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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-20 City Council Meeting MinutesPage 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL HELD AT CITY HALL JANUARY 20, 2026 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 The Council moved Special Recognitions and Presentations ahead of Community Comment because public comment was expected to be longer than usual. Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, approving the meeting agenda as amended. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland. Motion carried. 5.0 COMMUNITY COMMENT The Council decided that they would like to suspend the typical rule regarding no community comment on matters that are on the meeting agenda for today’s meeting. Member Pierce made a motion, seconded by Member Risser, suspending the rules that community comment cannot be made regarding matters on the meeting agenda, to hear input on immigration enforcement issues. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland. Motion carried. Jessi Kingston stated that people in the community are hurting and afraid, and that residents need their leaders to stand beside them rather than watch from a distance. Mrs. Kingston asked that the City act on these matters now. Mayor Hovland noted that he met with 8 Minnesota mayors to discuss this matter last week and met again with various City Managers and Police Chiefs a few days later. Mayor Hovland noted that he has sent two letters to the New York Times editorial board so that people can understand what has been going on here in Minnesota. Police Chief Milburn stated that they worked in the Police Department to put together a policy to clear up roles for officers when interacting with ICE Officers. Mr. Milburn noted that their main focus is to protect people and property, and they do not interfere or work alongside ICE officers. Mr. Milburn noted that they will always be responsive to 911 calls. Mr. Milburn stated that local law enforcement has been stretched thin. Mr. Milburn discussed some incidents regarding what law enforcement has been dealing with and the reason why the press conference was held. City Manager Neal stated that Mrs. Kingston sent the City a nice framework, and they are in the process of putting together an internal staff task force to look at all of these suggestions. Page 2 Mr. Neal noted that it is time to put together a more unified, suburban approach to push back on the unconstitutional actions being done towards residents. The Council stated that Edina is a Human Rights City and noted that if anyone sees anything unsafe happening, call 911. The Council noted that all businesses should have a plan, write it out, and have apoint person to administer the plan. The Council highlighted specific parts of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Sandy Carlson urged the City Council for more transparency and broader community input on the proposed France Avenue tunnel project. Mrs. Carlson asked the Council to hold a formal public hearing open to all Edina residents before any further funds are allocated. Helen Ferraro stated that the ICE raids that have been going on have caused her to be terrified to leave her house, and asked what residents are supposed to do if ICE agents are acting unconstitutionally. Janey Westin noted that this is a serious matter and is so terrifying for so many people. Mrs. Westin stated that she would like the City to come out with a statement regarding where they stand on this matter. Mrs. Westin asked if Edina could do anything to help people who are released by ICE to help them stay warm/get home safely. Michael Waring stated that it is important for the City to have a means of communicating clearly to the boards of these associations about the importance of becoming knowledgeable on this matter. Chelsey Dively stated that it appears that ICE has access to the flock cameras, and it is putting people at risk. Mrs. Dively asked if they could temporarily halt those from being used or make them more secure. Mr. Milburn noted that they have been in contact with flock cameras for over a year, and they are very confident that they are not being shared with any ICE agents. Art Boylan noted that there are serious issues in the City and appreciates the work all of the City staff does. Mr. Boylan noted that there is a 3-premises limit in the current ordinance and hopes that it can be expanded to 6. Harry McLenighan recommended that the Council should remind residents that they promise to support justice for all at every meeting and noted that they should pay special attention to their language choices to avoid mistrust and promote civility. Mattias Oddsson thanked the Council for allowing residents to speak their minds on the ICE enforcement issues. Mr. Oddsson noted that the unlawful acts that have occurred warrant a response from community leaders and elected officials, and noted that it has also shown great acts of courage from community members. Mr. Oddsson asked that they consider an eviction moratorium or emergency rental assistance since many businesses are closed or operating under limited hours. Joanne Alkire noted that there is an incredible effort going on in the City, and the City staff is not a part of it. Mrs. Alkire noted that they are afraid that they will be targeted for doing legal activity to support the community. Mrs. Alkire discussed incidents that she has heard about in her Signal chats. Page 3 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 Pierce, approving the consent agenda as follows: 6.1. Approve regular and work session meeting minutes of December 8 and 16, 2025, and January 6, 2026 6.2. Approve Claims for Payment for Check Register Pre-List Dated December 12, 2025, totaling $4,039,491.36, Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated December 19, 2025, totaling $4,029,962.31, Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated December 24, 2025, totaling $1,401,395.33, Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated January 2, 2026, totaling $1,288,036.98, and Check Register Claims Pre- List Dated January 9, 2026, totaling $1,489,306.77. 6.3. Request for Purchase, Annual LOGIS Services, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, LOGIS, at $537,655 6.4. Request for Purchase, 2026 Computer Replacements, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, HP, at $82,450.80 6.5. Request for Purchase, Annual Card Access and Security Camera Agreements, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Pro-Tec Design, at $99,957.70 6.6. Grant First Reading approving Ordinance 2026-01, Setting Morningside Water Rates 6.7. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-01, amending the Budget for the City of Edina for Year 2026 6.8. Request for Purchase, Change Order #1: Home Energy Squad Contract, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Center for Energy and Environment at $15,000 6.9. Request for Purchase, Ariel Lift, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Forklifts of Minnesota, at $60,217.50 6.10. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-03, supporting the Dissolution of the U.S. Highway 169 Corridor Coalition 6.11. Request for Purchase, Rave Contract Funds, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Rave Mobile Safety, at $57,222.00 6.12. CHS-1 Shared/Hosted Phone Contract Amendments 6.13. Request for Purchase, Ford Explorer Police Interceptor, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Tenvoorde Ford, at $47,036.77 6.14. Amendment to Foundational Public Health Responsibilities Services Agreement with City of Bloomington 6.15. Request for Purchase, Project DOX Software Subscription, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Avolve Software Corp, at $35,352.00 6.16. Request for Purchase, Blue Peak Consulting Mental Health Provider Renewal, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Blue Peak Consulting at $26,250.00 6.17. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-04, authorizing the Approval of the 2026-2028 Residential Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant Agreement with Hennepin County. 6.18. 2026-2027 City and Local 49ers Union Contract 6.19. 2027-2027 City and Local 292 Electricians Union Contract 6.20. Summary Publication for Ordinances 2025-16, 2025-18, and 2025-19 Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland. Motion carried. Page 4 7.0 SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS 7.1. EDINA FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RECOGNITION The item was addressed before item 5, Community Comment. The Council expressed its congratulations to the Edina Football team for their State Championship. Jason Potts, Head Football Coach, stated that they are very appreciative of the support and recognition from Edina. 7.2. WINTER SALT WEEK JANUARY 26-30, 2026 – PROCLAIMED This item was addressed before item 5, Community Comment. Mayor Hovland read the proclamation in full, declaring January 26-30, 3036, as Winter Salt Week in Edina. Water Resource Coordinator Vanderwerff Wilson discussed the proclamation. The proclamation was presented to Edina resident Sue Nissen. Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, approving a proclamation declaring January 26-30, 2026, as Winter Salt Week in the City of Edina. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland. Motion carried. 8.0 PUBLIC HEARINGS HELD – Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file. 8.1. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT WITH VARIANCES: 4201 W. 50TH STREET - TABLED Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, tabling the Conditional Use Permit with Variances: 4201 W. 50th Street to the February 3, 2026, City Council meeting. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland. Motion carried. 9.0 REPORTS / RECOMMENDATIONS 9.1. RESOLUTION NO. 2026-02 ACCEPTING DONATIONS – ADOPTED Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2026-02 accepting various grants and donations. Member Pierce seconded the motion. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland. Motion carried. 9.2. PRESENTATION ON BRAEMAR ICE ARENA CONCEPT PLAN – PRESENTED Parks and Recreation Director Vetter presented the upgrades and expansion of the Braemar Ice Arena including a project recap, stakeholder input, project priorities, core project principles, the mission, 3D site view of proposed core concept, existing space remodels, view of lobby expansion, view of new fourth indoor rink, budget summary, potential additional improvements, sustainable building policy, next steps, Braemar Arena stakeholder feedback, and the Edina Parks and Recreation Commission feedback. The Council thanked Vetter for his presentation and the work that has been doing. 9.3. ORDINANCE 2025-17, AMENDING CHAPTER 22 - MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES TO ADD ARTICLE XL- FIREARMS – FIRST READING GRANTED City Manager Neal noted that this item pertains to a proposed Firearm Safety and Safe Storage Ordinance that would amend Chapter 22 of the City Code to create a new article regulating certain firearms and firearm components within the City. Mr. Neal noted that the City Council held a special town hall meeting on January 6, 2026, to get feedback on the proposed ordinance. City Attorney Kendall stated that the ordinance is like the ordinance passed by the city of St. Paul, with the key differences being the effective date and there being no prohibition on the possession of a firearm in places owned by the City, designed to help the Edina ordinance to survive litigation. Page 5 The Council asked questions regarding the validity of the ordinance with the State preemption, actual legality, and how this could be used if passed. Mr. Kendall stated that, in his opinion, the ordinance is not automatically void; it is possible for an ordinance to have a contingent effective date. Mr. Kendall discussed the differences between conflict and field preemption and noted that there is an argument that this is conflict preemption, meaning it is possible to pass an ordinance that has a contingent effective date. Mr. Kendall stated that if this ordinance were effective now, it would be preempted by State law, which is addressed by saying it is not effective now. The Council gave feedback on why now is the time for laws like this to be put into action and expressed full support for this ordinance; read comments from Senator Ron Latz regarding this matter; on there being a place for preemption here to have consistency across the State; and historical catalysts for changing societal views and the importance of making a legal statement. Member Agnew made a motion to grant First Reading to Ordinance No. 2025-17, amending Chapter 22 - Miscellaneous Offenses to add Article XI. - Firearms. Member Jackson seconded the motion. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Hovland. Abstain: Risser. Motion carried. 9.4. ORDINANCE 2026-02, AMENDING SECTION 4-9-9; REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 6 ARTICLE III LAWFUL GAMBLING OF THE EDINA CITY CODE – CONTINUED TO FEBRUARY 3, 2026 City Clerk Allison gave a presentation on the lawful gambling ordinance, including information regarding its background and need for change, what is being proposed, the premises permit framework, financial and regulatory requirements, proposed changes to the exempt gambling permits, and staff recommendation. Mr. Neal stated the goal is to create an opening for this kind of activity to occur without putting the City in the position of deciding who gets a permit. The Council asked questions regarding the process for adding more premises in the future. Allison stated Council could approve more immediately or amend the ordinance anytime in the future. Council asked if the income the City will get will be on par with the cost that it will take to administer gambling and Allison noted that she believe it will be on par but is not certain because this is new. The Council expressed concerns regarding not being able to support the ordinance, because it introduces another form of gambling and places the burden on a narrower, more vulnerable group and that this is part of an overall system that preys on addiction and takes money from people who may not have money to give. The Council requested hearing more about the need for this type of gambling in Edina and directed staff to come back with the ordinance under first reading and to get feedback from the community on its engagement platform, Better Together. Member Pierce made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, to bring back Ordinance 2026-02 for first reading on February 3, 2026, and post the ordinance on BTE for community feedback. Ayes: Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland. Nay: Agnew. Motion carried. 9.5. SKETCH PLAN REVIEW: 6016 VERNON AVENUE (EV CHARGING STATION) – PRESENTED Community Development Director Teague stated that this item pertains to 6016 Vernon Avenue and the proposal for a use that is allowed under their current zoning ordinance of PCD-4. Page 6 Declan Wilkerson, iONNA Deployment Design Specialist, presented who iONNA is, their mission, the spread of the company so far, experience in Edina, vision aligning with Edina, rechargery, concept sketches for the interior and exterior, and exterior elevation. The Council asked questions regarding lighting, convenience store accessibility, higher-end vending ideas, and the process for lounge use. Andres Villacres, iONNA Site Development, stated that they are proposing auto-dimming motion sensors and shielded LED lights pointed down. He noted that they are flexible and want to be a good community partner. Mr. Villacres noted that they will take the idea of higher-end vending options back and explore what they are able to do. Mr. Wilkerson noted that this site would work well for coworking, being near a residential area. The Council gave feedback regarding the surrounding zoning to this site, increasing community draw, and potentially adding bike racks, asked questions regarding cleaning services, parking for gas vehicles, and entrances to the site. The Council expressed concerns regarding having 24/7 charging, lighting in a neighborhood at all hours of the night, and this site being used by the community. 9.6. ADOPT 2026 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORMS – APPROVED Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Risser, tabling the adoption of 2026 Legislative Platforms to the February 3, 2026, City Council meeting. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland. Motion carried. 9.7. RESOLUTION NO. 2026-05, APPROVING THE PROPOSED LOCAL SALES TAX QUESTION AND AUTHORIZING AN ELECTION THEREON DURING THE 2026 GENERAL ELECTION – ADOPTED City Manager Neal stated that this item pertains to a discussion on expanding the applicability of their local sales tax. Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2026-05, Approving the Proposed Local Sales Tax Question and Authorizing an Election thereon during the 2026 General Election. Member Pierce seconded the motion. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland. Motion carried. 10.0 MANAGER’S COMMENTS – Received 11.0 MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS – Received 11.1 DISCUSS CITY RESPONSE TO CURRENT FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT ACTION Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, reaffirming the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland. Motion carried. 12.0 ADJOURNMENT Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to adjourn the meeting at 11:15 p.m. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Allison, City Clerk James B. Hovland, Mayor Sharon Allison (Feb 5, 2026 11:29:41 CST) Page 7 Minutes approved by Edina City Council, February 4, 2026. Video Copy of January 20, 2026, meeting available.