Edina City Council — Transcript
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Story
Edina approves $8.4M aquatic center upgrade, raises utility fees
Utility Franchise Fee Structure Change
Senior Technology Assistance Program
Votes (3)
Edina Aquatic Center Filter Room Construction Approval
Discussion focused on the necessity of the project due to outdated equipment and non-compliance with modern state health codes, particularly the need to enlarge balancing tanks. The project also addresses past mechanical failures and aims to enhance guest experience with new amenities. HNU Construction was awarded the contract for the $8.4 million project.
Utility Franchise Fee Structure Change Implementation
The key points revolved around transitioning from a flat monthly fee to a percentage-based fee to ensure a more equitable distribution of costs based on energy consumption. The change is also a revenue generation strategy to fund critical public improvements and sustainability initiatives, including an additional $1 million per year for street reconstruction, as directed by the City Council.
Senior Technology Assistance Program Initiative
The program addresses the challenges older residents face in keeping up with rapidly advancing technology, offering crucial one-on-one, free assistance. The discussion highlighted the program's objective to make life easier for seniors by navigating necessary technology, without forcing adoption, and emphasizing the value of personalized support over group classes.
Notable Quotes (6)
The biggest issue we have is um the code through the department of health has changed since the original construction. Uh it is requiring us to enlarge the balancing tanks...
With parts long obsolete, Autton's team had to scrge used components to get the system running, delaying opening day by more than a week.
The shift to a percentage-based fee means customers will pay in proportion to how much energy they use, which is a more equitable approach.
Yeah, with the new 4% fee, residents really have the ability to impact those fees by doing some small changes in their homes.
We're not trying to convert anybody to technology, but there are certain things in life that you just cannot do without technology.
It is really nice having the one-on-one because it takes away some of that um the fear of having to be in a class learning how to do something on your phone or your laptop or your iPad.
Ordinances & Resolutions (1)
Governing regulations requiring upgrades to the Edina Aquatic Center, specifically regarding balancing tank size.