Alternative Response Team (ART) Program Presentation

Lieutenant Ryan Schultz presented the ART pilot program launched June 24, 2024, which pairs Hennepin County social workers with paramedics/firefighters to respond to mental health, welfare, and unhoused individual calls. The team has responded to 210+ calls, relieving police and fire units while providing better care alternatives than emergency room transfers. The program includes a mental health detective (Detective Piper) and therapy dog in training (Lou). Current hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Council members praised the program's documentation, metrics tracking, and success stories. Member Jackson asked about police time freed up and transportation authority; Member Agnus asked about coverage hours and data collection paired with anecdotal stories.

Community Comment - 7200 France Avenue Project Removal

Sandy Carlson expressed frustration that the 7200 France Avenue project was removed from the October 15 agenda without public notification. She stated that residents organized to attend the meeting and had to inform attendees in the lobby that the item was postponed. She requested better communication from the city when agenda items change. City staff explained the agenda was published on Friday (standard practice) and that the applicant requested the continuance due to travel during a holiday week. Member Risser asked for clarification on the removal reason.

Community Comment - Adina Railroad Analysis Report

John Crabtree criticized the city's railroad analysis report, alleging it treated CPKC (owner of the Dan Patch line) with disrespect, drew incorrect conclusions about track classification, made unsupported comments about track gauge, and implied consultant trespassing on CPKC property. He noted the report's incomplete historical documentation, omitting six historical railroad stations including one at Grand View Heights. He disputed claims about the 1982 Soo Line purchase rationale, the 2001 Progressive Rail lease (stating it was a lease, not a purchase), and bridge repair status. He questioned why TC&W would request money for track repair south of the bridge if the bridge were not operational.

Community Comment - Building Height Overlay District Violations

Mark Mitchell raised concerns about consistent violations of building height overlay districts in multiple projects (Weston, 7000 Z France Avenue, and proposed 7200 France project). He referenced the December 2013 height overlay legend posted on the Adina website and noted that the proposed 7200 France project is zoned H4 (four stories, 48 feet maximum) but the proposed building exceeds this restriction. He cited impacts including light pollution (buildings 'light up like Roman candles' in late fall/winter/spring before deciduous trees leaf out) and increased traffic density in residential areas. He questioned whether the transition zone from building height stepping down to residential height is taken seriously.

Community Comment - Agenda Scheduling and Public Hearing Placement

Susan Lee criticized the scheduling of 11 public hearings in a single evening as 'wholly unprofessional' and showing 'so little regard for residents time and prior commitments.' She noted that an important public hearing was placed at the very back of the October 1 agenda, forcing residents to sit through the entire meeting, with the hearing finally addressed at 11:15 p.m. She suggested this placement was deliberate to silence residents. She also raised concerns about postponing the 7200 France site plan approval and Macy's site TIFF funding approval until after the election, questioning whether candidates sought to avoid controversial votes. She requested the council vote no on the 7200 France project, citing concerns about bypassing previous requirements for vehicle exit/entrance driveways onto France Avenue and requesting a full Planning Commission and city council review.

Sidewalk Maintenance - Concord and Wooddale Avenues

Moved by Member Pierce [11:26] · Seconded by Member Risser [11:32]

Director Chad Miller presented a recommendation to add Concord Avenue (Valley View Road to 64th Street) and Wooddale Avenue (Valley View Road to Nancy Lane) to the city's sidewalk maintenance schedule as part of the Concord neighborhood reconstruction project. Staff noted these segments don't meet current maintenance practice standards but will be maintained operationally as the Public Works director indicated his crews will be driving those streets anyway. The 64th Street connecting link was already scheduled for maintenance. Member Agnus noted that the new pedestrian bridge will also require snow plowing, making this decision site-specific rather than precedent-setting. Director Miller confirmed the city aims to meet the 48-hour sidewalk clearing requirement in the ordinance.

4208 Philbrook Lane - Conditional Use Permit and Variances Public Hearing

Moved by Member Pierce [1:06:26] · Seconded by Member Jackson [1:06:46]

Assistant City Planner Chris Hawker presented a request for a conditional use permit and variances to demolish and rebuild a non-conforming home at 4208 Philbrook Lane, located in a FEMA floodway. The existing 1960 rambler predates the 1970s flood insurance study that designated the property in the floodway. The applicant seeks: (1) a conditional use permit for a stem wall and fill pad to address flood plane issues; (2) a 4.09-foot side yard setback variance (from 10-foot requirement) to match existing non-conforming setbacks; and (3) a 22.7% variance from the 50% maximum for exterior basement walls (to 72.7% above grade, counted as a third story). The new home's overall height (31+ feet) is within the 35-foot maximum for the lot width. The Planning Commission voted 8-1 in favor. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions including FEMA letter of map amendment approval, structural engineer certification of stem wall, and elevation certificate before occupancy. Applicant Michael Bush explained the property's three-generation family ownership and his efforts to maintain neighborhood compatibility. The verbal hearing was closed with written submissions accepted until November 2, 2024; action deferred to November 6, 2024.

Henerson Avenue Subdivision - Lot Variances

Moved by Member Jackson [17:25] · Seconded by Member Pierce [17:32]

Director Teague presented a subdivision request for 5120 and 5124 Henerson Avenue, dividing two single-family lots into three lots and reestablishing the original 1913 plat with 50-foot-wide lots. The existing homes would be removed and replaced with three new single-family homes accessing via the alley. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on September 12 and recommended approval 8-1. Applicant Steve Banky confirmed that one of the two existing homes (4124 Henerson) will be moved to another location; the other (the Rambler with significant slab-on-grade construction) will be demolished. Member Jackson asked about the home relocation; Member Risser noted that the Planning Commission discussed density concerns and expressed appreciation for maintaining backyard space and pervious surfaces, emphasizing the importance of these features for neighborhood character. She indicated that comprehensive plan updates should include broader discussions about zoning in areas of change.

Tax Increment Financing District - 7235 France Avenue (Macy's Site)

Moved by Member Pierce [28:32] · Seconded by Member Jackson [28:40]

City Manager Neindorf requested tabling action on Resolution 2024-78 establishing a TIFF district at the Macy's site (7235 France Avenue) until November 19, 2024. He explained that negotiations with three separate developer/investor groups require three separate development agreements rather than one, tripling the workload. He stated that staff had hoped to complete agreements in early November but determined that late November is necessary to deliver documents meeting the city's quality standards. He confirmed that all public benefits discussed during zoning will still be delivered. Member Risser expressed concerns about the proposed tunnel under France Avenue, requesting that prior studies (2005 Greater Southdale Area Land Use Transportation Study and 2007 Promenade Study) be posted online. She noted that these studies indicate tunnels are difficult to implement and questioned the speed at which the tunnel project has been adopted. She also requested that the developer present alternative financing scenarios (discussed at an HRA meeting) before November 19. Member Pierce asked that the developer be invited to present alternatives before the November 19 vote. Manager Neindorf agreed to coordinate with the developer and find a suitable meeting date.

Morningside Community Church Special Assessment Reduction

Moved by Member Jackson [32:11] · Seconded by Member Pierce [32:11]

Director Chad Miller presented a revised special assessment for Morningside Community Church, reducing the assessment from $25,350.41 to $18,295.20 (approximately $7,000 reduction). Staff re-analyzed the market benefit test after the church submitted a letter before the public hearing and after council comments. The church's unique parcel configuration (small parking lot relative to building size) resulted in nearly identical square footage for the parcel and building, which is unusual for churches (which typically have large parking lots). This configuration meant the assessment didn't meet the full extent of the market benefit test. City Attorney Kendall prepared a special assessment agreement, which the church signed and notarized. Miller also identified three to four grant opportunities for the church to pursue for programming, buildings, or other needs. Member Pierce thanked staff for their resident-focused approach; Member Jackson praised the public hearing process for surfacing important information and thanked staff for their public service. Member Jackson asked whether the prior resolution needed to be rescinded; Attorney Kendall indicated the new resolution supersedes the prior one and no rescission is necessary.

Extra Mile Day Proclamation

Moved by Member Jackson [38:44] · Seconded by Member Agnus [38:49]

The city council adopted a proclamation designating November 1, 2024, as Extra Mile Day in Edina. The proclamation acknowledges the community's vibrancy when citizens collectively go the extra mile in personal effort, volunteerism, and service. It encourages residents to maximize personal contributions to the community and celebrates individuals and organizations who make a difference. The proclamation supports the Extra Mile America initiative to create 550 extra mile cities in America.

Donations Resolution

Moved by Member Jackson [23:23] · Seconded by Member Agnus [23:23]

The city council adopted Resolution 2024-85 accepting donations on behalf of the City of Edina. Donations included: (1) framed aerial photo of Centennial Lakes development from Peter Jarvis; (2) $1,500 in-kind donation from Kowalski's for a multicultural advisory meeting dinner for 80-85 people; and (3) multiple donations to the Braemar Memorial Fund from community members and organizations including Pacy Irk, Jeff Moore, Joe Brennan, Sarah Pitz, Dick Brozic, Braemar Women's Club, Second Swing Golf, Margaret Johnson, Art Hayes, Dave Wright, Richard Heidi, Michael Stanic, Carl Schneider, Jay Allen, Michael Phillips, Braemar Golf Association, and Richard and Judy Kik. Donor names will be posted on the city website.