The council spent much of the session reviewing details of the Vernon Avenue and Highway 100 Interchange Project, a joint city-county effort to improve safety, mobility, and pedestrian access. The project is funded with $11.2 million in federal money, $7 million from the county, and $4.2 million from the city. Director Chad Milner said construction could begin in late April or early May, with completion targeted for November 15, 2025.

Council members raised concerns about signage and communication based on confusion from previous construction projects. One council member recalled being unsure how to reach the 50th of France business district during past work. In response, Milner said the state has approved special highway signs directing drivers to the Grand View and 50th of France business districts. The city also plans bi-weekly virtual meetings, social media updates, and targeted outreach to affected businesses.

The second major topic was a proposal to transition Edina's assessing department to Hennepin County as a cost-saving measure. City Manager Scott Neil said the move could save $500,000 in the first year and potentially $1 million annually, helping reduce the city's projected 13% levy growth to below 10%. The county currently provides assessing services to 37 smaller cities at no additional cost and offered to hire Edina's existing assessors.

However, City Assessor Sheila Stozinger strongly opposed the transition, citing concerns about service quality. She noted that the city handles 114 tax court petitions annually and provides in-person assistance to elderly residents without computer access. Council members Julie and Kate requested detailed financial analysis and service level agreements before making a decision. The county has asked for a response by May 1 for budget planning purposes. The council expressed interest in conducting a quality-of-life survey similar to one conducted in 2014 before making the final decision.