Community Comment: 2026 Budget and Property Tax Levy Concerns
No formal vote; community comment period only.
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
No formal vote; community comment period only. Mayor Hublin stated: 'I know I'd be the second city council to endorse this along with Minneapolis city council and I think that would be all right really awesome.'
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)
5-0 Approved (motion to close public input at noon on Sunday, April 6, 2025, and continue action to April 16, 2025 meeting)
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
Pending; Council Member Jackson indicated intent to offer an amendment to approve the ordinance with proposed changes. No final vote recorded in transcript.
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
5-0 Approved (amended minutes of March 18, 2025 regular meeting)
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)
5-0 Approved (National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week Proclamation)
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)
5-0 Approved (Earth Day Proclamation)
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
5-0 Approved (Arbor Day Proclamation)
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)
5-0 Approved (Building Safety Month Proclamation)
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)
5-0 Approved (on-sale intoxicating and Sunday sale liquor licenses 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
5-0 Approved (Resolution 2025-29 accepting donations)
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.