HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-06 City Council Meeting MinutesPage 1
MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 6, 2024
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, Risser, Hovland.
Absent: Member Pierce.
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED AS PRESENTED
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Risser, to approve the meeting agenda
as presented.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
Manager Neal introduced Assistant City Manager Lenz who shared her background that included former
fellow for the City of Edina. She outlined her scope of responsibility and said she looked forward to working
in the community.
V. COMMUNITY COMMENT
David Frenkel, 4510 Lakeview Drive, shared about a recent home invasion and the lack of communication
from the City regarding this crime. He said the community was upset about what had occurred and
encouraged the City to implement a text alert system to nearby neighborhoods when an incident occurred.
He spoke about the need for community policing and played audio from another city that had active
community policing.
Sarah Radermacher, 6200 block Concord Avenue, spoke about the negative impacts of the Concord B&C
project to the neighborhoods. She shared concerns about the proposed sidewalk and shared-used path and
how neighbors were not aware of changes and felt they would not work. She shared confusion about the
impact to trees and high assessment amounts and encouraged a meeting be scheduled so the City could
complete its due diligence and share new plans to support integrity of the new project.
Rebecca Remick, 5027 Wooddale Lane, shared concerns about the City’s tree ordinance impacts and costs
for tree removal held in escrow until a certificate of occupancy was received and then further held in escrow
for three years. She said the amount of escrow was excessive then shared concerns with tree growth cycles
and how to address trees that did not meet the requirements as property ownership changes.
Margaret Klimish, 5828 Fairfax Avenue, said they were in the process of building with City Homes and were
surprised about the new tree ordinance and costs resulting in $19,000 in escrow. She said they were lucky
their front yard tree was only 35 feet tall and could be spade but to have it relocated was cost prohibitive
and she hoped the City understood the burden this ordinance placed on property owners.
Joe Grunnet, 6620 Dakota Trail, said he understood the spirit of the tree preservation ordinance but felt it
had gone too far. He shared they had purchased a wooded lot and how the number of trees was not included
in the scenario and was geared more towards tear down properties.
Agenda Item VII.A
Minutes/Edina City Council/February 6, 2024
Page 2
Andy Churnbill, 5437 Halifax Lane, shared comments regarding the tree ordinance and the need for a more
intelligent program that rewarded saving or planting trees then punitive as the upfront fee to remove trees
was excessive.
Holly Gillis, 6630 Dakota Trail, shared concerns about the tree preservation ordinance and its impact on
their wooded lot. She said the City was currently holding $100,000 in escrow as they constructed their
home due to the ordinance then shared difficulties in meeting ordinance requirements as the tree sizes were
not standard in nurseries and that procurement was not feasible. She said they cared about the environment
and wanted to follow the ordinance but said the amount of stress the ordinance had created was substantial.
Jim Evans, 6232 Concord Avenue, commented about the Concord B&C reconstruction plans and how they
were not aware of the entire project and changes regarding a shared bike path and sidewalk in the area. He
shared concerns about the oak tree damage as part of the construction and felt it was unnecessary as the
area was infrequently traveled and safe already.
Ryan Radermacher, 6200 block of Concord, spoke about the negative impacts from the Concord B&C
reconstruction project that included aesthetics, safety of shared use path, ongoing maintenance costs and
hardships not being equitable to all residents within the project area, inconsistencies with local guidelines,
and not sufficient clearance project. He spoke about cost increases for maintenance and suggested it could
be done with the snowplow route. He also described how an 8’ path was feasible along Wooddale based on
current drawings, as shown to the council.
Pam Allen, 6105 Eden Prairie Road, referred to recent interest for a pizza restaurant on the former Keys
site and said if allowed to open and failed the neighborhood would have a vacant building. She spoke about
justifying repeated proposals for this outdated zoning as it was not appropriate for the neighborhood and
should be changed consistent with the comprehensive plan.
Johnny McWhite, 16 Woodland Road, shared concerns with the tree preservation ordinance which he felt
was too overreaching and negatively impacted residents due to the costs.
Matthew Pepper, 6004 Eden Prairie Road, said he felt residential zoning was the right solution for the former
Keys site and encouraged the Council to rezone the property. He spoke about the proposal for Green
Drop which did not meet Council requirements but took up staff resources to review and that the site
should be rezoned to residential.
Dave Remick, 5027 Wooddale Lane, spoke against the tree ordinance and the requirements for cash or a
letter of credit but noted that was not really an option as staff only accepted cash in escrow. He asked
where the interest goes for these funds and if they were comingled which could be a concern.
Ben Ganje, 5424 Oaklawn Avenue, spoke against the tree ordinance that needs better framework to navigate
and said the compliance portion needs to be much easier and include a cap. He spoke about impacts to
long-term resale value and impacts to future growth.
Nate Wissink, 4235 Grimes Avenue, said his firm has built many homes in the City and currently had several
projects in progress and when buyers discover the cost burden of the tree ordinance it was not welcoming
or foster community.
Molly Evans, 6232 Concord Avenue, noted the irony of tearing trees down for a shared use path that
residents did not want against the purpose of the City’s tree ordinance.
V.A. CITY MANAGER’S RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY COMMENTS
City Manager Neal said there were no Community Comments from the last meeting.
Minutes/Edina City Council/February 6, 2024
Page 3
Communications Director Bennerotte shared staff’s plan to better create areas of opportunity around
frustrations to response time from Community Comments by posting responses online no later than the
Friday after the meeting.
VI. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED AS AMENDED
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, approving the consent agenda
as amended removing VI.G., Cooperative Agreement for Fred Richards Park Access Road
Stormwater, as follows:
VI.A. Approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 16, 2024
VI.B. Approve Claims for Payment for Check Register Pre-List Dated January 1, 2024,
totaling $1,738,780.64, Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated January 19, 2024, totaling
$902,104.62, and Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated January 26, 2024 totaling
$1,317,702.13
VI.C. Adopt Ordinance No. 2024-01; Setting Morningside Water Rates
VI.D. Request for Purchase; Design Services for 2024 Retaining Wall Replacement, awarding
the bid to the recommended low bidder, Gale-Tec Engineering, Inc., $22,300
VI.E. Approve Energy and Environment Commission Work Plan Modification
VI.F. Approve Encroachment Agreement with 4917 E. Sunnyslope Road
VI.G. Cooperative Agreement for Fred Richards Park Access Road Stormwater
VI.H. Request for Purchase; Change Order for ENG 22-5 Morningside Flood Infrastructure,
Phase 2, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Rachel Contracting, LLC,
$720,176.34
VI.I. Request for Purchase; Radar Vehicle Detection System, awarding the bid to the
recommended low bidder, Mid-American Signal, $25,669
VI.J. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-11; Approving Memorandum of Understanding Between
Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the City
VI.K. Request for Purchase; Change Order for Well No. 10 Preliminary Study, awarding the
bid to the recommended low bidder, Bolton and Menk Inc., $79,600
VI.L. Request for Purchase; 2024 Residential Tree Sale, awarding the bid to the
recommended low bidder, Tree Trust, $87,759
VI.M. Request for Purchase; Placer Subscription, awarding the bid to the recommended low
bidder, Placer Labs, $20,948
VI.N. Request for Purchase; SeeClickFix Annual Software Renewal, awarding the bid to the
recommended low bidder, CivicPlus LLC, $23,289
VI.O. Request for Purchase; Edina Liquor Professional Services for Leadership Development
Training, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Distruptify LLC, $45,000
VI.P. Approve Bia Event Response Plan
VI.Q. Request for Purchase; I-494 Corridor Commission Annual Membership Dues for 2024,
awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, $31,347,84
VI.R. Approve Out-of-State Travel for Mayor Hovland
VI.S. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-12; Appointing Election Judges for the March 5 Presidential
Nomination Primary Election
VI.T. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-14; Signatory Resolution Authorizing Assistant City
Manager
VI.U. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-15; Authorizing Facsimile Signatures by Public Officials
Rollcall:
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
VI.G. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR FRED RICHARDS PARK ACCESS ROAD STORMWATER
– APPROVED
Agenda Item VII.A
Minutes/Edina City Council/February 6, 2024
Page 4
The Council shared concerns in the agreement regarding right-of-way owned by a different property owner
than Solhem Companies and the resulting concerns that could cause.
Director of Engineering Millner explained the ownership and stormwater management of the access road
and said the easement had been signed and the property owners were filing the document today. He spoke
about how the developer tried to permit the two sites together which was not successful and how they will
address stormwater access issues. He said the City will address stormwater once construction begins which
was the purpose of the agreement then added the developer will construct the road while the City mitigates
the stormwater permits in the future.
City Attorney Kendall explained why Hillcrest was not a party to the cooperative agreement because it was
for stormwater mitigation only. He said the separate easement was executed but not recorded but was
currently in process and that this agreement was not for access but stormwater only and that he was
comfortable with the document as proposed.
The Council asked questions and provided feedback.
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew to approve cooperative
agreement with 4620 LLC, for Fred Richards Park access road stormwater.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file.
VII.A. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-10 APPROVING PROPOSED APPLICATION FOR 2024 URBAN
HENNEPIN COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM
FUNDS AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF SUBGRANTEE AGREEMENT –
CONTINUED TO FEBRUARY 20, 2024
Affordable Housing Development Manager Hawkinson shared a staff report stating the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program was a federal entitlement program administered by the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and managed by Hennepin County to oversee the
distribution of funds to cities. The funds were to be used for improvements of housing and provide a suitable
living environment for persons with low and moderate incomes. She said Edina’s estimated 2024 CDBG
budget allotment was $153,828, which was the same as 2023. The amount allocated was based on the 2023
Appropriations Act and the American Community Survey. When HUD established the 2024 CDBG budget
later this spring, Edina would be notified of any changes to its allotment. If a change in the budget occurred,
the amount would be adjusted accordingly. Of the $153,828 total allocation, 15% ($23,074) was set aside
for Public Services, which was administered by Hennepin County, and $130,754 was available for the
Community Development portion of the CDBG allocation, which was approved by the Council.
Brendo Lano-Wolke, Homes Within Reach, said they appreciated the partnership with the City and had a
long list of people who wished to live in Edina then shared more about how funds were obtained and
requirements for use and standards of rehab. She said they always reviewed health, safety and energy
efficiency that included lead base paint and asbestos review as well as an energy efficiency study that included
a HERZ rating. She spoke more about community line trust model that took title of the land then reviewed
their requirements as residents had to obtain their own mortgages then lease the land to the homeowners,
then noted all had the rights and responsibilities of home ownership and how Homes Within Reach retained
right of first refusal in the event of a concern. She said without this program people would rent instead of
own which was very important.
The Council asked questions and provided feedback.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 8:26 p.m.
Minutes/Edina City Council/February 6, 2024
Page 5
Public Testimony
None.
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to close the public hearing on
February 11, 2024 and continue consideration of Resolution 2023-10 approving the proposed
allocation of 2024 Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Program Funds and authorizing execution of Subgrantee Agreement, to the February 20, 2024
City Council Meeting.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
VIII.A. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-13; ACCEPTING DONATIONS – ADOPTED
Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2024-13, accepting
donations. Seconded by Member Agnew.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.B. REQUEST FOR PURCHASE: FIRE STATION 2 CONSTRUCTION -– APPROVED
Project Manager Marquez shared staff requested approval of $24,143,126 worth of contracts to construct
the new Fire Station 2 at 4401 76th St W. She said this action constituted a net $1,268,815 or 5.5%
construction budget increase from the June 2023 approval and that while staff would work to manage soft
costs down towards the 2023 budget a bond authorization increase, and thus, levy increase was
expected. She shared the project background based on the June 2023 budget increase for preliminary design
for the “better” option then shared schedule milestones and the need to award contracts this evening to
retain that schedule and CIP bond public hearing for construction in spring 2024 and completion in August
2025. Ms. Marquez outlined the project budget progression in detail that totaled $47.3 million then outlined
the budget shortfall and ways to address then reviewed the potential cost reduction ideas reviewed but not
recommended at this time.
The Council asked questions and provided feedback.
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to approve the request for
purchase for Fire Station 2 construction, awarding approval of contracts to construction the
new Fire Station 2 at 4401 76th Street W in the amount of $24,143,126, grant the budget
increase as outlined to cover the $1,268,815 budget shortfall, and allow staff to manage soft
costs down towards the 2023 budget.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.C. SKETCH PLAN FOR 7235 FRANCE AVENUE – REVIEWED
Community Development Director Teague shared Enclave Companies had submitted a revised sketch plan
proposal for redevelopment of the Macy’s Furniture store site at 7235 France Avenue. The plan layout and
proposed uses were generally consistent with the original sketch plan. The plans divide the site into four
parcels as recommended in the Southdale Design Experience Guidelines. Revisions had been made to
incorporate feedback from the Planning Commission and City Council during last year’s sketch plan review
and accommodate either a bridge over France Avenue or an underpass to connect this development to the
redevelopment project at 7200 & 7250 France Avenue. The width of the public space on the south side of
the site had also been increased. These sketch plans were not as detailed as the previous sketch plan but it
was worth noting the applicant did plan to step the buildings back from the promenade as shown originally
and would follow the street room typologies in the Southdale Design Experience Guidelines.
Agenda Item VII.A
Minutes/Edina City Council/February 6, 2024
Page 6
Economic Development Manager Neuendorf reviewed the proposal further and staff’s work to ensure the
public interest that resulted in contracting with Mike Fischer from LHB to work with the design team on
behalf of the City with the goal of making a dramatic impact for the community.
Mike Fischer, LHB, said this was a great opportunity for development to occur on two sides of the street
and the importance of identifying ways to cross France Avenue and have this work in conjunction with
private development. He outlined work to accomplish these goals which were occurring in different timelines
and said he appreciated the collaboration to date.
Patrick Brama, Enclave Development, shared the updated site plan that included expanded width of the
regional trail and acknowledged the developer’s plans to expand the width to 15 feet or as directed by City.
He shared plans to incorporate a restaurant pad and how they would work with the market to understand
and make this successful for a mixed-use component. He spoke about their work to create inviting
pedestrian spaces and said the northwest building with the required 900-foot setback and potential changes
which included dropping the building to 8-9 stories then reviewed the adjusted site plan to accommodate
multiple future France Avenue pedestrian connection strategies.
Nate, Enger, ESG, spoke about adjacencies and connectivity and how the changes aligned the west side with
the properties across the street and the importance of encouraging active use, walk up porches and
balconies, and development landscaping. He shared about the confluence and activity happening at the
promenade and how this would be a great activation node. He spoke about the lobby and amenity spaces
for campus buildings and how all parking would occur at the first level and below grade. Mr. Enger shared
about the medical office space planned which would have an office lobby and some retail use and their
commitment to the internal promenade for the vitality of the overall community then shared about the
parking demand ratios with residential versus other uses and how they could discuss height more if needed.
He noted the parking podium could possibly decrease in the number of stories but highly depended on
metrics.
The Council asked questions and provided feedback.
IX. COMMISSION CORRESPONDENCE (MINUTES AND ADVISORY COMMUNICATION) –
Received
IX.A. MINUTES: COMMUNITY HEALTH COMMISSION, SEPTEMBER 11, OCTOBER 9, AND
NOVEMBER 13, 2023
IX.B. MINUTES: ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION, DECEMBER 14, 2023
IX.C. MINUTES: TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, DECEMBER 21, 2023
X. MANAGER’S COMMENTS – Received
X.A. PREP MEMO FEBRUARY 6, 2024
XI. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS – Received
XII. ADJOURNMENT
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to adjourn the meeting at
10:19 p.m.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Allison, City Clerk
Sharon Allison (Feb 22, 2024 14:14 CST)
Minutes/Edina City Council/February 6, 2024
Page 7
Minutes approved by Edina City Council, February 20, 2024.
James B. Hovland, Mayor
Video Copy of the February 6, 2024, meeting available.