Emergency Repairs, awarding the bid to the
recommended low bidder, New Look Contracting, $37,566
VI.G. Request for Purchase; Mill Pond Harvester Access Ramp Replacement, awarding the
bid to the recommended low bidder, Blackstone Contractors, $47,493
VI.H. Request for Purchase; 2023 Kubota RTC-X1100 ATV, awarding the bid to the
recommended low bidder, Lano Equipment, $31,240
VI.I. Request for Purchase, Well Nos. 4, 5, 6, and 17 Rehabilitation, awarding the bid to the
recommended low bidder, Keys Well Drilling, $88,399.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
VII. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
VII.A. REGIONAL EMMY – PRESENTED
Communications Director Bennerotte shared about the work of video production to create better quality
content and engage the public and how Video Production Manager Scott Denfield and his team have worked
towards that goal. She said the City won their first regional Emmy in 2009 and was awarded four more
since but this year, was nominated for five and won two in one year. She shared clips from last weekend’s
award presentation in Outstanding Interview/Discussion for On the Job and Video Essayist Composite and
congratulated Mr. Denfield for his work.
JJ Murray, Executive Director of the National Academy of American Televisions Arts and Sciences Upper
Midwest Chapter, said it was an honor to be present and shared how his father grew up in Edina. He
presented the awards to Mr. Denfield and stated this gave him great pride and joy then shared more about
the excellent work done by the City.
A round of applause was offered by all in attendance.
VII.B. EXTRA MILE DAY 2023 – PROCLAIMED
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to proclaim Extra Mile Day in
the City of Edina.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Minutes/Edina City Council/October 17, 2023
Page 3
Motion carried.
VII.C. NOVEMBER 2023 AS LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH – PROCLAIMED
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to proclaim November 2023
as Lung Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Edina.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
VII.D. 2023 IMAGES OF EDINA – PRESENTED
Graphic Designer Doar shared the City established “Images of Edina” in 2004 to recognize and collect
photographs that captured Edina as a place for living, learning, raising families and doing business. Each year,
residents and employees who work in Edina were invited to submit their favorite photos taken in the
community over the past year.
Feroza Mehta, Editor of Edina Magazine, said it will be their 20th anniversary in 2024 and that they hoped to
incorporate both anniversaries through Images of Edina. She shared a judging panel of photographers and
communications professionals selected the winning photographs from the 77 submitted photos in five
categories based on a variety of elements that included composition, lighting, relevance to each category and
degree of difficulty.
Mr. Doar announced the winners of the 2023 Images of Edina Contest for Business – “Pinstripes at Sunset”
by Stephanie Thomas; People – “Friends” by Forrest Pearson; Activities & Events – “John Phillip Sousa at
Centennial Lakes” by Linda Scott; Places in Edina – “Reflections at Centennial Lakes” by Linda Scott; Plants
& Animals – “Forest Fawn” by Valerie Brunnette; and Readers’ Choice – “A New Day in Edina” by Burton
Hanson then announced the overall “Best in Show” winner as “Reflections at Centennial Lakes” by Linda
Scott.
VIII. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
VIII.A. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-77; ACCEPTING DONATIONS – ADOPTED
Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2023-77, accepting
donations. Seconded by Member Agnew.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.B. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-65; CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, PUTTSHACK ROOFTOP
DINING, 10 SOUTHDALE CENTER – ADOPTED
Assistant City Planner Bodker shared that 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 located within the former Herberger’s building, above the Kowalski’s grocery store. Currently
both the Kowalski’s and Puttshack spaces were under construction and Puttshack was proposing to have
foodservice on their outdoor rooftop patio. Food and drinks would be served from inside the space and the
proposed rooftop would have 153 seats. To accommodate the applicant’s request, a Conditional Use Permit
for the rooftop dining was required as rooftop restaurants are a conditional use in the Planned Commercial
District.
The Council asked questions and provided feedback.
City Attorney Kendall clarified that Conditional Use Permits run with the land and could potentially use the
same CUP if sold but would have to be reviewed.
Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2023-65, approving a
conditional use permit for Puttshack rooftop dining, 10 Southdale Center. Seconded by Member
Agnew.
Minutes/Edina City Council/October 17, 2023
Page 4
Rollcall:
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser
Nays: Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-66; APPROVING A SITE PLAN AT 7250-7300 BUSH LAKE ROAD
FOR MINNESOTA MADE HOCKEY – ADOPTED
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 allows for athletic facilities as a permitted use. To accommodate the request, site
plan approval was required. Mr. Lewis added that since the October 3, 2023, City Council meeting, the
applicant had voluntarily submitted the Sustainability Questionnaire which was shared.
The Council asked questions and provided feedback.
Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2023-66, approving a site
plan at 7250-7300 Bush Lake Road. Seconded by Member Pierce.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser
Nays: Hovland
Motion carried.
VII.D. ORDINANCE NO. 2023-18; AMENDING CHAPTER 20 OF THE EDINA CITY CODE
CONCERNING MERCHANT CARRYOUT BAG REDUCTION – ADOPTED
Sustainability Manager Hancock shared the ordinance proposal reflected EEC recommendations, and
removal of originally proposed section "3b" pertaining to the requirement for merchants to contract for
plastic film recycling, which had been deemed by staff to be inordinately burdensome due to the limited
plastic film recycling supply chain in Minnesota. She shared the definition of a merchant and how the
ordinance would affect the merchants, meaning merchant was the one providing the merchandise regardless
of how they connected to customers such as through DoorDash. She reviewed the differences in the
proposed code and Minneapolis’ ordinance that included restaurants not being exempt, reporting
requirements, and no fee collected if a government agency. She responded to Council questions from first
reading in detail including progress to Edina’s climate action goals and noted a bag fee on its own would not
reduce solid waste in Edina as customers could still opt to purchase a bag but that it was expected to reduce
contamination in curbside recycling due to fewer carryout bags and raise awareness and impact the amount
of microplastics in the City.
Community Health Administrator Brown shared the City could provide more bag recycling sites throughout
the City to encourage the public to recycle plastic bags.
The Council asked questions and provided feedback.
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to amend Ordinance No. 2023-
18 amending Chapter 20 of the Edina City Code concerning merchant carryout bag reduction
to exempt restaurants.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
Minutes/Edina City Council/October 17, 2023
Page 5
Member Jackson moved to grant Second Reading adopting Ordinance No. 2023-18 as
amended amending Chapter 20 of the Edina City Code concerning merchant carryout bag
reduction. Seconded by Member Agnew.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce
Nays: Hovland, Risser
Motion carried.
Mr. Neal clarified the matter of scale and use as a limited administration model and how staff would work
to communicate this through public education on the ordinance.
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to provide for administration
of ordinance on a limited basis as described in Option 2 staff report October 17, 2023.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser
Nays:
Abstain: Hovland
Motion carried.
IX.E. SKETCH PLAN FOR 4444 AND 4200 W. 76th STREET – REVIEWED
Community Development Director Teague shared LS Black Development was requesting consideration of
a Sketch Plan proposal to redevelop 4444 and 4200 W. 76th Street. The applicant was proposing to tear
down the existing buildings on the sites and construct a 6-story 186-unit apartment, and a 4-story 65-unit
apartment. The project would be 100% affordable for individuals and families earning 60% AMI or less. This
site was currently zoned PID, Planned Industrial District, and guided OR, Office Residential in the City’s
Comprehensive Plan. The allowed residential density in this area was up to 75 units per acre. This site was
4 acres in size; therefore, the applicant was proposing a density of 63 units per acre. The request would
require a Rezoning from PID, Planned Industrial District to PUD. Flexibility would be requested through the
PUD Ordinance to vary from building height, building setbacks, and floor area ratio (FAR) requirements.
The PUD Zoning was the zoning tool the City of Edina had used for 100% affordable housing developments
to ensure long term affordability, similar to existing projects such as The Sound on 76th, Amundson
Apartments, and 4040 70th Street.
Michael Hudson, LS Black Development, shared their background and project team that consisted of ESG
and Loucks to build high quality affordable housing projects. He said they served as long-term owners and
shared about their other recent projects. He shared more about the project that would include 252 units
in total and range from 1-3 bedrooms and be 100% affordable at 60% AMI with 320 total parking stalls. He
showed the proposed massing that would step up from The Sound on 76th and thanked the Council for their
feedback in order to move forward with next steps.
The Council asked questions and provided feedback.
IX. MANAGER’S COMMENTS – Received
X. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS – Received
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to adjourn the meeting at 9:53
p.m.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
Minutes/Edina City Council/October 17, 2023
Page 6
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Allison, City Clerk
Minutes approved by Edina City Council, November 8, 2023.
James B. Hovland, Mayor
Video Copy of the October 17, 2023, meeting available.
Sharon Allison (Nov 20, 2023 08:32 CST)