Council advances library redesign, addresses tax concerns
The Edina City Council unanimously approved moving forward with a major redesign of the Hennepin County Library and new Edina Art Center at 701 York Avenue, while a resident challenged the city's approach to a projected 17% property tax levy increase during public comment.
The council voted 5-0 on April 1 to close public input on the library and art center project at noon on Sunday, April 6, with final action scheduled for April 16. The redesign would demolish the existing 76,000-square-foot library and 38,000-square-foot service center, replacing them with a new 43,000-square-foot library and 16,000-square-foot art center on the 7.75-acre site. The project emphasizes sustainability, featuring geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, and native plantings that would transform the site from predominantly asphalt parking to green space. The two-story structure would stand 59 feet tall, requiring a variance from the current 40-foot zoning limit. Council Member Risser raised specific concerns about tree preservation and parking justification but voted for the continuance. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval in March, with completion expected in late 2027.
During public comment, resident Ralph Sickert criticized City Manager Neil's approach to the 2026 budget, arguing that proposed revenue shifts—increasing utility bills, property taxes, and sales taxes—merely obscure the true cost of city services rather than achieve genuine savings. Of the $2.6 million in proposed "levy reduction initiatives," Sickert noted that nearly half simply shift revenue collection to different taxing authorities. He called for long-term spending reductions and questioned which council member would acknowledge the "ballooning tax burden." No council member responded directly to his comments.
The council also heard testimony from a coalition advocating for prison labor reform. Speakers, including formerly incarcerated individuals, highlighted that Minnesota's Constitution still permits slavery as punishment for crime. They noted that Edina contracts with the Minnesota Department of Corrections for incarcerated work crews at approximately $4.90 per hour, while incarcerated workers in Minnesota earn as little as 25 cents per hour. The coalition proposed legislation to reclassify prisoners as state workers earning at least $15 per hour. Mayor Hublin expressed openness to endorsement, noting that Minneapolis City Council had already endorsed the initiative, though no formal motion was made.
The council unanimously approved several proclamations recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week, Earth Day, Arbor Day, and Building Safety Month. The city's 911 dispatchers fielded over 105,000 calls last year. The Arbor Day celebration on April 25 will feature planting of approximately 300 trees at Briar Golf Course, with free seedlings and food provided to the public.
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Votes (11)
Community Comment: 2026 Budget and Property Tax Levy Concerns
Dissent: No council member responded directly to Sickert's comments during the meeting.
Ralph Sickert, resident at 4311 Cornelius Circle, criticized City Manager Neil's approach to the projected 17% property tax levy increase. Sickert argued that proposed revenue shifts (increasing utility bills, Hennepin County property taxes, and sales tax) merely obscure the real cost of city services rather than achieve genuine taxpayer savings. He noted that of $2.6 million in proposed 'levy reduction initiatives,' nearly half merely shift revenue collection to different taxing authorities. Sickert called for long-term spending reductions and process improvements that do not 'kick the can down the road,' and questioned which council member would demonstrate that the problem is a 'ballooning tax burden' rather than one of 'optics.'
Community Comment: Prison Labor Wage Reform and Reclassification
Dissent: No council member voiced opposition. Mayor Hublin indicated openness to endorsement; no formal motion was made during this meeting.
A coalition advocating for prison labor reform presented testimony on behalf of incarcerated workers and formerly incarcerated individuals. Speakers included Jarl Perry (Coalition to End Slavery in Minnesota Prison Systems), Cesaly McMillan (formerly incarcerated at Rikers Island), and David Islam (formerly incarcerated in Minnesota). The coalition highlighted that Minnesota's Constitution still permits slavery as punishment for crime (Article 1, Section 2), while eight states (Alabama, Nebraska, Tennessee, Utah, and others) have already abolished this provision. Speakers documented that Edina has contracted with the Minnesota Department of Corrections for incarcerated work crews at approximately $4.90/hour (or $98,500/year for 10 workers at 40 hours/week), while incarcerated workers in Minnesota earn as little as 25 cents/hour. The coalition proposed legislation (House sponsor: Cedric Frasier; Senate sponsor: Claire Umezu Verbaten) to reclassify prisoners as state workers earning $15/hour minimum wage, with 50% or less of earnings earmarked for restitution and child support, and the remainder deposited in a high-yield savings account to provide a 'nest egg' upon release. The coalition cited research indicating that a 1% reduction in recidivism would save $58 million in taxpayer costs. The group requested city council endorsement and noted that Minneapolis City Council had already endorsed the initiative.
Hennepin County Library and Art Center Project – Conditional Use Permit, Site Plan, and Building Height Variance (701 York Avenue)
Dissent: No dissent. Council Member Risser raised specific design concerns (tree preservation, plaza adequacy, parking justification) but did not vote against the continuance motion. All council members expressed support for the project overall.
Moved by Council Member Jackson [1:57:55] · Seconded by Council Member Agnu [1:57:55]
Hennepin County presented a comprehensive redesign of the regional library and new Edina Art Center facility. The project involves demolition of the existing 76,000 sq ft library and 38,000 sq ft service center, and construction of a new 43,000 sq ft library and 16,000 sq ft art center on a 7.75-acre site at the southeast corner of York Avenue and 70th Street West. Key design features include: (1) transformation from predominantly asphalt parking to green space with native plantings (oak savanna, grasslands, wetlands); (2) sustainable design elements including geothermal heat pumps, solar PV array, water retention (19,000 cubic feet above code requirement), and bird-safe glazing; (3) 184 parking spaces (109 surface, 75 underground) based on parking demand study; (4) transparent first-floor design with nearly 100% glass perimeter; (5) pedestrian and bicycle connectivity at all four corners plus midblock, connecting to the Nine Mile Creek Trail and Adams Park; (6) two-story structure with 59 ft height (variance requested from 40 ft zoning limit); (7) Edina Art Center as second-floor tenant with controlled after-hours access. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval on March 12, 2025. Staff recommended approval with the condition that tree replacement ordinance requirements be met prior to building permit issuance. Council Member Risser requested that off-site tree plantings remain within the Southdale area rather than anywhere in Edina. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2027. Public input will close at noon on Sunday, April 6, 2025, with council action deferred to April 16, 2025.
Ordinance 2025-04: Electric-Assisted Bicycle (E-Bike) Sidewalk Use and Helmet Requirements
Dissent: No dissent expressed. Council Member Risser's prior concerns about sidewalk definition were addressed by staff recommendation to adopt state statute language.
Staff presented Ordinance 2025-04, which proposes amendments to regulate e-bike use on sidewalks and establish helmet requirements for riders under 18 years old. Director Milner and Lieutenant Dave Venny presented the staff recommendation. Key points: (1) Staff supports adopting a state statute-based definition of 'sidewalk' as 'the portion of a street between the curb lines or the lateral lines of a roadway and the adjacent property lines intended for use for pedestrians,' per Council Member Risser's suggestion from the prior meeting. (2) Staff identifies the helmet requirement for riders under 18 as the most important provision, enabling police education and outreach initiatives. (3) Regarding whether to allow bicycles on sidewalks (Section 3), staff recommends deferring this decision to a future public process as part of the Safe and Equitable Mobility Plan (scheduled for 2025), citing extensive prior community engagement during the 2014-15 Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan process. (4) Staff notes that the current ordinance already allows bicycles on sidewalks; the question is whether to revisit that decision. Council Member Jackson indicated intent to offer an amendment to approve the ordinance with the proposed changes this evening.
Correction of Meeting Minutes: 4040 Building Fourth Floor Plan Modifications
Dissent: No dissent. All council members voted to approve the amended minutes.
Moved by Council Member Risser [23:12-23:18] · Seconded by Council Member Pierce [23:24]
Council Member Risser requested removal of item 6.1 (meeting minutes from March 18, 2025) from the consent agenda to correct inaccurate characterization of resident Norah Davis's comments. Davis had raised concerns about plan modifications to the 4040 building, specifically: (1) the fourth floor setback was reduced (pulled out further north than originally approved); (2) a railing and porch were added to the top deck; (3) the building was elevated off the ground. Risser clarified that Davis was responding to a prior resident's claim that neighbors were not notified of a fourth floor, and Davis's actual concern was that the modifications to an originally approved three-story design with setback fourth floor constituted significant changes, not 'minor changes' as approved under city code Section 36434. Risser presented images comparing the original and built designs. Risser also noted that an independent third-party review had been conducted during construction to verify compliance with approved plans and specifications, though she could not recall the reviewer's name. Mayor Hublin requested that Director Teague (not present) be asked to provide details on the independent review at the next meeting. The amended minutes were approved unanimously.
National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week Proclamation (April 13-19, 2025)
Dissent: No dissent. All council members voted to approve the proclamation.
Moved by Council Member Jackson [27:08] · Seconded by Council Member Agnu [27:13]
Council adopted a proclamation recognizing April 13-19, 2025 as National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week in honor of Edina's 911 dispatchers. Dispatch Supervisor Janelle Harris presented remarks highlighting the critical role of public safety telecommunicators. Key points: (1) Edina's 911 center fielded over 105,000 emergent and non-emergent calls in the past year (approximately 280 calls per day). (2) Dispatchers manage complex multi-system technology environments (five large monitors, four computers, 10+ software systems, multi-line telephone system, statewide shared radio system, computerized dispatch system, multiple record management systems). (3) Dispatchers provide life-saving instructions (CPR, fire escape guidance, safety advice) while maintaining emotional composure. (4) The role involves physical and emotional stressors and is characterized as a 'calling' rather than merely a job. Harris emphasized that dispatchers are the 'first and most critical contact' citizens have with emergency services and the 'vital link' for police, fire, and paramedic safety.
Earth Day Proclamation (April 22, 2025)
Dissent: No dissent. All council members voted to approve the proclamation.
Moved by Council Member Jackson [34:34] · Seconded by Council Member Agnu [34:34]
Council adopted a proclamation designating April 22, 2025 as Earth Day in Edina. The proclamation references the city's 2021 Climate Action Plan commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The proclamation encourages residents and businesses to participate in climate action through community climate action fund participation, organics recycling, alternative transportation (walking, biking, busing), and attendance at local Earth Day events including an annual clothing swap and tree planting. No council member comments were recorded.
Arbor Day Proclamation (April 25, 2025) and Tree Planting Initiatives
Dissent: No dissent. All council members voted to approve the proclamation.
Moved by Council Member Jackson [37:00] · Seconded by Council Member Agnu [37:05]
Council adopted a proclamation designating April 25, 2025 as Arbor Day in Edina. City Forester Luther Overhalt presented information on tree planting initiatives and upcoming Arbor Day celebration. Key points: (1) Over 1,000 trees have been planted in recent years using COVID relief funds, with focus on the southeast quadrant where tree canopy is lowest. (2) An interactive map on the city website shows locations and species of planted trees. (3) Arbor Day celebration will be held Friday, April 25, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Briar Golf Course, featuring planting of approximately 300 new trees, primarily oaks and nut trees, in areas where buckthorn was removed and adjacent to new mountain bike trails. (4) Pre-dug holes and shovels will be provided to facilitate public participation. (5) Vendors will offer free tree seedlings, and Red River Kitchen will provide food and beverage. (6) A clothing swap event will be held April 24 at Briar Arena (3-4 p.m. start time) as part of Earth Day activities. (7) A tree sale held earlier in the year sold out quickly (250 trees available); another sale is planned for fall (late September, approximately 250 trees available).
Building Safety Month Proclamation (May 2025)
Dissent: No dissent. All council members voted to approve the proclamation.
Moved by Council Member Jackson [43:54] · Seconded by Council Member Agnu [44:00]
Council adopted a proclamation designating May 2025 as Building Safety Month in Edina. Chief Building Official Nate Borage presented remarks on the building department's role and 2024 performance. Key points: (1) The building department consists of 15 employees and regulates design, alteration, construction, materials, use, and occupancy of buildings and homes. (2) In 2024, the city issued nearly 6,000 permits and conducted just under 19,500 inspections. (3) The department is a proud member of the International Code Council and promotes public awareness of building safety and fire prevention officials' roles. (4) The proclamation theme for 2025 is 'Game On,' encouraging awareness of building safety on personal, local, and global scales.
Public Hearing: Liquor License Issuance for Deco and Sons LLC (DBA Deco and Suns)
Dissent: No dissent. All council members voted to approve the licenses.
Moved by Council Member Pierce [49:54] · Seconded by Council Member Jackson [49:54]
Council held a public hearing on the potential issuance of new on-sale intoxicating and Sunday sale liquor licenses for Deco and Sons LLC (DBA Deco and Suns). Clerk Sharon Ellison presented the matter, noting that Deco and Sons currently holds a beer and wine license and is transitioning to full intoxicating liquor service. Ellison confirmed that all background checks were completed satisfactorily. No members of the public testified in favor or opposition. The council voted unanimously to approve the issuance of the new licenses.
Donations to the City – Resolution 2025-29
Dissent: No dissent. All council members voted to approve the resolution.
Moved by Council Member Pierce [1:59:01] · Seconded by Council Member Jackson [1:59:01]
Council adopted Resolution 2025-29 accepting designated donations on behalf of the City of Edina. Donations included: (1) a wildlife photography book titled 'Wildlife Along the Creek' by local historian Bob Thompson and photographer Jack Weston (three copies donated; authors will present at April 16 meeting); (2) $3,200 memorial bench donation from Joan Row for Arnison Acres Park; (3) $3,200 memorial bench donation from David Braden for Centennial Lakes Park; (4) $350 tree donation from Keelale Garden Club for Ederson Acres; (5) three bags of compost from the Garden Club of Minneapolis for community gardens. Mayor Hublin noted that Thompson and Weston presented the book at Arnison Acres on Saturday afternoon and will distribute copies to all council members at the April 16 meeting.
Notable Quotes (32)
Mr Neil deserves a failing grade because he missed the first step in solving a problem. That first step being clearly define the problem you're trying to solve... Mr Neil sees the problem as one of being optics the optics of a 17% increase in property tax levy.
$2.6 million almost half of the so-called levy reduction initiatives merely shift the collection of those revenues from what is currently a dino of property taxes to a different taxing authority. A change that would further obscure the real cost of running the city.
Slavery is legal and must be ended by legislation. Slavery is legal under the article 1 section two of the Minnesota Constitution which allows slavery as punishment for a crime. Uh yes in Minnesota in 2025 slavery is still legal.
As an inmate in Riker's Island I was forced to work up to 16 hours a day at a rate of 17 cents an hour... Here in Minnesota people in prison are forced to work starting at 25 cents an hour at a punishment of incel or actual solitary confinement for failing to do so while at the same time the cost of purchasing hygiene email and other things that you need to survive in prison costs more money more than the money that you can make.
If we change the recidivism by 1% uh that will be $1 million that doesn't go to our prison systems and $10 million that our taxpayers are not paying... 58 million... So it's very key that we uh get the support of the city council and we would love uh for you guys to be able to sign on and support as as uh any way possible.
We're hoping that we can walk this in January 2026 without a financial attachment necessary the hund00 million that exists could just go to jobs at minimum wage to continue to fund the operations of the prison and now we can set up jobs that can transfer from within to without.
The library's mission is to inspire facilitate and celebrate lifelong learning. One of the ways we achieve this mission is by creating inviting inclusive accessible and safe public spaces.
We're moving from uh predominantly parking to green space. And that green space is full of trees. Um it's minimizing uh on surface or impermeable surfacing. Um and then it's a restorative or reparative landscape.
There's about 19,000 cubic feet of excess water retention on site that we've designed in from what would be required. So we've gone above and beyond... on the resiliency and the sustainable aspects of this.
We are establishing a landscape based on a gradient of pre-settlement uh biomes that would have been here in Adina uh prior to European settlement of this land. And so we're restoring the landscape and many of the benefits that that landscape can provide.
We've worked really hard to make that a seamless integration of bicycles pedestrians and then again mentioning the vehicular separation that makes it safe.
I um was laughing with um member Agnu I drove out there a couple weeks ago from work Uh was planning to do some writing and I think I got all the way over there and I thought 'Oh it's closed.' So and somehow I forgot that But there's three libraries that I spent a lot of time in Ridgedale Minneapolis downtown and the South Dale And I think um this for sure will be my favorite uh when it's completed.
Thank you to the county. This is an extraordinary investment in our community and it's just we are so lucky that this is going to be coming to us and it's beautiful and it's functional... Thank you for handling the complexity of this project.
I um do want to push back on the idea of the Southdale design guidelines not really being followed because I think you really are breaking up the space beautifully... I think you've provided a wonderful solution and I hope it is something that is picked up and used at other development sites.
Your site has some of the fewest trees in our area... This is the little enchanted library forest... if you can keep part of that that would be absolutely wonderful... I really can't get enthusiastic about another open plaza because then no one's going to have any place to go.
I don't know how to not overstress or uh talk about the impact of this facility that I in my career I haven't worked on a facility that I think is as spectacular as this... the demand is is really hard to measure and I just know there's going to be a lot of people coming... this is world class.
Staff really feels section two is the most important one of this ordinance. Right now state statute does not uh does not have a a requirement to have helmets for individuals 15 to 17 or under 18 years old. We think that's very important to have that in there quickly so the police department has something to start these education outreach initiatives.
If there's a a will of the council a majority to say that we should reconsider bikes on sidewalks we would remind you of all the public engagement we had when that originally came forward and all the work that the transportation commission did at the time... we could have that conversation as part of that work that's scheduled for 2025 with more community input.
Can you repeat the what you were saying about sidewalks just now if you wanted to regulate bikes on sidewalks that portion... So we would I would not recommend that because in 2014-15 Mark Nolan was a transportation at the time transportation planner there was a huge outreach for the bike and ped master plan and the transportation commission put a lot of work in to change the ordinance to allow bicycles and sidewalks.
So um we'll let other questions go forward but I'd like to offer that amendment when it's appropriate.
Resident Norah Davis uh did come to community comment at our last meeting and um the way her comments were originally presented in the minutes were very inaccurate. Um she was credited with saying that the neighbors were never notified that a fourth floor was being constructed at the 4040 building and that was not what she said... Norah Davis addressed a previous community comment about the fourth floor of the 4040 building where a resident claimed neighbors were not notified. Um though staff refuted this Miss Davis recalled the project was initially approved for three stories with a setback fourth floor but staff and the developer altered the plans in 2021.
I think it's important to understand this is considered minor change and um we go through a lot of process reviewing plans. We have public hearings and all of that and I I just think we need to be mindful of that. Uh but I want to also apologize to um Nora Davis because I I did remember those changes but I didn't have at the time when she brought her concerns forward I just sat and listened and I didn't say anything and I feel really badly that I didn't say anything.
When they were in the final stages of construction I think Director Teague is not here tonight Uh we had somebody because I think there were several of us that were concerned about is this getting built the way it was approved We had somebody independent from the from the team here in house take a look at it to see if it was built being built according to the to the plans and specs... I don't but I know that director Teague will be here at the next meeting and he can speak to that because maybe next maybe why don't you make a note to talk to him about that in the gap period here between this meeting and the meeting on the 16th of April.
Edina's public safety telecommunicators also known as 911 dispatchers are talented professionals with a desire to serve this community. They are an integral piece of the overall public safety response. And while they may not wear a badge or ride in a squad car they are every bit uh the lifeline that emergency response relies on.
Our 911 dispatchers who are often recognized as the first first responders received over 105,000 emergent and non-emergent calls for service. So that's over 280 calls that we field per day. These calls range from accidental misdials all the way to the most serious emergencies. So at any one time you could walk in and our dispatchers could be providing CPR instructions ini advising how to escape a structure that is on fire or helping someone hide from an asalent without a single beat of hesitation.
Before the sirens wail before help arrives before lives are saved they are giving everything they have to make sure responders get where they need to be with the information necessary to provide crucial timely assistance to those in desperate need of it. So that is why it is so important that we take the time and honor them during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
It is truly a calling in their lives.
We planted over a thousand new trees here uh throughout the city uh focusing in the southeast quadrant. That's where our lowest uh lowest tree canopy is. And so um got an interactive map on the city website you can um peek at and it's got uh uh shows the location of all those trees that were planted in the species as well.
Our Arbor Day celebration is Friday April 25th from 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m at Braar Golf Course. We're going to be planting um right around 300 new trees at the golf course... we'll be kind of uh you know adding uh more oaks a lot of oaks back in there um as well as some other nut trees and um shrubs.
It's kind of like Christmas for me. So I'm really excited about Arbor Day.
This year's was very popular. We had about 20 different species and I I think after the first day we only had four left and so sold out um quickly. There's I don't think there's any trees left now. We will have another round of trees though for this fall.
Our building department consists of 15 employees and we provide services to the community that safeguard life health property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design alteration construction materials use and occupancy of buildings and homes in Edina. In 2024 the city of Edina issued nearly 6,000 permits uh and conducted just under 19,500 inspections.
Ordinances & Resolutions (11)
Proposed amendment regarding electric-assisted bicycle (e-bike) sidewalk use; includes helmet requirement for riders under 18 and definition of sidewalk. Staff recommends approval with amendments; decision on sidewalk bike use deferred to Safe and Equitable Mobility Plan process.
Accepts designated donations on behalf of the City of Edina, including wildlife photography book, memorial benches, tree, and compost.
Required approvals for Hennepin County Library and Art Center at 701 York Avenue; variance requested for 59 ft height (vs. 40 ft zoning limit). Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval on March 12, 2025.
Guides 701 York Avenue site as community activity center; supports institutional and recreational uses; does not regulate building height.
City of Edina's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050; library project design aligns with plan objectives.
In-development plan merging bike and pedestrian master plans, living streets plans; scheduled for 2025; will address question of bicycles on sidewalks with community input.
Prior comprehensive community engagement process that resulted in ordinance changes allowing bicycles on sidewalks; staff recommends revisiting sidewalk bike use through updated Safe and Equitable Mobility Plan rather than immediate ordinance change.
Documentation of incarcerated work crew contracts with multiple Minnesota cities and entities since 2019, including Edina; cited in testimony regarding prison labor wage reform.
Current provision permitting slavery as punishment for crime; subject of legislative reform effort to reclassify prisoners as state workers.
Legislation to reclassify prisoners as state workers earning minimum wage; targeted for 2026 legislative session with 6,000 pledged jobs from private and nonprofit partners.
Companion legislation to reclassify prisoners as state workers; targeted for 2026 legislative session.
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Other Topics from This Document
Prison Labor Wage Reform and Reclassification
Hennepin County Library and Art Center Project at 701 York Avenue
Electric-Assisted Bicycle (E-Bike) Sidewalk Use Ordinance
4040 Building Fourth Floor Plan Modifications
National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week Proclamation
Earth Day and Arbor Day Proclamations
Building Safety Month Proclamation
Liquor License Issuance for Deco and Sons
Donations to the City
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