HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-12-03 City Council Meeting MinutesMINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT CITY HALL
DECEMBER 3, 2024
7:00 P.M.
1.0 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
2.0 ROLLCALL
Answering rollcall were Members Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, and Hovland.
3.0 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.0 MEETING AGENDA — APPROVED
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, approving the meeting agenda.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
5.0 COMMUNITY COMMENT
Nora Davis, 6921 Southdale Road, stated that she received a concerning email from her neighbor regarding
a fire alarm that went off for 20 minutes the other night at 4040 Southdale Road and hearing shouting and
banging. She is concerned that there is nobody there overnight for safety purposes. She recommended that
a volunteer security squad be there at night.
Janey Weston, 6136 Brookview Avenue, stated her thoughts regarding how the TIF district procedure is
handled in the City and thinks that things are going about in the wrong order.
5. I. CITY MANAGER'S RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY COMMENTS
City Manager Neal responded to Community Comments from current and past meetings.
6.0 CONSENT AGENDA — ADOPTED
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, approving the consent agenda
as revised to remove Item 6.3, Ordinance No. 2024-12, Amending Chapter 2 of the City Code,
Setting Fees for 2025, as follows:
6.1. Approve regular and work session meeting minutes of November 19, 2024, and Canvass
minutes of November 14, 2024
6.2. Approve Claims for Payment for Check Register Pre-List Dated November 15, 2024,
totaling $2,861,634.16, Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated November 22, 2024,
totaling $1,920,000.00, and Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated November 22, 2024,
totaling $3,106,117.03, and Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated October 31, 2024,
totaling $5,180.87
6.3.
6.4. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-112, Adoption of the 2024 Hennepin County All Hazards
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
6.5. Request for Purchase, Centennial Lakes Park Wayfinding Signage Phase I, awarding
the bid to the recommended low bidder, Archetype at $122,000
6.6. Waive Permit Fees for Centennial Lakes Park Wayfinding Signage Phase 1
6.7. Request for Purchase, Braemar Park Site Improvements Phase 3, awarding the bid to
the recommended low bidder, Upper Midwest Athletic Construction at $40,766
6.8. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-104, Setting Parks & Recreation Fees for 2025
6.9. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-105, Approving Grant Application for Metropolitan Council
Environmental Services 2025 Private Property Inflow and Infiltration Grant Program
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Minutes/Edina City Council/December 3, 2024
6.10. Request for Purchase, Professional Services for France Avenue Sidewalk Phase 3 from
60th Street to 62nd Street, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Bolton
Menk at $65,133
6.11. Approve 2025 Days of Significance
6.12. Approve 2025 Proposed Commission Work Plans
6.13. Approve Ordinance No. 2024-11, amending City Code Chapter 2 Removing Human
Rights & Relations Commission; Approve Human Rights and Engagement Task Force
6.14. Human Services Task Force 2025 Funding Recommendation
6.15. Summary Publication for Ordinance No. 2024-06, Heritage Preservation Commission
and Edina Heritage Landmarks and Country Club Plan of Treatment
6.16. Summary Publication for Ordinance No. 2024-07, Adding Planned Unit Development-
25 at 7235 France Avenue
6.17. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-113, Authorizing Cannabis and Substance Use Prevention
Grant Project Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Health
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
6.3. ORDINANCE NO. 2024-12, AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE CITY CODE, SETTING FEES
FOR 2025 — FIRST READING GRANTED
The Council expressed concerns regarding Chapter 28 for Utilities and whether there should be additional
tiers for commercial irrigation accounts. There have been concerns raised by residents that they end up
paying a bigger share proportionately compared to what commercial users may pay.
Assistant City Manager Lenz updated that staff intends to do a rate study for commercial customers, the
rates being set are based on the 2023 Rate Study.
The Council considered adding a discussion of these rates as a work item for the retreat in the Spring. The
Council asked if there is anything that can be done this year. Finance Director Thao stated that with utility
rate studies they take into consideration the infrastructure and capital needs of the different utilities.
Member Jackson made a motion to grant First Reading to Ordinance No. 2024-12, amending
City Code Chapter 2, Section 2-724 Schedule A, Setting Fees for 2025. Member Pierce seconded
the motion.
Ayes: Jackson, Pierce, Hovland
Nays: Agnew, Risser
Motion carried.
7.0 SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
7.1. RECOGNIZE THE EDINA HIGH SCHOOL BOOY CROSS COUNTRY TEAM —
RECOGNIZED
Mayor Hovland recognized the Boys Cross Country Team for their State Championship.
Assistant Coach Tom Gatyas expressed how proud he is of the team and the seniors on the team who have
been such hard workers. The Boys Cross Country Team introduced themselves as follows:
Ray Anderson, Ben Boudewyns, Zach Danielson, Jace Haerter, Issak Koivula-Schadow, Rocco Hawthorne,
Kevin Nybeck, Sander Ohe, and Torger Ohe.
7.2. 2024 TOM OYE AWARD — PRESENTED
DEI Manager Brooks presented a video recognizing Southview Middle School and its partnership with Special
Olympics Minnesota for Edina Unified.
Human Rights & Relations Commissioner Stringer-Moore welcomed Southview Middle School teachers
Jennie Schaefer, Rachel Knaeble, and Whitney Brauchla and presented them with the 2024 Tom Oye Award.
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8.0 PUBLIC HEARINGS HELD — Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file.
8.1. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-114, APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS BY THE
CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS AND THE HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF
THE CITY OF SAINT PAUL, ACTING JOINTLY, ON BEHALF OF CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE
— ADOPTED
It was noted that Member Risser recused herself as a relative was employed by Children's Healthcare.
Finance Director Thao presented information regarding the issuance of revenue bonds. Finance Director
Thao stated that there is a Children's Healthcare Business office in the City of Edina and noted that taking
this action results in no risk to the City, the Council must just give host approval.
Chief Financial Officer McCormick gave background information regarding what the project entails.
The Council asked questions regarding what utilities are involved in serving a server center and what the
term "host approval" means.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 7:42 p.m.
Public Testimony
Francois Budin, 7217 Oaklawn Avenue, addressed the Council.
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to close the public hearing.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Hovland
Abstain: Risser
Motion carried.
Member Agnew introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2024-114, approving the
Issuance of Revenue Bonds by the City of Minneapolis and the Housing and Redevelopment
Authority of the City of Saint Paul, acting jointly, on behalf of Children's Healthcare. Member
Jackson seconded the motion.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Hovland
Abstain: Risser
Motion carried.
8.2. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-107 & 2024-108, COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT,
REZONING AND SITE PLAN WITH VARIANCES FOR 6016 VERNON AVENUE —
CONTINUED TO DECEMBER 17, 2024
Community Development Director Teague presented the Comprehensive Plan Amendment for this site,
the existing building, the zoning map, and the proposal to remodel the site into Station Pizzeria Edina.
The Council asked questions regarding rezoning to PCD- I and Section 36-216, the change in use negatively
impacting sewer capacity, the change from take-out only to including indoor seating, and challenges with
getting 4 units on this site.
Community Development Director Teague stated that the project does not comply with the City Code as
it stands, so the developers are requesting variances to come into compliance. He stated that these variances
would only be applied to this particular site, if approved. Community Development Director Teague also
discussed buildable areas and what variances would be needed for things like rooftop dining.
The Council expressed concerns about ensuring compliance with the City Code as the project moves
forward and the number of variances that have been granted for sites like this in the past.
City Attorney Kendall stated that the project does not border two City streets but rather one City street
and one County road.
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Minutes/Edina City Council/December 3, 2024
City Engineer Millner stated that the change from automotive to restaurant would slightly change water use
but would be minimal and not impact flows downstream.
Community Development Director Teague discussed the Planning Commission's desire to push back the
sidewalk from Vernon Avenue to create more green space.
The Council asked questions about what alternative uses could be used at this site with a change of zoning
to PCD-I if the Pizza shop does not work out in the future and the site is sold.
Community Development Director Teague stated that retail uses, office space, and barber shops would be
allowed uses for PCD- I zoning.
The Council asked if the Edina Housing & Redevelopment Authority could write a First Refusal if this was
approved to have the opportunity for the City to purchase this property. City Attorney Kendall stated that
he is unsure how the HRA could be involved in the purchasing of this property. He stated the City could
make an offer to the current owners if they decided they wanted to purchase the property.
Traffic Engineer Terhaar stated that he does not see any issues with the access points and the left turns. He
stated they looked at turn movement data on Vernon Avenue to determine traffic analysis and what traffic
the restaurant will generate at the peak hours of service.
Jesse Hamer, Architect at Momentum Design Group, gave background on the project, details of how they
landed on their site plan, and insight on parking spaces.
Jake Schaffer, property owner, gave clarification on the configuration of the party room.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 8:3 I p.m.
Public Testimony
Tony Kamp, 6036 Berne Circle, addressed the Council.
Bill Katter, 5508 Knoll Drive, addressed the Council.
Janey Weston, 6136 Brookview Avenue, addressed the Council.
Don Kasbohm, 6128 Hansen Road, addressed the Council.
Samuel Reid, 6012 Eden Prairie Road, addressed the Council.
Jeff Knapp, 6005 Eden Prairie Road, addressed the Council.
Pam Allen, 6105 Eden Prairie Road, #15, addressed the Council.
Megan Stone, 6008 Kaymar Drive, addressed the Council.
Matthew Pepper, 6004 Eden Prairie Road, addressed the Council.
Bob Slaney, 6228 Knoll Drive, addressed the Council.
Tracy Pepper, 6004 Eden Prairie Road, addressed the Council.
James Allen, 6105 Eden Prairie Road, #I5, addressed the Council.
Sedona Timm, 6004 Eden Prairie Road, addressed the Council.
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Minutes/Edina City Council/December 3. 2024
John Wellborn, 6008 Eden Prairie Road, addressed the Council.
Barbara Bender, 6105 Eden Prairie Road, #36, addressed the Council.
Entienne Laubignat, 6028 Kaymar Drive, addressed the Council.
Mary Kenealy-Bredice, 6020 Kaymar Drive, addressed the Council.
Lee Azar, 5608 Highwood Drive, addressed the Council.
Mary Melander, 6105 Eden Prairie Road, #35, addressed the Council.
Karen Rulifson, 5604 Heather Lane, addressed the Council.
Marcia Miller, 6105 Eden Prairie Road, #16, addressed the Council.
Joan Johnson, 6105 Eden Prairie Road, #I3, addressed the Council.
Tom Kohlbry, 6004 Kaymar Drive, addressed the Council.
Maureen Lannan, 6105 Eden Prairie Road, #14, addressed the Council.
Francois Budin, 7217 Oaklawn Avenue, addressed the Council.
Robert Melander, 6105 Eden Prairie Road, #35, addressed the Council.
Darlene Munson, 6005 Eden Prairie Road, #210, addressed the Council.
Brad Fox, 6101 Kaymar Drive, addressed the Council.
The Council asked questions of staff regarding what levers are in place to manage the number of seats at a
property, the potential to lower the speed limit on Vernon Avenue, the process to enable permit parking,
and requiring a contamination study.
Community Development Director Teague stated a contamination study was completed on the site.
City Engineer Millner stated that if parking became a problem, they would bring the issue to the Traffic Safety
Committee first to consider what changes could be made before considering permit parking.
The Council asked questions of the property owner regarding operating hours, and capacity at their
Minnetonka location. The Council also asked questions regarding whether the granting of variances has a
precedential value from one project to another and traffic flow on the property.
City Attorney Kendall stated that granting variances on one parcel does not set a precedent for granting a
variance on another parcel.
Member Pierce made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to close the in-person public
hearing, keep public comment open until Sunday, December 8, 2024, at noon and continue
action to consider approval of Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Rezoning and Site Plan with
Variances for 6016 Vernon Avenue, to the December 17, 2024, City Council meeting.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
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Minutes/Edina City Council/December 3. 2024
8.3. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-110, SETTING 2025 TAX LEVY AND ADOPTING OPERATING
BUDGET, APPROVE 2025-2030 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN — CONTINUED TO
DECEMBER 17, 2024
City Manager Neal introduced the biennial budget process and proposal. City Manager Neal noted that this
budget also makes an investment in people, including adding 3 full-time positions at the Police Department,
6 to the Fire Department, and I to the Parks & Recreation Department.
Finance Director Thao presented background information on the budget, including the biennial budget
process, 2025 Tax Levy, priorities received from Council Retreat, criteria review, Capital Improvement Plan
Story Map, how taxation works, taxation process, residential tax calculations — non-homestead, 2025
General Fund, subtotals by department, budgeted FTE, 2025-2030 CIP by categories and funding sources,
projection of CIP, bonding, debt service discussion, Financial Management Plan projections, breakdown on
levy increase, possible reductions & impact on out year projected levy, estimated market value in Edina,
historical tax capacity, 2025 estimated levy impact, property tax history, and 2025 estimated levy impacts.
Finance Director Thao discussed details of possible reductions, including a zoning code update, delay of
design of cold storage site, delay of Lewis Park to a future year, delay of hiring Paramedic Firefighters to
January 2026, and a I% General Fund service reduction.
The Council asked questions regarding where a budget surplus goes and details of the 1% General Fund
service reduction and capital equipment reduction.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at I 0:44 p.m.
Public Testimony
Liz Ross, 4500 Browndale Avenue, addressed the Council.
Janey Weston, 6I 36 Brookview Avenue, addressed the Council.
Nora Davis, 6921 Southdale Road, addressed the Council.
Jesse Dovich, 4805 E. Sunnyslope Road, addressed the Council.
Dave Frenkel, 4510 Lakeview Drive, addressed the Council.
Gordon Stott, 45 I 6 Wooddale Avenue, addressed the Council.
Carissa Palm, 5004 Arden Avenue, addressed the Council.
Member Pierce made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, to close the public hearing.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
The Council asked questions regarding the assessment process.
City Assessor Shelagh Stoerzinger stated that formulas used to calculate taxes are not just based on the
evaluation of a property but also on a classification rate.
The Council discussed looking at their expenses and trying to understand those costs to determine how
they can optimize them. The Council expressed a desire to do more work earlier in the year to find different
options to cut costs rather than waiting until September each year.
The Council asked questions regarding the Progress Portal and how it can be accessed by residents.
Assistant City Manager Lenz discussed the Progress Portal that gives updates on all the projects from a work
plan perspective.
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Minutes/Edina City Council/December 3. 2024
The Council expressed appreciation for their own Edina dispatch, which is able to provide exceptional care
compared to Hennepin County dispatch, and concerns regarding not cutting costs in this area. The Council
discussed finding a balance in expenses and making informed decisions about what should and should not be
cut.
The Council asked if more burden was placed on Edina taxpayers due to the failure in getting the bonding
bill from the legislature. City Engineer Millner updated that staff will have to find a way to fund the
interchange, so if Edina does not get the State bonding, then the City will use the Municipal State Aid (MSA)
funds.
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to postpone approval of
Resolution No. 2024-110, setting the 2025 Tax Levy and adopting the 2025 Operating Budget,
and approving the 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Plan to the December 17, 2024 City
Council Meeting.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
9.0 REPORTS / RECOMMENDATIONS
9.1. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-111 ACCEPTING DONATIONS — ADOPTED
Mayor Hovland explained that in order to comply with State Statutes; all donations to the City must be
adopted by Resolution and approved by four favorable votes of the Council accepting the donations.
Member Agnew introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2024-111 accepting various
grants and donations. Member Pierce seconded the motion.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
9.2. 2025 EDINA HISTORICAL SOCIETY SERVICE AGREEMENT — CONTINUED TO
DECEMBER 17, 2024
Member Pierce made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to postpone approval of the
2025 Edina Historical Society Service Agreement to the December 17, 2024 City Council
Meeting.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
9.3. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-99, APPROVE SITE PLAN WITH PARKING VARIANCES FOR 3400
EDINBOROUGH WAY APARTMENT CONVERSION — ADOPTED
Community Development Director Teague gave a brief overview of the project and details of the applicant's
request to approve the site plan with parking variances to have no enclosed parking.
The Council asked questions regarding whether the use of hedges and bushes around the parking lot would
result in a higher safety concern. Police Chief Milburn stated that he does not have any concerns regarding
the placement of hedges/bushes around the parking lot.
Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2024-99, approving the
Site Plan with Parking Variances for 3400 Edinborough Way. Member Pierce seconded the motion.
Ayes: Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Abstain: Agnew
Motion carried.
10.0 COMMISSION CORRESPONDENCE (MINUTES AND ADVISORY COMMUNICATION) —
Received
10.1. MINUTES: ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024
10.2. MINUTES: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, OCTOBER 8, 2024
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Minutes/Edina City Council/December 3. 2024
11.0 MANAGER'S COMMENTS — Received
12.0 MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS — Received
Minutes approved by Edina City Council, December 17, 2024.
Video Copy of the December 3, 2024, meeting available.
Ca 011
Pr lerk Sharon
4i111L—
oviand, Mayor
Respectfully submitted,
ames B.
13.0 ADJOURNMENT
Member Pierce made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, to adjourn the meeting at 11:57
p.m.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
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