Edina Council Backs Railroad Safety Grant, Addresses E-Bike Concerns
The Edina City Council unanimously approved a grant application to improve railroad crossing safety on September 3rd, while also grappling with growing community concerns about e-bike speeds and other quality-of-life issues.
The council unanimously passed Resolution 2024-56, supporting a federal grant application for the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program. Council Member Jackson emphasized the importance of addressing safety concerns at the city's railroad crossings. However, Director Milner clarified that the grant would fund safety improvements—such as crossing arms, signage, and lights—rather than actual elimination of the seven at-grade crossings. Since the rail line through Edina is low-volume and low-speed, building bridges or underpasses would be impractical. The grant would fund a year-long safety review.
The council also unanimously approved Resolution 2024-59 to accept donations, including a $3,200 memorial bench for Centennial Lakes Park from POA Winsky of Apple Valley. Mayor Hyland thanked the donor for remembering a loved one in the city.
Community members raised several concerns during public comment. Resident Ralph Ziker questioned the transparency of a proposed $23 million Tax Increment Financing (TIFF) package for the Macy's development project at 7235 France Avenue, asking about undisclosed interest costs. City Manager Neil defended the city's process, noting that financing details are still under negotiation and will be presented to the council.
E-bike safety emerged as a pressing issue. Resident David Frankl highlighted incidents involving e-bikes on sidewalks and trails, including wheelies on Vernon Street. The council acknowledged the problem and indicated the Police Chief would discuss it further. City staff noted that local ordinances could require helmets for minors and regulate speed on certain paths, with the Transportation Commission potentially studying national best practices.
Other topics discussed included the proposed sale of the Art Center to the Chinese Christian Church, concerns about Excel Energy's service reliability, and a request to explore resuming a city-operated brush disposal service. Council Member Agnew also called for formal discussion of the France Avenue underpass project to align its timing with the Macy's development.
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Votes (2)
Resolution 2024-56: Support for Railroad Crossing Elimination Program Grant Application
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Jackson [28:05] · Seconded by Council Member Pierce [28:11]
Council Member Jackson highlighted the importance of applying for this federal grant to improve railroad crossing safety. Director Milner clarified that the focus is on safety improvements like crossing arms and signage rather than elimination, due to the nature of the at-grade crossings and the low-volume, low-speed rail line in town. The grant would fund a year-long safety review of the seven crossings.
Resolution 2024-59: Accepting Donations
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Jackson [29:32] · Seconded by Council Member Agnew [29:34]
This resolution was presented to accept various donations to the city. Specifically, it included a $3,200 gift from POA Winsky of Apple Valley for a memorial bench at Centennial Lakes Park. The Mayor thanked the donor for remembering a loved one in the city.
Notable Quotes (3)
I'm glad that we're applying for this I we've hear a lot about the railroad crossings being unsafe...
we're not really focusing on elimination because they're all at grade crossings that would be major Bridges and major underpasses we're looking at safety improvements such as Crossing arms signage lights stuff like that that we can make it safer because again it's a low volume low speed rail that goes through town
this reporting period there was a donation from uh a lady from Apple Valley named POA winsky and it is a memorial bench at Centennial Lakes Park a $3,200 gift and that will be posted up on the city website so thank you Jackie hollinsky from Apple Valley for remembering a loved one uh in the city of udina and putting a special bench in at Centennial Lakes
Ordinances & Resolutions (13)
Where Mr. Neil's initial response to Ziker was posted.
Email referenced by Ralph Ziker regarding the Macy's project financing gap.
Capital Improvement Plan, referenced for Grand View parking ramp ADA compliance funding.
Requested report for Jerry's parking ramp.
Support for a grant application for the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program.
Accepting donations on behalf of the city.
Governs e-bike operations and traffic laws.
Regulates e-bike use, including speed limits on sidewalks.
Proposed study of e-bike policies and ordinances.
Estimates for which a city comment period is open.
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, influenced by US Conference of Mayors.
Inflation Reduction Act, influenced by US Conference of Mayors.
A book mentioned by the Mayor about a former resident's life story.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Proposed Sale of Art Center to Chinese Christian Church
Community Safety and Quality of Life Concerns
E-bike Regulation and Safety
Electric Grid Reliability (Excel Energy)
City-Operated Brush Disposal Service
France Avenue Underpass Project
Met Council Population Estimates
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