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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-15 City Council Meeting MinutesPage 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL HELD AT CITY HALL JULY 15, 2025 7:00 P.M. I.0 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 7:00 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 Nancy Grier, 5225 Grandview Square, stated that she has a petition from buildings 1, 2, and 3 with over 130 signatures for pedestrian safety. Ms. Grier described a dangerous situation she got into this morning regarding pedestrian safety and asked for a temporary speed bump. David McBride, 5225 Grandview Square, #410, stated that there is so much more traffic at the flashing pedestrian crossing. This morning, he was halfway across the crossing, and a truck did not even slow down and almost hit him. Jan Del Calzo, 5225 Grandview Square, #112, stated that the street light replacement project has become a problem because they have taken down all the lights, the locations of the new lights will not replace the original lights, and overall, they will be losing 10 lights. Emily Aviles, 4008 Grimes Avenue South, discussed the need for adequate staffing for Edina EMS in the Morningside neighborhood and her experience interacting with the Edina EMS at a neighbor's house. Ms. Aviles discussed the EMS response times to the Morningside neighborhood and asked for a plan to shorten EMS travel time while waiting for the new Fire Station construction. Ed Mathie, 4011 Kipling Avenue, stated he wants to echo the need for shorter EMS response times to the Morningside neighborhood. Mr. Mathie noted that the staffing for EMS must be considered based on the available funds that the City has. Joni Bennett, 4003 Lynn Avenue, stated that she believes that with the unallocated funds, public safety should be prioritized by adding more paramedic firefighters. Rose Beh, 5225 Grandview Square, #107, stated that she moved to Grandview Square because everything was centrally located and the streets and parks were lit up. Ms. Beh noted that many people in her area are out at night and is concerned about what will happen if the lights are not put back in. 5.1. 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 follows: Minutes/Edina City Council/July 15, 2025 Page 2 6.1. Approve regular and work session meeting minutes of June 17, 2025 6.2. Approve Claims for Payment for Check Register Pre-List Dated May 31, 2025, totaling $104,369.98, Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated June 13, 2025, totaling $962,084.32, Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated June 20, 2025, totaling $4,628,498.62, Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated June 27, 2025, totaling $5,686,489.85, Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated June 30, 2025, totaling $29,618.01, and Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated July 3, 2025, totaling $1,482,885.16 6.3. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-57 setting Public Hearing for Issuance of Bonds on Behalf of the Centurion Foundation, Inc. 6.4. Request for Purchase, Dispatch Staffing, Operations and Retention Study, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Matrix Consulting Group at $49,900 6.5. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-52, authorizing the Housing and Redevelopment Authority to Act on the City’s Behalf in negotiating the Sale and Development of Real Property Owned by the City 6.6. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-54, authorizing the Livable Communities Act Grant Funding for Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Update 6.7. Request for Purchase, Braemar Park Additional Design and Engineering Services, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Short Elliot Hendrickson at $133,365 6.8. Request for Purchase, Utley Tennis and Basketball Court Replacement, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Bituminous Roadways Inc. at $174,376.61 6.9. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-51, authorizing MPCA Stormwater Resilience Implementation Grant Agreement 6.10. Request for Purchase, Design Services 50th & France ADA Ramp-Lunds Parking Lot, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Short Elliot Hendrickson Inc. at $33,424 6.11. Request for Purchase, B100 Concrete Tank Slab, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, All Around Concrete at $35,600 6.12. Request for Purchase, Professional Services for York Pond Improvements, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Barr Engineering at $292,000 6.13. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-53, affirming the City’s Commitment to a Goal of Zero Traffic Deaths and Serious Injuries and Related Safety Action Plan Requirements 6.14. Traffic Safety Report of May 29, 2025 6.15. Temporary Liquor License for Normandale Lutheran Church Event Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 7.0 SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS 7.1. HENNEPIN COUNTY ATTORNEY MARY MORIARTY UPDATE – PRESENTED Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty presented a report including what happens before and after criminal cases get to the Hennepin County Attorney's Office (HCAO), cases received, common offense types, charging decisions, youth and adult diversion, why clearance matters, law enforcement data, youth auto theft early intervention initiative, promising signs for auto theft, domestic violence response, and gun violence. The Council asked what success means regarding diversions and how they communicate with local law enforcement. Hennepin County Attorney Moriarty stated that they are working to explore what success looks like, but not everyone is offered diversion. She stated that they try to communicate the best they can with local law enforcement. The Council asked how they can set a perception that criminals will be caught and punished. Hennepin County Attorney Moriarty stated that word gets around if people get caught, but it is hard for them to get caught if the case never makes it to the HCAO. 7.2. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-55: PROPOSED RESTRICTED DONATION FOR EXPANSION AND UPGRADES TO ROSLAND PARK AT MOOTY PICKLEBALL COURTS – ADOPTED Minutes/Edina City Council/July 15, 2025 Page 3 Parks & Recreation Director Vetter stated that this item is regarding a restricted donation for the expansion and upgrades to Rosland Park at Mooty Pickleball Courts. He noted that this donation would be for one project, completed in two phases of work to expand and improve the courts for pickleball. The result of this project would be to go from 5 dedicated pickleball courts and a less-than-ideal 4 pickleball/2 tennis combination overlay, to 10 dedicated high-end pickleball courts. The Council asked about the timeline and staff availability to complete this project. Mr. Vetter stated that this work would be contracted out and not done by the City staff. Bruce Mooty stated that when they selected this site, they did so based on noise, their courts are the most used in the City, and it is such a popular game. Paul Mooty thanked Bruce for his vision and leadership. Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2025-55, accepting the restricted donation for the expansion and upgrades to Rosland Park at Mooty Pickleball Courts by Mr. Bruce Mooty in conjunction with the John W. Mooty Foundation Trust, the Melvin R. Mooty & Sally R. Mooty Foundations, and the Mary Mooty Kileen & Tom Kileen Family Foundation. Member Agnew seconded the motion. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 7.3. REQUEST FOR PURCHASE: EXPANSION AND UPGRADES TO ROSLAND PARK AT MOOTY PICKLEBALL COURTS – APPROVED Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, approving request for purchase for the expansion and upgrades to Rosland Park at Mooty Pickleball Courts with Bituminous Roadways for $472,126.87. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 7.4. 2024 PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLIST SAFETY FUND REPORT – PRESENTED Transportation Planner Scipioni presented the annual Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Fund Report for 2024. He presented an overview of the PACS fund, 2024 expenditures, 2024 projects, and 2025 projects. The Council asked questions regarding the Rosland Park bridge design and the sidewalk on Interlachen Boulevard. Engineering Director Millner stated that they have been working with MnDOT to discuss cost estimates, stairs, etc., and will come back with an update when they have one. 8.0 PUBLIC HEARINGS HELD – Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file. 8.1. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-38, SUBDIVISION AND VARIANCES AT 316 MADISON AVENUE – CONTINUED TO AUGUST 6, 2025 Community Development Coordinator Lewis presented details of the request from Homes Within Reach to subdivide the property at 316 Madison Avenue into two lots. Mr. Lewis discussed the 4 proposals that would require approval. Mr. Lewis presented the lot area, width, and depth standards, variance criteria, and staff findings. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 8:44 p.m. Public Testimony Steve Brown, 5528 Halifax Avenue, addressed the Council. The Council asked for a summary of why this project will ensure affordable housing. Affordable Housing Development Manager Hawkinson stated that Homes Within Reach only does affordable housing. Minutes/Edina City Council/July 15, 2025 Page 4 Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to close the in-person public hearing, keep public comment open until Sunday, July 27, 2025, and continue action to consider approval of a subdivision and variances at 316 Madison Avenue, to the August 6, 2025, City Council meeting. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 8.2. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-56, VACATING RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENT AT 4015 INGLEWOOD AVENUE – ADOPTED Engineering Director Millner presented the existing easements on the property, utilities, and BetterTogether feedback. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 8:51 p.m. Public Testimony No one appeared to comment. Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to close the public hearing. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2025-56, vacating right-of- way easement at 4015 Inglewood Avenue. Member Pierce seconded the motion. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 9.0 REPORTS / RECOMMENDATIONS 9.1. PETITION FOR STOP SIGNS IN THE CHOWEN PARK NEIGHBORHOOD – RECEIVED Transportation Planner Scipioni presented information regarding reviewing the need for stop signs in this neighborhood. The Council gave feedback regarding support in moving forward to help deal with the lived experience of these community members and assessing standards. The Council asked questions regarding the prior requests for these stop signs, bringing back the next steps, applying a different standard than the State standard, and information regarding decreasing safety with the addition of stop signs. Engineering Director Millner stated that he is concerned about the stop signs not creating more safety. Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to receive the petition for stop signs in the Chowen Park Neighborhood and forward it to the Engineering Department for consideration and consider the matter at the September 2, 2025, meeting. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 9.2. RESOLUTIONS NO. 2025-46 AND 2025-47, & ORDINANCE NO. 2025-08; COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT, REZONING, PRELIMINARY PLAT AND SITE PLAN FOR 5516 VERNON AVENUE – ADOPTED AND SECOND READING WAIVED Community Development Director Teague stated that Abundance Properties proposes to tear down the existing single-family home at 5516 Vernon Avenue and build two double-dwelling units, and discussed the feedback received on BetterTogether and stated that the proposed development would require a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, rezoning, and preliminary plat and site plan review. Minutes/Edina City Council/July 15, 2025 Page 5 The Council gave feedback regarding maintaining naturally occurring affordable housing, removing heritage oak trees, addressing climate change, incrementally increasing density, increasing overall size, and rezoning. The Council asked questions regarding the price point and the Planning Commission’s discussion. Rashad Kennedy, Abundance Properties, stated that they are targeting around the $1 million price point. Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2025-46 and 2025-47, Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Rezoning, Preliminary Plat, and Site Plan for 5516 Vernon Avenue, and waived Second Reading of Ordinance No. 2025-08, amending the City zoning map from R-1 to PRD-2 for 5516 Vernon Avenue. Member Pierce seconded the motion. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Hovland Nay: Risser Motion carried. Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, approving the Comprehensive Plan Amendment and rezoning for 5516 Vernon Avenue. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Hovland Nay: Risser Motion carried. Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, approving the preliminary plat and site plan for 5516 Vernon Avenue. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Hovland Nay: Risser Motion carried. 9.3. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-45, APPROVING THE ADOPTION OF A PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT AND PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF UP TO $8,985,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION TAX ABATEMENT BONDS – ADOPTED Nick Anhut, Ehlers and Associates, presented information regarding general obligation bonds, tax abatement bonds (M.S. 469), statutory abatement limits, new abatement authorization, June 17th authorization, and consideration. The Council asked questions regarding assets, increasing the levy, pool operations, having funds for replacements, and the pump room replacement cost jump. Parks & Recreation Director Vetter stated that they did not operate in 2020 during COVID-19; as a result, major failures occurred, impacting finances. He also discussed daily passes, groups, and other ways they have tried to catch up with the price adjustments. Facility Manager Otten stated they have looked at a burn rate for setting aside funds for replacement and maintenance. The Council asked questions regarding what other significant costs can be anticipated, having more information, how to create the best aquatic center, moving sooner rather than later, benefits of the alternates, solar panels cost analysis, and revenue from rental space. Mr. Vetter presented the Edina Aquatic Center presentation, including the timeline, 2024 work session discussion, operational challenges, resident information, and the horizon project. Mr. Otten presented information regarding the filter room addition, Edina Aquatic Center alternates, overall budget estimate progression, and decision timeline. The Council discussed feedback received on BetterTogether. Minutes/Edina City Council/July 15, 2025 Page 6 City Manager Neal stated that this project should not impact other projects currently scheduled to be funded. Mr. Anhut stated that the abatement resolution at hand would offer the preliminary authorization to be able to issue bonds. The Council stated that if they decided not to go forward with this, the pool would have to close, and they discussed moving to the next step of analysis. Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2025-45, adoption of a property tax abatement, and issuance of general obligation tax abatement bonds. Member Agnew seconded the motion. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Hovland Nay: Risser Motion carried. 9.4. ALLOCATE THE 2024 UNASSIGNED GENERAL FUND BALANCE – APPROVED This item was addressed after 9.5 Request for Purchase: Edina Aquatic Center Treatment Room. 9.5. REQUEST FOR PURCHASE: EDINA AQUATIC CENTER TREATMENT ROOM – APPROVED The Council asked for clarification on what exactly they were being asked to approve this evening. Facility Manager Otten explained that the design work was complete, and the current approvals were for Construction Administration and Owners Representation to allow staff to manage the contract during the construction phase and waive the permit and inspection fees. He added that the actual construction contract would come back to the Council for approval in August in the form of a Change Order setting the Guaranteed Maximum Price, following the same process as Fire Station 2. The Council expressed concern about moving forward with the project at the proposed $9 million price. Some questioned whether the project, as presented, justified the cost, and noted it felt like a choice between funding this project or hiring additional EMS staff. Otten suggested removing the two contracts from the agenda and instead presenting all three contracts together in August. Parks & Recreation Director Vetter noted that staff have primarily focused on the treatment room phase of the project so far, but they will now draft a broader overview of the full project to bring back to Council. Member Agnew made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, approving Request for Purchase and award of contracts for construction administration, construction, and owners' representation with HGA and Tegra, with a project budget of $8.988 million. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Hovland Nay: Risser Motion carried. 9.4. ALLOCATE THE 2024 UNASSIGNED GENERAL FUND BALANCE – APPROVED City Manager Neal stated that the City has a policy every year to allocate this unassigned balance. Staff proposed either using it to restore funding to the Lewis Park park shelter or allocating money into a project budget for the quiet zones analysis. The Council gave feedback regarding the potential allocation of funds to the Aquatic Center and asked questions about the levy's impact and using the money for safety staffing. Mr. Neal stated that they can do an analysis before the next meeting on how the levy would be impacted. Member Agnew made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to approve allocation of the 2024 General Fund unassigned fund balance to Lewis Park, to allocate an additional $250,000 for quiet zone, and to put the balance of the fund on a temporary basis. Minutes/Edina City Council/July 15, 2025 Page 7 Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 9.6. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-44, APPROVING THE ADOPTION OF THE CITY’S FIVE-YEAR STREET RECONSTRUCTION PLAN AND PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF UP TO $2,250,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS – ADOPTED Finance Director Thao provided an update on the Street Reconstruction Plan bond, which allows the Council to seek authorization for bonds to fund street projects. Engineering Director Millner presented a project update on the project. Engineering Director Millner presented the costs and funding for the bond approval and requested City bonding for $2,250,000. Nick Anhut, Ehlers and Associates, discussed the general obligation bonds, the public hearing held on June 17, 2025, and the proposed consideration to adopt the resolution at hand to allow for up to $2.25 million in General Obligation Bonds for the 100 Interchange project and start a 30-day reverse referendum process. Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2025-44, adopting the City’s five-year Street Reconstruction Plan and authorizing the issuance of general obligation street reconstruction bonds. Member Pierce seconded the motion. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 9.7. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-59 ACCEPTING DONATIONS – ADOPTED Mayor Hovland explained that 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 Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2025-59 accepting various grants and donations. Member Pierce seconded the motion. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 9.8. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-60, SUPPORT FOR BOARD REAPPOINTMENT OF LARRY OLSON TO THE NINE MILE CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT – ADOPTED Councilmember Jackson highlighted the Edina citizens who serve on Boards and Commissions and thanked Mr. Olson for his work. Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2025-60, supporting reappointment of Larry Olson to the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District. Member Agnew seconded the motion. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 9.9. 2025 STUDENT COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS – APPROVED Councilmember Jackson stated that she and Councilmember Pierce interviewed the students who applied to serve on the Commissions and highlighted the students appointed to the Edina Boards and Commissions. Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to approve appointments of the student Commissioners with a term starting September 1, 2025, and ending September 1, 2026. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 10.0 COMMISSION CORRESPONDENCE (MINUTES AND ADVISORY COMMUNICATION) – Received 10.1. MINUTES: ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION, MAY 8, 2025 10.2. MINUTES: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, MAY 13, 2025 Minutes/Edina City Council/July 15, 2025 Page 8 10.3. MINUTES: TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, MAY 15, 2025 11.0 MANAGER’S COMMENTS – Received 12.0 MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS – Received 13.0 ADJOURNMENT Member Agnew made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, to adjourn the meeting at 11:59 p.m. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Allison, City Clerk Minutes approved by Edina City Council, August 6, 2025. James B. Hovland, Mayor Video Copy of the July 15, 2025, meeting available. Sharon Allison (Aug 7, 2025 12:27:27 CDT)