Approval of Meeting Agenda
Unanimous approval
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Jackson [2:45] · Seconded by Council Member Agnu [2:51]
The Mayor presented the published meeting agenda. No council members requested modifications. The agenda was approved by motion without discussion of substantive changes.
Approval of April 16, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Approved with one abstention (Council Member Jackson)
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Agnu [15:32] · Seconded by Council Member Pierce [15:38]
Council Member Jackson was absent from the April 16 meeting, so those minutes were removed from the consent agenda and voted on separately. No corrections or additions were noted.
National Police Week Proclamation (May 11-17, 2025)
Unanimous approval
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Jackson [19:08] · Seconded by Council Member Pierce [19:08]
The Mayor read a proclamation honoring law enforcement officers and designating May 11-17, 2025 as National Police Week. Sergeant Darren Davis and Sergeant Emily Jeepson presented remarks on behalf of the Edina Police Department, sharing the story of Deputy Jesse Perez (Dawson County, Texas) who was killed on April 22, 2025 during a traffic stop. The sergeants emphasized the partnership between law enforcement and the community. A flag-raising ceremony was scheduled for May 13, 2025 at 9:00 AM, with the flag to be flown at half-staff on May 15 (Peace Officers Memorial Day).
City Manager Response to Resident Questions from April Meeting
Informational item; no vote required
Dissent: None
City Manager Neil addressed three questions raised at the April meeting: (1) Why is the city considering using franchise fees for street reconstruction? Answer: To reduce general fund tax levy burden on property taxpayers. (2) Is there a cap on franchise fee increases? Answer: No state-imposed cap; only local government control. (3) How are current utility franchise fees used? Answer: 50% to Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety (PAX) fund, 39% to Conservation and Sustainability (CAS) fund, 11% reserved for street lighting. Council Member Agnu sought clarification on state-level regulations regarding franchise fee use. City Attorney Kendall confirmed there are few limitations on how franchise fees can be used at the local level.
Southdale Office Center Rezoning and Site Plan Review (Public Hearing)
Unanimous approval to close public hearing at noon on May 11, 2025 and continue action to May 20, 2025 meeting
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Pierce [46:24] · Seconded by Council Member Jackson [46:30]
Director Kerry Teague introduced the proposal to rescind the 2017 PUD zoning and rezone the 22-acre Southdale office center back to PCD3. The applicant (Olympus Ventures/OV Development, represented by Dela Copelin and Sean Smith of Wilder) proposes remodeling existing office buildings (6700 and 6750), improving ADA accessibility with new entry cubes, enhancing landscaping and curb appeal along France Avenue, and creating a plaza area. The applicant emphasized preservation of existing buildings rather than new construction. Key improvements include new entries with Lula elevators, parking lot reconfiguration, new landscaping, and enclosure of trash/delivery areas at Tavern on France. Council Member Jackson sought clarification on parking lot changes and the roundabout design. Council Member Agnu raised concerns about tree preservation along Valley View Road and requested assurances that the oak savannah stand would not be impacted. The applicant confirmed no work is planned on the west side of the property. Resident Nora Davis expressed frustration about lack of advance notice and requested tree protection language in any future ordinance. Resident Jerry Krauss raised concerns about France Avenue pedestrian experience and the appearance of the infiltration basin. The applicant clarified that the infiltration basin is a dry pond (rain garden) that will be landscaped. The public hearing was left open until May 11, 2025 at noon, with action deferred to May 20, 2025.
Resolution 2025-37: Acceptance of Donations
Unanimous approval
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Jackson [47:32] · Seconded by Council Member Pierce [47:38]
The Council approved acceptance of a donation of eight books titled 'The Urban Sanctuary' (a photographic journal of the life of Minnehaha Creek) valued at $160, donated by Bob Thompson and Jack Weston. The donors' names will be posted on the city website.
Resolution 2025-33: Opus Corporation Rezoning, Subdivision, and Site Plan (5100 Eden Avenue)
Unanimous approval (5-0)
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Jackson [53:32] · Seconded by Council Member Pierce [53:38]
Community Development Coordinator Addison Lewis presented the Opus Corporation project: a five-story, 112,000 sq ft office building with ground-floor commercial/retail use at 5100 Eden Avenue. The project requires rezoning from POD1 to PCD2, subdivision approval consolidating seven parcels into one, and eight variances. Staff and the planning commission recommended approval. The applicant revised plans to comply with planning commission conditions, including improvements to pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. Council Member Jackson asked whether the variances would be reduced if the zoning code were updated; Lewis confirmed that updated zoning should bring the code closer to comprehensive plan vision, potentially reducing future variance needs. Council Member Agnu sought clarification on setback compliance; Lewis explained that property line irregularities account for the variance in setback measurements. Council Member Jackson praised the applicant's responsiveness to planning commission feedback. The Mayor expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting its visibility on Highway 100 and the applicant's attention to sustainability (building orientation to maximize natural light and minimize air conditioning). Opus representative confirmed closing on the land the day after the meeting, with demolition targeted for July-August 2025 and project completion by end of 2026.
Resolution 2025-32: Lincoln and Londary Small Area Plan Adoption
Unanimous approval (4-0, with one member absent)
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Jackson [59:49] · Seconded by Council Member Pierce [59:49]
Community Development Coordinator Addison Lewis and consultant Zach Locker (MEN Collaborative) presented the Lincoln and Londary Small Area Plan for adoption and submission to the Metropolitan Council. The plan underwent over one year of community engagement with multiple meetings and a final workshop validation survey. The plan addresses land use, transportation, environment, and community values. Council Member Agnu noted that the plan was guided by medium density residential classification and that institutional uses (including nursing homes) are permitted under the comprehensive plan, eliminating the need for a comprehensive plan amendment. The Mayor clarified that the vote requires four-fifths majority (not two-thirds) due to the statutory requirement. Council Member Agnu praised the process and the final validation survey, which confirmed strong alignment between the plan and community input. Council Member Jackson highlighted the process as a model for future area planning and comprehensive plan updates. Council Member Pierce emphasized that the process allowed all voices to be heard, even those opposed to change. The Mayor noted the plan's focus on Nine Mile Creek as a previously hidden natural asset that can now be enhanced and integrated into the neighborhood.
Old Kevin Keys Automotive Site - Memory Care Facility Sketch Plan Review
Sketch plan review; no formal vote taken. Project to proceed to formal application stage with refinements to renderings, landscaping, traffic study, and emergency access design.
Dissent: Council Member Agnu expressed concerns about resident security, building density, and loss of existing structure; requested further analysis before formal application.
Director Kerry Teague introduced the sketch plan for a three-story, 20-unit memory care facility on the former Kevin Keys automotive repair site. This is the fourth proposal for the site in four years; the previous three required comprehensive plan amendments. This proposal does not require a comprehensive plan amendment because nursing homes are included in the definition of 'small institutional uses' under the medium density residential classification. The project requires rezoning from PCD4 (auto repair/car wash) to PRD5 (planned residential district) and multiple variances. Carco Development (Josh Bransstead, President/Owner) presented the project, emphasizing that the memory care use was selected based on resident feedback requesting housing and generating minimal traffic. Mindy Michael (Cosmo Architects) described the building design and security features. Key discussion points: (1) Traffic and visitor patterns: The applicant provided detailed statistics showing 95% of traffic occurs Monday-Friday, 8 AM-7 PM, with average visitor load of 1-5 per day, peaking on weekends. (2) Parking: The facility is underparked and would require on-street parking on Eden Prairie Road. (3) Emergency access: The applicant proposed a two-access design (Eden Prairie Road and Vernon Road) but indicated willingness to make the Eden Prairie Road connection emergency-only with a decorative chain or automated lift system. (4) Building aesthetics: The applicant committed to high-quality design incorporating residential features and brick, with renderings to be provided at the formal application stage. (5) Resident safety: The building will be fully secured with magnetic lock systems to prevent unwanted egress. (6) Landscaping and screening: The applicant proposed 6-10 ft fencing with landscaping along property lines. Council Member Pierce requested better renderings showing context with adjacent condo buildings. Council Member Jackson asked about truck movement, visitor parking, and front entry visibility. Council Member Agnu expressed concerns about resident security, emergency vehicle frequency, and the loss of the existing building's unique character. She also noted the site's density and requested consideration of a city sidewalk connection. The Mayor acknowledged the site's complexity and praised the applicant's work, noting the community need for memory care facilities and the aging population (as many residents over 65 as under 18).
Edina High School Parking Challenges and Creek Valley Parking Lot Options
No formal vote taken. Direction given to staff to allow parking lot use (likely without city snow removal), maintain street-level no-parking restrictions, and research comparable parks and ADA requirements. Matter to be revisited if parking pressures increase.
Dissent: Council Member Agnu requested additional data on comparable parks before final decision.
Director Milner presented three options for addressing high school student parking overflow near Creek Valley Road and Nordic Circle: (1) Allow parking lot use at own risk with no snow removal; (2) Allow parking lot use with city snow removal maintenance; (3) Maintain current no-parking restrictions with enhanced signage. The discussion was prompted by recent parking restrictions implemented on Creek Valley Road and Nordic Circle (no parking on both sides, 8 AM-4 PM school days) based on a 2018 parking study. These restrictions were intended to address safety concerns from cars parked on both sides of the street with no sidewalks. However, residents subsequently requested that the city allow use of the 45-stall soccer field parking lot (city-maintained but school property) as an alternative. The lot currently has no snow removal and minimal signage. Director Milner noted that the lot is heavily used in summer for soccer games and that the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail has other parking options. Council Member Jackson asked about comparable parks in the city; Director Milner indicated he would research this. Council Member Risser expressed concern about neighborhood safety and preferred minimal on-street parking, leaning toward option 1 (allow parking at own risk, no maintenance). Council Member Pierce asked about ADA accessibility and whether the school would participate in revenue-sharing; Director Milner noted that ADA requirements might apply if the lot is formally designated for high school use. Council Member Jackson emphasized that the core problem being solved is preventing cars from parking on residential streets, which has been accomplished through the no-parking restrictions. She suggested allowing lot use without city maintenance. Council Member Agnu asked about comparable parks and expressed concern about discriminating against this lot if other similar lots are maintained. The Mayor summarized the apparent consensus: allow parking lot use without city snow removal maintenance, maintain the no-parking restrictions on adjacent streets, and potentially allow one-sided street parking if the lot is fully utilized.