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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12-02 City Council Meeting MinutesPage 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL HELD AT CITY HALL DECEMBER 2, 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 Mayor Hovland suggested tabling item 8.2 until the January 20, 2026, City Council meeting to allow sufficient time for land ownership issues to be resolved before the Council considers further expenditures on this proposed project. Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, approving the meeting agenda with the removal of item 8.2, Request for Purchase: Professional Services for 30% Design France Avenue Pedestrian Crossing/Underpass, and tabling it until the January 20, 2026, City Council meeting. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 5.0 COMMUNITY COMMENT Lori Grotz stated that she would like a response from the Council about whether they are going to change the TIF boundaries at Grandview so that the property taxes will go to the taxpayers or if they will stay in the TIF districts, and what the funds will be used for. David Frankel asked about what is going on at Braemar Arena and would like to know what the cost and plans are to get the South Rink running. Mr. Frankel also asked about the schedule and plan for the agreement with the DOJ regarding the Pedestrian Bridge at Grandview. Ann Hustad expressed concerns regarding the tunnel at France Avenue and noted that the taxpayers cannot take on the costs that it will bring. Patti Flekke expressed concerns regarding the increase in their taxes and loss of their homestead exclusion. Mrs. Flekke noted that she thinks the Edina Art Center should include all the arts, including music, and plan for the benefit of citizens in the long run. Craig Corah expressed concerns regarding the tunnel under France Avenue and noted that it is not a good idea because it is the busiest road in the State, so shutting it down for any amount of time is a bad idea. 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 Risser made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, approving the consent agenda as revised to remove Item 6.10, Resolution No. 2025-114, Setting Parks & Recreation Fees for 2026, and Item 6.20, 2026 Meeting Calendar of Meeting and Religious Observances Dates as follows: Minutes/Edina City Council/December 2 ,2025 Page 2 6.1. Approve regular and work session meeting minutes of November 12, 2025, and November 18, 2025 6.2. Approve Claims for Payment for Check Register Pre-List Dated November 14, 2025, totaling $2,304,801.55, and Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated November 21, 2025, totaling $2,256,443.24 6.3. Public Utility Improvement Agreements 6.4. Request for Purchase, Contract FC21-34 Change Order #2 ZoneOne Electrical Locating Services Extension 2026-2028, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Hance Utility Service DBA, Zone One Locating at $180,000 6.5. Receive Petition Against Proposed Sidewalk on Fleetwood Drive and Lanham Road 6.6. Cooperative Project with Nine Mile Creek Watershed District: Rosland Park Stormwater Filter Upgrades 6.7. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-113, authorizing the Use of Conservation and Sustainability Funds for Fire Station #2 Solar Array 6.8. Request for Purchase, FC25-21 Wellhouse #19 Roof Replacement, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, McPhillips Bro’s Roofing at $58,000 6.9. Request for Purchase, Handrail Repairs at Centennial Lakes Park, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Metro Erectors Inc., Metro Manufacturing Inc., at $22,792 6.10 Resolution No. 2025-114, setting Parks & Recreation Fees for 2026 6.11. Request for Purchase, iCrimeFighter Enterprise License Agreement, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, iCrimeFighter Enterprise/At-Scene LLC at $46,786.80 6.12. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-129, setting Ambulance & Miscellaneous Fire Fees for 2026 6.13. Request for Purchase, Maintenance, and Repairs at South Metro Public Safety Training Facility, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Range Renovation Consulting at $37,830 6.14. Request for Purchase, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Compressor Replacement - Fire Station 1, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Alex Air Apparatus at $67,859.30 6.15. Amend Local Public Health Services and Response Sustainability Grant Services Agreements with the City of Bloomington 6.16. 2026-2027 Union Contract for LELS Local 498 Patrol 6.17. 2026-2027 Union Contract for LELS Local 486 Sergeants 6.18. 2026 Board and Commission Reappointments 6.19. Summary Publication for Ordinance 2025-14 and 2025-15 6.20. 2026 Meeting Calendar of Meetings and Religious Observances Dates 6.21. Receive Petition for Pedestrian-Activated Flashers at Interlachen Boulevard and Vandervork Avenue 6.22. Receive Petition for Sidewalk at 4700 W 77th Street Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA 6.10. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-114, SETTING PARKS & RECREATION FEES FOR 2026 The Council asked for clarification on the thoughts behind the decreasing rates at the Aquatic Center. Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated that they wanted to address feedback that the prices for resident and non-resident rates are too high and that season passes have also declined. Because of that, they wanted to offer more options to provide more access and flexibility and bring more people into the facility. Member Risser introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2025-114, setting Parks & Recreation Fees for 2026. Member Agnew seconded the motion. Minutes/Edina City Council/December 2 ,2025 Page 3 Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 6.20. 2026 MEETING CALENDAR OF MEETING AND RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES DATES The Council asked if there were any soft holidays in the calendar for next year, and asked if an asterisk could be added for the 4th of July to clarify it was not a paid holiday since it is a Saturday. City Manager Neal noted that the paid time off for the 4th of July will be Friday, July 3, but an asterisk can be added for clarification. Mr. Neal also stated that January 2, 2026, is the only soft holiday for 2026. Member Risser made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, approving the 2026 Meeting Calendar of Meeting and Religious Observances Dates with corrections. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 7.0 PUBLIC HEARINGS HELD – Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file. 7.1. APPLICATION TO EXCEED THREE CATS AND DOGS IN AGGREGATE - APPROVED Animal Control Officer Hunter noted that the couple who completed the application were very proactive in reading the ordinances, and they have not had any complaints or concerns regarding the situation. Mr. Hunter noted that he recommends approval. The Council asked questions regarding the transfer of the license if they were to move. Mr. Hunter noted that they would need to have another public hearing if they were to move. Emery Day and Monica Schultz explained the reasons behind having the animals they do, and stated that they are very well taken care of and hope to keep their families' needs met. The Council asked about the ages of the animals, the life cycle for this approval. Mr. Hunter noted that this approval would only apply to the animals on the application. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 7:42 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. The Council expressed support for the approval, knowing how the applicants were proactive in their application, and that this is a short-term situation. Member Agnew made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, approving the permit application to exceed three dogs and cats in aggregate at 5241 Lincoln Dr. Apt 110. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 7.2. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-112, SETTING 2026 TAX LEVY AND ADOPTING OPERATING BUDGET - CONTINUED TO DECEMBER 16, 2025 City Manager Neal discussed the mission and vision for the City of Edina, the budget pillars and values, the biennial budget process, and the timeline for the budget. Minutes/Edina City Council/December 2 ,2025 Page 4 Finance Director Thao gave a presentation regarding the draft budget work plan for 2026-2027 and outlined the projects within each pillar, including strong foundation, reliable service, livable City, and Better Together. Mrs. Thao also presented information regarding the 2026-2027 Preliminary Tax Levy Proposal, budget highlights, projects funded with alternative funding, City Manager's proposed budget changes, the General Fund, 2026 draft consolidated budget, enterprise funds, internal service funds, 2026 Preliminary Tax Rate comparisons, Tax Capacity/Certified Levy/City Tax Rate, debt service levy projection, distribution of 2026 property tax, 2026 estimated levy impacts, 2026 budget options, and next steps. The Council asked questions regarding the operating cost for the Edina Art Center, if every department looked for as many savings as possible, and the shift of Assessing Services over to the County. Mrs. Thao noted that they project a savings of half a million dollars in 2026 and a million dollars in 2027 from shifting Assessing over to the County. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 8:16 p.m. Public Testimony Jim Grotz addressed the Council. Ben Aviles addressed the Council. Emily Aviles addressed the Council. Alicia Gibson addressed the Council. Dr. Lisa Hollensteiner addressed the Council. Neil Gokemeijer addressed the Council. Dr. Craig Strauss addressed the Council. Joni Bennett addressed the Council. Paul Thompson addressed the Council. Jim Doudiet addressed the Council. Kyle Kirsch addressed the Council. Brian A. Martin addressed the Council. Liz Ross addressed the Council. Ralph Zickert addressed the Council. Lori Grotz addressed the Council. David Frankel addressed the Council. Member Agnew made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to close the in-person public hearing, keep public comment open until Sunday, December 7, and continue action to consider approval of Resolution No. 2025-112, setting 2026 Tax Levy and Adopting Operating Budget, to the December 16, 2025, City Council meeting. Minutes/Edina City Council/December 2 ,2025 Page 5 Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. The Council asked if they could add an agenda item to a meeting before the December 16 City Council meeting to have more time to discuss the budget. City Manager Neal noted that they will have a Special City Council meeting scheduled for December 8, 2025. The Council asked questions regarding when there will be a time to discuss the France Avenue underpass and their concerns for this project moving forward, and the purpose of the staffing study and the Edinborough Park study. The Council expressed concerns regarding how much staff time has been spent on the France Avenue underpass, the lack of ADA compliance for the underpass, and capping the increase at a specific number. The Council gave feedback regarding the responsibility of the Council for making Edina the best possible place to live, more reductions that they can make for the budget, the give-and-takes in decision-making regarding public safety, and addressing the generational expenses in the City. The Council gave their opinions on finding ways to keep the recommendation of hiring 12 EMS firefighters, while also decreasing the levy. The Council discussed changing the agenda for the December 16, 2025, City Council work session to include a budget discussion on adjustments that could be made to get the levy brought down further. 8.0 REPORTS / RECOMMENDATIONS 8.1. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-115 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 Pierce introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2025-115 accepting various grants and donations. Member Jackson seconded the motion. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 8.2. REQUEST FOR PURCHASE, PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR 30% DESIGN FRANCE AVENUE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING/UNDERPASS – TABLED This item was tabled until the January 20, 2026, City Council Meeting. Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, tabling the Request for Purchase, Professional Services for 30% Design France Avenue Pedestrian Crossing/Underpass until the January 20, 2026, City Council meeting. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 8.3. ORDINANCE NO. 2025-16, AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE CITY CODE SETTING FEES FOR 2026 – FIRST READING GRANTED Finance Director Thao presented the new fee changes being introduced for 2026 to help stay aligned with inflation and the standard of living changes in Edina. The Council asked questions regarding what other rates are and asked how they come up with the increases that they do. Minutes/Edina City Council/December 2 ,2025 Page 6 Mrs. Thao stated that each department proposed their own fee changes, so she can get with the department heads and figure out the specific reasons behind the fee changes. Mr. Neal added that they have asked the department heads who are proposing the increases to look at their increases and are able to justify them. Member Jackson made a motion to grant First Reading to Ordinance No. 2025-16, Amending Chapter 2 of the City Code Setting Fees for 2026. Member Pierce seconded the motion. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. 8.4. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-107, SUBDIVISION FOR 7235 FRANCE AVENUE – ADOPTED Community Development Director Teague noted that this item pertains to the approval of a Preliminary and Final Plat for 7235 France Avenue, the old Macy’s site, and added that there is no change to the plat that was approved by the City Council last year. The Council expressed concerns regarding the promenade extension coming into existence. Mr. Teague noted that it will not be the City’s responsibility to maintain the promenade, but the public will have access. City Attorney Kendall stated that the City will not have all the rights to use it as it would with a Public Easement, but the public will still have the same rights to use it. The Council asked questions about what would happen to the three parcels if the project were not to move forward. Mr. Teague noted that the development that has been proposed is the only thing that can go on this site, so if anything different came up, it would have to have a rezoning and come back through the Planning Commission and City Council. Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2025-107, Subdivision for 7235 France Avenue. Member Pierce seconded the motion. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Hovland Abstain: Risser Motion carried. 9.0 COMMISSION CORRESPONDENCE (MINUTES AND ADVISORY COMMUNICATION) – Received 9.1. MINUTES: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, OCTOBER 14, 2025 9.2. MINUTES: TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, SEPTEMBER 18 AND OCTOBER 23, 2025 10.0 MANAGER’S COMMENTS – Received 11.0 MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS – Received 12.0 ADJOURNMENT Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to adjourn the meeting at 10:18 p.m. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. Minutes/Edina City Council/December 2 ,2025 Page 7 Respectfully submitted, Sharon Allison, City Clerk Minutes approved by Edina City Council, December 16, 2025. James B. Hovland, Mayor Video Copy of the December 2, 2025, meeting available.