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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-11-18 City Council Meeting MinutesPage 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL HELD AT CITY HALL NOVEMBER 18, 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 Agnew, approving the meeting agenda. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 5.0 COMMUNITY COMMENT Ralph Zickert discussed the HRA board's decision to indefinitely table the decision to use $17 million to fund a parking garage at the old U.S. Bank site and stated that the City Council continues to chase projects that do not bear free market scrutiny. Dan Nigh requested that the Mayor and City Council present a referendum to the voters of Edina to amend the language of the City Code to allow for the recall of the Mayor and Councilmembers before their full terms have expired. Mr. Nigh stated that there must be a mechanism to block their extreme behaviors. Lori Grotz stated that she sent an email to the City Council last week and never received a response. Mrs. Grotz noted that her email was regarding the Grandview site and that a developer was chosen by the Council/HRA, and noted that the purchase price was $4 million without any TIF or financial assistance. Mrs. Grotz asked what they would do with the increment since the project sits within an existing TIF district. Art Boylan, president of the Edina Hockey Association, stated that they are appreciative of the renovations being done at the Braemar Ice Arena. Mr. Boylan noted that they have an incredible need for ice and stated that he hopes the City would partner with the Edina Hockey Association to help fund this public need. Janey Weston stated that she gave her opinion at a public hearing at last month’s meeting and was cut off mid-sentence, and corrected on something that she had commented on. Mrs. Weston stated that it was very disruptive and not appreciated. David Frenkel stated that he received texts from Edina residents regarding the issue of the property taxes and that it needs to be addressed. Mr. Frenkel noted that there is nothing on the City’s website about the South Rink being down. Mr. Frenkel noted that the municipal liquor store sales went down 16% compared to last year’s 3rd quarter, which is less money that goes to Edina’s Park system. Mr. Frenkel noted that the City has to declare and approve any new holidays, and that was not done when Edina posted on their door that both November 10 and 11, 2025, were Veterans’ Day. 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 Minutes/Edina City Council/November 18 , 2025 Page 2 Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, approving the consent agenda as revised to remove Item 6.6, Traffic Safety Report of October 1, 2025, and tabling Item 6.25, Declaration of Restrictive Covenants and Agreement for 4911 77th Street West, as follows: 6.1. Approve regular and work session meeting minutes of October 22, 2025 6.2. Approve Claims for Payment for Check Register Pre-List Dated September 30, 2025, totaling $149,395.00, Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated October 17, 2025, totaling $3,279,547.43, Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated October 24, 2025, totaling $1,040,240.45, Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated October 31, 2025, totaling $1,852,752.99, Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated October 31 2025, totaling $1,995,244.85, Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated October 31, 2025, totaling $17,076.84, and Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated November 7, 2025, totaling $3,827,828.72 6.3. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-104, setting Public Improvement Hearing Date for Prospect Knolls A/C/D Neighborhood Roadway Reconstruction 6.4. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-105, setting Public Improvement Hearing Date for Parklawn Court Neighborhood Roadway Reconstruction 6.5. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-106, setting Public Improvement Hearing Date for West 72nd Street Roadway Reconstruction 6.6. Traffic Safety Report of October 1, 2025 6.7. Request for Purchase, Natural Areas Long-Term Maintenance 2026-2028 Bid Assistance, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Resource Environmental Solutions at $23,599 6.8. Request for Purchase, Change Order #1: ENG 25-1 Presidents A& B Neighborhood Roadway Reconstruction, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Valley Paving, Inc., at $0.00 6.9 Waive Second Reading Adopting Ordinance No. 2025-15, Amending City Code on Winter Work Restrictions on Roadway Surfacing 6.10. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-109, approving Grant Application for Metropolitan Council Environmental Services 2026 Private Property Inflow and Infiltration Grant Program 6.11. Request for Purchase, Cityworks Annual Contract, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Azteca Systems Holdings LLC, at $49,375.00 6.12. Request for Purchase, City Hall Air Conditioner Condenser Units Replacements, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, South-Town Refrigeration and Mechanical at $527,265.00 6.13. Embedded Social Worker Agreement with Hennepin County and City of Richfield 6.14. Legal Services Agreement with Chestnut Cambronne, PA 6.15. Joint Community Police Partnership Contract Agreement Amendment 6.16. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-110, accepting a Community Partnerships Grant Acceptance from Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation 6.17. Approve Lease Renewal with General Sports at Braemar Arena 6.18. Fred Richards Park Wetland Bank Application Withdrawal to Pursue Wetland Preserve Alternative 6.19. Waive Permit Fees for Fred Richards Park Surcharge Bid Package One 6.20. Request for Purchase, Fred Richards Park Construction Contract, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Hoffman Unlhorn Construction Inc. at $502,334 6.21. Request for Purchase, Fred Richards Park Facility Commissioning Services, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, KFI Engineers at $60,500 6.22. Second Amendment to Redevelopment Agreement at 4620 West 77th Street 6.23. Approve Ordinance No. 2025-14, amending City Code Concerning Lower Potency Hemp Edibles 6.24. Request for Purchase, Annual NeoGov LEARN and SSO Software, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, NeoGov at $31,272.15 6.25. Declaration of Restrictive Covenants and Agreement for 4911 77th Street West 6.26. 2026-2027 Commission Work Plans Minutes/Edina City Council/November 18 , 2025 Page 3 6.27. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-108, Resolution Designating the State Appeals Board as the City of Edina’s Board of Appeals Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA 6.6. TRAFFIC SAFETY REPORT OF OCTOBER 1, 2025 - APPROVED The Council noted there were concerns from a resident regarding safety along Interlachen Boulevard. Engineering Director Millner noted that staff is reviewing the speed limit changes from a few years ago, and they will have a full report back for the Council on the changes and their impacts on the speed limit changes. Member Risser made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, approving the Traffic Safety Report of October 1, 2025. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 6.25. DECLARATION OF RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS AND AGREEMENT FOR 4911 77TH STREET WEST - TABLED 7.0 SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS 7.1. PROCLAMATION: RECOGNIZING THAT NOVEMBER 8-15, 2025 WAS KINDNESS WEEK WORLDWIDE – PROCLAIMED Mayor Hovland read the proclamation in full, recognizing November 8-15, 2025, as Kindness Week Worldwide and presented the proclamation to Amy Spangler, Co-founder of International Kindness Reset. Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, approving a proclamation recognizing November 8-15, 2025, as Kindness Week Worldwide in the City of Edina. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 7.2. PROCLAMATION: SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY – PROCLAIMED Mayor Hovland read the proclamation in full, declaring November 29, 2025, as Small Business Saturday in Edina and presented the proclamation to Rebecca Sorensen, the Director of the 50th & France Business Association. Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, approving a proclamation declaring November 29, 2025, as Small Business Saturday in the City of Edina. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 7.3. MINNESOTA GOLF ASSOCIATION MEMBER GOLF CLUB OF THE YEAR AWARD PRESENTATION TO BRAEMAR GOLF COURSE – PRESENTED Jon Mays, Executive Director of MN Golf Association, stated that this year Braemar Golf Course has been selected as the MGA Member Club of the Year, for many reasons, including advancing the future of golf in this State. 7.4. EDINA EDUCATION FUND PRESENTATION ON CHARITABLE GAMBLING – PRESENTED Kathy Rendleman, Executive Director of Edina Education Fund, and Kurt Lang and Bob Molhoek, Edina Athletic Booster Club, presented on the need for partners and opportunities for charitable gambling for athletics and academics at Edina Schools and Edina’s restrictive Ordinance that prevents some charitable gambling. Minutes/Edina City Council/November 18 , 2025 Page 4 The Council asked how a charitable gaming ordinance should be structured and potential needs of local groups. Ms. Rendleman said the ordinance can be designed however the Council wishes if participation is limited to nonprofit entities and explained that funding could reduce pressure on current donors, support major projects, help student clubs, or strengthen the Alumni Association. City Manager Neal stated that it is preferable to replace the Ordinance than to offer exemptions and ask for directions from the Council. The Council gave staff directions to begin drafting an ordinance. 8.0 PUBLIC HEARINGS HELD – Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file. 8.1. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-107, SUBDIVISION FOR 7235 FRANCE AVENUE - CONTINUED TO DECEMBER 2, 2025 Community Development Director Teague noted that this is a request to replat the old Macy’s Furniture site, due to the plat expiring, and noted that the Site Plans are still in good standing. Patrick Brama, Enclave Senior Developer, stated they are scheduled to close on the old Macy’s site on December 12, 2025. The Council expressed concerns regarding the ADA access on the promenade being on the plat. Mr. Teague clarified that these are public spaces maintained by the property owner. Mr. Millner noted that they are reviewing the underpass, and there is a discussion on the ADA route if the underpass is approved. City Attorney Kendall stated that there was a discussion that these were going to be privately owned areas that the developers would agree to execute a public easement with the City for the public to use. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 8:32 p.m. Public Testimony Jim Grotz addressed the Council. Lori Grotz addressed the Council. Janey Weston addressed the Council. Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to close the in-person public hearing, keep public comment open until noon on Sunday, November 23, and continue action to consider approval of a subdivision for 7235 France Avenue, to the December 2, 2025, City Council meeting. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 8.2. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-103, APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS BY THE CITY OF OAKDALE, MN, FOR THE BENEFIT OF EBENEZER YORK ASSISTED LIVING, LLC - APPROVED Finance Director Thao stated that this pertains to refunding bonds by the City of Oakdale, MN, for the benefit of a property located in the City of Edina. Jenny Boulton, Kutak Rock - Legal Counsel for City of Oakdale, stated that it is efficient for the borrower to combine the financing for both projects. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 8:46 p.m. Public Testimony No one appeared to comment. Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to close the public hearing. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. Minutes/Edina City Council/November 18 , 2025 Page 5 Member Pierce introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2025-103, approving the Issuance of Revenue Refunding Bonds by the City of Oakdale, MN, for the benefit of Ebenezer York Assisted Living, LLC. Member Jackson seconded the motion. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 9.0 REPORTS / RECOMMENDATIONS 9.1. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-111 ACCEPTING DONATIONS – ADOPTED Mayor Hovland explained that in order 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. 2025-111 accepting various grants and donations. Member Agnew seconded the motion. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 9.2. SKETCH PLAN REVIEW: 5780 LINCOLN DRIVE (KWIK TRIP) – PRESENTED Community Development Director Teague stated that this is a proposal to tear down the existing office building on this site and build a Kwik Trip with 10 fueling stations that are open 24 hours/day. Dean George, Kwik Trip Real Estate Development Manager, gave a presentation on the proposed site plan, exterior lighting, tank drop holes, and signage in the PCD-4 zoning. The Council asked questions regarding additional mitigation for the site, electric charging sites, the potential for a “secret diner”, and retail aspects and shared this was not the right fit for the site, the site is in a grocery desert, accessible from the sidewalk, and maintaining the mound on the site as a buffer and concerns about traffic on the driveway. Mr. George noted that the “secret diners” were a much older concept not installed in any of their new small prototype stores. Mr. George noted that they do have a full-sized kitchen in every store. 9.3. ORDINANCE NO. 2025-17, AMENDING CHAPTER 22 OF THE EDINA CITY CODE TO CREATE A NEW ARTICLE XI CONCERNING FIREARMS – DISCUSSED City Manager Neal stated that they modeled this proposed ordinance after the St. Paul ordinance, but they cannot endorse it due to the unenforceable nature of the ordinance because it is preempted by State Statute. Attorney Kendall stated that he drafted the ordinance so that it would withstand legal challenge, that it would not be enforced immediately and would only be effective if the City issues a Resolution certifying that preemption has been lifted. The Council asked questions and shared feedback regarding the state of the lawsuit against St. Paul for passing their ordinance, pulling out safe storage into a different ordinance, taking action immediately, and sharing the cost of lawsuits if multiple cities get sued, and gave feedback regarding drafting an ordinance discouraging firearm use within the City, holding a public hearing, letting the law catch up to where morally they think they should be, taking action on something that is outside their purview, read statements from other Minnesota leaders, drafting an ordinance containing things that are within the City’s rights that can be enacted without being sued and passing a resolution listing what they want to do if there is no pre-emption, holding a public hearing, asked what can be enacted statutorily, expressed frustration regarding not doing anything, and urged that they be creative to figure something out to create momentum and not just move on, getting together a volunteer program for numerous cities with the goal of keeping this issue at the forefront, and gave an idea of a gun buyback program in one year, and asked about the gun training facility shared by the City and the possibility of not allowing the public to bring assault rifles into the city. Minutes/Edina City Council/November 18 , 2025 Page 6 Attorney Kendall noted that maybe the court would consider consolidating multiple lawsuits from cities if the ordinances are similar, but he is not sure. He stated that State law allow cities to regulate the discharge of firearms, and the discharge of firearms is currently prohibited in Edina. He noted that besides the State law that states that government subdivisions may regulate the discharge of firearms, other firearm regulations by municipalities are prohibited, and noted that there is a Statute on negligent storage in the 609 section as a crime, and aside from that, negligent storage is preempted by State law. City Manager Neal noted that they have received a letter from the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus saying that if Edina adopts this ordinance, they will sue. Manager Neal also discussed the statement received from the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust regarding whether they would defend the City in the case of the lawsuit and noted that they could not give a definite answer, and it would depend on what was contained in the lawsuit. The Council gave direction to City Manager Neal to write a different ordinance, one that mirrors the State Statute and to schedule a public hearing. 9.4. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-101, AMENDING THE SPENDING PLAN FOR THE SOUTHDALE 2, PENTAGON PARK AND 70TH AND CAHILL TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICTS – ADOPTED Economic Development Manager Neuendorf stated that this item pertains to the proposed modifications to the spending plan. Mr. Neuendorf presented information regarding the current spending plan, unobligated TIF dollars, State legislation limits on TIF fund usage, how SPARC Funds have been used in the past, alternative outcome in the amendment is rejected, key changes in the amended spending plan, and types of job-creating projects. The Council asked questions regarding where the available funds would go, SPARC funds being used for a downpayment assistance program, why SPARC was created during the pandemic, if there are other projects in the queue, and these funds would be used for projects that would typically require funding from the General Levy. The Council gave feedback on keeping pledges that they have made to small businesses in the City, and wanted regular updates on what their possibilities are and expressed concerns regarding not having any public hearings on TIF or SPARC funds and having SPARC on top of TIF. Mr. Neuendorf noted that if the project is terminated, by law, the leftover money has to be returned to the place where it began and that the use of SPARC reduces the TIF contribution for the old Macy’s furniture site, where the funds have already been pledged. Affordable Housing Manager Hawkinson presented the State Statute that allows the TIF funds to be pooled for affordable ownership and discussed what authorizes the TIF funds to be used for the downpayment assistance program. Member Agnew introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2025-101, amending the Spending Plan for the Southdale 2, Pentagon Park, and 70th and Cahill Tax Increment Financing Districts. Member Jackson seconded the motion. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Hovland Nays: Pierce, Risser Motion carried. 10.0 COMMISSION CORRESPONDENCE (MINUTES AND ADVISORY COMMUNICATION) – Received 10.1. MINUTES: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025 11.0 MANAGER’S COMMENTS – Received 12.0 MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS – Received Minutes/Edina City Council/November 18 , 2025 Page 7 13.0 ADJOURNMENT Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to adjourn the meeting at 11:16 p.m. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Allison, City Clerk Minutes approved by Edina City Council, December 2, 2025. James B. Hovland, Mayor Video Copy of the November 18, 2025, meeting available. Sharon Allison (Dec 3, 2025 11:41:38 EST)