Ordinance No. 2025-10: Amendment Regarding Stormwater Management

Staff presented ordinance to update and move stormwater management requirements from Chapter 10 to Chapter 36. The update clarifies code requirements for stormwater management and erosion control plans, applying them to more than just new single and double dwelling units, including ADUs and major remodels/partial demolitions. The ordinance codifies staff application of requirements since 2016 following meetings with Council and Planning Commission. The update is consistent with Water Resources Management Plan policy to regulate development and redevelopment to ensure actions do not adversely impact others.

Ordinance No. 2025-09: Amending Chapter 36 Concerning Zoning, Article X. Floodplain Districts

Staff presented comprehensive update to Floodplain Districts Overlay Ordinance to incorporate local floodplain development policy from Water Resources Management Plan, incorporate 2022 MN DNR model ordinance, and incorporate FEMA Letter of Map Revision. Key changes include creation of new Local Flood Area District with elevation standards, incorporation of Interactive Water Resources Map by reference, clarification of substantial improvement/damage determinations, and application of elevation standards to ADUs. The ordinance acknowledges climate change impacts and alternative pathways for flood risk including groundwater and sanitary sewer backflow.

Request for Purchase: Professional Services for France Avenue Sidewalk Phase 4

Council approved professional engineering services with Bolton & Menk, Inc. for final design of Phase 4 sidewalk improvements along the east side of France Avenue from TH 62 to 62nd Street. The project is part of the City's 2018 Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan and fills a significant gap in the sidewalk network while supporting Metro Transit's E Line Bus Rapid Transit service. The scope includes project management, survey, utility coordination, final design, permitting, and bidding assistance. Construction is anticipated in 2026. The project is funded by the Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety (PACS) fund.

Request for Purchase: Professional Services for Minor Pipe and Grading Projects for Flood Risk Reduction

Council approved professional services with Barr Engineering for $197,700 to evaluate and implement minor storm sewer and grading projects citywide to reduce flood risk. The project includes citywide screening to identify locations where retrofits to existing storm sewer or overland flow paths could result in drainage improvements, preliminary hydraulic modeling to evaluate flood risk reduction, and final design for up to 10 project locations. The project is funded by the Storm Water Utility and CIP with total funding of $2.5M for both design and construction. Construction is anticipated in 2026.

Request for Purchase: Edina Aquatic Center Card Reader Access

Council approved purchase of card reader access devices for the Edina Aquatic Center pump room with Pro-Tec Design for $20,612.14. The contract was part of the project budget but not included in the construction contract as it is an owner-provided service. The city will implement, own, and operate the system.

Request for Purchase: Edina Aquatic Center Pump Room Security Cameras

Council approved purchase of CCTV cameras for the Edina Aquatic Center pump room with Pro-Tec Designs for $32,526.48. The contract will add new and replace existing cameras as part of the overall project budget. The city will implement, own, and operate the system.

2026-2027 Budget: Fire Staffing Discussion (September 16 Work Session)

Council continued discussion on fire staffing as part of the 2026-2027 preliminary budget process. Staff reviewed data on overlapping incidents, mutual aid trends, ambulance response times, and operational impacts of adding firefighters in six-person increments. The Fire Chief explained that six additional firefighters would allow two more per shift, helping sustain a third ambulance and reduce reliance on mutual aid. Council expressed concerns about firefighter safety, overtime, recruitment challenges, and budget pressures from other citywide obligations including ADA compliance and future maintenance. Council discussed how many firefighters should be added and how to fund them, with the Chief indicating Edina's need is 18 firefighters, with a plan to add six on January 1 and twelve more if the SAFER grant is awarded.

Fred Richards Park Wetland Restoration Project Update (September 16 Work Session)

Staff presented an update on wetland design and restoration at Fred Richards Park. Two scenarios were reviewed: creating a wetland mitigation bank (more complex, uncertain, over budget by about $3.1M) or pursuing a wetland preserve (enhances existing conditions, reduces costs by about $2.6M, stays within budget). Staff recommended the preserve option, noting benefits such as allowing additional features not permitted in a wetland bank. Council discussed costs, risks, and differences between restoring to historical conditions versus preservation, with some expressing disappointment in the change.

Interactive Meeting Policy Update (September 16 Work Session)

Staff shared changes to the Interactive Meeting Policy to provide a consistent process for remote participation and ensure compliance with Minnesota Open Meeting Law. Key changes include removal of requirements for participants to be in a public space or provide notice of their location. Staff recommended changes to Community Comment and public hearing procedures for security, including providing addresses on forms instead of stating them publicly. Staff also asked whether the Council should continue the call-in option, which began during COVID-19 but has had very low use this year and requires significant staff coordination. Council discussed the value of continuing the option, equity concerns for those unable to attend in person, staff time commitments, and comparisons to practices in other cities.

Finance Payment of Claims Security Enhancement (September 16 Work Session)

Staff recommended moving Finance Payment of Claims approval materials from the public Council packet to a secure Council portal due to rising phishing attacks. Scammers have been using invoice details from online materials to create fraudulent invoices, leading some cities to lose funds. Many cities now remove these details from public documents. Payment of Claims will be available through the public data request process.

Community Comment - Fire Department Staffing Concerns

During community comment at the September 16 meeting, Ralph Zickert thanked the Edina Fire Department for their work on a fire at his home in 2011 and discussed Edina's lack of funding for staffing the fire department over the last 15 years. This comment directly relates to the Council's discussion of fire staffing additions in the 2026-2027 budget.

Community Comment - ADA Compliance Concerns

During community comment at the September 16 meeting, David Frankel noted that he filed an ADA complaint with the DOJ regarding the pedestrian bridge on Grandview, as the DOJ has stated that the bridge is not ADA-compliant. Mr. Frankel stated that the City should issue a formal public apology to all residents who have been unable to use this bridge and noted that he plans to run for City Council next year.

Community Comment - Bikeability and Utility Franchise Fees

During community comment at the September 16 meeting, Caleb Bruhschwein called in remotely advocating for increased bikeability in the City and asked questions regarding the anticipated increase in utility franchise fees.