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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-03 City Council Meeting MinutesPage 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL HELD AT CITY HALL MARCH 3, 2026 7:00 P.M. I.0 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 7:05 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 Agnew made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, approving the meeting agenda, removing Item 6.14, Petition Response: Stop Control at Brookview Ave and W 55th Street. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland. Motion carried. 5.0 COMMUNITY COMMENT Ralph Zickert noted that Manager Neal has been moonlighting and founded a consulting company out of Wisconsin, and asked why that is the case. Allison Schumacher voiced her concerns with the Public Works department and the late removal of her item from the agenda tonight. Mrs. Schumacher stated that the basis of the decision-making is outdated and asked how many other residents’ concerns are pushed aside and put on the consent agenda. Mrs. Schumacher asked if the Council would approve a trial of a 4-way stop at her intersection. Stacey Schonfeld stated that there are 13 families within a one-block radius of this intersection and asked that the Council review this to think proactively about how they can keep their kids safe. Joy Vogt noted that they are informally tracking nearly 6 ICE enforcements that have happened in the City’s boundaries and asked what the City is doing to keep their residents safe. Mrs. Vogt noted that they need to do something to prevent evictions. Laura Lukens asked how it has been presented that everyone wins with the new potential lawful gambling ordinance. Mrs. Lukens encouraged the Council to look into what nonprofits will actually benefit from this. Alyssa Pankratz stated that the intersection at Brookview is very unique and thanked the Council for considering the matter again. Molly Soran stated that she has a lot of concerns regarding the intersection at Brookview and the dangers from it for their children. 5.1. CITY MANAGER’S RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY COMMENTS City Manager Neal responded to Community Comments from current and past meetings. Page 2 6.0 CONSENT AGENDA – ADOPTED Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, approving the consent agenda as follows: 6.1. Approve regular meeting minutes of February 4, 2026, and regular and work session meeting minutes of February 17, 2026 6.2. Approve Claims for Payment for Check Register Pre-List Dated February 13, 2026, totaling $2,709,887.31, and Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated February 20, 2026, totaling $3,828,581.40 6.3. Edina Housing Foundation Appointments 6.4. Waive Second Reading Adopting Ordinance No. 2026-05, Amending Chapter 20, Article VI, Property Maintenance 6.5. Request for Purchase, Valuation Services for Braemar Arena Sponsorships, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Superlative Group at $25,000 6.6. Request for Purchase, Commissioning Services for Braemar Ice Arena Renovation and Expansion Project, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, KFI Engineers, at $190,800 6.7. Land-Use Agreement for the Mirror Lake Alum Treatment 6.8. Request for Purchase, 494 Corridor Commission Member Dues, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, I-494 Corridor Commission at $32,871 6.9. Request for Purchase, Professional Services for Old Fire Station #2 Building Demolition Specifications with BKV Architects, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, BKV Architects Inc., at $22,500 6.10. Request for Purchase, Streetlights for York Avenue and Parklawn Avenue, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Xcel Energy at $204,927.18 6.11. Request for Purchase, Bulk Fuel, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Mansfield Oil Company, at $490,000 6.12. Request for Purchase, Contract Amendment #1: Professional Services for Final Design of Interlachen Boulevard 2027 Street Reconstruction, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Short Elliot Hendrickson at $348, 540 6.13. Traffic Safety Reports of December 9, 2025, and January 27, 2026 6.15. Petition Response: Interlachen Boulevard and Vandervork Avenue Crosswalk 6.16 Petition: School Hour Parking and Stopping Restrictions on Concord Terrace and St. Johns Avenue 6.17. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-11, entering into MnDOT Agreement No. 1062130 for Rosland Park Pedestrian Bridge State Funding 6.18. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-12, supporting Minnesota GreenCorps Green Transportation Host Site Application 6.19. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-13, supporting Minnesota GreenCorps Community Readiness & Outreach Host Site Application 6.20. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-14, supporting Minnesota GreenCorps Forestry Host Site Application 6.21. Out-of-State Travel for Council Members Jackson and Risser 6.22. On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License Takumi Sushi Inc. dba Takumi Sushi 6.23. On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License New Social Edina LLC dba Pinstripes 6.24. Liquor License Renewals Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland. Motion carried. 7.0 SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS Page 3 7.1 EDINA HIGH SCHOOL DEBATE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP RECOGNITION - RECOGNIZED Coach Schmitt acknowledged the two winners of the 2026 and 2025 State Championships and gave a brief background on their history with the Debate Team, noting that they will be competing for the National Title in Virginia. Mayor Hovland recognized Aditi Jha, Valerie Schimitt, and their coaches on their Lincoln-Douglas Debate State Championship wins. 8.0 PUBLIC HEARINGS HELD – Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file. 8.1. CONTINUE PUBLIC HEARING TO APRIL 7, 2026: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR HIGHLANDS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 5505 DONCASTER WAY - CONTINUED TO APRIL 7, 2026. Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to table and continue the public hearing for the Conditional Use Permit for Highlands Elementary School to the April 7, 2026, City Council meeting. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland. Motion carried. 9.0 REPORTS / RECOMMENDATIONS 9.1. RESOLUTION NO. 2026-09 ACCEPTING DONATIONS – ADOPTED Mayor Hovland explained that 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. 2026-09 accepting various grants and donations. Member Pierce seconded the motion. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland. Motion carried. 9.2 TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REPORT: CITY POLICIES/ORDINANCES REQUIRING WALKING AND BIKING IMPROVEMENTS - DISCUSSED Chris Brown, Transportation Commission, gave a presentation on the Transportation Commission initiative, commission recommendations, Edina Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan (PBMP), case studies from MA and CA, strategic objectives, Edina resident support, and the Energy and Environment Commission support. Engineering Director Millner discussed the PBMP Implementation, changes to proposed bicycle facilities, and staff recommendations. The Council asked questions regarding projects that were not approved in the past; gave feedback regarding taking into account shady patches of sidewalks and ice, and evaluating the impact on the sidewalks when setback variances are requested, and discussed the decision-making process for variances and figured out a way to help the community see why this is important and why they should support it. Mr. Brown stated that the hope of this work plan is to execute the broader vision they have to create a safe network for bicyclists and pedestrians. The Council suggested getting a field perspective for future project proposals to help get a sense of the request. Member Pierce made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, to direct staff to include community engagement around proposed pedestrian and bicycle facilities as a part of the 2028 Comprehensive Plan development process. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland. Motion carried. Page 4 9.3 TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REPORT: CITY CODE SEC. 26-282 REGARDING ELECTRIC-ASSISTED BICYCLES – DISCUSSED Mr. Millner gave a presentation on the updated e-bike definitions, the Transportation Commission initiative, strategic objectives, Police Department feedback, and the staff recommendation. The Council asked questions regarding signage, how many of the 94 concerns came after the ordinance went into effect in April 2025, what specific Edina data they have, what other cities have allowed e-bikes on sidewalks, and data on e-bike accidents; gave feedback regarding not hearing as many complaints regarding e-bikes since the ordinance went into effect; expressed concerns regarding not having a way to classify the lower vs. higher horsepower e-bikes, and noted that they would like to encourage e-bikers to ride on the road if they feel safe, and if the sidewalk is used, then they should yield to pedestrians. Member Risser made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to direct staff to draft an ordinance repealing the ban on electric-assisted bicycles on public sidewalks. Ayes: Agnew, Pierce, Risser, Hovland. Nay: Jackson. Motion carried. 9.4 ORDINANCE 2026-06 AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE CITY CODE SETTING 4TH TIER FOR RESIDENTIAL WATER USE – ADOPTED Nick Anhut, Ehlers & Associates, presented a background on the 4th Residential Tier, adopted 2026 water rates, impact on residents, and the 2025 Utility Rate Study. The Council asked questions regarding single-family vs multi-family residential, impact on water usage, and percentage increase from tier 2 to tier 3. Mr. Anhut noted that they have residential, multi-family, and commercial accounts, and irrigation meters. Mr. Anhut noted that over time, these levels may decrease, but he does not expect an immediate impact; there are lots of factors, like rainfall, that will impact this. The Council expressed concerns regarding the percentage of increases they are proposing. Mr. Anhut noted that with this structure, the revenue would help offset the City’s debt needs. Member Jackson made a motion to grant First Reading and waive Second Reading of Ordinance 2026-06, amending Chapter 2, Section 2-724, Schedule A, setting the 4th tier for residential water use. Member Agnew seconded the motion. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland. Motion carried. Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to approve summary publication of Ordinance 2026-06. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland. Motion carried. 9.5. ORDINANCE 2026-04, AMENDMENT REGARDING TREE PROTECTION - ADOPTED Parks and Recreation Director Vetter noted that the residential tree sale opened on Monday, and they have already sold 138 trees. Mr. Vetter noted that residents can find out how to purchase trees from the City’s website. Mr. Vetter gave an overview of the changes that are being proposed with the ordinance, including being effective for all zoning districts, definitions, replanting requirements, exemptions, and repealing Chapter 10 and amending Chapter 30 of the City Code. The Council thanked Mr. Vetter for the follow-up discussion and for addressing questions from the last meeting and noted its appreciation for the Canopy Connect program, but noted that there needs to be a way of recognizing tree density per lot. Page 5 Member Jackson made a motion to grant Second Reading, adopting Ordinance 2026- 04, an amendment regarding tree protection. Member Agnew seconded the motion. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland. Motion carried. Member Agnew made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, to approve summary publication of Ordinance 2026-04. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland. Motion carried. 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 9:33 p.m. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Allison, City Clerk James B. Hovland, Mayor Minutes approved by Edina City Council, March 17, 2026. Video Copy of March 3, 2026, meeting available. Sharon Allison (Mar 18, 2026 11:42:54 CDT)