HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-04-01 Work Session Meeting MinutesPage 1
MINUTES
OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
COMMUNITY ROOM, CITY HALL
TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2025
5:30 P.M.
1.0 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 5:32 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; Chad Millner, Engineering
Director; Zoe Johnson, City Management Fellow; Jennifer Bennerotte, Communications Director; Shelagh
Stoerzinger, City Assessor; Pa Thao, Finance Director; Emily Darlymple, Assistant City Planner; Jake Miller,
IT Specialist; and Sharon Allison, City Clerk.
Others in attendance: David Hough and Dan Rogan, Hennepin County
3.1 VERNON AVE & HIGHWAY 100 INTERCHANGES PROJECT UPDATE
Engineering Director Millner provided an update on the Vernon Avenue and Highway 100 Interchanges
Project. The City and Hennepin County are partnering to consolidate their efforts, with the County
replacing the Vernon Avenue bridge and the City enhancing the surrounding area. Though railroad
approval delays impacted the schedule, those approvals are now secured. The project bid approval is set
for April 16, with construction starting shortly after and completion by November 15, 2025.
Millner reviewed planned road closures and detours, noting that improved signage is being addressed in
response to past feedback. The project will have three major traffic-impacting phases and includes a
robust communications plan to keep residents, businesses, schools, and the 50th & France district
informed. Communications efforts have already been underway.
Funding includes shared costs between the City and County, with MnDOT providing in-kind services.
Millner has also testified in support of a $5.3 million state bonding request. When asked about tax
increment financing, he said he would follow up with City staff.
3.2 ASSESSING SERVICES DIVISION
City Manager Neal briefed the Council on a directive to explore a potential transfer of the City's
assessing services to Hennepin County, to cut costs and potentially reduce property tax levy. Neal said
the County has offered free assessing services to cities since 2025 and this prompted discussions among
the eight largest cities, with Edina and Maple Grove showing an interest. A response is needed by May 1
for the County’s budget planning.
Council asked about the financial implications, with concerns about whether this would save money or
just shift costs to the County.
County Administrator Hough and Assistant Administrator Rogan shared the County could manage the
workload with fewer staff and would work to recruit and retain Edina's current employees where
possible. Hough confirmed the City would retain its Board and the County would handle legal defense.
Minutes/Edina City Council Work Session/April 1, 2025
Page 2
City Assessor Stoerzinger spoke about the exceptional in-person service currently provided highlighting
a case where staff helped elderly residents navigate the County’s online systems. She shared the City
would lose the personal touch and that the transition would not be simple, estimating 3–5 years for full
adaptation. She spoke about Edina’s older population and large volume of tax petitions and that Edina
would not receive the same service from the County.
Other Council concerns included service continuity, customer service, and resident experience, and the
idea of conducting a resident survey before deciding. Council requested more information, and examples
of how resident needs would be met under County management. Hough offered to provide additional
information, including an FAQ and Plymouth's experience when they transitioned seven years ago.
Neal confirmed no agreement would proceed without Council approval. Hough emphasized the
voluntary nature of the offer and reiterated their support for cities where the model fits well.
4.0 ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hovland adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Allison, City Clerk
Minutes approved by Edina City Council, April 16, 2025.
James B. Hovland, Mayor
Audio copy of the work session available.
Sharon Allison (Apr 17, 2025 10:24 CDT)