HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-07 Work Session Meeting MinutesPage 1
MINUTES
OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
COMMUNITY ROOM, CITY HALL
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2025
5:30 P.M.
1.0 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.
2.0 ROLL CALL
Answering rollcall were Members Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser and Hovland.
Staff in attendance: Scott Neal, City Manager; Ari Lenz, Assistant City Manager; Chad Millner, Engineering
Director; Pa Thao, Finance Director; Nelly Chick-Brewer, Assistant Finance Director; Jennifer Bennerotte,
Communications Director; Jesse Meyer-Ruud, I.T. Support Supervisor; and Sharon Allison, City Clerk.
3.1 UTILITY RATE STUDY UPDATE
Manager Neal introduced the topic, explaining that the discussion would focus on utilities
including the underlying rate structure to fund projects, upcoming utility capital projects and
cost estimates, and getting feedback from Council.
Engineering Director Millner reviewed several major projects - the York Trunk Sanitary Sewer
Improvements are nearing completion of Phase 3, with remaining phases included in the CIP
and currently funded through Sewer Availability Charge (SAC). The South Trunk (Cahill)
Sanitary Sewer Improvements project was discussed in relation to future development
potential, though development is not expected for about 10 years. The Lincoln–Londonderry
Sanitary Sewer project, estimated at $20–$40 million, is not part of the current rate study and
will be considered in future comprehensive plan discussions. Updates were also provided on
Water Treatment Plant No. 5, including revised cost estimates, and on the Flood Risk
Reduction Strategy, with Morningside cited as the first completed project.
City consultant, Ehlers senior municipal advisor Nick Anhut, presented on the structure and
purpose of utility enterprise funds, explaining how fees are assessed and how each utility is
analyzed. He reviewed prior rate studies, tier structures, and the rationale for using winter
water usage to determine charges. Council raised questions about consumption patterns,
recession impacts, fairness across customer types, and potential for adding a fourth usage tier.
Discussion also covered the rate study’s financial goals, reserve targets, and assumptions for
future expenses and debt coverage.
Anhut presented proposed rate adjustments, including an increase to water and sewer
connection fees to fund upcoming projects. Council requested additional data comparing
commercial and residential usage trends and rates over the past decade. Council also discussed
potential policy direction regarding conservation, development-related costs, and equity in rate
distribution. Staff noted that a follow-up or special meeting may be scheduled to continue the
discussion and review the remainder of the presentation.
4.0 ADJOURNMENT
Minutes/Edina City Council Work Session/October 7, 2025
Page 2
Mayor Hovland adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Allison, City Clerk
Minutes approved by Edina City Council, October 22, 2025.
James B. Hovland, Mayor
Audio copy of the work session available.
Sharon Allison (Oct 23, 2025 12:29:34 CDT)