Edina approves $8.4M aquatic center upgrade, raises utility fees
The Edina City Council approved three major initiatives on September 11, including an $8.4 million renovation of the Aquatic Center's aging filter system and a shift to percentage-based utility fees that will generate additional funding for street repairs.
The council unanimously approved construction of a new filter room at the Edina Aquatic Center, awarding the contract to HNU Construction. The project replaces a pump house built in 1958 that has become increasingly unreliable. Staff noted that the original equipment is so outdated that maintenance crews have had to scavenge used parts to keep the system running, once delaying the pool's opening by more than a week. Updated state health codes now require larger balancing tanks, making the renovation mandatory for compliance.
Beyond regulatory requirements, the $8.4 million project will include new pumping equipment, upgraded electrical capacity, and structural improvements. The council also approved adding a new deck with shaded seating and cabanas to enhance the guest experience. Construction is expected to wrap up by May 2026.
In a separate action, the council directed staff to implement a new utility fee structure effective January 1st. Currently, residential customers pay a flat $3.55 monthly fee. Under the new system, fees will be calculated as 4% of monthly utility bills, meaning customers who use more energy will pay higher fees. City staff emphasized this approach is more equitable and gives residents an incentive to reduce consumption through energy efficiency improvements. The change is expected to generate an additional $1 million annually for street reconstruction, along with funding for sustainability initiatives and street lighting improvements.
The council also approved a partnership between the Edina Senior Center and Senior Community Services to offer free one-on-one technology assistance to residents 60 and older. The program addresses challenges seniors face navigating smartphones, laptops, and other digital tools increasingly necessary for daily life. Unlike group classes, the personalized format reduces anxiety for participants. As one participant noted, one-on-one sessions "take away some of that fear of having to be in a class learning how to do something on your phone or your laptop or your iPad." Senior Community Services also provides assistance with housekeeping, handyman work, lawn care, and snow removal.
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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.
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Utility Franchise Fee Structure Change
Senior Technology Assistance Program
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