Edina City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Conversion of Marriott Residence Inn to Multifamily Housing
Cannabis Business Zoning and Registration
General Obligation Bond Sales
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for 72nd and France
Votes (3)
3400 Edinburgh Way Site Plan and Variance
Dissent: Community members expressed concerns regarding tenant vetting and proximity to a Montessori school.
Moved by Member Jackson [1:01:45] · Seconded by Member Pierce [1:01:46]
The applicant argued that the 1990s-era building is ideal for adaptive reuse. Significant debate occurred regarding the lack of enclosed parking; the developer claimed adding a garage would cost $3.5 million and produce 1.5 million pounds of carbon, undermining the project's affordability and sustainability goals.
Cannabis Business Ordinance Amendments
Dissent: None recorded, though Member Jackson explicitly advocated for maintaining daycare buffers.
Moved by Member Agnew [1:34:17] · Seconded by Member Pierce [1:34:18]
Staff presented updates on enforcement challenges, noting that municipal cannabis stores are not being pursued. Council discussed whether 'attractions' in public parks should trigger a 500-foot buffer, with staff noting such a requirement would be difficult to administer and map.
Sale of Series 2024B and 2024C General Obligation Bonds
Dissent: None.
Moved by Member Agnew [1:45:54] · Seconded by Member Pierce [1:45:55]
The city received 13 bids for the tax-exempt bonds, reflecting strong market interest due to the city's AAA credit rating. The Series 2024B bonds achieved a true interest cost of 3.78%.
Notable Quotes (3)
We like our sustainability of this project... it's adaptive reuse. We're keeping the building, we're not doing any tear down.
It puts our law enforcement in a pretty difficult situation to enforce... the city of Adina's enforcement window is relatively small.
I'm happy to say that they both affirmed the city's top-notch rating, the triple-A ratings... the highest possible ratings that are assigned to municipalities.
Ordinances & Resolutions (4)
Amending city code chapter 36 regarding zoning for cannabis businesses.
Awarding the sale of $29,535,000 in General Obligation Bond Series 2024B.
Establishing the 72nd and France No. 3 Tax Increment Financing District.
The guiding policy document used to evaluate the public benefit of the Macy's site redevelopment.