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Home My WebLink About2026-03-03 Work Session Meeting Packet City Council Work Session Meeting Agenda March 3, 2026, 5:30 PM Edina City Hall, Community Room, 4801 W. 50th St. Accessibility Support: The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public process. If you need assistance in the way of hearing amplification, an interpreter, large-print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Meeting Topics 3.1. Motion to Move to Closed Session as Permitted by M.S. 13D.05, Subd. 3 to Discuss Grandview Pedestrian Bridge ADA Inquiry with Department of Justice 3.2. Closed Session: Discuss Grandview Pedestrian Bridge ADA Inquiry with Department of Justice 3.3. Motion to Move Back into Open Session 3.4. 2027 Budget Kick-off 3.5. Digital Accessibility Update 4. Adjournment Page 1 of 25 Item Report March 3, 2026 City Council Item Number: 3.1 Department: Public Works Item Activity: Discussion Prepared By: Chad Millner, Director of Public Works and City Engineer Item Title: Motion to Move to Closed Session as Permitted by M.S. 13D.05, Subd. 3 to Discuss Grandview Pedestrian Bridge ADA Inquiry with Department of Justice Action Requested: Adopt motion as stated. Information/Background: This motion must be adopted to legally close the meeting. Supporting Documentation: None Page 2 of 25 Item Report March 3, 2026 City Council Item Number: 3.2 Department: Public Works Item Activity: Information Prepared By: Chad Millner, Director of Public Works and City Engineer Item Title: Closed Session: Discuss Grandview Pedestrian Bridge ADA Inquiry with Department of Justice Action Requested: Information Only Information/Background: The City's legal team will discuss possible legal next steps regarding the Grandview Pedestrian Bridge ADA Inquiry with Department of Justice. Supporting Documentation: None Page 3 of 25 Item Report March 3, 2026 City Council Item Number: 3.3 Department: Public Works Item Activity: Prepared By: Chad Millner, Director of Public Works and City Engineer Item Title: Motion to Move Back into Open Session Action Requested: Adopt the motion as stated. Information/Background: This motion is necessary to exit the closed session. Supporting Documentation: None Page 4 of 25 Item Report March 3, 2026 City Council Item Number: 3.4 Department: Finance Item Activity: Discussion Prepared By: Pa Thao, Finance Director Item Title: 2027 Budget Kick-off Action Requested: Discussion only. Staff are seeking general guidance on priorities, trade-offs, or areas of focus. Information/Background: This study session marks the official start of the 2027 budget season. The kickoff presentation will provide a high-level overview of: • The annual budget preparation process and timeline • Current approved levy and forecasted levy estimates Budget Development Process The annual budget is a multifaceted, year-round effort guided by the city’s strategic plan. Historically, the process includes: • Spring: Council provides priorities and guidance for budget development. City department leaders submit eligible CIP projects to the Finance department for consideration. Current year's budget is reviewed for material changes. • Summer: Eligible projects are reviewed by the City Manager. Draft CIP is prepared and presented to Administration and Department Leaders for review. • Fall: Using feedback from City Council, proposed property tax levy is prepared and presented to City Council. City Council adopts a preliminary levy, which can be reduced later but not increased • Winter: Final study session on the draft operating budget, followed by a public meeting and council adoption in December. Finance submits and certifies the final property tax levy In recent years, additional work sessions have been added to gather council feedback on priorities and expectations in the process. Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) By adopting the CIP, the Council is providing overall policy guidance on a long-term community investment plan. This adoption reflects support for the general investment strategy but does not constitute formal approval of individual projects. Each project is brought forward for separate council approval at later meetings. It’s important to note that not all projects listed as “funded” in the CIP will occur in the listed year. Funding availability, shifting priorities, or unexpected hurdles can postpone—or even cancel—a project. The Construction Fund and Utility Funds remain the primary funding sources for the CIP. The council will review the 2027–2032 CIP at an upcoming study session. Page 5 of 25 Resources/Financial Impacts: This is essential for the funding of the City's operation and capital projects Relationship to City Policies/Plans/Budget Pillars: The budget details the key priorities of the City Council and the resources dedicated to achieve results for Edina residents utilizing strategic guidance from Vision Edina, the Comprehensive Plan, and the Capital Improvement Plan. Strong Foundation Reliable Service Livable City Better Together Values Impact: Engagement We build meaningful connections and create spaces where everyone feels welcome, valued and has a sense of belonging. Equity We provide equitable opportunities for people to participate in the city government and access City institutions, facilities, and services. Health We use Health-in-All Policies to promote and protect the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of all people who live, work, or visit Edina. Stewardship We make wise investments that focus on the best long-term value for residents. Sustainability We ensure that our policies, decisions, and plans have a positive impact on people and the planet now and for future generations. Supporting Documentation: Documents marked with "Board Portal" do not meet ADA Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (URL) and are not included in the public packet. To request a board portal document, please submit a data request (URL). 1. Staff Presentation Page 6 of 25 EdinaMN.gov 2027 CIP & Budget Council Kick-off March 3, 2026 Page 7 of 25 Tentative Timeline Date Event Action Dec 16th Council Approved 2026 Levy & Budget Feb 24th –March 31st City Departments Budget/CIP project review & submission March 3rd Council Work Session Council Budget and CIP Kick-off March 17th Council Work Session State of the Utilities April 28th Discussion & Goal Setting Council Retreat #1 June 23rd Discussion & Goal Setting Council Retreat #2 August 18th 27 Budget & CIP Presented Council Work Session Sept 1st 27 Budget & CIP Discussion Council Work Session Sept 15th Council Work Session & Council Meeting Adopt Preliminary Levy Sept 30th Finance Deadline Preliminary levy due to County Nov 17th Council Work Session Council Work Session Dec 1st Council Work Session & Council Meeting Truth in Taxation Public Hearing Dec 15th Council Work Session & Council Meeting Adopt Final Levy Dec 28th Finance Deadline Final levy certification due to County 1Page 8 of 25 2026 Adopted Tax Levy 2024 Adopted 2025 Adopted 2026 Adopted General Fund $43,744,165 $47,543,215 $53,012,940 Debt Service $3,471,700 $5,377,639 $6,448,283 Construction $4,470,000 $3,668,000 $2,913,450 Special Street $1,481,000 $1,762,000 $1,053,000 Special Park $1,000,000 $400,000 $0 HRA $251,700 $259,300 $267,100 Total Tax Levy $54,418,565 $59,010,154 $63,694,773 % Increase 9.15%8.44%7.94% 2Page 9 of 25 2027 Projected Tax Levy 2024 Adopted 2025 Adopted 2026 Adopted 2027 Projected Levy General Fund $43,744,165 $47,543,215 $53,012,940 $56,929,645 Debt Service $3,471,700 $5,377,639 $6,448,283 $6,771,866 Construction $4,470,000 $3,668,000 $2,913,450 $4,219,278 Special Street $1,481,000 $1,762,000 $1,053,000 $1,355,400 Special Park $1,000,000 $400,000 $0 $400,000 HRA $251,700 $259,300 $267,100 $275,100 Total Tax Levy $54,418,565 $59,010,154 $63,694,773 $69,951,289 % Increase 9.15%8.44%7.94%9.82% 3Page 10 of 25 Debt Service Levy Projection (Approved vs. Future) $- $1 $2 $3 $4 $5 $6 $7 $8 $9 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030Millions Gymnasium Fire Station 1 Public Works Facility Sports Dome Fire Station 2 Aquatic Center Highway 100 Interchange Future Potential Projects 4 Page 11 of 25 Item Report March 3, 2026 City Council Item Number: 3.5 Department: Communications Item Activity: Information Prepared By: Jennifer Bennerotte, Communications Director Item Title: Digital Accessibility Update Action Requested: None, information only. Information/Background: On April 24, 2024, the Federal Register published the Department of Justice’s final rule updating its regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The final rule has specific requirements about how to ensure that web content and mobile applications are accessible to people with disabilities. All web content and mobile applications that Edina provides or makes available must conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards by April 24, 2026. Staff will review Edina's websites and online applications and work done to date and discuss why digital accessibility is important. Supporting Documentation: Documents marked with "Board Portal" do not meet ADA Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (URL) and are not included in the public packet. To request a board portal document, please submit a data request (URL). 1. Staff Presentation on Digital Accessibility Page 12 of 25 EdinaMN.gov Web Content Accessibility Guidelines Digital Accessibility Page 13 of 25 Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) On April 24, 2024, the Federal Register published the Department of Justice’s final rule updating its regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The final rule has specific requirements about how to ensure that web content and mobile applications are accessible to people with disabilities. All web content and mobile applications that Edina provides or makes available must conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards by April 24, 2026. Entities with a population of 50,000 or more must comply this year. Those under 50,000 have until April 26, 2027 to comply. Page 14 of 25 Edina’s Websites and Apps •Agenda Management •ARC GIS •Assessment Lookup •BetterTogetherEdina.org •BraemarGolf.com + app •Crime Map •EdinaLiquor.com + app •Enterprise ERP •Enterprise ERP –Health forms •ePermits •Finnly •Gallus Golf •Invoice Cloud •Laserfishe (Edina Docs) •Mailchimp (City Extra) •Municode •NeoGov •Notify (Golf) Page 15 of 25 More of Edina’s Websites and Apps •PADS •Envisio (Progress Portal) •Project Dox •Quest CDN •Recreation Management •Roway •SeeClickFix (Edina 311) •Sentext •Smart 911/Rave •Survey Monkey •Team Sideline •Volgistics •Golf Genius •YouTube and social media •When I Work •Edinet •Tyler Enteprise: ESS •Employee Benefits Portal Page 16 of 25 Edina’s To-Do List to Meet WCAG •Review web-based platforms and apps to make sure they are accessible •Review documents posted online •Remove documents •Remediate documents •Move historical documentsto Edina Docs archive •Write policy and remediation plan for making platforms and documents accessible Page 17 of 25 Edina’s WCAG Work Done to Date •Requested compliance documents from vendors •Completed redesign of EdinaMN.gov •Moved Training Facility website onto new platform •Initiated upgrade of platform for BraemarGolf.com •Upgraded platform for Agenda Management and created new standards for documents posted on platform •Provided accessible documents training to staff •Provided each department with a list of documents on EdinaMN.gov to remove, move or remediate •Began remediating City templates Page 18 of 25 Why This is the Right Move (and Good in the Long Run) •Accessibility is not optional. It’s about equal access to public information. Page 19 of 25 More on Why This is the Right Move •More information does not always mean better information. Meeting packets and web pages tend to accumulate content “just in case,” often duplicating materials or including documents that are rarely used or referenced. The result can be: •Hundreds of pages per packet •Key information buried deep in attachments •A higher barrier to understanding what decisions are actually being made Streamlining helps focus attention on what matters most — the staff analysis, the decision points, and the context residents need to engage meaningfully. Page 20 of 25 Even More Why This is the Right Move •Streamlining improves usability for everyone, not just accessibility users. While WCAG compliance is the driver, the benefits are universal: •Faster load times •Easier navigation on mobile devices •Shorter packets that are easier to review before meetings •Less cognitive overload for readers When information is organized, intentional and readable, engagement goes up, not down. Page 21 of 25 And Even More on Why This is the Right Move •Removing documents does not mean eliminating access to information. This is an important distinction. In most cases: •Information is being consolidated, not erased. •Redundant or outdated materials are being removed. •Background documents are still available upon request or housed in alternative formats. The goal is not to hide information, but to ensure that what we publish is usable, accurate and compliant. Page 22 of 25 Is there a Loophole? Compliance is not required if it causes a fundamental alteration to the service or imposes an undue financial/administrative burden. •This provision applies to individual items, not groups or categories of them, such as attachments for meeting packets. In February, the Office of Information & Regulatory Affairs announced it plans to publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to reconsider whether some of the regulatory provisions imposed by the April 24, 2024 rule could be made less costly. Page 23 of 25 What is that Process for Determining ‘Burdensome?’ •Document compliance costs •Present to compliance officer •Compliance officer to provide “a written statement of the reasons” why compliance would be an undue burden and direct staff to take all actions “that would not result in such an alteration or such burdens but would nevertheless ensure that individuals with disabilities receive the benefits or services provided by the public entity to the maximum extent possible.” Page 24 of 25 The Bottom Line This work is not about reducing transparency — it’s about ensuring everyone can access and understand public information in a way that is equitable, usable and sustainable. Page 25 of 25