HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-18 Work Session Meeting MinutesPage 1
MINUTES
OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
COMMUNITY ROOM, CITY HALL
TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2025
5:30 P.M.
1.0 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
2.0 Roll Call
Answering rollcall were Members Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, and Mayor Hovland.
Staff in attendance: Scott Neal, City Manager; Ari Lenz, Assistant City Manager; Perry Vetter, Parks &
Recreation Director; Tom Swenson, Assistant Director of Parks & Natural Resources; Rachel Finberg,
Park Planner; Zoe Johnson, City Management Fellow; Jennifer Bennerotte, Communications Director;
Chad Millner, Engineering Director; David Yanagisawa., IT Specialist; and Sharon Allison, City Clerk.
3.1 PARK PLANNING AND PROJECT UPDATES: FRED RICHARDS PARK MASTER PLAN AND
BRAEMAR PARK MASTER PLAN
Director Vetter introduced the topics and reminded Council that the current master plans have evolved
with the implementation of the local option sales tax approval. Planner Finberg shared the importance of
community engagement and the timeline of project processes.
Staff provided an update on Braemar Arena that included selection of a project architect; the wants and
needs of the arena; food and beverage analysis; possible LEED certification that would involve converting
equipment to electric power but raises concerns with electrical instability in the area; and alternate
design considerations. Council and staff discussed: staggering and alternative power sources; exterior
designs elements; enclosing the outdoor rink; how to preserve the Hornet’s Nest and allow for more
events to happen simultaneously; possible food and beverage options; and comparisons to other ice
rinks in the nation to see what design elements could enhance the new designs.
Staff provided an update on Braemar Park that included restoration of native plants and elimination of
buckthorn; Hilary Lane road reconstruction; trail system partnership with Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists
(MORC); the implementation of a southern trail connection to minimize environmental impacts and
sustainability; expansion of golf dome parking lot and options to include pickleball courts for use in the
summer months; and Courtney Fields improvements. Council asked about the possibility of a permanent
golf dome structure of which staff would consider options.
Staff provided an update on Fred Richards Park that included the project timeline; the major themes of
focus; highlights from 2017, 2023 and 2024; wetland bank updates; and facility improvements with the
next steps of hiring a construction manager to inform the neighboring communities. Council and staff
discussed property lines along the north side of the park; the multi-use of the great lawn; noise
mitigation from the pickleball courts; construction concerns; grant funding for shade structures; plans
for the food forest such as community classes and educational elements; strategies to balance nature
play with inclusive playground designs along with concerns regarding playground equipment that could
be harmful; and possible construction timing of fall 2025 to open in spring/summer of 2027.
4.0 ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hovland adjourned the meeting at 6:52 p.m.
Minutes/Edina City Council Work Session/March 18, 2025
Page 2
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Allison, City Clerk
Minutes approved by Edina City Council, April 1, 2025.
James B. Hovland, Mayor
Audio copy of the work session available.
Sharon Allison (Apr 2, 2025 12:34 CDT)