Edina Council Approves Rivian Showroom, Pool Upgrades
The Edina City Council took action on several major initiatives during its Aug. 6 meeting, including continuing review of a proposed Rivian electric vehicle showroom and approving significant aquatic center improvements.
The council held a public hearing for Rivian's proposal to establish a 3,200-square-foot showroom at Galleria Mall. The electric vehicle company plans to display up to two vehicles inside the mall and store six test-drive vehicles in existing parking areas. Fire Marshal Dave Miller raised safety concerns about electric vehicle batteries in an indoor mall setting, recommending upgraded sprinkler systems, 30% maximum battery charge for display vehicles, and strategic vehicle placement near exits. The council closed public input on the matter Sunday and will make a final decision Aug. 19.
In other major business, the council approved an $8.5 million construction contract with H+U Construction for aquatic center pump room improvements and facility upgrades. The project came in significantly under budget, with construction bids totaling $5.03 million compared to earlier estimates of nearly $6 million. The council also approved two alternates: a $287,000 rentable pavilion space expected to generate $30,000-40,000 annually, and a $91,000 solar canopy structure to replace existing shade covering.
The council approved new franchise fee structures with Centerpoint Energy and Excel Energy, shifting from flat monthly rates to a 4% consumption-based model. The change is designed to generate an additional $1 million for street reconstruction while encouraging energy conservation. Residential customers will see a modest increase from $7.10 to approximately $8 monthly, while larger commercial users will bear a greater share based on consumption.
In a separate matter, the council unanimously rejected a retroactive tree donation at Pamela Park, directing staff to give the property owner until Sept. 12 to remove six Colorado blue spruce trees planted without permission on city property. If not removed, the city will offer the trees free to residents before disposing of them.
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Votes (1)
Consent Agenda Approval
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Pierce [17:04] · Seconded by Council Member Jackson [17:04]
Council approved multiple items including board appointments, grant awards, and equipment purchases. Mayor Hublin highlighted three significant sustainability grants totaling approximately $797,000: $163,000 for biodiesel B100 fuel supply tank (first city in Minnesota to convert heavy equipment fleet, reducing emissions 90%), $500,000 for shade structures at Fred Richards Park, and $134,000 for ash tree removal.
Notable Quotes (1)
to know that we're going to be the first city in the state of Minnesota to convert our heavy equipment fleet to biodiesel...to know that we're going to be able to reduce 90% of our greenhouse gases produced by that equipment by this conversion is is pretty cool.
Ordinances & Resolutions (9)
City commitment to zero traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2050, with interim goal of 50% reduction by 2035.
Federal grant-funded safety plan (SS4A program) addressing roadway fatalities and serious injuries; draft expected end of 2025.
Federal program providing $5 billion over 5 years for planning, demonstration, and implementation of traffic safety projects; sunset date 2026.
Eighth iteration of biennial survey conducted by PCO/National Research Center; 451 responses, ±5% margin of error; covers quality of life, safety, services, housing, and fiscal management.
City policy requiring council approval (four-fifths majority) for tree and memorial bench donations; not followed in 2025 Pamela Park case.
Grant requiring replanting of 96 trees in specified zones at Pamela Park following ash tree removal.
Application for automobile agency use in PCD3 zoning district; requires council approval; public hearing held with decision deferred to August 19, 2025.
Planned Commercial District zoning classification for Galleria Mall; lists automobile agencies as conditionally permitted use.
Current fire code in use; 2024 edition (effective 2026) will include new sprinkler requirements for parking structures with EV chargers.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Property Tax Levy and Overall Tax Burden
Grand View Square Street Lighting Project
Pedestrian Safety on Eden Avenue
Safe and Equitable Mobility Action Plan
Traffic Safety Data and Vision Zero Goals
Quality of Life Survey Results (2025)
Drinking Water Quality Concerns
Housing Affordability and Development
Rivian Electric Vehicle Showroom Conditional Use Permit
EV Fire Safety and Risk Mitigation
Rivian Showroom Design and Emergency Egress
Biodiesel Fleet Conversion and Sustainability Grants
Board and Commission Appointments
Pamela Park Tree Donation (Colorado Blue Spruce)
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