HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-22 Work Session Meeting Packet
Meeting location:
Edina City Hall
Community Room
4801 W. 50th St.
Edina, MN
City Council Work Session Meeting Agenda
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
5:00 PM Accessibility Support:
The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public process. If you need assistance in the way of hearing amplification,
an interpreter, large-print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting.
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Meeting Topics
3.1. MOTION TO CLOSE SESSION: As permitted by M.S 13D.05 Subd. 3 to Discuss
Attorney-Client Privilege Regarding Litigation, USDOJ v. City of Edina
3.2. Closed Session for Attorney-Client Privilege Regarding Litigation, USDOJ v. City of
Edina
3.3. Motion to Move to Open Session
3.4. 2026-2027 Proposed Commission Work Plans
3.5. Administrative Updates
4. Adjournment
Page 1 of 30
d
ITEM REPORT
Date: October 22, 2025 Item Activity: Discussion
Meeting: City Council
Agenda Number: 3.2
Prepared By: Kari Sinning, Deputy City Clerk
Item Type: Report & Recommendation Department: Administration
Item Title: Closed Session for Attorney-Client Privilege Regarding Litigation, USDOJ v. City
of Edina
Action Requested:
Discussion as allowed under MN. Stat. 13D.05 Subd. 3. (b) for attorney-client privilege regarding
USDOJ vs. City of Edina.
Information/Background:
A League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust attorney will discuss the case with City Council.
Supporting Documentation:
None
Page 2 of 30
d
ITEM REPORT
Date: October 22, 2025 Item Activity: Discussion
Meeting: City Council
Agenda Number: 3.4
Prepared By: MJ Lamon, Special Projects & Engagement
Manager
Item Type: Other Department: Administration
Item Title: 2026-2027 Proposed Commission Work Plans
Action Requested:
None.
Information/Background:
Starting in 2026, commission work plans are transitioning to two-year work plans. This year, City
Council will hear from the Planning Commission, the Heritage Preservation Commission, the
Transportation Commission, and the Energy & Environment Commission. The commission chair or
designee will present proposed initiatives.
Resources/Financial Impacts:
Reviewing commission work plans ensures that proposed initiatives align with available City capacity
and resources. Staff liaisons identified whether each initiative has a budget impact and confirmed that
a funding source is available, as well as the level of staff support required. These considerations
inform staff recommendations to Council, ensuring that both funding and personnel resources are
appropriately aligned with proposed work plan activities.
Relationship to City Policies:
The commission work plan process is integrated into the City’s overall work plan framework, which
emphasizes alignment with Council priorities and strategic goals.
Budget Pillar:
Better Together
Values Impact:
Engagement
The work plan process ensures commissions have structured
opportunities to share input and align priorities with the City Council,
fostering transparent two-way communication.
Equity
By using a consistent framework for all commissions, the process
ensures that all groups have an equal opportunity to present priorities
and that Council consideration is applied equitably across topics.
Health The process encourages consideration of the health and well-being
impacts of planned activities across commissions.
Page 3 of 30
Stewardship
Structured work plan process allows Council to review alignment with
long-term goals, ensuring thoughtful investment of City resources and
minimizing duplication of effort.
Sustainability
By reviewing work plans through a sustainability lens, the process helps
ensure that initiatives align with long-term environmental and climate
action plan goals, supporting a future where both the community and
the planet thrive.
Supporting Documentation:
1. 2026-2027 Proposed Commission Work Plans
2. Presentation
Page 4 of 30
Page 1 of 2
Planning Commission
2026-2027 Proposed Work Plan 1 Initiative Title: Review Land Use Application
Initiative Description: Review land use applications and provide recommendations to Council on CUP, Subdivisions, Site
Plans, Rezoning, and Comprehensive Plan amendments. Review and decide on variances.
Deliverable: Recommendations to City Council for consideration, and final decisions on variances
Targe Completion Date: Ongoing Owner: All Contributors: NA
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☒ 3: Review & Recommend
☒ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): None required
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): Significant staff support required. Staff meet with applicants, prepare
reports, public notices and Better Together. Presents recommendations to the Commission for consideration.
Liaison Comments: All planning staff contribute.
Administration Comments:
2 Initiative Title: Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Update
Initiative Description:
Update the zoning and subdivision ordinances to address issues identified in the Zoning/Subdivision Ordinance Audit
report completed in 2024. Specifically, the update will aim to better align the ordinances with the goals and policies of
the Comprehensive Plan and small area plans. Consultant will lead the update and draft ordinance revisions for review
and recommendation by the Planning Commission.
Deliverable: Recommendation to Council with proposed changes to zoning and subdivision ordinances
Targe Completion Date: Oct 2026 Owner: Alkire Contributors: Hahneman, Daye
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☒ 3: Review & Recommend
☐ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): Yes, contract for the consultant has been approved by City Council.
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): Significant staff support required. All of the Planning Division will assist.
Liaison Comments: All planning staff contribute.
Administration Comments:
3 Initiative Title: 2028 Comprehensive Plan Update
Initiative Description:
Complete the 2028 Comprehensive Plan Update. Consultant will lead the update beginning in 2027.
Deliverable: Recommend updated Comprehensive Plan for city council consideration.
Targe Completion Date:
Dec 2028
Owner:
PC Chair
Contributors:
All Planning Commissioners
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☒ 3: Review & Recommend
☐ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): Yes, the city will have to hire a consultant. This item is budgeted via the CIP.
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): Significant staff support required. Cross organizational initiative.
Liaison Comments: Required by State Law. Goal is to complete the Plan by December 31, 2028.
Administration Comments:
= commission
= staff
Page 5 of 30
Page 2 of 2
4
Initiative Title: Study on the Use of Food Trucks
Initiative Description:
Study and report on the current impact of the city ordinance governing mobile food units (food trucks), including how
the 500-foot restriction interacts with existing restaurants, business vitality, community engagement and activation.
The study will provide findings and recommendations for potential updates to an ordinance amendment, with the goal
of balancing economic development, neighborhood compatibility, and community activation. Current City Code
allows Food Trucks with a taproom, winery, or distillery; or if associated with a specific event. Food trucks are not
allowed as a primary use to protect the City’s brick and mortar restaurant businesses.
This work plan item is not to amend the ordinance; it is to study the issue and consider if a change is necessary.
Deliverable: Study and report
Targe Completion Date: December
2026
Owner: Q. Smith Contributors: Felt
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☒ 2: Study & Report ☐ 3: Review & Recommend
☐ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): No.
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): Yes.
Liaison Comments: Staff will support but would anticipate much of the study work to be done by commissioners.
Administration Comments:
Page 6 of 30
Page 1 of 1
Heritage Preservation Commission
2026-2027 Proposed Work Plan
1 Initiative Title: Certificate of Appropriateness Applications
Initiative Description:
Review COA applications when submitted.
Deliverable:
Review applications and approve/deny COA
Targe Completion Date: Ongoing Owner: All Contributors: NA
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☐ 3: Review & Recommend
☒ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): Budget required for consultant review of the applications.
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): Consultant support is required with this work plan item. Consultants
review plans prior to meeting with city planner and do a complete review and memo with all COA applications.
Liaison Comments: This is a main charge of the HPC
Administration Comments:
2 Initiative Title: Edina Heritage Landmarks
Initiative Description: Based on owner interest, nominate eligible properties as Edina Heritage Landmarks and add
additional properties to the eligible property list.
Deliverable: Recommend designation of eligible heritage landmarks and add properties to Edina Landmark list.
Targe Completion Date: Ongoing Owner: All Contributors: All
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☒ 3: Review & Recommend
☐ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): If staff receives request, funds are needed for consultant study.
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): Staff coordinates with communications for outreach. Preservation
consultant needed for study.
Liaison Comments: This is a main charge of the HPC.
Administration Comments:
3 Initiative Title: Heritage Preservation Award
Initiative Description: Recruit or submit nominations, select recipient and award.
Deliverable: Award selected nomination
Targe Completion Date: May 2026
and 2027
Owner:
Nickels & Pope
Contributors: All
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☐ 3: Review & Recommend
☒ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): Plaque for winner comes out of Planning budget.
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): Staff works with communications on getting the nomination form live and
Communications writes an article about the winner and helps with social media.
Liaison Comments: The HPC has given out this award every year during May which is “Preservation Month.” 2026 will
be the 23rd year of the award.
Administration Comments:
= commission
= staff
Page 7 of 30
Page 1 of 4
Transportation Commission
2026-2027 Proposed Work Plan
1 Initiative Title: Continued SEMAP Working Group Participation
Initiative Description:
The Commission will continue to appoint Commissioners to represent the Transportation Commission's perspectives in
the Safe and Equitable Mobility Action Plan (SEMAP) working group. This ongoing participation ensures that the
Commission provides continuous input as SEMAP progresses, merging the City’s current transportation-related plans
(e.g., Safe Routes to School, Living Streets, Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan) into one streamlined action plan.
Deliverable:
Commissioners will actively participate in the SEMAP working group and provide regular updates to the Transportation
Commission, ensuring the Commission's perspectives are integrated into the final SEMAP.
Targe Completion Date:
Q4 2027
Owner:
Bildsten, Wright
Contributors:
-
Council Charge: ☒ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☐ 3: Review & Recommend
☐ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): No budget required beyond staff time
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): No additional support required beyond Transportation Planner
participation in working group
Liaison Comments: Suggested title: “SEMAP Task Force Participation.” The City’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A)
grant requires the Task Force to review implementation progress on an annual basis after the safety action plan is
adopted.
Administration Comments:
= commission
= staff
Page 8 of 30
Page 2 of 4
2 Initiative Title: Traffic Safety Standards/Warrants Review and Playbook for decision making and resident
communication
Initiative Description:
The Commission will conduct a critical review of existing design standards and decision-making processes (e.g., for
traffic control devices like 2-way vs. 4-way stops) to ensure they effectively meet the lived experience needs of
residents and contribute to a safer transportation network. Emphasis on local traffic management policies set by the
city - pedestrian crossing, dynamic display speed signs, speed bumps, etc.
Deliverables:
Decision guide for Council to clarify what is and isn’t within staff/council’s control and provide guidance for situations
where warrants can/should be overridden.
One-page communication for residents about the process and the available or commonly recommended interventions.
Targe Completion Date:
Q4 2026
Owner:
Rosen, Brown
Contributors:
Lewis
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☐ 3: Review & Recommend
☒ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): No budget required beyond staff time
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): 2 hours per month from Transportation Planner, 1 hour per month from
Traffic Safety Coordinator
Liaison Comments: Suggested title: “Traffic Safety Decision Guide.” This initiative supports the Comprehensive Plan
goal to “educate all segments of the community regarding transportation-related issues and projects impacting the
City.”
Administration Comments:
Page 9 of 30
Page 3 of 4
3 Initiative Title: Innovative Traffic Calming Solutions and "Toward Zero Deaths" Pilot Program (with Seasonal
Adaptations)
Initiative Description:
Expanding on previous research into quick-build solutions, the Commission will investigate a broader range of
innovative and context-sensitive traffic calming measures and roadway design strategies from other municipalities,
with a strong emphasis on solutions that align with the "Toward Zero Deaths" (TZD) initiative. Recognizing Edina's cold,
snowy environment, the research will specifically explore seasonal adaptations for traffic calming, drawing inspiration
from cities like Helsinki, Finland. This includes examining approaches such as temporary summer street transformations
to prioritize active transportation, and winter-specific strategies like tailored snow removal practices that inherently
encourage slower speeds or dedicated winter cycling infrastructure maintenance. The goal is to identify measures that
effectively improve safety for all road users (pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists), reduce cut-through traffic in residential
areas, and contribute to Edina's "Living Streets" principles and greenhouse gas reduction goals. The Commission will
then propose potential pilot projects for specific areas within Edina, focusing on high-risk locations or areas with
documented safety concerns, considering both warm and cold weather applications.
Deliverable:
A "Best Practices" report on innovative traffic calming and roadway design aligned with TZD principles, including a
dedicated section on seasonal solutions and lessons learned from cities like Helsinki. This will be followed by a proposal
for 1-2 specific pilot project locations within Edina, detailing the proposed intervention, anticipated benefits (especially
safety improvements across seasons), and evaluation metrics.
Target Completion Date:
Q4 2027
Owner:
Olson, Bildsten
Contributors:
Lassig
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☒ 3: Review & Recommend
☐ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): No budget required beyond staff time
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): 2 hours per month from Transportation Planner
Liaison Comments: Suggested title: “Traffic Calming Best Practices.” This initiative supports the Comprehensive Plan
goal to “manage, maintain and operate roadways to maximize wherever possible the safety and mobility of all users
and all modes.”
Administration Comments:
Page 10 of 30
Page 4 of 4
4 Initiative Title: Transportation Segment of Comprehensive Plan - current state 2026, begin review and creation of new
Comprehensive Plan in 2027.
Initiative Description:
In preparation for the city’s required review and revision of its comprehensive plan for the Metropolitan Council, the
commission will review the transportation section of the existing comprehensive plan in 2026 and note proposed
changes. In 2027, the commission will participate in the drafting and revision of the transportation chapter of the
comprehensive plan for its next revision.
Deliverable:
Updated transportation portion of the city’s comprehensive plan
Target Completion Date:
Q4 2027
Owner:
Lewis, Wright, White
Contributors:
-
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☒ 3: Review & Recommend
☐ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): No budget required beyond staff time
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): 1 hour per month from Transportation Planner
Liaison Comments: Suggested title: “2028 Comprehensive Plan Transportation Chapter.” In 2026, the Commission will
review the current Transportation Chapter and consider possible revisions. In 2017, the Commission will assist in the
drafting of the new Transportation Chapter.
Administration Comments:
• Parking Lot
o School transportation
o Collaborative development of the city-wide EV charging system implementation plan
o Support for city’s railway quiet zone study
o France Avenue transit corridor multi-modal improvement assessment
Page 11 of 30
Page 1 of 4
Energy & Environment Commission
2026-2027 Proposed Work Plan
1 Initiative Title: Internal Combustion Engine Idling and Air Quality
Initiative Description:
Study and report on city-led initiatives around internal combustion engine idling and air quality.
Deliverable:
Internal Combustion Engine Idling and Air Quality Report
Targe Completion Date:
Q2 2027
Owner:
Martinez-Salgado
Contributors:
Lukens, New Members
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☒ 2: Study & Report ☐ 3: Review & Recommend
☐ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): No funding is needed for the EEC to complete this initiative.
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): Approximately 3-5 hours of Sustainability staff time will be required to
connect EEC to peer cities, share resources from USDN and other partners to support research, and review draft report
(if needed).
Liaison Comments: Staff is supportive. Reducing vehicle idling and the associated greenhouse gas emissions is part of
achieving our CAP emission reduction goals. Focus should be on community-facing anti-idling education and initiatives
that could be replicated in Edina.
Administration Comments:
2 Initiative Title: Education and Outreach to Schools
Initiative Description:
Build relationships with schools and find pathways to assist them in with messaging climate related topics such as
school bus use and organics recycling.
Deliverable:
Annual updates on status and messaging.
Targe Completion Date:
Q4 2027
Owner:
LaCasse
Contributors:
Lassig, Tyshow, Haugen
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☐ 3: Review & Recommend
☐ 4: Review & Decide ☒ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): No funding is needed to build relationships. Staff expect schools and clubs to
utilize their own funding for material development, printing, and other school messaging channels.
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): Limited staff time is needed to support EEC to build relationships and
connections. 3-5 hours from Organics Recycling Coordinator will be required to share organics recycling information
relevant to schools. 3-5 hours from Sustainability staff will be required to share other related messaging.
Liaison Comments: Staff is supportive of building relationships with Edina’s schools to make progress on climate action.
EEC should serve in a support role for schools and student groups (e.g., Project Earth) who will lead messaging.
Administration Comments:
= commission
= staff
Page 12 of 30
Page 2 of 4
3 Initiative Title: Organics Outreach
Initiative Description:
Assist staff to promote organics recycling in multi-family housing. Create a neighborhood to neighborhood contest on
volume of organic recycling. Present to neighborhood associations to generate participation.
Deliverable:
Neighborhood to neighborhood contest.
Targe Completion Date:
Q4 2027
Owner:
Schima
Contributors:
Bartholomew, Lassig
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☐ 3: Review & Recommend
☐ 4: Review & Decide ☒ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): No budget is needed for the EEC to assist staff in promotion to existing buildings
and neighborhoods since materials already exist. Organics Funding is available to support printing materials for
neighborhood contest at discretion of the Organics Recycling Coordinator and the final contest structure.
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): Engaging the multi-family sector and increasing single-family organics
recycling participation is part of the Organics Recycling Coordinator role. For EEC engagement, an additional 3-5 hours
from the Organics Recycling Coordinator and 3-5 hours from the GreenCorps member are required to share materials
for multi-family promotion and strategy. 10 hours from Organics Recycling Coordinator are required to support EEC’s
neighborhood contest creation. EEC should draft detailed proposal for neighborhood contest with information on
structure, timeline and material needs for review by Staff to inform additional implementation staff resource needs.
Liaison Comments: Staff is supportive. Organics recycling participation needs to increase to meet CAP goals. Staff
recommend participation and recognition are based on improving the set-out rate, not volume.
Administration Comments:
4 Initiative Title: Food Security Assessment and Local Food Production
Initiative Description:
Continuation of work plan item from 2025. Study and report "food security assessment" to determine food insecurity
conditions within Edina using existing data and reports across multiple sources. EEC will collaborate with staff and study
what other cities are doing, the best practice strategies to increase food security, and opportunities for food rescue.
Deliverable:
Advisory communication and report summarizing findings
Targe Completion Date:
Q3 2026
Owner:
Bartholomew
Contributors:
Tessman, Tyshow
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☒ 2: Study & Report ☐ 3: Review & Recommend
☐ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): No funding is needed for the EEC to complete this initiative.
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): 1-3 hours/month from Sustainability staff are available to share
resources, connect to peer cities, share GIS data, and discuss best practices for food security assessments.
Liaison Comments: Staff is supportive. Deliverable will support achieving CAP local food and agriculture strategies. Staff
intend to use the Report information to inform next steps and future grant applications for food security.
Administration Comments:
5 Initiative Title: Continuation of Tree Recognition Campaign (TRC)
Initiative Description:
Continuation of existing annual EEC initiative to recognize and promote Edina’s tree canopy.
Page 13 of 30
Page 3 of 4
Deliverable:
Tree recognition awards and presentation to Council.
Targe Completion Date:
Q4 2026, Q4 2027
Owner:
Haugen
Contributors:
Martinez-Salgado
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☐ 3: Review & Recommend
☒ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): $500 from CAS Funds budgeted for paid media stories (social media ads and
promotion), printing costs, and creating engraved wood awards.
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): 60 hours of Communications staff time are required each award period to
complete tree story interviews, write story copy, create and post social media ads, design and facilitate award creation.
Communications staff time estimated based on featuring 5 stories. 3-5 hours of Sustainability staff time are required
each award period to review promotional materials, notify selected awardees and coordinate Council presentation and
participation.
Liaison Comments: Staff is supportive. Tree canopy preservation is a CAP goal and EEC remains engaged in promoting
Edina’s valued tree canopy.
Administration Comments:
6 Initiative Title: Continuation of Earth Day Promotion and Tabling
Initiative Description:
Support existing community Earth Day event(s) with tabling to promote EEC initiatives and priorities, including Electric
Vehicles.
Deliverable:
Event attendance.
Targe Completion Date:
Q2 2026, Q2 2027
Owner:
Tessman
Contributors:
Bartholomew
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☐ 3: Review & Recommend
☐ 4: Review & Decide ☒ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): $250 of CAS Funds are budgeted each year to support printing for EEC
handouts. Branded tabling cloth and signage already exist for EEC tabling.
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): 1-2 hours of Sustainability staff time are required to review, update and
print EEC handouts for each event. No additional staff time should be required to support EEC’s attendance at an event.
If the event requires additional city support, the event should follow the Special Event Permit process.
Liaison Comments: Staff supports EEC tabling at community events to promote commission initiatives. EEC will need to
confirm that no more than four members are present in their capacity as commissioners at each event to avoid
quorum.
Administration Comments:
7 Initiative Title: Continuation of Green Business Outreach Program (GBOP)
Initiative Description:
Continuation of existing annual EEC initiative to recognize and promote green businesses. Evaluate program and
opportunities to improve.
Deliverable:
GBOP awards.
Targe Completion Date:
Q2 2026, Q2 2027
Owner:
Lukens
Contributors:
New members
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☐ 3: Review & Recommend
☒ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): $5,500 from CAS Funds budgeted each award period. Funding to be used for 4
featured business paid media stories (photography, writing, design and advertisement cost for Chamber of Commerce,
Edina Magazine, Edition Edina, social media), printing, postage, and window decals.
Page 14 of 30
Page 4 of 4
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): 50 hours of Communications staff time are required each award period
for business spotlight interviews (photography, writing and ad design for up to 4 features) and press releases. 3-5 hours
of Sustainability staff time are required each award period to review promotional materials, update application
platform, and notify selected businesses.
Liaison Comments: Staff is supportive. EEC should re-evaluate program impact and potential changes before 2026
award period to expand reach, increase participation, and improve impact of recognition program.
Administration Comments:
Parking Lot
• Organized Trash Hauling
• Transportation related item on reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT)
• 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Page 15 of 30
Advisory Commission Proposed Work Plans
City Council Work Session
October 22, 2025
Page 16 of 30
Timeline & Roles
October 22
Chair Presentation
November 4
Staff Presentation
Chairs
•Present work plan proposals
•Focus on items needing explanation
Admin Staff
•Present city-wide recommendations
for work plan proposals
City Council
•Ask questions
•Make sure to understand scope and
item being requested
Staff Liaisons
•Available for questions
Admin Staff & Liaisons
•Available for questions
City Council
•Provide feedback for staff to develop a
final recommendations
Page 17 of 30
Next Steps
Oct. 22 – Nov. 1………….Staff/City Manager Review
Review proposed work plans and offer comments / adjustments for City
Council consideration
November 4……………Staff Presentation
Staff will present comments on work plan initiatives
Receive feedback from Council on edits/changes
Nov. 4 – Nov. 25…………Staff/City Manager Review
Incorporate Council feedback
December 2……………City Council Approval
Work plans approved at the City Council meeting
Page 18 of 30
Presentation Order
5:30 Staff Presentation
5:38 Planning Commission
5:46 Heritage Preservation Commission
5:54 Transportation Commission
6:02 Energy & Environment Commission
Page 19 of 30
d
ITEM REPORT
Date: October 22, 2025 Item Activity: Discussion
Meeting: City Council
Agenda Number: 3.5
Prepared By: Jennifer Bennerotte, Communications
Director
Item Type: Other Department: Communications
Item Title: Administrative Updates
Action Requested:
Discuss ADA WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, Community Comment & Public Hearing Procedures,
Off-Camera Option for Community Comment and Call-In Option for Televised Meetings
Information/Background:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Website Requirements
On April 24, 2024, the Federal Register published the Department of Justice’s final rule updating its
regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The final rule has specific
requirements about how to ensure that web content and mobile applications are accessible to people
with disabilities. All web content and mobile applications that Edina provides or makes available must
conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards by April 24,
2026. (Smaller cities have one more year to gain compliance.)
City staff have been reviewing its web-based platforms to make sure they are accessible and reviewing
documents posted online. Documents may be removed from sites, remediated or moved to the Edina
Docs archive. Staff has had initial training on making Word, PowerPoint and PDF files accessible.
Work is under way to create some accessible templates for staff to use. Language has been shared
with staff to include in RFPs to ensure web-based software is compliant going forward. Various staff
groups are having regular discussions about what kind of documents to post online going forward.
(Matters of security and mobile use by the majority of users are also a part of these conversation.)
There will be some Council packet and presentation adjustments to ensure compliance that will be
noticeable to the Council; we are working through those changes.
Without additional staff, all of this work is a tremendous undertaking and it is unlikely that all
platforms and documents will be accessible by April 24, 2026. Communications staff is leading work
to create a written remediation plan for whatever work will remain. Administration is working
through Council and Board & Commission packet changes.
Call-In Option
Staff would Council input on if the Council should continue to provide a call-in option for Community
Comment and public hearings during Council meetings. The call-in option was started during the
COVID-19 pandemic, but there has been low online participation this year. (There have been a total
of six calls for televised public meetings this year.) For projects with public hearings, residents are
able to provide input in advance and often after the in-person public hearings by visiting the City’s
online engagement site BetterTogetherEdina.org. Currently, setting up the process involves time and
coordination between three staff members for each meeting.
Supporting Documentation:
1. Staff Presentation
Page 20 of 30
EdinaMN.gov
Administrative Updates
Oct. 22, 2025 City Council Work Session
Page 21 of 30
Discussion Items
•ADA WCAG 2.1 Level AA Standards
•Community Comment & Public Hearing Procedures
•Alternative Option for Off-Camera Community Comment
•Call-In Option for Televised Meetings
Page 22 of 30
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
On April 24, 2024, the Federal Register published the
Department of Justice’s final rule updating its regulations for
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The final
rule has specific requirements about how to ensure that web
content and mobile applications are accessible to people
with disabilities.
All web content and mobile applications that Edina provides
or makes available must conform to the Web Content
Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards by
April 24, 2026.
Page 23 of 30
Edina’s To-Do List to Meet WCAG
•Review web-based platforms and apps to make sure
they are accessible
•Review documents posted online
•Remove documents
•Remediate documents
•Move historical documents
to Edina Docs archive
•Write remediation plan for making
platforms and documents accessible
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Edina’s WCAG Work Done to Date
•Requested compliance
documents from
vendors
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Edina’s WCAG Work Done to Date
•Began redesign of
EdinaMN.gov
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Edina’s WCAG Work Done to Date
•Provided
accessible
documents
training to staff
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Edina’s WCAG Work Done to Date
•Provided each
department with a list of
documents on
EdinaMN.gov to remove,
move or remediate
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Edina’s WCAG Work Done to Date
•Began remediating City templates
•Letterhead
•Memorandum
•PowerPoint
•Staff Report
•Advisory Communication
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Call-In Option
Callers in 2025:
•City Council Community Comment – 1
•City Council Public Hearings – 1
•Housing & Redevelopment (HRA)
Community Comment – 2
•HRA Public Hearings – 0
•Planning Commission Public Hearings –
2
Page 30 of 30