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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-04 Work Session Meeting MinutesPage 1 MINUTES OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION COMMUNITY ROOM, CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2026 5:30 P.M. 1.0 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 5:32p.m. 2.0 ROLL CALL Answering rollcall were Members Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, and Mayor Hovland. Staff in attendance: Scott Neal, City Manager; Ari Lenz, Assistant City Manager; Zoe Johnson, City Management Fellow; MJ Lamon, Special Projects & Engagement Manager; Jennifer Bennerotte, Communications Director; Perry Vetter, Parks & Recreation Director; Nate Morrison, Maintenance Supervisor; Police Chief Todd Milburn; Lieutenant Ryan Schultz; Katie Bisek, I.T. Specialist; City Attorney Dave Kendall and Sharon Allison, City Clerk. 3.1 IMMIGRATION RESPONSE Manager Neal introduced the topic, explaining that the report was developed by the City Manager’s Immigration Response Task Force. He stated the Task Force considered legal parameters, community values, practical limitations, and potential creative solutions, which resulted in a draft ordinance and resolution for Council consideration. Special Projects & Engagement Manager Lamon said several items were identified as rising to the level of Council action. Regarding regulatory signage in City parks, facilities, and other public places, the Task Force reviewed examples from other communities where signage was installed to deter federal agents from using public property for enforcement-related activities. Staff noted such signage would be largely symbolic, as the City’s authority to enforce compliance is limited or nonexistent. After reviewing other cities’ experiences, staff concluded the signs are difficult to enforce, may create a false sense of security, and could undermine public trust. In addition, there is no data indicating federal agents are present on City property. For these reasons, the City Manager and Task Force did not recommend installation, though staff would implement Council direction. Council discussion centered on whether signage would help residents feel heard and safe, the risk of implying the City could take action it legally cannot, and whether encouraging residents to call 911 would be appropriate. Council also discussed the Police Department’s role and limitations in federal immigration enforcement, experiences in other communities, and alternative communication methods that would demonstrate support without creating unrealistic expectations. The Council also discussed issuing a clear statement that ICE is not welcome in the City of Edina and/or adopting a Welcoming Resolution. The Task Force referred this item directly to Council due to its legal and financial complexities. Staff advised that, depending on wording, a resolution could risk the City being labeled a sanctuary city, potentially jeopardizing federal funding. It was noted the City has received approximately $692,000 in ARPA funds and may Page 2 receive an additional $600,000 in federal funding that could be impacted. Council discussed whether a resolution would be a more effective statement than signage. Some expressed concern about constitutional rights and were willing to accept potential funding risks, while others cautioned that even modified language could still result in the City being characterized as a sanctuary city. It was also noted that the City has already joined an amicus brief related to reducing ICE activity and that it is well known the City does not participate in federal immigration enforcement. One Council member declined to support the proposed resolution and encouraged language that would be broadly comfortable, including discouraging enforcement activity around sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals, and schools. On the topic of an Eviction Moratorium, staff reported that following legal review, the Task Force eliminated the option because the City lacks authority to impose a local moratorium; such action must occur at the state level. The Task Force instead focused on rental assistance as a more viable approach. It was noted that Roseville sent a letter to the Governor urging consideration of a statewide moratorium, and Richfield considered but did not take action. Staff explained that Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) funds have already been contracted and no additional funding is currently available, though future allocations or other state funding sources may be explored. The City is also working directly with VEAP. During discussion, it was noted that property managers are still recovering from impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and that a moratorium carries risks and may not be effective. Council expressed support for pursuing rental assistance efforts and agreed to authorize a letter similar to Roseville’s focused on rental assistance rather than a moratorium. Regarding FLOCK cameras, the Task Force evaluated affirming publicly that the Flock system is not used for immigration enforcement and ensuring ICE does not gain access to the data. The City Attorney reviewed the City’s contract and confirmed that the City owns the data and that Flock cannot legally share it with other agencies. Staff reported that the City has never shared Flock data externally; access is limited to City staff, usage is restricted to criminal investigations, and access is tracked and audited. Internal audits have been conducted to verify security settings, and the system was intentionally configured to restrict access to Edina only. The Police Chief stated audits will continue. It was also noted that federal agencies maintain their own databases and do not rely on local systems. The Task Force and staff did not recommend pausing use of the system and instead are developing additional communication strategies to provide clarity to the public. Richfield also reviewed this issue and did not take action to pause its program. 3.2 DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY UPDATE Due to time constraints, Council did not get to the Digital Accessibility Update. 4.0 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hovland adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Allison, City Clerk Sharon Allison (Feb 18, 2026 13:08:51 CST) Page 2 James B. Hovland, Mayor Minutes approved by Edina City Council, February 17, 2026. Audio copy of the work session available.