WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=a894r1vWqBs

Part: 1

1
00:00:08.320 --> 00:00:23.519
Folks, as soon as we get a green light here, we'll be ready to go. Those the folks in the back room telling us they're ready to go. Ready to record everything. So, let's get to work.

2
00:00:23.519 --> 00:00:40.879
Well, good evening everybody. It is Tuesday, June 16th, 2026. Don't forget about Juneth on the on Friday. We got a big celebration down at Centennial Lakes if you want to make it down there during the day. Uh so it is Tuesday, June 16th, 2026. It is 7:01

3
00:00:40.879 --> 00:00:57.680
p.m. This is the Dina City Council and as Director Benerrod indicated, we've been doing these meetings on a hybrid sort of basis. So folks can watch from home. We've been doing it since uh the time of the pandemic and post pandemic. People can call in if they want to call in at certain points in the meeting. We

4
00:00:57.680 --> 00:01:13.680
got a couple opportunities tonight. We've got public hearings and then we've got public comment as well. Um, one thing I wanted to cover in advance here is that I think Director Benerrod might have indicated that um, if it's if it's a matter scheduled for a future public hearing or it's something that's

5
00:01:13.680 --> 00:01:29.280
otherwise on the agenda tonight, it's off limits for public comment. Um, and I I'm suspecting that many of you because we saw some signs. I saw some signs along Wooddale Avenue about uh about Wooddale and the the the um staff

6
00:01:29.280 --> 00:01:46.000
recommendation that's coming up I think the end of July on Wooddale that many of you are here on that issue. Is that is that true? If you want to raise your hand and tell me. Okay. So, um that's fine. But I think it's it's what's coming on the agenda tonight is us

7
00:01:46.000 --> 00:02:01.040
something written to us from the Adina Transportation Commission in the form of their recommendations. Uh but I don't want to get caught caught up on that technicality. So I'm going to let folks uh we're going to let folks talk. We've had a little conversation up here. Uh happy to have you here with us

8
00:02:01.040 --> 00:02:18.000
and express your concerns one way or the other about uh that proposed bike lane on Wooddale. And uh the only thing I would suggest is that as you listen to other people talk, we've we've had some great input on this already, I can tell you from a written standpoint, people on Wooddale, people from the bicycling

9
00:02:18.000 --> 00:02:34.959
community, a lot of different views, but very very well expressed. So we're very well aware of the of the issues involved. So, if you think that you might be uh saying the same thing as somebody else is saying that that your testimony might be redundant or your concerns that you're expressing might be

10
00:02:34.959 --> 00:02:51.120
redundant to somebody else's if you if you you don't have to get up and and tell us what your opinion is. you don't want to, but you're s sure welcome to because I remember years ago um there was a guy in our live named Peter Brochius who ran the children's theater

11
00:02:51.120 --> 00:03:07.120
and he told me once Jimmy and he said you know uh democracy and theater both began in Greece and uh the point of democracy was uh all voices matter and all voices should be given an opportunity to be heard and so that's what we're going to be doing here tonight. We're going to give you a

12
00:03:07.120 --> 00:03:22.480
chance to express your opinion. You've got 3 minutes and you're going to get a yellow uh yellow light warning you when you got about 30 seconds left. So, make sure that you stay on the clock. We treat everybody the same that way. Everybody's opinion is valued, but everybody gets the same amount of time

13
00:03:22.480 --> 00:03:38.879
to express that opinion. And so, um providing that information, let's um let's call the meeting to order. And um I'm going to ask our clerk, Sharon Ellison, to call the role. >> Council member Agnu >> here. Council member Jackson >> here. Council member Pierce >> here.

14
00:03:38.879 --> 00:03:53.519
>> Council member Risser >> here. >> Mayor Hublin >> here. Uh we did have uh back up a second. We did have that phone number up I think up on the screen for people that might be watching remote. If you want to put that up one more time before we do the pledge of allegiance.

15
00:03:53.519 --> 00:04:11.760
There we go. So folks at home, you might want to get this information down and then um uh we'll catch up with you here in a few minutes. All right, let's do the pres pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the

16
00:04:11.760 --> 00:04:33.280
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> The other thing is that before we start tonight, um I was out of town for with my wife for a

17
00:04:33.280 --> 00:04:48.800
college graduation. uh out of state and uh we got some really terrible news yesterday that our one of our neighbor boys had fallen in Madison. He was a student at the University of Wisconsin, a Dina boy and uh hit his head and and

18
00:04:48.800 --> 00:05:05.280
died. Um his name was Raja Chinola, wonderful young guy was I think a sophomore at Madison and was just getting ready now to spend the next year at the London School of Economics. So, the last time I saw him at a at a meeting here in town,

19
00:05:05.280 --> 00:05:20.320
uh, he's been really actively involved in the he Asian-American Alliance marches in the parade from the time he was in high school with their with their banner. Uh, and um, he seemed so happy and so uh, content about what he had

20
00:05:20.320 --> 00:05:48.400
coming up in life. So, I just wanted to have a quick moment of silence for Raja Chenna here before we start the meeting. Thank you. Thank you folks for that. We've got a form of meeting agenda that's been published uh both for our benefit at the council level and the

21
00:05:48.400 --> 00:06:04.479
staff and the and the general public. Uh is there anyone on the council or from a staff standpoint that wishes to modify the meeting agenda any form or fashion? Hearing nothing. Is there a mo motion to approve the meeting agenda as published? >> So moved. >> Second. Member Jackson moves. Member

22
00:06:04.479 --> 00:06:20.319
Pier seconds the adoption of the meeting agenda as published. Any further discussion? Those in favor of adoption of the meeting agenda say I. I. >> I. Opposed. Carried. The meeting agenda is adopted. We have something to work from. >> And now we are at that community comment point. And um our practice is that we

23
00:06:20.319 --> 00:06:36.479
visit with folks in the audience first that were able to come to city hall uh and speak to us in person. And so, uh, let's start out. Let's keep that 3 minutes in mind. And, and when you come up, you don't have to give your address. Remember that. You just give us your name and and if you don't have any kind

24
00:06:36.479 --> 00:06:54.000
of a a display article or something you want to show the council, I think one of the side podiums is best uh, for making your presentation. So, feel free to start uh, come on up. Someone want to start it out? Here we

25
00:06:54.000 --> 00:07:17.479
go. That's good. Add documents. >> Okay. >> Yeah, we'll set that up for you. Other people then can see how to how to do that if they have a something that they want to use from an illustration standpoint.

26
00:07:22.000 --> 00:07:47.599
>> Yes, ma'am. He's my neighbor and he >> is gratefully me to use her three minutes. Uh my name is Ryan Seamers. >> Um I'm I've been a resident on Wooddale Avenue for the last um seven years. Um,

27
00:07:47.599 --> 00:08:02.639
my family moved here when there was already one lane actually removed from Wooddale Avenue uh in order to allow a a great public amenity, the sidewalk. Uh, and we do support the idea of bike infrastructure in uh citywide, but we do

28
00:08:02.639 --> 00:08:18.560
oppose this specific implementation uh in the manner that's being presented. Uh we're asking the council to select option three uh the existing configuration. Option if option three is rejected, option two is not acceptable

29
00:08:18.560 --> 00:08:34.560
as a compromise for us. It removes all parking for the homeowners who reside uh in areas that actually need it the most. Uh segments of the street with only one lane for or a single car uh parking lot

30
00:08:34.560 --> 00:08:52.800
driveway. Um, and um, when we have visitors to our house, this is the only place they can come. And I apologize, that's my own device interrupting myself. Um, basically, uh, there are several issues with the report that's been submitted.

31
00:08:52.800 --> 00:09:10.480
The crash data does not actually support the proposal. In the 19 crashes that have taken place over the last 10 years, only one involved a cyclist and only one involved a pedestrian. 89% of the crashes involve motor vehicles only and a bike lane does not address this. Uh in

32
00:09:10.480 --> 00:09:26.080
the years that we actually had zero crashes, uh those were the safest on record. And the reason that that actually took place was because of your very insightful move to actually reduce the uh speeds on our city streets to 25 miles an hour. And I think what you'll

33
00:09:26.080 --> 00:09:41.519
see is essentially we have a reduction all the way to zero crashes for two years. And I think the reason that uh the speeds started to pick up again is because we had a lack of enforcement. This had nothing to do with bicycling.

34
00:09:41.519 --> 00:09:58.880
Um the um 85% of the speeds that were observed were up to 34.8 uh miles per hour by the city's own data. Drivers already ignore the speed limit and the P a painted bike lane does not slow down cars. better

35
00:09:58.880 --> 00:10:14.320
enforcement of the uh existing speeds would result in safer behavior, but most of the accidents also took place midblock. And I think one of the reasons that actually took place a lot of times had to do more with delivery vehicles um or cars pulling out of driveways.

36
00:10:14.320 --> 00:10:29.920
Um the Minnesota Constitution uh also creates some exposure for the city when it comes to damages for the standards uh to the damage standard. Uh Minnesota Constitution Article 1, Section 13 protects property from being damaged by

37
00:10:29.920 --> 00:10:45.760
public action without compensation, not just taken. Um Wooddale's already lost one parking lane to a sidewalk conversion. This would be the second sequential removal from our um our homeowners. uh loosit

38
00:10:45.760 --> 00:11:01.200
uh versus Metropolitan Airports Commission also establishes that consequential uh property value damages from the public infrastructure is uh compensate uh compensible. The city's cumulative legal exposure does deserve more formal review before

39
00:11:01.200 --> 00:11:15.519
the city takes an actual vote. Uh measurable property value damage, uh that's what you're seeing here in this diagram or these these uh spreadsheets. Basically, um there's an estimated corridor total

40
00:11:15.519 --> 00:11:32.959
of about 83 um 83 million to $97 million across all three segments at a moderate 8% impact, which is at the low end of five to eight uh 5 to 15% according to some studies. When you remove any parking,

41
00:11:32.959 --> 00:11:48.640
um there can be a uh there would be a 6.6 to 7.8 8 million aggregate value lost throughout the corridor. And per household in segment two, the estimated cost for us would be $34,000

42
00:11:48.640 --> 00:12:03.839
to $80,000 per house per individual property damage. And I think that there's a few lawyers on the street who might have something to say about that. smaller driveway homes would bear also the disproportionately higher uh burden

43
00:12:03.839 --> 00:12:20.639
a non-uniform impact from uh a uniform policy. Um whereas further down Wooddale Avenue there are much uh there's a proposal that would not impact the parking for um the most high value homes.

44
00:12:20.639 --> 00:12:38.639
Option 2A is not an uh is inequitable because it's not comp uh not a compromise. Segment two loses all of our parking. The bike lanes uh create new danger for cyclists even if it's meant to protect them. Delivery drivers who currently park illegally on no part on no parking

45
00:12:38.639 --> 00:12:55.680
uh on the west side is an observable uh doc is is observable and documentable at this moment. Um I had a delivery driver who was uh there for a minute and a half parked on the wrong side of the road just looking for a package not even delivering something up to the door. And

46
00:12:55.680 --> 00:13:12.800
at the peak times of the the day, this does create a big traffic or a big a big opportunity for in for issues. Um, another problem spot for our particular street at 58th and uh one one street

47
00:13:12.800 --> 00:13:29.120
down to the south of us. Um that has been where we've observed the worst accidents take place and a lot of that has had more to do with the fact that people are ignoring stop signs. Um, >> uh, sir, we're gonna have to ask you to wrap up.

48
00:13:29.120 --> 00:13:50.079
>> Yeah, no problem. Um, I just ask that you consider an alternative route. >> Thank you. >> Yes. Thanks, Ryan. >> Okay, we're back on the threeminute clock. >> Awesome. >> Hi, my name is Will Madri. I've spoken

49
00:13:50.079 --> 00:14:07.199
with you all before. Um, I also bring something to the table that I think a lot of people in this room don't hear from. Um, I rode Wooddale Avenue every day for about a year and a half until I I didn't want to do it anymore. Um, I

50
00:14:07.199 --> 00:14:24.000
want you guys to support this project and specifically support a protected lane. That's 2B or 2C. Those are the best um plans to support an all age and ability design. Um there are really only

51
00:14:24.000 --> 00:14:41.120
three uh through routes north south in Dina past 100 um above 62. It's France Wooddale or the frontage road along 100. Frontage road along 100 is fast and out

52
00:14:41.120 --> 00:14:59.519
of the way for bikers to get to. France has the e-line going down it and existing France traffic. So Wooddale is the only option to put this bike lane. There is not another place you can put it. Um Wooddale is a regional connector.

53
00:14:59.519 --> 00:15:16.240
Um it points right at the Rosland Bridge um park bridge which this city is already investing in and making better and making accessible to cyclists because it currently is not. Um, most Wooddale homes have driveways. I live in

54
00:15:16.240 --> 00:15:32.240
Minneapolis. I don't actually have a like driveway like where I can go in to my own yard like with my car. Um, and most homes are at least two to four

55
00:15:32.240 --> 00:15:47.120
minutes away from close on street parking on off streets. Um, this is a high injury network roadway. Um, the city's own report showed that people

56
00:15:47.120 --> 00:16:02.720
were speeding 34 miles per hour on this road. Making the making the um lanes skinnier, which 2C does, would make that better. it would slow people down

57
00:16:02.720 --> 00:16:19.519
because people are driving at 34 miles an hour because they feel like they can. Um, but all of that doesn't matter if you don't also include a way for cyclists to use this road. The way it is currently set up, I took it on my way

58
00:16:19.519 --> 00:16:38.800
here. I work in Cahill um near and 494. Um the way it's currently set up when you're going north you have no facilities and I was getting close past um part of Wooddale is closed right now but like in the parts that are not

59
00:16:38.800 --> 00:16:55.480
closed like it was exactly how I remembered it unpleasant. Um so I really really urge you to go with um option two. Thank you. >> Thank you Mr. Madri.

60
00:16:55.600 --> 00:17:11.439
Folks, we're respecting everybody's opinion in here and there's not going to be any clapping or jeering or cheering of any nature. This is a this is a protected environment for people. It's a safe place for people. We want everybody's opinion protected

61
00:17:11.439 --> 00:17:27.199
and and respected. So, all right. Thank you for that. Uh Daryl Kger. Um two weeks ago I spoke about bike lanes and parking on Wooddale Avenue and I expressed the opinion that it did not have to be an eitheror decision, but it could and should be

62
00:17:27.199 --> 00:17:42.080
both. And I'm here tonight to tell you how that can be done. Prefacing this by saying that a solution satisfactory to everyone requires compromise and creativity. The first gentleman spoke about option number three, which is the existing configuration. has had one

63
00:17:42.080 --> 00:17:57.360
non-s serious bicycle accident in 10 years, but it doesn't address the perception that riding on Wooddale is unsafe, which leads cyclists to use the sidewalk, which creates a safety issue for pedestrians. Option 2A that the Adina Transportation

64
00:17:57.360 --> 00:18:13.600
Commission has come up with includes a dedicated two-way bike lane that preserves parking between Wooddale Lane and West 56th Street, but it is adjacent to the park to the traffic lane with no buffer. South of West 56th Street, parking is eliminated. Options 1, 2B,

65
00:18:13.600 --> 00:18:29.520
and 2C do away with parking for all of Wooddale Avenue south of West 50th Street. What I would like to propose is a modification of option 2A, one that will truly meet the needs of everyone. If you were to visit New York City, where cars co where cyclists coexist

66
00:18:29.520 --> 00:18:48.360
with cars both moving and parked, all in orders of magnitude light years greater than Wooddale Avenue, you would find that the bike lane is adjacent to the curb with a parking lane separating it from the traffic lane.

67
00:18:49.679 --> 00:19:10.720
If you were to visit Copenhagen, regarded as the most bicycle friendly city in the world, you would find the same thing. To be able to have both on street parking on Wooddale Avenue from West 50th Street to West 56th Street and a protected bike lane that people would

68
00:19:10.720 --> 00:19:27.120
actually use, the two-way bike lane should be next to the curb with a striped parking lane between the traffic lanes and cyclists. A diagonal crossing should be installed on West 50th Street, like what you would find on the southwest corner of Lake Deacasa

69
00:19:27.120 --> 00:19:42.160
to allow bicyclists coming out of the country club neighborhood in Wooddale Park to cross safely to the bike lane on the east side of Wooddale Avenue. Until the bridge over Minha Creek gets rebuilt, cyclists will need to walk their bike on the sidewalk on the bridge.

70
00:19:42.160 --> 00:19:58.880
South of West 56th Street, Wooddale Avenue should be narrowed to 27 feet with two 10-ft traffic lanes in the 7- foot parking lane. The 4 foot the 4t gain plus using 4t of city rideway would allow for the creation of a multipleuse sidewalk with a painted two-way bike

71
00:19:58.880 --> 00:20:17.520
lane and sidewalk for pedestrians. This has been done in Minneapolis and in Richfield to great effect. makes the intersection at Valley View much safer as well. So in summary, this sum this proposal protect provides protected bike lanes and preserves

72
00:20:17.520 --> 00:20:32.720
parking for the entire length of Wooddale Avenue, plus makes our sidewalk safe for pedestrians. Again, narrow traffic lanes have been proven to reduce accidents and based on the experience of South Bryant Avenue in Minneapolis have increased property values, which is good for the city. So this is a win-win for

73
00:20:32.720 --> 00:20:54.640
everyone, and I would encourage you to give this your consideration. Thank you. >> Yeah. Thanks, Gerald. If you want to leave any of those as exhibits, we can take them too or Kirk can take them or the Benrock can take them depending on whether you want to part with them or

74
00:20:54.640 --> 00:21:14.559
not. >> Good evening. >> I've I've lived on Wooddale for 20 years. Um Ryan is my neighbor. You've shuffled me out several times. I appreciate that. >> Pat Marrian. Um I I love the idea that that Daryl

75
00:21:14.559 --> 00:21:32.880
came up with. I love the idea that um Ryan came up with. To lose parking on on Wooddale Avenue is a detriment to the people that live along the street. Um it it it is difficult enough um you know to

76
00:21:32.880 --> 00:21:49.679
find places to park. I'm sorry. I'm at living all of this. Um, but the the problem for me that I've seen along Guale Avenue is the speeding. Um, I mean, that is what makes it a dangerous road to drive along. Um, I've

77
00:21:49.679 --> 00:22:03.840
suggested alternatives. I wrote you all an email today. Um, speed bumps would be, you know, the the way to go because I have worked in St. Paul for 20 years and I have biked from Edina to St. all

78
00:22:03.840 --> 00:22:21.600
probably 70% of that time. Um, and I've really never felt unsafe or it's no different than any other city street. Okay, there's a designated bike lane. It works well. Um,

79
00:22:21.600 --> 00:22:35.600
and you know, to to take the parking completely away from the people that live along the street makes it difficult for the people that live there. Um,

80
00:22:35.600 --> 00:22:52.559
it's my opinion. Um, it's it's not fair. you know, the people that live along the street are the ones that should have the most say in in what goes on. Um, I understand

81
00:22:52.559 --> 00:23:07.679
that biking is a safety issue, but the safety issue is people speeding, people not respecting stop signs. Okay, that has nothing to do with the bike lane. you're still going to have those problems even

82
00:23:07.679 --> 00:23:23.120
if you designate a bike lane. And so, um, alternatives like what Daryl came up with, you know, what what Ryan has come up with is is better, you know, than than basically punishing the people that

83
00:23:23.120 --> 00:23:50.240
live along the street because that's what you're going to do. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you, Pat. Good evening. >> Want to pull that down a little bit more? You can. There you go. >> Hi, my name is Ellery Buckley. I'm

84
00:23:50.240 --> 00:24:06.240
asking you to vote against eliminating parking on Wooddale Avenue. I live on at 5309 Wooddale and this affects me and my family.

85
00:24:06.240 --> 00:24:22.240
If friends come over for a playd date or sleepover at my house, everyone has to park in our driveway and that means I could only have three or four friends over. When you were a kid, you probably cared a lot about being able to have

86
00:24:22.240 --> 00:24:40.640
friends over. If you were me, what would you want to have happen? Please vote no. Thank you. >> Well, thanks, Eller. Thanks for coming tonight. >> Hi, I'm Amy Buckley. I'm Eller's mom. Um, I also live at 5309. I just want to

87
00:24:40.640 --> 00:24:56.720
say thank you to all of you for your first service to our community and for the opportunity to speak. I want to encourage you to vote against eliminating parking on Wooddale Avenue. We live right on that street. We see the high speeds of driving um including

88
00:24:56.720 --> 00:25:14.320
seeing cars go past the stopped arm of school buses picking up children. So we see the safety risk associated with speed um far more than we see the actual um circumstances that affect bikers though we acknowledge that they exist. I

89
00:25:14.320 --> 00:25:29.679
wanted to point out um others have spoken well to this issue, but I wanted to point out two two risks that I see to eliminating parking. One being if people have to park cars in their driveways, the difficulty of backing out of a

90
00:25:29.679 --> 00:25:45.120
driveway onto a busy road is a much more challenging maneuver than pulling out of a standard street parking space. And that increases risk to the driver, to pedestrians, and cyclists. I also wanted to encourage you to consider moving if

91
00:25:45.120 --> 00:26:02.000
we move cars to side streets that actually creates more compressed transit space on those roads which are more likely to have child cyclists, more likely to have pedestrians and it actually creates more risk on those less traveled roads as well. So urge you to

92
00:26:02.000 --> 00:26:21.919
consider um a less restrictive solution than eliminating parking. Thank you. >> Yes, thanks Amy. Good evening. >> Hi, my name is Mel Brainstein. Um, just want to get this in the right

93
00:26:21.919 --> 00:26:38.240
spot. Uh, first off, I am a Edina grad of 2017 and I currently live in Uptown Minneapolis, though my parents, including my mom in the back, still live near Edina High School. Um, I went to university in Vancouver, Canada, and

94
00:26:38.240 --> 00:26:56.080
when I returned from some travels after school, I moved back in with my parents. And, uh, it was not the best. Um, while I do love my mom and dad, what actually made it really hard was the isolation that I felt. Um, I couldn't use the

95
00:26:56.080 --> 00:27:11.279
second car because it didn't exist anymore. My parents downsized when I went to university. Um, being near the high school, there is no transit access. So, if I wanted to go anywhere, including, let's say, the YMCA, that was the only thing I was like, "Okay, I'll go to the gym." But I didn't even want

96
00:27:11.279 --> 00:27:28.000
to bike down 70th to get to the YMCA near Southdale. I mean, underneath Highway 100. There's a kind of a gap. There's no bike lane there. 70th is great next to Cornelia where I went to elementary school. Then you cross the sixlane highway that is France A. then

97
00:27:28.000 --> 00:27:44.799
you get towards the like target area and it's okay. But we have a lot of misconnections in Edina. Um I just want to say I want to say thank you to Andrew and Nick who I know have been doing a lot of work in the city to think about

98
00:27:44.799 --> 00:27:59.760
not just cars to think about other ways of getting around. And I want to speak as I mentioned about um independence and trying to give voice to people that maybe aren't here tonight. Um, I think that anyone should be able

99
00:27:59.760 --> 00:28:17.039
to bike anywhere. And I think that the worst part about biking in the city, in any city, is cars. Um, biking is fun. It can be fun, but it's speed of cars. It's the risk that you feel when you're biking next to cars that might open that door. Um, there was actually a cyclist

100
00:28:17.039 --> 00:28:32.240
uh in Chicago that recently uh got killed and that was very sad. Um, I think that everyone should have the chance to bike, um, or get around however they want. It might be an electric scooter. It might be an electric trike for those who are

101
00:28:32.240 --> 00:28:48.880
impaired um, mobility wise. Um, as well as like 10-year-olds biking to school or, I don't know, maybe a middle schooler who wants to go to their friend's house. They want to go to a sleepover. And I remember going to a sleepover, but I also would love to bike to my friend's house. I think that would

102
00:28:48.880 --> 00:29:05.679
be awesome. And we need to build stuff that allows people to have a choice of how they get around. I'm not following these notes at all. Um I will be honest to say that Wood Whitell is really tricky. Um I think that if it was Vernon or if it was

103
00:29:05.679 --> 00:29:21.520
Valley View with a much wider wider right of way, which means like the major the distance between each side of the road, it would be a much easier decision. We can keep parking. We can have a bike way. Wooddale is really narrow. Um, it's really hard to get

104
00:29:21.520 --> 00:29:38.080
parking and a bike way right now. There's a bike way going south, but not north. Um, if there's parking, >> Miss Bernstein, need to have you wrap up. >> Okay. Um, vote for two and think about safety for all users. Thank you.

105
00:29:38.080 --> 00:30:00.159
>> Thank you. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. I'm Eileen Oanisy. I'm a 1977 graduate of Edina High School. I've been a child, a mother, and a grandmother in Edina. I've biked everywhere and only recently donated my

106
00:30:00.159 --> 00:30:16.159
bike last year. I am strongly opposed to removing parking on Wooddale Avenue. If there's a better way to do bike lanes, that would be great. I think this project is easy to support in someone else's neighborhood. Wanting bike lanes to travel through the area is desirable

107
00:30:16.159 --> 00:30:31.039
as long as your living situation and property value is not affected. There was a survey of the neighborhood done by the city. 72% of respondents strongly opposed removing parking from Wooddale. 99% of people living on Wooddale do not

108
00:30:31.039 --> 00:30:46.880
want the parking removed. 20 responses included an additional comment stating they were avid bikers but also lived in the area and were strongly opposed to changing the configuration. So the people in the area that also bike frequently prioritize parking over the

109
00:30:46.880 --> 00:31:03.039
change in bike lanes. The focus and conclusion of the city report are to quote improve the comfort and safety of cyclists. There is little mention of pedestrians or homeowners. I am now more of a pedestrian. My daughter lives in the neighborhood. I'm an almost daily

110
00:31:03.039 --> 00:31:18.880
visitor and for me to visit now I would have to park down the street and around the corner. in the winter that will be difficult. There are no statistics about the number of cyclists on Wooddale in the city report. I do walk frequently and in a

111
00:31:18.880 --> 00:31:34.320
recent 2-hour period there were four cyclists on a beautiful spring day. This morning, watching out the window was a rainy, cool day. There were no cyclists for a number of hours. The city proposal says south of Wooddale Glenn, the city will take away all

112
00:31:34.320 --> 00:31:52.080
parking at all times on all days for the 120 or so residences that share Wooddale Avenue. Their needs and circumstances are disregarded. So there is a dedicated bike lane in January. This seems disproportionate and frankly unfair. The

113
00:31:52.080 --> 00:32:07.440
city report references the comprehensive plan, living streets plan, pedestrian bicycle master plan, and climate action plan. They are not binding and should not be used to justify one-sided imbalanced decisions. Mayor Hland was recently quoted in the Suncurrent as

114
00:32:07.440 --> 00:32:24.159
saying, "The way I go about looking at things is if a project is good for the whole city. I then balance that against whether or not there could be adverse impact on the neighborhood that would outweigh the benefits to the city overall." This project has very negative effects on the neighborhood. They have

115
00:32:24.159 --> 00:32:40.080
told you this. 99% of people living on Wooddale do not want changes to the bike lanes. A small neighborhood does not have the voice, money, or organization of the bike lobby, but please listen to them and do not remove the parking for Wooddale Avenue.

116
00:32:40.080 --> 00:33:06.320
>> Thanks, Micros. Hey, folks. Folks, Good evening, mayor. >> Evening, >> Mr. Mayor, city council members. It's Bill Egan. I spoke with you about a month ago. Uh, I've got a couple things to address tonight. The first of which is I want to challenge something that's

117
00:33:06.320 --> 00:33:21.840
in the um the city staff's report that was posted uh about a week ago. And this is with regard to opt option 2A. And as you may recall, I addressed an option that would have a bike lane and preserve parking on the stretch of Wooddale from

118
00:33:21.840 --> 00:33:38.559
50th to 56th Street. That's what option two 2A does. It's a little bit different than what I had because at the time the measurements were designated as 38t wide. Now it's 35 ft. So what the city proposed with the transportation commission or the uh

119
00:33:38.559 --> 00:33:54.159
transportation department proposed was the two-lane um separated uh bike lane that Dr. Kger referenced earlier. City staff says option 2A is not recommended for consideration as it does

120
00:33:54.159 --> 00:34:13.200
not comply with the MSA design standards. Well, the MSA design standards are printed in the report. If I can just step Can I have the microphone? Oh, it's over here. Sorry. On the lower half of that report,

121
00:34:13.200 --> 00:34:29.280
um, it addresses what those design standards are there. There is no design standard for two-way bike lane. So I would challenge the the staff as to that statement that it doesn't comply because there is no design standard. What the design

122
00:34:29.280 --> 00:34:46.399
standard says it's it provides for a minimum uh driving lane width of 10 ft, a minimum parking lane width of 7 ft, and bike lane widths of 5 to six feet. Now, I think this design standards and this staff will probably agree that that was the idea is that's a one-way bike

123
00:34:46.399 --> 00:35:04.480
lane, but for off-road use, this design standards do provide for an 8- foot wide um two-way bike lane. And there's no reason why you couldn't put a two-way bike lane uh in on the street. uh if it requires a variance, those variances can

124
00:35:04.480 --> 00:35:21.280
be uh petitioned to the Minnesota Department of Transportation and they're relatively easy to obtain. So, I'd strongly encourage the uh city council to consider um option 2A. Um put the staff on it to see, you know, what needs to be done to make sure that that gets

125
00:35:21.280 --> 00:35:38.400
approved. And the one of the reasons why 2A is a good option is because option three is the best for all Wooddale residents. And I would encourage again this the council to adopt that option 2A is the next best solution because it provides the lowest

126
00:35:38.400 --> 00:35:53.520
impact to the residents of of the street. It it preserves the residents right to use and enjoy their property. It preserves their property values and it also it gives the bike lane advocates what they want. It gives them a

127
00:35:53.520 --> 00:36:16.000
protected bike lane. Thank you. Thanks, Patrian. >> Good evening. Good evening. My name is Jason Morell and I'm a homeowner on Wooddale Avenue and I'm here tonight to voice my opposition to the proposed barking parking ban on Wooddale Avenue. Mr. Mayor, some of my

128
00:36:16.000 --> 00:36:31.680
speech is going to be a little redundant as you've already said, but this is worth repeating. Every resident who has spoken both tonight and on June 2nd of Wooddale is against the pro the proposed parking ban. And the only speakers who are uh for it are either residents of Minneapolis or members of the

129
00:36:31.680 --> 00:36:48.400
transportation committee who do not live on Wooddale. In the survey results that the city posted last week, 90% of residents of Wooddale oppose upgrading the bike lane and 99% oppose removing street parking. Let me repeat that. 99% of the homeowners on

130
00:36:48.400 --> 00:37:04.160
Wooddale Avenue are against taking away the bike lane. This should be enough. This should be a done deal. Everyone who you represent on Wooddale Avenue is against this. The proposal states that this would improve safety. This is flawed on many levels. I have never seen

131
00:37:04.160 --> 00:37:20.160
a biker in my time on Wooddale not be respected. And in fact, most of the time they are either riding in the middle of the road and ignoring traffic laws or riding on the sidewalk even though a bike lane already exists. Just in fact, this morning I saw an adult male riding

132
00:37:20.160 --> 00:37:36.400
his bike on the sidewalk. The data that the city provide backs this up with only one crash in 10 years involving a bike and did not result in injury. On top of that, there were only 19 crashes in 10 years, and most of them involve property damage only, and none of them involved

133
00:37:36.400 --> 00:37:52.400
serious injuries. Are we really doing all of this work for one crash every 6 months? I have a 2 and 1/2year-old son. If you truly care about his safety and the safety of others on Wooddale, I encourage you do to do the following four things. Number one, enforce the

134
00:37:52.400 --> 00:38:09.200
speed limit. Number two, enforce the stop signs. Number three, install speed indicators along Wooddale Avenue like you have throughout the city. And number four, like someone mentioned earlier, install speed bumps if safety is truly your goal. The safe the city has acknowledged that speeding is a problem

135
00:38:09.200 --> 00:38:25.119
and has put it on the residents to enforce it by passing out these ridiculous drive 25 signs across town. It's not our job to enforce the law. It's yours and I would encourage you to use the uh increase in the public safety budget to do so. Taking away parking at Wooddale would encourage drivers to

136
00:38:25.119 --> 00:38:41.440
drive faster and not improve my family safety. Please don't create a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. Please listen to the residents of Edina, not Minneapolis, especially residents who live on Wooddale Avenue who are clearly against this proposal. The property taxpayers of Wooddale have

137
00:38:41.440 --> 00:39:01.920
spoken. We do not want this. Please do not take away parking in Wooddale. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Moral. Good evening. >> Hi. Um, hi. My name is uh Brennan Galloway. Um, I live right down the street on 50th. Uh, our driveway comes

138
00:39:01.920 --> 00:39:17.359
out to 50th. So, I get living on a busy road. I get backing out of a busy road. I get, you know, limited parking options. Um, I also have four kids, um, ranging from 8, uh, down to 2 years old.

139
00:39:17.359 --> 00:39:33.520
Um, three of those have gone to the Adina um, community center, early learning center. Um, and we bike there uh, basically every day. So, we bike down uh, Wooddale uh, every day to and from school for them. And they're, you

140
00:39:33.520 --> 00:39:51.200
know, ranging from 3 to 5 years old when they're going there. So, we don't feel it safe to ride on the street. Um, we ride on the sidewalk, which for the most part works out pretty well. Um, we do get in people's way on the sidewalk. Um, we do, you know,

141
00:39:51.200 --> 00:40:06.720
uh, make our way down and and they love it. And the reason, one of the reasons that I'm here is, you know, having a protected bike lane would be immensely helpful for us and the other families that, you know, we know who live around here and and trying to get to and from

142
00:40:06.720 --> 00:40:22.240
the ELC. Um but just yesterday uh if anybody's driven down Wooddale on a Monday uh they would know that it's garbage day. And so on Mondays we've always known that it's tough to get on the sidewalk because there's garbage

143
00:40:22.240 --> 00:40:37.920
cans in front of every single house um you know either partially to mostly obstructing the uh the sidewalk there. And so, um, just yesterday we were headed down to, um, Pamela Park for our,

144
00:40:37.920 --> 00:40:54.960
I guess, 5-year-old's soccer. And, um, we were a little, we weren't quite running late, but we were having fun trying to make it there on time. And we were going pretty fast. She was riding, you know, right along the sidewalk there and uh she misjudged one of the trash

145
00:40:54.960 --> 00:41:11.440
cans that was partially blocking the sidewalk and she fell very hard on the sidewalk. Um, and she, you know, I I kind of wish that I could bring her emotions, you know, into this room because, you know, she was mad and she

146
00:41:11.440 --> 00:41:26.800
was she was um surprised, but, you know, she she knows that uh a garbage can shouldn't be in the in the sidewalk. You know, she's old enough to to know that. And so, you know, she's fine. She's got scrapes, but she'll get back up on her bike. She, you know, she'll be all

147
00:41:26.800 --> 00:41:44.960
right. And so, you know, my only request for, you know, this this room and, you know, you know, the the the residents is like, um, give kids somewhere safe to ride, right? Like, it's it's not safe to take a four-year-old onto Woodale right

148
00:41:44.960 --> 00:42:00.560
now. Like, it it's simply not. Um, we've made it work on the sidewalk, but, you know, all of our kids have run into various things. um whether it's a dumpster, garbage dumpster, um you know, that's there more permanently or a uh

149
00:42:00.560 --> 00:42:19.280
you know, every Monday the dumpsters there that are that are blocking the sidewalk. Just get you know, give them a safe space to be. That's all I have to say. >> Thank you, Mr. Callway. Thank you. >> Good evening. >> Good evening, mayor and city council. My

150
00:42:19.280 --> 00:42:35.040
name is Max Weinberger and I am a home homeowner on Wooddale. I'm asking council to choose option three and keep the current configuration on Wooddale. I understand the desire to improve bike safety. I bike. My daughter just learned

151
00:42:35.040 --> 00:42:50.240
to ride a bike without training wheels two weeks ago. I want safe routes for families, but this proposal has to work on the actual street, not just in a diagram. And on the actual street, removing parking does not remove the need for

152
00:42:50.240 --> 00:43:06.400
curbside access. Amazon trucks will still come. UPS and FedEx trucks will still come. USPS will still come. Grocery deliveries will still come. They will not disappear because the street is

153
00:43:06.400 --> 00:43:22.960
repainted. Today, those vehicles often use the existing parking lane. It's not perfect, but the street has a place for them to stop. If that parking lane is removed, where exactly are they supposed to go? In real life, delivery drivers generally

154
00:43:22.960 --> 00:43:38.240
stop near the address. They generally do not park around the corner and walk from side streets, and they generally do not pull into residential driveways. As a Wooddale resident, I already see delivery vehicles stop in the southbound travel lane under the current

155
00:43:38.240 --> 00:43:55.599
configuration. So, the likely result is predictable. They will stop in the bike lane, the buffer, or if a physical bike lane barrier is used, they will block the now narrowed travel lane. That is not a minor issue. National parcel data shows

156
00:43:55.599 --> 00:44:13.599
US households average just over three parcels per week and parcel volume is still increasing. applied to roughly 144 adjacent properties in the parking relevant residential segments of Wooddale. That is more than 24,000

157
00:44:13.599 --> 00:44:30.160
parcels per year. Those are not theoretical trips. Those are frequent daily stops. Now, compare that with the geometry that's been proposed. A common delivery truck is roughly 8 ft wide. Before even thinking about mirrors and clearance, an

158
00:44:30.160 --> 00:44:46.160
8-ft delivery truck does not fit in a 5 1/2 or 6 ft bike lane. So if park if the parking lane is removed, the obstruction does not go away. It moves into the bike lane or the travel lane. That is the practical issue I do not see addressed

159
00:44:46.160 --> 00:45:03.680
in the report. No mention of delivery trucks at all. The same is true with the crash data. 19 crashes, one involved a bicyclist, one a pedestrian. If speed is what we're trying to solve for, then

160
00:45:03.680 --> 00:45:21.119
let's address speed directly. But the record does not show that removing 129 parking spaces is necessary or proportionate. It does not appear to show whether any of the crashes were due to the current parking configuration. It does not show where daily delivery

161
00:45:21.119 --> 00:45:36.319
vehicles will go. and it does not show that the new configuration will function better in real life. So the question is what problem are we trying to solve and are we creating a new one? >> Thanks Mr. Rember. >> Thank you. >> Need to have you wrap up. Yeah, thanks

162
00:45:36.319 --> 00:45:58.560
for that. Thanks for those. Appreciate those thoughts. >> Good evening. >> Can you hear me? >> We can. >> Good. My name is Mary Lou Hopper. Marylu Maryl Hopper. And I um I want to thank all of

163
00:45:58.560 --> 00:46:15.920
you for the wanting this job that you have and all of the work that that it entails doing. I uh I love Adina. Uh, I love Centennial Lakes Park and I do walk my dog down there and I am very

164
00:46:15.920 --> 00:46:33.680
concerned because I feel something very precious and um, dear to me has been taken from me by allowing bicycles and ebikes and motorized on the sidewalks on residential areas. And then I hear

165
00:46:33.680 --> 00:46:50.319
another side here which is in which is very interesting. Uh I have no problem getting off of the sidewalk to the side when I encounter a a bike coming at me. The problem is when they are behind me

166
00:46:50.319 --> 00:47:05.599
and they may be yelling on your left on your left I cannot hear. There's a lot of noise. There's traffic noise construction noise. They need a bell. They need a whistle or a horn or they could get off their bike and walk

167
00:47:05.599 --> 00:47:22.880
around. That I think would I would love I would love that. But their voice is not enough. Their voice is not loud enough to hear until they're right there by me. Um you have not denied or ignored

168
00:47:22.880 --> 00:47:38.480
their need for book for walking for bike paths. There's a beautiful one at Centennial Lakes Park and I I I hesitate to ask, but are you sure that in the residential areas that they need

169
00:47:38.480 --> 00:48:04.319
to be on the sidewalks, too? I would just like more safety. I want to thank you for this opportunity just to speak. And I do believe that these bicycles in residential areas are uh an accident

170
00:48:04.319 --> 00:48:20.560
waiting to happen. And if they could just when they're going around pedestrians walk, they can get off and walk. Of course, unless they're a hurry, but I'm sure it does not even enter their minds. So, it'd be nice to put a little seed in

171
00:48:20.560 --> 00:48:43.760
there that yes, when you meet a pedestrian, you can get off your bike. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Mr. Harshet. >> Good evening. >> Uh, Mayor Hoffland to Dynasty Council members. Um, my name is John Regini and

172
00:48:43.760 --> 00:48:59.520
my wife and I live on Wooddale Avenue. Um, as many of the other residents of Wooddale Avenue, we're here to express our staunch opposition to the removal of on street parking on Wooddale Avenue as part of the proposed Wooddale Avenue bike project. I won't hash rehash the

173
00:48:59.520 --> 00:49:15.680
safety stats and the issues that and the and the issues that will hit direct residents of Wooddale Avenue, but I do want to pick up on a comment that was made by another resident about the knock-on effects that will impact our neighbors and our kids in the

174
00:49:15.680 --> 00:49:31.680
neighborhoods adjacent to Wooddale Avenue, which I don't think this plan has addressed in any way, shape, or form or any of the options. But the project will create significant safety issues in adjoining neighborhoods. Congestion will increase in the streets in these neighborhoods. And it's important to

175
00:49:31.680 --> 00:49:46.880
know if you've walked those neighborhoods, these streets frequently are not well lit. They don't have sidewalks. They don't have curbs. They don't even sometimes have stop signs at four-way intersections. and they frequently don't have any parking

176
00:49:46.880 --> 00:50:03.440
restrictions on them, which causes on some of the narrower two-way streets, you'll get congestion as a function of people parking, you know, on one side or the other. Um, these are neighborhoods where our young children play, where they walk, and where they ride their

177
00:50:03.440 --> 00:50:20.000
bikes. These are streets where we take walks, where we walk our dog, and where we and that we use to visit one another. With more personal visitors and service and delivery vehicles parking in these neighborhoods, our safety and the safety of our neighbors will become

178
00:50:20.000 --> 00:50:36.559
increasingly compromised as traffic increases and visibility is lessened. So, please vote for option three to maintain the current existing roadway configuration and against any option of the project that imposes unnecessary hardship on the residents on or around

179
00:50:36.559 --> 00:50:56.480
Wooddale for no real safety gain. Perceived safety gain perhaps, but no real one. based on the data. Thank you. >> Yes. Thanks, Mr. Reggini. >> Good evening. >> Hi, Taylor Brushwin. I'm on the transportation commission, but I'm here

180
00:50:56.480 --> 00:51:13.119
as a resident. Um, I'm here in favor of Wooddale for 2B and 2C specifically, and I just wanted to address some of the talking points that you're hearing in opposition. Uh, but first, uh, there was this idea that we could have both parking and bike lanes. I met with three of you to advocate for that. I thought

181
00:51:13.119 --> 00:51:28.240
it was a great idea, what Bill had originally proposed and what Daryl's talking about tonight. Um, unfortunately, we found that the road's narrower than it originally thought. So, we can't fit all that with state aid standards. Um, I want to touch quickly on the convenience. I understand that

182
00:51:28.240 --> 00:51:43.359
there's convenience that's lost for those residents. Um, is the convenience too large to overcome? I don't believe so. Most of the houses are between 0 and 400 ft away from a side street. The parking lot outside is 100 to 400 ft

183
00:51:43.359 --> 00:52:00.319
away and we all made it here. So, a couple of the points that you've heard, you've heard that there's plenty of other routes um just to avoid Wooddale. Like Will had mentioned there there's three through streets here. There's the frontage road, there's France and Wooddale. Those other two aren't on our CIP. They're not on Henipin County CIP.

184
00:52:00.319 --> 00:52:15.520
This is really likely the only chance that we have in the next 10 years to do anything with those three streets. You've heard that this is a safe road as is, that I feel comfortable riding on it, that my kid feels comfortable riding on it, that they've never seen anyone have a close pass. Those are all

185
00:52:15.520 --> 00:52:30.559
opinions, and any anecdotal response from me would also be an opinion. But luckily, we had professional consultants look at our safety on city streets for over a year when they developed CAP. So, what did they find? They identified it

186
00:52:30.559 --> 00:52:46.559
as a medium to high priority on the local safety priority network. That's independent evidence that there are safety concerns on this street and that change is needed. So, while you've been given the data and provided the research that protected

187
00:52:46.559 --> 00:53:02.079
bike lanes are going to make things safer and not just for bicyclists, it's going to lower the speeds from cars and you've seen the data and research for that. You've seen the data and research for how it's going to advance all of our city plans, how protected bike lanes will, but what you've heard in

188
00:53:02.079 --> 00:53:18.880
opposition to it are anecdotes and opinions. Be skeptical of things that don't come with evidence. At this point, all the arguments are familiar. You're not going to get a bunch of new data. You understand what the issues are. It's not going to come down to that. It's going to come down to

189
00:53:18.880 --> 00:53:34.760
what your values are and what your guiding principles are and what you think is most important for our city. I'm asking you to prioritize safety for all over convenience for some. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Burwin.

190
00:53:38.960 --> 00:53:55.599
>> Hi there. >> Good evening. >> Hi, my name is Nicole Regini. My husband spoke a few seconds ago. We live at the corner of 53rd and Wooddale Avenue. I wasn't planning on speaking here tonight, so please excuse the informality of my presentation. Um, and

191
00:53:55.599 --> 00:54:12.960
I'm not going to bother with rehashing what others have said about the lack of safety concerns or the fact that the report really doesn't address how putting the bike lane is going to address the speeding and the running through the stop signs. Um, but I wanted

192
00:54:12.960 --> 00:54:30.000
to take a more emotional take and a more personal take on what it's like to live on 53rd in Wooddale. Wooddale Avenue. We all live in 1930s and 1940s homes with small garages and even smaller driveways. Many of our cars

193
00:54:30.000 --> 00:54:46.400
don't even fit in our garages. So, we rely on street parking for gas deliveries, extra family cars. I have four kids now teens and in their 20s. We have a lot of cars now when they come home. We rely on

194
00:54:46.400 --> 00:55:03.680
Wooddale Avenue for parking for those children. Um we also already have a parking problem on 53rd. So the suggestion of why don't we just walk 400 ft and park on one of the side

195
00:55:03.680 --> 00:55:20.800
streets, there isn't parking on the side streets all the time. So what we're asking people to do now is to park a solid block behind their home. And that might be fine night like tonight on a nice sunny day. I'm ablebodied. I'm

196
00:55:20.800 --> 00:55:36.960
relatively young. I can make that trip around the block. But what if my 87year-old father comes to visit me in the middle of January? Is it super safe for him to walk that extra block or two? How about my pregnant neighbor? Should

197
00:55:36.960 --> 00:55:52.880
she be asked to walk a couple of blocks to get to her own home? When my 16-year-old daughter finishes her shift at Caribou at 11 p.m. at night, where should she park? A block away at two. There's no sidewalk. There no street

198
00:55:52.880 --> 00:56:08.400
lights. She's walking in the middle of the road. What if I have groceries? What if I have multiple car seats to get in and out of my car? Where are the cars going to park for the Adina Homecoming parade, the art fair,

199
00:56:08.400 --> 00:56:23.680
the 4th of July? Right now, as we're sitting here, the Adina Country Club is hosting an event. I counted there are 29 cars parked on Wooddale Avenue and that is from like 52nd and 53rd and on north.

200
00:56:23.680 --> 00:56:39.200
Where will those cars go? The answer is those cars are going to go on Kellogg and Oaklan Avenue. There's no permitted parking there. There are no sidewalks, very limited street lights, and there are no curbs.

201
00:56:39.200 --> 00:56:55.119
And as my husband mentioned, this is where my kids learned how to ride their bikes on those back streets. This is where they rode their bikes to school every day. They didn't take Wooddale Avenue when they were little. They just went up a side street. It's not really a

202
00:56:55.119 --> 00:57:11.760
big deal to cut over one and come up Kellogg Avenue. >> Mini, I need to have you wrap up your comments. >> Sure. Sure. So, I don't think the report or really anyone else has addressed what is going to happen with these extra cars um and what will happen to us. It

203
00:57:11.760 --> 00:57:44.640
doesn't seem like a very familyfriendly option for those that live in the neighborhood. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Hello. >> Good evening. >> Hi, Mayor. Hello, city council. My name is Randy How. I live on Wooddale Avenue

204
00:57:44.640 --> 00:58:01.599
and I came here to speak on trying to keep our parking. The city has identified a path forward that improves bicycle safety while retaining parking along portions of Lower Wooddale. That matters because Wooddale is more than a transportation corridor. It's a neighborhood street that serves residents, caregivers, contractors,

205
00:58:01.599 --> 00:58:22.480
delivery drivers, churchgoers, and families hosting guests. Parking is part of how that street functions every day. And a couple of photos. Okay, these photos were taken last Friday evening at Wooddale and 52nd Street. Looking north and south, they

206
00:58:22.480 --> 00:58:37.599
show existing demand for parking lot Woodenddale. It's important to recognize that eliminating parking doesn't eliminate the need for parking. Folks will still need a place to park. That demand does not disappear. It simply shifts to the neighboring residential streets, many of which are narrower than

207
00:58:37.599 --> 00:58:58.079
Wooddale and less able to handle extra vehicles. Here's a picture of 52nd Street facing east. Um it was taken the same evening. shows vehicles parked on both sides of the street with pedestrians walking in the roadway where sidewalks are not present.

208
00:58:58.079 --> 00:59:13.359
In trying to solve one issue on Wooddale, we should be careful not to create new issues elsewhere. Fortunately, the city now appears to have an opportunity to avoid the trade-off. When a public project can be can improve safety without sacrificing a public amenity that residents rely on

209
00:59:13.359 --> 00:59:30.720
every day, that is a better outcome. The best public policy is often found not at the extremes. It's found in the middle where competing interests are balanced and the greatest number of people benefit. As you move forward with the repaving and restriping of Wooddale Avenue, I respectfully encourage you to

210
00:59:30.720 --> 00:59:46.319
adopt a solution for lower Wooddale that improves bicycle safety while keeping legal on street parking wherever the roadway width allows. Doing so will enhance safety, preserve neighborhood functionality, minimize unintended impacts on adjacent streets, and make

211
00:59:46.319 --> 01:00:16.799
the best use of our shared space. Most importantly, it would demonstrate that Dina can improve safety without sacrificing a valued neighborhood amenity when a reasonable compromise exists. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Rahul. >> Hi, my name is David Doll. I live on

212
01:00:16.799 --> 01:00:34.079
Sunnyst Road in Adina. Um, and I strongly oppose any reduction in Wooddale on street parking. The engineering department has presented options regarding bike lanes and parking. The supporting documents do not dictate any specific outcome. Instead, they call for context and equity.

213
01:00:34.079 --> 01:00:49.200
Wooddale is a residential street. In this context, equity means maintaining the current parking configuration to support the people who actually live there. The city's own survey reveals that 99% of Wooddale residents oppose removing on street parking. Even among

214
01:00:49.200 --> 01:01:06.640
all respondents citywide, 72% majority oppose the removal. Eliminating the parking, despite this overwhelming opposition, will damage public trust in the city's community engagement process. Removing parking will create significant safety and operational hazards. Guests,

215
01:01:06.640 --> 01:01:24.000
including the mobility impaired, maybe myself, will be forced to park on the side streets and walk further, often on snow and ice or in inclement weather, and often in the street, as the west side of Wooddale lacks a sidewalk. That's more than an inconvenience.

216
01:01:24.000 --> 01:01:39.920
Delivery drivers and home contractors will have nowhere to park, likely forcing them to block traffic lanes, creating safety risks. That's more than an inconvenience. Eliminating one street, excuse me, eliminating on street parking can reduce home values by 5 to 10%. That's more

217
01:01:39.920 --> 01:01:55.040
than an inconvenience. The current configuration complies with Minnesota state aid design standards, mean there is no economic mandate for a change. There is no bicycle safety data justifying reduction in parking. Conversely, as you've heard, speeding is

218
01:01:55.040 --> 01:02:11.040
a documented safety issue on Wooddale. When I speak to Wooddale residents, speeding is the issue they most frequently cite. The 85th percentile speed on this portion of Wooddale is 27 to 35 miles per hour. The living streets plan indicates on street parking reduces

219
01:02:11.040 --> 01:02:28.400
traffic speed. This council must prioritize the voices of local homeowners over organized interest groups. The two letters on the city's site advocating for aggressive bike lanes are from the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota and its very own chapter, the West M West Metro Active

220
01:02:28.400 --> 01:02:46.000
Transportation Alliance. These nearly identical letters are dated March 2nd and March 3rd before Wooddale residents even knew of the parking proposals. Residents, you may recall, the residents were informed by a letter from the city dated March 6th after these advocacy

221
01:02:46.000 --> 01:03:03.200
groups already weighed in. Obviously, the bicycle lobby is organized, very well funded, and well plugged in. The proposed changes offer no benefits to pedestrians or the mobility impaired. Instead, they place an unfair, unshared

222
01:03:03.200 --> 01:03:28.160
burden on Wooddale homeowners to benefit a single group. Please protect our neighborhoods. Do not reduce on street parking. >> Thank you, Mr. Do. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. My name is Sarah Dawson. a resident of Wooddale, but I don't live

223
01:03:28.160 --> 01:03:45.599
on the side where 2C or I think it's 2B allows for parking. I live down by 59th in Wooddale. So, no matter what the proposal is besides three, we will not have on street parking on my street. I've only lived on the street for eight months. In that time, I've seen one of

224
01:03:45.599 --> 01:04:02.880
the accidents and it was related to speeding. Someone speeding south hit someone backing out of their driveway on the west side and turned their car over. That's a speeding problem. That's not a bike lane problem. It's a safety problem with the speed. And where I down where I

225
01:04:02.880 --> 01:04:19.920
live every single day, my neighbors park on the street on both sides of my house. I only have one car. I can park in my driveway, my very narrow onecar driveway. But a lot of my neighbors have more than one car and they have kids with cars. So every single night there's

226
01:04:19.920 --> 01:04:36.319
cars on the street. So while the data might tell you from the consultants that bike lanes would be better, anecdotally for the people who live on the street, it's an inconvenience every single day. It's not just a

227
01:04:36.319 --> 01:04:50.559
inconvenience when they're riding their bike past. And the only other question I have, and no one's brought it up, and I just learned about this meeting, is is there a way to measure the bike traffic currently? because

228
01:04:50.559 --> 01:05:07.119
I was home 6 months and I don't see a lot of bikes. Most of the bikes I see are kids coming to and from school and if they're on Wooddale it's because they live on Wooddale. They're not using Wooddale to get to school. My son rides his bike to school and he goes down one block and gets off Wooddale. Thank you

229
01:05:07.119 --> 01:05:31.359
very much. Thanks. >> Hi, I am an Ann Cassid and I live on 54th in Woodell and I've been a member of the community for over 35 years and I'd just like to thank everyone on Woodell Avenue for coming to this meeting tonight. It truly does take a

230
01:05:31.359 --> 01:05:47.200
village. And I'd also like to talk about the elimination of parking. And many of the points have been brought brought up tonight. So I'm not going to reiterate them, but I just want to say one important thing is that it's very important to listen to all of us and not

231
01:05:47.200 --> 01:06:03.280
the influential bike lobby. And also again, 99% of the the people that live on Woodell oppose the removal of parking. These are your constituents. And the last thing I'd like to do is

232
01:06:03.280 --> 01:06:20.079
invite every single one of you over to my front yard and we could chitchat. And heck, I'd even have a happy hour and you can watch the traffic and you can watch the bikes and see what really happens. Thank you. >> Would your husband play the guitar out

233
01:06:20.079 --> 01:06:43.839
there, too? >> Of course. For for free. Yeah. Okay. Anyone else? >> Good evening, mayor, council members, staff. My name is Luke Van Santon. As

234
01:06:43.839 --> 01:07:00.000
you can see from my shirt, I'm one of the dread members of the West Metro Active Transportation Alliance here to speak tonight in support of options 2B or 2C. To do so, I would like to touch on four points that I hope can be included in

235
01:07:00.000 --> 01:07:16.079
your considerations on this topic. First, the regional perspective. While the focus of infrastructure projects like this is so often strictly local, I hope you'll consider in addition to the positive aspects to Adina residents in being able to more

236
01:07:16.079 --> 01:07:32.720
easily use active transportation to access amenities like Ardan Park, Pamela Park, and Rosland Park. to schools in the neighborhood or for it to just be easier for children to get around by bike in general, maybe even to

237
01:07:32.720 --> 01:07:49.920
friends houses like we all remember doing when we were kids. Please also consider the benefits to people in neighboring cities in having an all ages and abilities bikeway to travel north and south along Wooddale. Having this as part of a well-connected,

238
01:07:49.920 --> 01:08:06.480
active transportation network will serve Edina well and make it an even more desirable place to live. Second, traffic calming. Kudos to staff for designing roads with 10-ft lane widths. The thought of having a calm neighborhood

239
01:08:06.480 --> 01:08:22.719
street where traffic is encouraged by design to move at a much more human speed rather than what has been stated to be a lawless transportation corridor. makes me wonder if sales prices for homes on Wooddale will actually increase with a bikeway amenity.

240
01:08:22.719 --> 01:08:39.839
Third, parking. When my wife and I were recently planning to buy a car, one of the criteria that came up was whether we would be able to carry more than four people. As we discussed it, we realized that the frequency of times we would need to do this was so rare as to be completely outweighed by the benefits of

241
01:08:39.839 --> 01:08:55.679
increased mileage. How does this relate to parking? Without having reviewed any parking studies, I can't help but wonder if there's a parallel here in that the difficulty that may arise in isolated instances from parking removal will be significantly outweighed by the benefits

242
01:08:55.679 --> 01:09:12.960
of the proposed bikeways. Fourth, the success of similar projects in other cities, Bryant Avenue in Minneapolis, Cedar Lake Road in St. Louis Park and even the Panway project in Weisetta have all proved that removing parking while adding bikeways

243
01:09:12.960 --> 01:09:30.279
can be a successful approach. The first step in making a better world is always hard. I hope you can take this first step and approve either option 2B or 2C. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Van.

244
01:09:34.480 --> 01:09:49.759
>> Good evening. Hi. Uh, my name is Hong. Uh, I'm Hong Deng and I, um, am grateful to be here to be able to share, um, a little bit of my side of the story. Um, I don't live in Edina, although it is a

245
01:09:49.759 --> 01:10:05.440
very lovely, um, place. Um, I don't get over here often because, um, I predominantly bike and bus. Um, I do so because I'm a young person hoping to, you know, own a house one day and it the

246
01:10:05.440 --> 01:10:19.600
cost of living is prohibitive. And so that's why I choose to bus and bike in order to save money and the finance have actually been going in my favor. I save

247
01:10:19.600 --> 01:10:38.719
$10,000 a year um to not own a car. And I actually live on Bryant in Minneapolis, which um has come up multiple times now. And something that I wanted to share is I don't think those property owners when the project was in

248
01:10:38.719 --> 01:10:55.199
design and in construction, I don't think that those property owners wanted it anyways um at the time. But I think now that we've seen the popularity that even, you know, I'm in Inina and we're still talking about Bryant in

249
01:10:55.199 --> 01:11:13.120
Minneapolis. Um, there is a certain time, a temporary time of growing pains of like just readjusting. But I can assure you, I bike on Brian all the time. delivery drivers do come there, but it's much it's a much calmer

250
01:11:13.120 --> 01:11:30.000
street because the road is narrow narrower and it's just a fantastic um place to be and I highly encourage you to support option 2B and 2 C. we've

251
01:11:30.000 --> 01:11:47.199
heard today about all of the speeding and I also wanted to share that although law enforcement is um should happen, we are all aware that that takes a lot of money of finding the right

252
01:11:47.199 --> 01:12:04.320
people to staff our police department and at a fraction of the cost you can have infrastructure do that for you for a longer period of time. Um I moved here from Denver and um there are

253
01:12:04.320 --> 01:12:21.760
neighborhoods there that are very similar to Adina where residents talk about the speeding all the time and there have actually been issues where drivers will just continue to crash into houses. like that is a really big um

254
01:12:21.760 --> 01:12:37.600
deal and um like property insurance actually like was really expensive for those folks and they can't sell the houses because no one wants to take that risk. So, I

255
01:12:37.600 --> 01:12:53.440
really appreciate the staff and for everyone here for considering other more cost-effective ways to ensure that Wooddale is safe for all modes of users and for the homeowners living there. Thank you.

256
01:12:53.440 --> 01:13:17.520
>> Thank you, Miss Gang. >> Good evening. Hi, I'm Adriana Jennings and I live on Wooddale. Thank you for the opportunity to speak. Um, I'd like to make three points. This is not anecdotal.

257
01:13:17.520 --> 01:13:36.239
Removing the parking is actually affecting over a hundred hardworking taxpaying voting families in Edina. It's a fact. Point number two, bicycles are not on

258
01:13:36.239 --> 01:13:52.480
rails. So there are not three only three ways to get across from one side of the city to the other. There are many many ways. And when my children and I were going around riding from our place over to Harriet, Lake Harriet, we found many

259
01:13:52.480 --> 01:14:10.080
ways to get there. So this is not Wooddale is not the only path. And finally, yes, there is speeding and there's disrespect and disregard for the stop signs on Wooddale. That should be addressed, but if we're asking our police department to do that, let's give

260
01:14:10.080 --> 01:14:31.280
them the resources. That's all. Thank you. >> Yes. Thanks, Miss Jennings. >> Hi, my name is Jeremy Winter. I would like to talk about children. Children cannot drive. A vote against a bike lane will prevent children from being able to

261
01:14:31.280 --> 01:14:47.440
navigate north, south, through the city safely. Children, especially teens, need autonomy. They need to be able to get around on their own with their friends without being forced to rely on their parents for travel. Would anyone in this room let their child bike on Wooddale Avenue in the Cherrow? The The reason

262
01:14:47.440 --> 01:15:03.520
you don't see bicyclists having issues on Wooddale is because any sane person would be terrified to bike on Wooddale in its current state. Only a separated bike lane will change that. If we want less traffic congestion on our streets as well, we need to give people viable alternatives to driving. I've heard people tonight talk about where their

263
01:15:03.520 --> 01:15:19.440
teenage uh children will will park. What if your teenage child didn't have to park? You know, we we could have really awesome options in the future. I know it's easy to be fearful, but this could be such a positive change for the city of Adina. Um we've talked about sidewalk

264
01:15:19.440 --> 01:15:36.400
safety concerns. If you want cyclists to get off the sidewalk, a great way to be would be to give them an viable alternative to the sidewalk, like a bike lane. I think that would be great. Um, if we want to slow down cars, studies have shown the best way to slow down car traffic is to narrow the width of the

265
01:15:36.400 --> 01:15:52.640
street. And these plans do that excellently by reducing the lane width to 10 ft. A great way to slow down car traffic like people here are concerned about. Um, and Brian Avenue in South Minneapolis is a great example of how a

266
01:15:52.640 --> 01:16:08.960
good piece of bike infrastructure can actually increase property values. Sure, in a vacuum removing parking might lower your property values, but you have to think about what we gain in exchange. It's not as simple as just a loss equation, but it's easy to be loss averse. When you live in a certain way and you use something all the time and

267
01:16:08.960 --> 01:16:25.120
you know tangibly what that means in your life, it's so hard to imagine the nebulous future of something you don't currently know and and think about having to change your own habits. But I assure a lot of the people here that with the bike lane, you you might really love it. I live in Henipin Avenue in

268
01:16:25.120 --> 01:16:41.840
South Minneapolis in Uptown and they recently added a two-way bikeway there and it has changed my life. It is so incredible. I it has opened up an enormous world of possibilities for me and I think it would do the same for your children. People who are too young

269
01:16:41.840 --> 01:16:57.600
to advocate for themselves tonight here in this room. Um for all the people who have said that cyclists can just take an alternative street. I I've noticed there there hasn't been any presentation of what alternative street would be. There is no other street that goes north south

270
01:16:57.600 --> 01:17:12.960
for the stretch that Wooddale does that would work the same way. Um, and lastly, I'd like to just say that there if there are small safety issues once or twice a year when the snow is really bad, Wooddale Avenue as is, is a safety

271
01:17:12.960 --> 01:17:39.360
risk for cyclists every single day and think about how much safety gains per day we could get by fixing that. Please vote for options 2B or 2C. Thank you so much. >> Thank you, Mr. Winter. Hello, I'm Alexander Conan. I'm here to talk about the bicycle lane

272
01:17:39.360 --> 01:18:02.239
on Wooddale Avenue. Um, advocating for options 2B or 2C. Roads are for people. As a bicycle commuter, I would try to avoid a road like Wooddale Avenue. I do

273
01:18:02.239 --> 01:18:20.800
not feel safe there where paint is the only thing between me and traffic. Paint is not infrastructure. I would try to find a different route, something that is protected or a separate bicycle lane from the road

274
01:18:20.800 --> 01:18:38.239
completely. And I'm sure I'm not the only one. Not everyone drives a car. There is a large group of people who are under 15 that it would be illegal for them to do so. So

275
01:18:38.239 --> 01:18:55.040
I just ask you as you're looking at making a decision to consider what this road is for. Is it for cars or is it for people? Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Corner.

276
01:19:01.360 --> 01:19:15.679
evening. >> Hi, my name is Molly Smith and I live on Wooddale. Um, we've been in our house for 28 years and raised three boys um on that street and my husband and I bike all the time in the neighborhood

277
01:19:15.679 --> 01:19:31.199
and through Minneapolis. And I've never felt unsafe. Um, I don't think my kids have ever felt unsafe. I think we're very smart about how we move and I think both things can be true that it's good

278
01:19:31.199 --> 01:19:45.280
to have a bike lane and it's good to be able to park. Um, I think the way it's set up now is serving both purposes. Um, again, we ride on Wooddale on our bikes all the time, almost every weekend and

279
01:19:45.280 --> 01:20:01.679
during the week if we have time. and I don't see it as a problem personally and because I live there and also bike and also drive a car I think I'm good the way it is. So anyway, that's all I have to say.

280
01:20:01.679 --> 01:20:23.920
>> Thanks, Miss Smith. >> Oh, no, no, no, no, >> no. I >> No, no, no. You're done. >> I just have two other pieces of evidence. You're done. You had We gave you a good six, eight minutes. >> All right. >> Yeah, you can you can certainly submit something in writing if you want. We're

281
01:20:23.920 --> 01:20:38.480
not taking this matter up for consideration. So, >> I understand. I just have a photo of an accident that >> Yeah. to So, to the extent you want to submit anything, whether it's a photograph or supplemental written testimony, feel free to do that because we're not acting on this until I think

282
01:20:38.480 --> 01:20:54.000
the end of July 27th. Is that what it is? >> 21st. >> 23rd. July 23rd. So >> 21st for everybody in the audience uh you have until July 21st and through the end of business on July 21st to get something into us. So

283
01:20:54.000 --> 01:21:09.440
um okay anybody excuse me anybody online on committee comment? Yeah we've got somebody else who may have another issue or this issue another one of our residents >> David Frankle. A couple issues I've

284
01:21:09.440 --> 01:21:26.000
brought up in the past about Wooddale which want to be ignored. The fact is we have winter and since I've lived here 15 years I bike all year long including the winter. The city does a terrible job of doing curb to curb snowplowing on Wooddale. And I realize that street's

285
01:21:26.000 --> 01:21:41.120
going to be rebuilt next year, but it's really impassible right now for a bicycle, especially along between 52nd and 53rd where there's some major potholes. And I resurfacing a street is no excuse just to let it go. And I've

286
01:21:41.120 --> 01:21:57.440
spent the last two or three weeks emailing, coming to community comment and going to Adina's 311 to get the buckthornne removed from overhanging the bike lane on the west side of Wooddale Avenue. I do this every year. I've been doing this

287
01:21:57.440 --> 01:22:13.760
for at least 10 years. The city won't do it without a complaint. Plus, it's buckthornne. And I had to do an Edina 311 after the Edina Country Club cut back their hedge to remove the trees along the Wooddale Bridge. Why do I have to

288
01:22:13.760 --> 01:22:29.520
make so much work to make that street safe for everyone? And now we have major potholes still remaining on that street. The one thing I will say is I'll thank the city in the last couple days. They have cut back the trees along the Wooddale Avenue bridge

289
01:22:29.520 --> 01:22:45.360
so I don't have to curve around go through the car traffic to go around a tree that's overhanging the street. You talk about safety, there are some very basic things the city can do to make this city safer. One of those, if you go on the walk with the mayor and through

290
01:22:45.360 --> 01:23:01.360
Pamela Park, you'll see trees overhanging the pedestrian path which is also used for biking. There's a lot of dead trees in Edina. That problem is not going away. The longer you wait to get rid of these trees, the more more expensive problem you're going to have.

291
01:23:01.360 --> 01:23:16.960
Every park, every public land has dead trees and some of those overhang these pathways I've been talking about. For the life of me, I don't understand why the city doesn't do more removal of these trees and cutting them down and leaving them where they fall is not a

292
01:23:16.960 --> 01:23:33.199
good idea because many of them are diseased. disease trees just to continue to spread the disease. The other thing is right out here across the street on Vernon Avenue with the new bridge landscaping, two maples were planted. I was at a presentation by the

293
01:23:33.199 --> 01:23:48.960
Henipin County Forester a couple weeks ago and he said Henipin County has too many maple trees. They do not plant maples anymore. So why is the city planting maples? Why don't they believe in best practices? Hen County, city of

294
01:23:48.960 --> 01:24:05.120
Minneapolis. Do not plant maples. Edina does. Why is that? We have staff, city council going to national meetings around the country, but nobody talks to Henipin County. Why is that? It's just hard to follow some of the things that

295
01:24:05.120 --> 01:24:21.360
go on in this building. The other thing is there's signs in Ardan Park recently. Evidently, they're using Roundup. >> You need to You need to wrap up, Mr. The city should ban the use of all chemicals like the city of Minneapolis. Brian Avenue was mentioned earlier. See what

296
01:24:21.360 --> 01:24:48.000
Minneapolis is doing when it comes to infrastructure issues and ban Roundup. I don't understand why you're using chemicals. >> Thank you, Mr. Frankle. Thank you. >> Uh good evening,

297
01:24:48.000 --> 01:25:03.040
city council and Mr. Mayor. Um I wanted to prevent uh provide three counterpoints to something I've been hearing tonight. Um actually from residents that don't live here. Um Chris Hill live on Windell. Sorry about that. >> Thanks, Chris. >> Um we we've heard that there's no teen

298
01:25:03.040 --> 01:25:18.960
biking. Um we've heard that there is no alternative streets. Um and we've heard that Bryant Lake has been a super success. Um, you know, and, um, one, there's a ton of teen bikers. Um, I have teens myself that bike to school. Um, I've been with the mayor at, um,

299
01:25:18.960 --> 01:25:34.960
conquered on bike to school all day. There's hundreds of bikes. There's hundreds of bikes. The kids are so lucky to have these great bikes. Um, number two, Bryant. Bryant's a success for the biking lobby. Go talk to the people that live on Bryant to see if they actually think that they that Bryant was a

300
01:25:34.960 --> 01:25:51.040
success. They lost their parking. They're not happy. Who loves us? It's the biking lobby, right? And and God, you know, good for them. Um and then the last one would be there's no other um alternative. And there is an alternative and it's the frontage road. There are no houses that face the frontage road.

301
01:25:51.040 --> 01:26:05.120
There's no parking to eliminate from the frontage road. The speed limit is actually 25 miles an hour, which is the same as Wooddale. So the speeding is the same issue there. It is on Wooddale. It's also adjacent to the community center, the three public schools, and

302
01:26:05.120 --> 01:26:23.280
OLG. Um, it also, which achieves a point that we're trying to accomplish here, it uh links Southdale to Grand View and um also would connect in some way country club back to the schools and I think that's a big issue as well. Um, with that uh I thank you for your time.

303
01:26:23.280 --> 01:26:45.280
>> Y thanks, >> folks. Anyone else? Okay, Dr. Dr. Bedrock, we have anybody online that wishes to address the council? Okay, they all came here. It's good. All right. Uh well, thanks for being here this evening and uh you certainly don't

304
01:26:45.280 --> 01:27:03.080
have to stick around for the rest of the meeting unless you're interested in some of the other topics. Um like parking at 50th and France or you know, pick your favorite topic. So, thanks for coming in tonight.

305
01:27:03.920 --> 01:29:53.040
>> Yeah. We'll let the room clear for a moment. >> I had 708 to start and 82. idea what their project cost on Brian All right, let's go back to work. Next thing on the agenda after committee comment is uh the city manager responding to comments from the last

306
01:29:53.040 --> 01:30:09.120
meeting and um he has done that uh online did it by Friday following our last meeting, but he's going to follow up now and provide a supplemental report for us. Manager Neil, >> very good. Thank you. Thank you, your honor. We had three questions uh that we responded to at our last uh council

307
01:30:09.120 --> 01:30:24.320
meeting. First question is, can more advertising or sponsorships be sold at Courtney Fields. Uh you might remember that conversation was about uh using those as a using u signage as a fundraising tool. Um in our current sign

308
01:30:24.320 --> 01:30:40.639
ordinance, we would say no. Courtney Fields uh are in Braark Park, but they're more similar to dedicated athletic fields like Countryside Park, Lewis Park, Pamela Park, and Vulcan Park, and Yansy Park. Those are athletic and park locations are all bound by the city's outdoor signage requirements like

309
01:30:40.639 --> 01:30:57.040
all property classifications within the city. The sign ordinance currently allows only sponsorship panels permanently attached to scoreboards. Advertisements like those at Brear Arena are coordinated by Edina city staff. Since those ads are located in a facility, they're not subject to our

310
01:30:57.040 --> 01:31:12.880
signed ordinance. So, if the council is interested in giving some direction on this to to the an in alternative to the status quo, we can uh begin to take a look at that. Uh we'd also appreciate some direction from council if we are going to do that about how how we split

311
01:31:12.880 --> 01:31:28.480
the money up and who does solicitation and what that that process is like. Uh the second question is uh was reiterated a little bit uh little bit few minutes ago. How is the city handling dead trees on parks and other municipal property? Uh due to the spread

312
01:31:28.480 --> 01:31:44.800
of tree diseases like emerald ashbor, Dutch elm, and oakwilt, the city is removing affected trees in public areas and replanting at a rate that matches the removals supported by various state funded grants to slow the spread of EAB and other infectious uh tree diseases.

313
01:31:44.800 --> 01:32:01.440
City is currently treating more than 500 ash elm and oak trees. While some trees may still decline despite these efforts, removals of city of Adina owned property are prioritized in hightraic areas such as parks, paths, trails, and open spaces. Wooded and natural areas are not

314
01:32:01.440 --> 01:32:17.360
heavily maintained, but they are inspected by public safety concerns. In many uh natural areas, dead trees are intentionally left in place because they provide a valuable wildlife habitat. Finally, uh, question number three is, is construction equipment allowed to

315
01:32:17.360 --> 01:32:33.360
cross the NineM Creek Regional Trail at the Fred Richards Park during construction? The answer to that is yes, uh, as long as it's done safely and as long as we minimize the vulnerability of the trail. So, pre-construction and construction work at Frederick's Park will include controlled crossings of

316
01:32:33.360 --> 01:32:49.520
Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail in partnership with Three Rivers Park District. So, they know what we're doing and when and why we do it. The city's intent is to minimize closures and to keep the trail open uh for users as long as possible. The city will continue to work with Three Rivers Park District uh

317
01:32:49.520 --> 01:33:06.320
as needed for these closures and post detours and communicate their duration and location. That's all we had. >> Good. That prompt anything from council in terms of a comment or follow-up question for the city manager? >> All right. Very good. Uh next is the consent agenda. We've got several items

318
01:33:06.320 --> 01:33:22.080
on the consent agenda. My understanding is as follows. Uh, member Russer would like to remove the um is that all the minutes or just June 2nd? >> Uh, just June 2nd. >> June 2nd, 2026 minutes for discussion purposes. Uh, Council Member Jackson

319
01:33:22.080 --> 01:33:40.880
would like to remove items 6.4 and 6.7 for further conversation. I think it's worth >> and yeah, and then I think I'll in just in sequence here, I'll remove 6.8 eight and then council member Jackson 6.17 as

320
01:33:40.880 --> 01:33:57.040
well and so with the exception of 6.1 6.4 6.7 6.8 8 6.11 and 6.1717. Is there a mo excuse me is there a motion to adopt the balance of the items on the consent agenda in a single

321
01:33:57.040 --> 01:34:11.840
motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Got a motion by member Agnu. Second by member Jackson to adopt the items on the consent agenda with the exception of items 61, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8, 6.11, and 6.17

322
01:34:11.840 --> 01:34:26.080
which would take up separately. Uh any further discussion on the motion is made. All those in favor of adoption of the items on the consent agenda as as stated say I. >> I. >> I. Opposed. Carried. The items on the consent agenda are adopted with the

323
01:34:26.080 --> 01:34:44.719
exception of items 6.1, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8, 6.11, and 6.17. And then we'll move to the first one in sequence, which is member Risser and uh some concerns about the June 2nd, 2026 city council minutes. Um, specifically,

324
01:34:44.719 --> 01:35:02.080
I caught this um, this afternoon and it didn't afford enough time for me to work with clerk Allison on making the changes to the minutes. And I know we've talked about minutes in the past, not raising them during council meetings. Uh, my concern is the way that section 24-30

325
01:35:02.080 --> 01:35:19.440
was um, reported on, and this is the um code that has to do with through lots on collector and arterial roads. and instead of talking about driveway intersections, um it was summarized as being about curb cuts, which it that was not the point of the discussion. So,

326
01:35:19.440 --> 01:35:36.159
I'll I'll work with what I would respectfully request is that we table the minutes so that I can have time to work with clerk Allison on making those changes. >> Okay. So, table it to July 21. >> I would Yes, I would appreciate that. >> Yeah. The motion would be to table the

327
01:35:36.159 --> 01:35:52.719
July the June 2nd 2026 meeting minutes of the regular meeting minutes of the city council to July 21 2026 meeting any uh member moves and is there a second >> member Pier seconds there's a motion second

328
01:35:52.719 --> 01:36:07.040
>> has comment >> um yeah did we approve the um council retreat minutes when we did the um consent agenda or did we >> yeah we did we'd only pulled the June 2nd >> Okay, good. Thank you. >> Yeah, good question. The other the other

329
01:36:07.040 --> 01:36:24.480
minutes we want that we approved. All right. Um any further discussion? All those in favor of um tableabling the June 2nd, 2026 meeting minutes to the July 21st, 2026 meeting of the city council say I >> I >> I opposed carried. Those minutes will be

330
01:36:24.480 --> 01:36:40.080
uh revisited uh for June 2nd, 2026 on July 21st, 2026. And then we will turn turn now to item 6.4. Council member Jackson has some uh points or some questions or both on the compensation

331
01:36:40.080 --> 01:36:57.679
and classification study consulting services contract that's been proposed. Council member Jackson. >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I just wanted to lift this up um for emphasis. We haven't had a compensation study of the whole city since um 2013. All right. So,

332
01:36:57.679 --> 01:37:14.320
um I just wanted a little highlight on what we are expecting from this and and how that feeds into our budget discussion. >> Yes, >> we have, as you mentioned, we have not done a class and comp study since 2013. I was here when we last did that study.

333
01:37:14.320 --> 01:37:30.400
Uh and it's an important component of our um structure here in the employees and how they're classified and how they're uh compensated. And so it is an important project that we are looking forward to. um picking back up again and modernizing and making sure that it's an

334
01:37:30.400 --> 01:37:46.719
equitable um pay plan and is in continues to remain in legal compliance. >> Okay. And it also will get us an outside view on the sort of the data of what compensation is market compensation so that it's not just our opinion on how

335
01:37:46.719 --> 01:38:03.360
people are paid but it's it's a more um uh objective. >> Yes. Correct. uh we're uh asking to hire an outside firm that will help us uh classify the jobs uh which is pointing them and then assigning them in their different structures and then we look

336
01:38:03.360 --> 01:38:19.440
externally they will look externally to look at the market data of how those positions line up with other positions um in similar organizations across the metro area to ensure that we are equitable and able to attract and retain our uh talented employees and that we're

337
01:38:19.440 --> 01:38:35.040
paying according to market and that we're adjusting any uh internal equity issues as well. >> Great. Thank you very much. >> Yeah. >> All right. That prompt any other questions from council members? Council member Jackson, you uh do you care to move the matter uh approve the

338
01:38:35.040 --> 01:38:51.280
compensation and classification study consulting services contract? >> Yes, I will make that motion. There >> a second. >> Second. Member Pierce seconds member Jackson's motion to uh approve the request of staff to enter into a uh consulting services contract for the

339
01:38:51.280 --> 01:39:06.080
purposes of compensation and classification study of our employment base. Uh any further discussion? All those in favor of approving a services contract entering into that services contract say I. >> I opposed carried.

340
01:39:06.080 --> 01:39:21.920
>> We'll that's authorized to be going forward. And then uh 6.7 is the clover ride service contract. Back to council member Jackson. >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um so this is a service that we have. Ah and we've got Mr. Scipion here who probably has the

341
01:39:21.920 --> 01:39:37.280
data. I just wanted some data on wrership. I know we're trying to um get people out and about maybe not using their cars and this is an especially serves a vulnerable population in our city and so I wanted to know what our wrership was like. >> Of course. Thank you for the question.

342
01:39:37.280 --> 01:39:52.080
Um, Cloveride over the last five years has averaged about 22.5 riders per week. Um, so over the about 50 weeks that the service operates, we see about,00 uh, users. Um, that was slightly down in

343
01:39:52.080 --> 01:40:07.360
2025. Um, but we're working on some additional promotions and marketing in 2026 uh, to get those ridership numbers back up. >> Terrific. Thank you very much. >> All right, Council Member Jackson. Anybody else have any questions on basis

344
01:40:07.360 --> 01:40:23.600
of that inquiry? Council member Jackson, do you want to move to approve the purchase request for the clover ride services contract with darts for $35,000? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All right. Council member Jackson moves the motion as stated. Council member Pierce second. Any further discussion?

345
01:40:23.600 --> 01:40:38.560
All those in favor of approving the purchase request for the Cloveride Services contract with Darts for $35,000 say I. >> I. Opposed? Carried. uh that contract is approved we it will be entered into and

346
01:40:38.560 --> 01:40:56.000
then I pulled 6.8 8 just to we had a lot of discussion uh at the council level and and folks coming in uh to see us with regard to the intersection at 55th and Brookview. And I was pleased to see that that was part of the recommendation

347
01:40:56.000 --> 01:41:11.520
um of the traffic safety report. And I just wanted to give that a a heads up here so that the folks in that neighborhood knew that the uh uh that was being recommended. for adoption that the city receive a

348
01:41:11.520 --> 01:41:28.320
petition for a two-way stop control and we're recommending staff's recommending actually an all-way stop control due to impacted sight lines and that would be approved this evening. Is that correct? >> That's correct. >> Okay. Anybody else have any questions on the traffic safety report? Uh I'll move the matter move the adoption of the

349
01:41:28.320 --> 01:41:43.840
traffic safety report of April 28, 2026 and the petition responses. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Member Pierce the motion as stated. Any further discussion? All those in favor of adoption of the motion as stated say I. >> I. Opposed. Carried.

350
01:41:43.840 --> 01:42:02.080
>> Uh the traffic safety report of April 2020 20 April 28th, 2026. And the petition responses thereto are adopted. >> And next we are on to 6.17. >> We actually pulled off 6.11. I don't really know why. I pulled that. Can >> you pull that? Okay.

351
01:42:02.080 --> 01:42:16.960
>> Yeah, I pulled that one. And I actually I didn't mean to pull I was going to make a notation about it, but I think it's worth discussing that um the pedestrian bridge that we approved uh we've now amended the mindot agreement with Mandot with regard to the funding

352
01:42:16.960 --> 01:42:34.080
in the and our role in the in the bridge construction uh to include the request to include the noise wall installation on the north side of uh of of the cross town there in that neighborhood. and just want to confirm that with director Milner and maybe get a little bit more

353
01:42:34.080 --> 01:42:50.560
uh a little bit more broader assessment of what what's what what we're requesting. >> Yeah. Thanks, Mayor, members of council. We asked Mindot to come to the table and and we told them it'd be way easier to build this noise well now than in 28 or 29 after we build our bridge. They came to the table with some funding and said,

354
01:42:50.560 --> 01:43:06.000
"Yes, it's a great idea. Let's see if we can make it happen." And this agreement you're approving tonight allows us to add the funding that they're coming to the table to build a noise wall. basically from 6302 Rose Court, so that last property there up to the Wooddale

355
01:43:06.000 --> 01:43:21.920
Trail. So, we should be able to install that 20 foot noise wall this summer and next spring and then Mindot will come back and connect on the ends of that in 2028 or 2029 with their other project. >> All right. Very good. That prompt any questions from other council members?

356
01:43:21.920 --> 01:43:37.520
>> Yes, Council Member Agno. >> Thank you. And just one um because I think that this is coming up. We're going to be taking down the Rosland Bridge soonish, right? Like >> we are two weekends. >> We're trying to confirm dates. Right now the weekend tentative weekend dates are

357
01:43:37.520 --> 01:43:53.679
off. They would rather they're going to try to do it over two night closures. So Monday, June 29th and Tuesday, June 30th are the two tenative dates. We need confirmation from Mindot hopefully tomorrow and then we'll publish a whole bunch of stuff on all those dates. So, >> and put signs up over there and all

358
01:43:53.679 --> 01:44:10.239
that. Exactly. Love it. Thank you. Good question. I know it was tentatively planned for the 25th, but u it's apparently been that's a influx date here. So we're going to get new date. U does someone care to move resolution 2026-33 amending the amenda agreement

359
01:44:10.239 --> 01:44:27.360
1062130. >> So moved. >> I second. >> All right. All right, we've got a motion by member Jackson, second by member Agnu to adopt resolution 2026-33, which would amend Mandot agreement number 1062130 to include the noise wall installation.

360
01:44:27.360 --> 01:44:42.400
Any further discussion? All those in favor of adoption of the resolution say I. >> I. >> I. Opposed, carried. The resolution is adopted. And then we are on to 6.17. Back to council member Jackson, which is this is a matter involving a purchase

361
01:44:42.400 --> 01:44:58.159
request to do a study over at Edinburgh Park and that facility. Council member Jackson. >> Uh yes, Mr. Mayor. I was um reading that at the same time I was working on my um uh committee for um replacing the uh

362
01:44:58.159 --> 01:45:14.159
city manager. And I thought this is going to be a big deal coming up in the future. And I wanted to know sort of the time frame of when this study we could expect it to be completed um so that when we're we're having these discussions we know um what to raise up

363
01:45:14.159 --> 01:45:30.639
with the potential candidates. So um I think Mr. Manager you said at the end of the year is that correct? >> The expect the expectation with this contract is that it be completed by the end of Q4 of this year. >> Terrific. Thank you. So, it'll be a 2028

364
01:45:30.639 --> 01:45:46.400
um uh decision kind of stuff that we'll look at. >> Yeah. Good. Thanks for that inquiry. Anybody else have any inquiries regarding that matter? All right. Uh council member Jackson, do you move to approve the purchase request for for professional services for Edinburgh Park

365
01:45:46.400 --> 01:46:03.840
facility study with ins group? >> So moved. >> Second. Member Pierce that motion. Any further further discussion? All those in favor of approving the purchase request for professional services for Edinburgh Park facility study with INS Group uh

366
01:46:03.840 --> 01:46:20.480
for $103,000 say I. >> I. >> I. Opposed. Carried. That uh purchase request is approved. All right. That completes the uh that portion of our agenda involving the consent items. And we will turn now to

367
01:46:20.480 --> 01:46:36.639
something that we've been working on for I think a couple of years. and uh really of great interest to quite a few neighborhoods that uh the rail passes through the old Dan Patch line and the Canadian Pacific and the uh Twin City

368
01:46:36.639 --> 01:46:53.280
and Western Railway I guess is a the main operator. Uh but we've been doing a railroad we've been we had commissioned a railroad crossing safety and quiet zone study and I'm going to turn now to director Milner to tee it up and then we're going to hear from our consultant. >> Yeah, thanks Mayor members of council.

369
01:46:53.280 --> 01:47:10.400
recall a few years ago uh the railroad changed their operations had had night trains and we got a lot of calls and a lot of emails for them meeting the the law to sound the horns at every one of these crossings. So we listened to those emails for a while and then we had an opportunity here to conduct a study. So,

370
01:47:10.400 --> 01:47:27.280
we went out for proposals last late summer, early fall, and hired SRF and Justin Scott and his team uh have been working on the study, was delayed a little bit with the federal government shutdown, but we're here today to give you the results of that and then give you what what would need to happen if we

371
01:47:27.280 --> 01:47:42.800
wanted to move forward with the quiet zone. So, I'll hand it over to Justin and we'll go through the slide deck. >> Yes. Thank you, Chad, Mayor Havland, and council members. Pleasure to be here with you this evening to present this rail crossing safety study and quiet zone effort. My name, as Chad mentioned, is Justin Scott. I'm a project manager

372
01:47:42.800 --> 01:47:57.360
with SRF Consulting Group out of our Minneapolis office. A few things I'll be going over today. Uh quick overview of what Quiet Zones are. Uh review of which crossings in town. Mayor Havlin mentioned uh a few different crossings, whether that be on

373
01:47:57.360 --> 01:48:13.920
the TCNW line or the CPKC line that runs north south. We'll walk through the crossings that were included in our study. We will uh review a diagnostic meeting which is one of the main requirements that the FRA has, the Federal Railroad Administration as they implement this quiet zone planning

374
01:48:13.920 --> 01:48:28.639
process. We'll dive into some of our recommendations in the subzones and how the city could potentially move forward with the quiet zone implementation uh and move into next steps. Uh the first thing here on this slide is a description of what is a quiet zone. The

375
01:48:28.639 --> 01:48:43.679
the first bullet here is uh describing from the FRA's perspective what a quiet zone is. And what I want to call your attention to here is the word routine. Uh what a quiet zone is is uh where a section or a segment of rail traffic and

376
01:48:43.679 --> 01:49:01.119
rail track can be quiet where the city the agency who owns the segment of track and the municipality where the track goes through uh through the FRA's quiet zone process can restrict those train horns uh which is that sort of engineer's number one safety device. the

377
01:49:01.119 --> 01:49:16.800
the routine uh word here is if there's a vehicle on the tracks, if there's a pedestrian that's crossing the tracks, even with a quiet zone, there will always be that uh that noise that exists if there's a a vehicle approaching the tracks. Uh there's a few things that are

378
01:49:16.800 --> 01:49:32.800
required of quiet zones. Uh there's some minimum safety and risk thresholds that uh that come into play and some different quiet zone crossing treatments, whether that be gates or medians or other treatments that can be done to reduce the risk uh and bring the

379
01:49:32.800 --> 01:49:48.159
risk down below a couple of thresholds to achieve a quiet zone. Every crossing that's in a quiet zone needs to have these four things that are listed on the bottom here. flashing lights, gates, the constant warning time, which is really the technology that's in the rail

380
01:49:48.159 --> 01:50:03.679
telling the gate when to come down as that train is approaching. And then power out indicators really telling the the engineer if the gate has power to it. This map is illustrating uh all of the crossings that we looked at as a part of this quiet zone study. There's

381
01:50:03.679 --> 01:50:20.400
five uh public atgrade crossings and two private atgrade crossings on this north south CPKC railway. Um that private versus public determination comes into play. Private crossings are not required to have those four items that I just

382
01:50:20.400 --> 01:50:35.760
went through on the last slide. So those four items are only required for all public atgrade crossings. Um you can see beyond those five public atgrade crossings and two private crossings there are also seven crossings in St. Louis Park that would need to be

383
01:50:35.760 --> 01:50:51.679
included if the city of Edina were to proceed with a quiet zone implementation. The FRA's rule uh has a quarter mile rule. So any crossing within a quarter mile of the previous crossing has to be included. So that's sort of why uh we collaborated very

384
01:50:51.679 --> 01:51:06.400
closely with our partners in St. Louis Park. Uh while we had our diagnostic meeting and while we considered different implementation options, uh there's really not a lot of train traffic in this corridor. Uh as Chad mentioned, there's been a little bit of

385
01:51:06.400 --> 01:51:21.840
uh change in sort of the overnight versus daytime operations and they've done that a couple of times uh during the six months of our study effort. uh these trains are traveling very slowly uh which also sort of leads to a little bit of a lower risk in this corridor uh

386
01:51:21.840 --> 01:51:37.520
for all the crossings. Uh as I mentioned the diagnostic meeting really the main requirement of this quiet zone process. We had our diagnostic meeting uh back in October and in December we as I mentioned were collaborating with our partners in St. Louis Park and SRF also

387
01:51:37.520 --> 01:51:52.639
just recently completed a quiet zone study for that community. Uh so we were very collaborative between the two cities and really determined what needed to be done at these crossings. So we went out as a part of the diagnostic meeting, the FRA, MINDOT, our partners

388
01:51:52.639 --> 01:52:09.679
at the city, uh and then the railroads all go out and visit these crossings evaluating risk and safety uh both vehicular and from a pedestrian perspective. We then determine safety improvements that could be made uh to each of those crossings. uh none of the crossings none of the

389
01:52:09.679 --> 01:52:25.760
public atgrade rail crossings that are in Edina meet those four minimum requirements of having lights gates and constant warning time so that's a minimum investment that the city would need to make just to qualify for a quiet zone implementation as I mentioned uh

390
01:52:25.760 --> 01:52:40.800
the quiet zones uh the crossing spacing here can really determine uh an establishment and sort of an implementation plan uh there's options for the city to implement ment separate zones or sort of a combined approach which is illustrated here on this

391
01:52:40.800 --> 01:52:57.280
graphic. I realize this is very small so I want to try to talk through this as best as I can uh for you all. Of course you uh you will be receiving if you haven't already a copy of our study which uh this illustrates um there's really four different subzones that are illustrated on this graphic. The first

392
01:52:57.280 --> 01:53:14.400
is subzone A which will require a collaborative approach with our partners in the city of St. Louis Park. And then these three sub zones to the south could be implemented independently uh of each other and of uh coordination with the city of St. Louis Park.

393
01:53:14.400 --> 01:53:30.000
Uh wanted to also present to you some planning level construction cost estimates for these improvements uh that I just laid out in sub in our in that last graphic of subzone A, B, C, and D. This table illustrates the crossing

394
01:53:30.000 --> 01:53:45.119
improvements uh that would be needed to be made and the estimated cost of those and when those improvements are currently programmed in the chip or the CIP, excuse me. >> Well, and I'll offer I added them to the capital improvement plan for discussion.

395
01:53:45.119 --> 01:54:00.719
These are unfunded projects, but if we wanted to take those next steps, we started in 27 kind of laid out those three single crossings, right? the BCD options, Hansen Road, Valley Lane, and Dwey Hill where we could do this separately. And then of course, we had

396
01:54:00.719 --> 01:54:17.440
the bigger project that would take coordination with St. Louis Park. So I threw that at 2030. So these are numbers for those years based on Justin's team's estimates, but they're not funded. So it's a discussion we'll have this year with the CIP and the budget. This is a similar slide to what I had up

397
01:54:17.440 --> 01:54:33.440
before kind of describing some of the narrative that goes behind these sub zones and the combinations of them. There's different alternatives here that uh you know as I mentioned these could be implemented individually or as a group and we do need to collaborate with our partners in St. Louis Park if we

398
01:54:33.440 --> 01:54:49.199
intend to implement a zone in sub zone A. >> What's the view of the world uh in St. Louis Park in terms of where do they want to expend those monies to improve those seven crossings. >> The city of St. Louis Park is moving forward with a quiet zone implementation for a series of crossings to the north

399
01:54:49.199 --> 01:55:05.520
of sub zone A right now. Um so they're moving forward with implementing a quiet zone in town and they would I think I don't want to speak for them but we've been working very closely with Jack Sullivan and he's excited about the opportunity to continue to collaborate and coordinate >> and maybe you can speak to the process.

400
01:55:05.520 --> 01:55:23.280
So let's say we get funding. We still have a long time to work with the railroad to actually get a zone approved. Correct. >> Yeah. So our the study that we just completed is a feasibility study. Uh the next thing that we could work through with the city is a quiet zone implementation effort. Uh we finished

401
01:55:23.280 --> 01:55:39.280
this feasibility study in about 6 months. The implementation effort at a minimum can take two to three years. uh depending on the regulatory process and review. FRA is dealing with some staffing issues that Chad alluded to and their review time has really really gone

402
01:55:39.280 --> 01:55:56.560
downhill over the last two years. Um there's a a process that Chad alluded to. There's a couple of notices. They're not extremely uh difficult to put together. There's a notice of intent which really does what it says. It we lay out the proposed improvements for each zone. Uh you know, do we want to do

403
01:55:56.560 --> 01:56:12.400
gates here? Do we want to do lights here? Do we want to do medians there? So, there's a variety of opportunities. We lay that out in our notice of intent. That triggers a 60-day review period from the railroads. Then, we go out and construct. That can take a year, year and a half. Then, we submit the second notice, which is the notice of

404
01:56:12.400 --> 01:56:27.760
establishment. That triggers a 21-day period before the quiet zone is active. Once the quiet zone is active, you have a quiet zone. That whole process I've just very quickly described again can take a lot longer than you might expect. >> So, we just want to make sure we're clear on the timing, right? This is the

405
01:56:27.760 --> 01:56:44.639
first baby step. Now it's funding, design, implementation, and still getting those approvals through the federal FRA. So we'd stand for any questions. That was our presentation for the >> council member Jackson. >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So, how does it work with the private crossings? Can

406
01:56:44.639 --> 01:57:00.560
they make it a quiet zone right away or is it never a quiet zone? >> Private crossings are very easy to include in a quiet zone. There's no regulatory. There's nothing that you have to do as far as a treatment perspective at a private crossing. It can be left

407
01:57:00.560 --> 01:57:17.520
untreated and included in a quiet zone. >> And our private ones are in that zone A. Okay. >> There's a few driveways just right north of here. >> Okay. So, we would change the ones that were public and the private ones just get swept in and without any changes.

408
01:57:17.520 --> 01:57:34.400
Correct. >> Okay. Great. Thank you, >> Council Member Agnu. >> Thank you so much and thank you for doing this study. Um, I I really appreciate the analysis and consideration that you've given this. Um, so I know that we started this because of noise complaints and and I

409
01:57:34.400 --> 01:57:51.440
don't want to like minimize this like I've seen some of the home videos that residents have sent in and it's it's substantially impactful. Um, and outside of that, this would improve the safety of these crossings. Do we have any other

410
01:57:51.440 --> 01:58:08.320
data points or information on like the safety concerns that exist within this area that could help um substantiate, you know, like the reason for us to either potentially pursue outside funding or other things like that to just really build a case for why this is

411
01:58:08.320 --> 01:58:23.440
something that we should invest in as a community. >> Well, each crossing you did a analysis of any issues or crashes or any of that sort, right? That was part of the risk analysis. We did do a risk analysis that's based on a variety of factors that go into that risk. Train volume,

412
01:58:23.440 --> 01:58:39.679
train speed, vehicle volume, vehicle speed, and a 5-year crash history. So, all of those really determine at each crossing that risk level. So, once we treat a crossing with gates or lights, that risk level will come down below a threshold to meet the FRA's expectations. Uh, one thing that we

413
01:58:39.679 --> 01:58:55.520
haven't mentioned is stakeholder engagement. Uh, which I could allude to. uh sometimes we use that tool uh to get the feedback that you're uh describing uh and there is options for us to help you in that space if that's desired by the council. >> And I would also offer there's been two notice of funding opportunities related

414
01:58:55.520 --> 01:59:10.239
to rail. We had Justin look at it and it doesn't apply for the situation. So um thus far we have not found a grant that applies. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, one of the other questions that I did have, um, was regarding the public process that we can

415
01:59:10.239 --> 01:59:26.960
now take, um, regarding considering moving forward with this investment. Um, can we I mean, this is just a request to to staff to start thinking about how do we want to engage these residents? I understand that you gave kind of that prioritization just generally based off

416
01:59:26.960 --> 01:59:43.360
of the the slotted in capital improvement years. You know, that's relative prioritization. Um, but I I also want to hear from residents to make sure that we're prioritizing in the areas where residents are feeling that impact the most. Um, and so I would love

417
01:59:43.360 --> 01:59:59.280
if the next time we discuss this, um, you can come back with a a proposal on how we'll do that entire community engagement process. Um, just because I do want to continue getting feedback. Um, and then the the third question I had, you kind of already spoke to, but it was around funding um, from outside

418
01:59:59.280 --> 02:00:15.520
sources. Um, I think I had sent over a couple of sources that were, you know, a billion plus dollars that were a available from a a federal perspective. Um, as I understand that was specifically for um like grade separated crossings. That's right.

419
02:00:15.520 --> 02:00:31.920
>> Um, can you maybe just give like one quick blurb to that and then maybe even just reflect on like how over the next couple of years we'll continue to >> seek potential grant opportunities and and prioritize that. Yeah, I'll have Justin maybe touch on that first one.

420
02:00:31.920 --> 02:00:47.199
>> Uh, we're going to want to be very strategic and I would love to help coach you through the process moving forward. I think I I buzzed back to our title slide. I hope you can see that, but the title of our study was a rail crossing safety study. Uh, we did we did do a lot of there was a lot of discussion around

421
02:00:47.199 --> 02:01:04.080
quiet zones, but we were very careful about the terminology we used to describe this study. And the reason we did that was to hopefully not close any funding doors, which I want to get to your question now about the rail crossing elimination program, which I think is what you're referencing. The FRA has two programs. The rail crossing

422
02:01:04.080 --> 02:01:18.880
elimination program, which was due a week ago, and then the Chrissy program, which is dedicated to shortline and regional railroads, which is not CPKC. CPKC is one of the six class one railroads. Uh so the Chrissy program does not apply to us.

423
02:01:18.880 --> 02:01:35.920
Both of these programs are federal programs and unfortunately the feds don't see value in providing funding for quiet zones. And I the way I sort of have determined and deciphered that over my career is the fed the feds don't

424
02:01:35.920 --> 02:01:52.639
really see uh investing in quiet zones as a federal benefit. They see that as a local benefit. So they a lot of times will encourage the local agency and the local community to make that investment. And you mentioned rail or uh grade separation. This picture is good for

425
02:01:52.639 --> 02:02:08.400
that, too. How do we would how would we possibly get grade separation with slopes and drainage and all that stuff? We just don't have space. We're fully built out. We'd be taking home. So, we don't even consider a grade separated thing at that point. If we were going to get rid of some of these, actually remove them, that might be a different

426
02:02:08.400 --> 02:02:23.360
story. But we don't we can't remove them either because they're important to our transportation network. So, if I'm understanding correctly, are you thinking that there isn't going to be over the next handful of years

427
02:02:23.360 --> 02:02:39.440
additional federal grant opportunities because the federal government generally doesn't support the quiet zone um creation? Or are you saying that because this is really a safety improvement plan that

428
02:02:39.440 --> 02:02:54.480
there might be some opportunity? there just isn't currently. >> That's a great qualifying question and it's I I want to clear make sure I'm being clear. My answer is the latter. I think we wanted to be very careful with our terminology so that we could potentially leverage any future federal

429
02:02:54.480 --> 02:03:12.159
dollars that do come up. Uh I think another thing too is to leverage state section 130 funds. There's a state program that's dedicated specifically to improving railroad crossing safety warning devices. Uh, and that's a really great story for the city of Edina to tell because the crossings that we want

430
02:03:12.159 --> 02:03:27.599
to make improvements at are the crossings that don't have any devices right now at all. So, we want to be telling that safety story and be using the right terminology to our partners at Mindot so we can encourage their funds to improve safety in this community as opposed to going to quiet zone

431
02:03:27.599 --> 02:03:42.960
implementation. >> Thank you, >> Council Member Pierce. Uh, thanks, Mr. Mayor. So just one additional um question or comment. Um first thanks for taking the effort to do this very

432
02:03:42.960 --> 02:04:00.880
thorough. Um we have had several emails conversations with residents um urging us to do something about uh train noise. And so having this u type of information definitely lets us speak to

433
02:04:00.880 --> 02:04:17.360
the community that we're doing something. Um, and so my question though is you alluded to this a little bit, but if you could clarify um, from a starting point, which I would I'll say the starting point is tonight.

434
02:04:17.360 --> 02:04:33.760
So, we've have this assessment. We now know which um, crossings we need to apply quiet zones for. We have some sense of how much that will cost. We know which partners we need. So from tonight through to getting it approved

435
02:04:33.760 --> 02:04:49.280
on the CIP and actually implementing a quiet zone, what's what's the realistic time u horizon there? >> Well, I'll make one caveat. I'd say once funding is identified >> y >> then Justin go to work and let's get

436
02:04:49.280 --> 02:05:06.480
this approved. And I think that's a two-year process. Two to three years at that point. When are we going to come up with $7 million? That's the number on the slide. So when you have that date, then it's still two or three years to get through the federal approvals. >> Okay. So we have So to have the funding,

437
02:05:06.480 --> 02:05:23.920
you're saying if we have funding, it will take us two years to start the project of actually implementing the quiet zone >> at least. Yes. >> Okay. >> Okay. And then and then once we start, how long are these projects? Is it 6

438
02:05:23.920 --> 02:05:39.440
months, a year? >> Construction. >> Yeah. Oh, these are pretty easy. Relatively short. Eight weeks probably. I mean, you're doing electrical, so there might be some timing issues, but it's not a >> Okay. >> Full closure, right? You're doing some stuff one week, then you probably are coming back and doing some things. So,

439
02:05:39.440 --> 02:05:55.360
it's not a it's not a huge project. >> Okay. Thank you, >> Council Member. >> There is no I I think about the knock the noise oversight committee for airplane noise. >> There is no equivalent. >> That's correct.

440
02:05:55.360 --> 02:06:11.679
>> Okay. Um the other point just want to throw this out. I did look we're talking about safety but we can also talk about health issues um interrupted sleep vibrations. There are a lot of studies that have to do

441
02:06:11.679 --> 02:06:28.000
with how this does impact people um physically but there's also the financial impact as well of the air or I want to say the railroad noise on home values. So I I don't really know what to do with it, but it seems like in order

442
02:06:28.000 --> 02:06:44.960
to make an informed decision about how to go forward, it would be good to weigh some of the economic benefits of moving forward with this as well. >> That's all. >> Culture of rejection. >> I'm only going to talk about this as safety because I just see those

443
02:06:44.960 --> 02:07:00.800
crossings and they scare me. They're raw. They're open. We will have people come forward and talk about safety and um and the I know the complaints have been about the noise, but the safety problem, we don't know what CPC is going to be doing in the future. Um they might

444
02:07:00.800 --> 02:07:16.400
change back to the daytime and make it really dangerous. So, I'm just going to talk safety. >> So, I got a little a process question for you that popped up into my mind and that is the way you were describing something. I was concerned that we'd have to make the commitment and the

445
02:07:16.400 --> 02:07:33.040
investment And then they would decide if they wanted to approve us for a quiet zone or not. So how how does that work? I mean we have to we have to advance and spend all the money first and then hope they approve us or they approve us in advance then we go do the work. >> They approve that notice of intent gets

446
02:07:33.040 --> 02:07:48.639
approved and the railroad oftentimes will write a formal response uh to that notice of intent stating uh they want the world. You know they want all the extra devices and safety is a big concern. there's an opportunity for the city to respond to that that

447
02:07:48.639 --> 02:08:03.599
that common response from the railroad that the city uh is fiscally constrained and you know we have met the FRA's regulatory requirements of the quiet zone process and that's that >> you typically don't see the intent filed

448
02:08:03.599 --> 02:08:22.000
unless there's actually money to do the construction >> correct yeah is it is it a federal rail authority that we're working with >> yes yep the federal rail administ ministration >> and then uh I thought council member Jackson had an interesting angle.

449
02:08:22.000 --> 02:08:37.920
You you stated that you were careful how you worded the study. I take it for the purpose that you expressed and that was that nobody gets any money for quiet zone improvements but you might get money for safety improvements. >> Is that right?

450
02:08:37.920 --> 02:08:53.679
>> Yes sir. >> There there is potential there >> from the federal rail administration. >> Yep. And the state >> safety improve. >> Yep. And mind has a program, the section 130 program that they leverage for those types of investments. >> That might be helpful. >> Okay, good. Anybody else that that cause

451
02:08:53.679 --> 02:09:09.040
any other questions at the present time? Thanks for being here. Thanks for >> Thank you for the opportunity. >> Thank you. Pleasure. >> Thanks, Director Milner, for leading this uh one step closer to figure out what we want to do here. >> Um,

452
02:09:09.040 --> 02:09:26.320
all right. We then we've got an annual traffic safety summary report. that uh Mr. Baller has been giving annually and it doesn't seem like it was a year ago that you were here. It seems that year went by fast.

453
02:09:26.320 --> 02:09:48.599
>> Yeah. Thank you, Mayor Hland and the rest of the city council. So, it's been a little over a year. I kind of got pushed back compared to our normal annual report, but um I'll I'll try to make sure that I can be a little extra timely here for everyone tonight. Where?

454
02:10:11.679 --> 02:10:26.639
All right. So, as um with the introduction, this is the 2025 traffic safety summary report. And here tonight, I'll be going through um requests that we've received, reviewed, uh some of those statistics, and some trends that

455
02:10:26.639 --> 02:10:43.679
we've noticed throughout 2025. Just the super quick uh breakdown of how the process works. Once I receive a request from a resident, a commuter, uh depending that what that request is, I conduct a traffic s a traffic study. Uh

456
02:10:43.679 --> 02:10:59.280
following that study, I bring my findings with whether it's local or state policies um to our traffic safety committee. And within that committee, we have members from our public works department, planning and police. And um we provide our recommendations based on

457
02:10:59.280 --> 02:11:14.320
those policies in place. and we provide those recommendations to our transportation commission. They provide a review as well and then ultimately comes here for city council's review throughout this whole process and making sure that those residents who or those

458
02:11:14.320 --> 02:11:30.880
requesters um are aware of this in the process so they can be able to contact their elected officials uh so they're up to date. Um throughout gathering our requests, we break them down into one of these five categories, which is parking and signage, intersection control, traffic

459
02:11:30.880 --> 02:11:45.520
homing, pedestrian safety, and just whatever doesn't follow in those first four is considered other. Uh throughout the whole year of 2025, there were 28 requests that were submitted, and I received those whether

460
02:11:45.520 --> 02:12:02.320
that's by phone call, uh snail mail, email, the city's website, or the Edina 311 app. uh in or there were 238 requests that were reviewed which actually was an increase from 2024 by 91 requests. Uh

461
02:12:02.320 --> 02:12:18.159
the highest amount reviewed were traffic calming at 63 followed by intersection control at 48 along with pedestrian safety at 48, parking signage at 42 and all others were 22. So again, those were items that were reviewed last year. And

462
02:12:18.159 --> 02:12:36.480
94 of those 238 requests were submitted in prior years, but reviewed last year. So that example could be um someone looking for a crosswalk where I needed to conduct a study following that winter. When we review every item, we put them

463
02:12:36.480 --> 02:12:52.960
into an A, B, C, D, or E category. So items given in a are where we recommend action. So here we recommended action on 11 parking signage requests. One example is a bunch of requests and complaints of street parking near the Edina High

464
02:12:52.960 --> 02:13:08.000
School. You can see that on that top left image. We had six approved pedestrian safety requests which one example was a crosswalk that has now been put in at Hansen Road right next to um the CPKC rail tracks. And then we had

465
02:13:08.000 --> 02:13:25.679
five other requests where those kind of didn't really fall into um any specific type of category. But then we had four approved trafficcoming requests with one example being restriping or adding striping on West 72nd Street west of France to help um inform and provide

466
02:13:25.679 --> 02:13:41.840
drivers, you know, adequate travel lanes. There were no approved intersection control requests. Um and those were such things as you know added stop signs or yield signs. There were 24 items in which the committee recommended no action and then

467
02:13:41.840 --> 02:13:58.800
there were 110 items that were classified as D items that are solely handled by me. So an example of that would just be something where someone requested a crosswalk and it didn't come anywhere near what our policy recommends. So with that um I was able to you know not need full discussion

468
02:13:58.800 --> 02:14:14.800
with the committee because of our policy that we have in place. Um all a new item this year is e items which is where we recommend police enforcement. So that's kind of thing where we solely think adding police enforcement whether it's at stop

469
02:14:14.800 --> 02:14:32.239
controls or speed limits. Um that's what we recommend for th those items. Um, and one thing to notice, um, a lot of these or when you add all these numbers up, they will not equal the total number of reviewed requests because a lot of items are repeat requests, whether it's from neighbors or

470
02:14:32.239 --> 02:14:48.000
something that was requested earlier in the year as well. I like to look between Highway 100 and Highway 62 as a breakdown uh, just to kind of see what types of trends we have. And in northwest Sedina here, there were 58 requests, which was just a

471
02:14:48.000 --> 02:15:05.520
slight increase from 2024. Uh the highest number of requests here was trafficcoming. A lot of this had to deal with the highway 100 and Vernon bridge closure. So a lot of people trying to find their detours around. So a lot of those kind of speed traffic calming issues. Southwest we had 35 requests

472
02:15:05.520 --> 02:15:22.639
which was another another slight increase from 2024. here. Parking signage was an issue. And you can see a lot of those little green dots are just outside of Edina High School. In Southeast Edina, we had 40 requests that were submitted, which was another

473
02:15:22.639 --> 02:15:39.679
slight increase from 2024 with intersection control receiving the most. And a lot of these are on Henipin County streets or areas that are um controlled by um the state and mind signals. So, a lot of those are things like a signal is down or some timing needs to be updated

474
02:15:39.679 --> 02:15:55.679
and we're able to get MDOT staff to help with those. In Northeast Dynino, this is where we receive most of our requests every year. Here we had 74, which was just a little bit less from 2024. Traffic calming here was the biggest issue with a lot of

475
02:15:55.679 --> 02:16:11.880
people here as well finding their own detours because we didn't have any large posted uh direct detours from that Highway 100 uh bridge closure. So, a lot of those issues were in that Morningside neighborhood and along Valley View uh to the south.

476
02:16:12.239 --> 02:16:28.960
We also like to look at seasonality of traffic safety requests too. Every year we see an increase starting in that March, especially in April time. And here in May, you can really see this increase. And that's when that Highway 100 bridge project began. People didn't know what to do. There were delays everywhere. So, that's how people were

477
02:16:28.960 --> 02:16:45.040
starting to reach out whether to me or somewhere else. And it kind of fell down to me. were able to um provide some assistance there. Um overall traffic calming and pedestrian safety peaked kind of simultaneously. So both in that May and kind of September months, people

478
02:16:45.040 --> 02:17:00.559
are going back outside more or they're getting out of school or school is beginning. So traffic patterns are shifting quite a bit at those times of the year. Now we've we like to track and look at fiveyear data at a time just by looking

479
02:17:00.559 --> 02:17:17.519
at each category. You can see traffic calming has been slightly increasing the last handful of years. Um, adversely, parking signage has been kind of the main um only category that's been decreasing because also you can see intersection control, pedestrian safety and other have also been slightly going

480
02:17:17.519 --> 02:17:34.800
on an uptick. And with that, I stand for any questions. But thank you for your time. >> Yeah, thanks Mr. Pauler. Questions for Nick. It's a really helpful annual data to receive. Council member Jackson.

481
02:17:34.800 --> 02:17:50.479
>> Yes. Well, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Baller. Um, very information. First of all, what is this orange thing that we're looking at on the slide? >> Uh, is is this the image on the bottom left here? >> Yeah. >> Uh, that is one of my traffic cameras actually looking at Interlockin and

482
02:17:50.479 --> 02:18:06.559
Vanderfork here, but this is a bird's tail. So just there are some times where I kind of get a little u little distraction or I might not be able to gather data for a minute or two at a time. So it looks like birds were kind of but I found this year. >> That's great. Um so thank you for this

483
02:18:06.559 --> 02:18:22.719
and I I do appreciate the year-over-year data. It's always good to see where the trends are going. Uh we've been getting a lot of calls and emails from people concerned about ebikes. Is there any way we can add that to our statistics? Um is there I don't know. There's isn't any

484
02:18:22.719 --> 02:18:38.800
way to gather data. People are so frustrated by this. We see the little kids way younger than 15 on them. Um and it it's it's dangerous especially for elderly people who are out walking. How can we add that to our traffic safety report? Um well we can definitely add

485
02:18:38.800 --> 02:18:55.040
that as um as another category and that might be something we'd have to um advertise properly for to say you know ebike complaints would then fall into this traffic safety uh part onto our website or how to reach me for example

486
02:18:55.040 --> 02:19:12.000
compared to let's say asking police to receive those complaints. Um so that's something that we can definitely look at and you know have a separate type of category. >> Yeah. So could if you could ask the traffic safety committee to kind of think about how we can improve safety and it you know it's always good to have

487
02:19:12.000 --> 02:19:27.760
data. Um so just think about that because it it is an increasing problem. It's really double what it was last year as far as I can tell. >> Yeah, absolutely. Thank you. >> Great. Thank you. >> Other questions, comments for Mr. Baller? >> Okay. Yeah. Thanks for being here.

488
02:19:27.760 --> 02:19:42.960
Thanks for that update. >> Thank you all. >> Yeah. Keep up the good work. >> We know you will. All right. Uh we're going to move on to the um next portion of the agenda. We're finished with special recognitions and presentations. We've got two public

489
02:19:42.960 --> 02:19:57.840
hearing matters this evening. And the first one our clerk Sharon Nelson has and it is a potential uh license liquor license suspension involving Boj's on France Avenue. And I'll turn now to

490
02:19:57.840 --> 02:20:14.479
our clerk, Sharon Ellison, to uh tell us the factual background on this situation so we can decide what to do. Thank you, Mr. >> Mayor. Um, mayor, council members, um, as you recall or may recall, twice annually, our police department uh,

491
02:20:14.479 --> 02:20:31.040
conducts compliance checks on all of the liquor establishments that are in town. Um in May um the compliance checks were done on 52 establishments and from that there were six violations. Uh five of those violations were what we call

492
02:20:31.040 --> 02:20:47.520
within a 24-month uh period and so they were deemed to be a first offense and the option for those were to pay a $500 fine or um consider coming to a public hearing. Generally, those violators will

493
02:20:47.520 --> 02:21:04.880
pay the fine and will forego the public hearing. Um, the sixth violator was considered to be their second violation within a 24-month period. And for that, it is a required public hearing and a $1,000 fine plus a 3-day suspension um

494
02:21:04.880 --> 02:21:22.880
of their liquor license. Uh, tonight we have Lindsay, who is with Bo Jay's. Um, and apologies for having to wait so long, uh, Lindsay. Um, but Lindsay's here tonight and can answer any questions that you may have for her. Uh, staff's recommendation is that you um

495
02:21:22.880 --> 02:21:40.000
motion to um have the fine for $1,000 um plus the 3-day suspension. And the dates are recommended to be Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Um those were just those days were just chosen by me for no particular reason. So, you are certainly

496
02:21:40.000 --> 02:21:55.920
free to decide which three days you would like to um have the suspension occur and I can send for any questions that you may have. >> Yes. Thank you, Clerk Allison. Questions for the clerk clerk Allison at this point in time? Council member Jackson, >> I just want to confirm that they're open

497
02:21:55.920 --> 02:22:12.160
on Mondays because I know a lot of restaurants in town are not. >> Um Oh, >> you are not open on Monday. So, let's not do a um suspension on a day that they're closed. >> Good point. >> Yes. Thank you. All right. And then the other uh thing I

498
02:22:12.160 --> 02:22:28.720
think it's important to cover is this. You you've got a penalty grid put in place. That's part of the ordinance. I think this is second offense involves you know you say what staff is recommending but it's really what's shown on the on on on the penalty

499
02:22:28.720 --> 02:22:44.399
enforcement grid if you want to call it that council's approved in the past. >> Correct Mr. Mayor. The only option uh or optional would be the days that you choose to um have their liquor license be suspended. All the rest are written

500
02:22:44.399 --> 02:23:01.200
in um ordinance. >> All right. Um well Bojs, this is a public hearing matter and you're certainly welcome to address the council and talk about what happened and

501
02:23:01.200 --> 02:23:17.600
>> thank you >> and and you know how we can keep this from happening in the future. We don't want we don't like this anymore than you do, you know, >> and that's why I'm I'm actually here. I'm I don't like it either. I'm a sole owner. My name is Lindseay Jacques. I am the sole owner of Boj's Wine Bar in

502
02:23:17.600 --> 02:23:33.680
Beastro. I've owned it now just for five years. I'm totally self-funded. I never uh anticipated myself owning a a restaurant. I did it. It was emotional investment. I didn't want to see the place leave. Um but

503
02:23:33.680 --> 02:23:50.319
when this happened on this the second one was actually 24 months almost to the day of when the suspension is I mean I'm a parent. I don't want um my my people I don't want my kids served underage. I

504
02:23:50.319 --> 02:24:08.240
apologize. I'm devastated on that. Um I have 13 employees that uh we talk about what the importance is of carding and being responsible. They earn a living um at this establishment.

505
02:24:08.240 --> 02:24:25.520
um they know that it's our customers and that that um bring in the funding because I don't take any money from this at all. So they have gone through the proper um training on that. We have discussed it. We've talked about it and

506
02:24:25.520 --> 02:24:41.520
actually um the gal that uh failed this the sting uh is just finishing up her uh doctorate degree in social work. So, she's devastated and she has to go in front of the courts and she's got a um I

507
02:24:41.520 --> 02:24:57.520
think it's a major misdemeanor um that she's has to deal with. But I I just want to as a member of the community, as a business owner, just tell you how horribly I feel about it. My people feel about it. We have

508
02:24:57.520 --> 02:25:12.640
discussed it. I um I did not fire the gal. Um, corporations in the community, if you fail uh an alcohol, from what I'm understanding is typically they're walked out the door. My people make a

509
02:25:12.640 --> 02:25:31.200
living on this. I chose not to fire her. She has to take responsibility for this. I take responsibility of this. I have no problem um paying the $1,000. I don't know where I'm going to come up with money. I don't have I'm not a company. Um, what I'm asking is a little bit of

510
02:25:31.200 --> 02:25:47.359
leniency on closing for 3 days because it's not me that it hurts that I close for 3 days. It's my people that I pay. If there's no customers, there's no there's no money and they can't get that. And I'm wondering if there's something else that we can do um for

511
02:25:47.359 --> 02:26:03.760
Boj, whether it's um support some kind of a community program, if we can um feed some um homeless. I I don't know. But to close for three days doesn't punish me. It punishes my 13 people who

512
02:26:03.760 --> 02:26:20.640
show up to, you know, every day to make make a living. So that's my, you know, ask of you. Is there something else to do versus a three-day suspension? But I take full accountability and I apologize to the community and to this council for

513
02:26:20.640 --> 02:26:37.920
that happening. I just I felt like I needed to show up and put a face to a name that this was important to us and we care about this. And I'm sorry uh Chief um you know our people that come into Boes, if you've ever been there, are not the bar hopper scene. So, it's

514
02:26:37.920 --> 02:26:53.600
kind of when two adults come in with somebody that would probably be um not necessarily underage and they order with two adults sitting there. I think she just didn't see but we take accountability. So, that's my ask of the

515
02:26:53.600 --> 02:27:10.960
council. So, thank you. >> Yeah. Thanks, Lindsay. Um for our city attorney, what uh what's our flexibility here as a council? What are what are our options? We have a staff recommendation based upon the

516
02:27:10.960 --> 02:27:27.600
the penalty matrix that we have. What um what kind of flexibility we have so we can understand that as we have this conversation. >> Well, mayor, I don't think these are required by state statute, but I think they are required by city ordinance. So,

517
02:27:27.600 --> 02:27:42.160
uh you have flexibility to vary from the ordinance. wouldn't be a violation of state law, but it is I I think technically required by the ordinance. >> And for clarification, it is not closure of the restaurant. It is to not sell

518
02:27:42.160 --> 02:27:59.600
alcohol for 3 days. >> Yeah, thanks for that clarification, manager Neil. >> Yeah, I I would just add, your honor and council, that this the penalty matrix is we developed as a as a council and staff. We have used that same penalty matrix. uh we don't have very many of

519
02:27:59.600 --> 02:28:15.760
these but when we have uh this is what we use and we haven't really varied from it >> and I would say too to be fair because there was another um establishment owner who also wanted to come and address the council tonight um it was his first

520
02:28:15.760 --> 02:28:33.359
violation and so to be fair I would suggest that you stick to the three days rather than deviating from that for one um establishment owner sorry Lindsay How do how you know council member Jackson raised a point that they're

521
02:28:33.359 --> 02:28:48.880
closed on Monday. So what's the effectiveness of that if we chose a day that they were closed coupled with the I guess the original recommendation was to have them closed the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th.

522
02:28:48.880 --> 02:29:07.359
They can't sell liquor on the 22nd because they're not open anyway. Just wondering about the council's views on on that three-day period on on what what we think we should be doing there in terms of suspending their ability to sell liquor during a 3-day period. Could

523
02:29:07.359 --> 02:29:23.280
it potentially include that day when they're not open anyway? or uh would we want to make sure that uh we followed the matrix to the letter of the law and had it be a situation where they couldn't sell liquor for um 3 days during the period of time that they're

524
02:29:23.280 --> 02:29:40.479
open? Anybody have thoughts on that? >> Um Mr. Mayor, can we clarify did we open the public hearing or not? Are we going to just talk about it and then have the public hearing? >> Yeah, it is a public hearing. Um, but I just wanted to get people's thoughts preliminarily on that issue before we

525
02:29:40.479 --> 02:29:55.920
provide for more testimony. >> Okay. Yeah. Um, I remember the last time we had one of these was when I was first elected and it was a very difficult decision, but we did stick with um the full penalty and I think um

526
02:29:55.920 --> 02:30:11.200
I remember being very uncomfortable with that, but I think that if I voted for it, then I should vote for the full penalty. Now, >> let's um we had some preliminary thoughts there. Let's uh remind people this is a public hearing and if there's anyone else in the audience who wishes

527
02:30:11.200 --> 02:30:29.760
to testify regarding this matter, uh you may come forward now. Okay. Do you have anybody online? >> I don't have anyone online, but because um there is a slight delay in the broadcast, I would recommend we wait about a minute before moving on. My

528
02:30:29.760 --> 02:31:44.720
clock shows that it's 9:32. So, I will come back to you at 9:33 or when I have a caller, whichever's first It is now 9:33 and I still don't have a caller. So I think it's safe for you to move forward. >> Okay. One more opportunity for anybody in the audience who wishes to testify in

529
02:31:44.720 --> 02:32:00.800
this matter. This is a public hearing. It's open for public testimony. You're welcome to come forward. I see no one coming forward. Is there a motion to close the public hearing in this matter? >> So moved. I second. >> Jackson moves uh council member Agnu

530
02:32:00.800 --> 02:32:16.000
seconds a motion to close the public hearing in this matter. Let's go back to a discussion on the penalty matrix and what we're what our council members are thinking about in terms of the three three-day recommendation. And I take it uh clerk Allison uh taking into account

531
02:32:16.000 --> 02:32:30.800
the fact that they're closed on Monday, you would probably move your recommendation days to the 23rd, 24th, and 25th. >> Agreed, Mr. Mayor. >> Which would be a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. >> Correct. >> Plus the $1,000 penalty.

532
02:32:30.800 --> 02:32:46.560
>> Okay. Mayor, if I could just supplement my answer to your previous question as well. The ordinance section in question does say that the council does have discretion to deviate, but if it chooses to deviate from those standards, the council shall provide written findings support supporting the penalties

533
02:32:46.560 --> 02:33:02.000
selected. So, you'd have to find extenduating circumstances and then produce written findings outlining what those were. Oh, I think that's a that's a conversation we had at the last one that we were involved in is that >> there may have been some extenduating

534
02:33:02.000 --> 02:33:17.680
circumstances that caused us to alter. I I just don't remember whether we did or we didn't. >> Okay. >> Okay. And it didn't sound like there were any extenduating circumstances here. Um Okay. Is there a motion to approve uh

535
02:33:17.680 --> 02:33:35.359
the uh 3-day liquor liquor license suspension uh of Boj's liquor license for the dates June 23rd, 24th, and 25th and imposing a $1,000 fine for their second liquor license uh violation within the past 24 months.

536
02:33:35.359 --> 02:33:49.920
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Council member Jackson moves. Council member Pierce seconds the motion as stated. Uh any fur further discussion? All those in favor of approving the 3-day liquor license suspension for BoJS

537
02:33:49.920 --> 02:34:06.640
for the period June 23, 24th, and 25th and the imposition of a $1,000 fine for their second liquor license offense within the past 24 months say I. >> I opposed, carried. Um, yeah, sorry this

538
02:34:06.640 --> 02:34:22.479
had to happen and it didn't feel good any which way. So, thanks for being here. Thanks for sticking it out through a long evening of uh unexpected testimony about bicycles and parking, those kinds of things. You got uh you

539
02:34:22.479 --> 02:34:39.520
did get an education that you probably hadn't planned on. So, um yeah, I think I'd say stick with that training. You know, people can make mistakes, but uh you got to keep with that training all the time. I think that's where our folks have had the best success.

540
02:34:39.520 --> 02:34:54.640
All right. Thanks for being here tonight. and uh appreciate you coming to tell your side of the story. >> Wanted you guys to see that I took this seriously. >> Yeah. >> And and I think we all recognize that. >> There's a lot of empathy up here for you.

541
02:34:54.640 --> 02:35:13.600
>> I get it. So, >> come the days that we're open. >> Yeah. >> All right. The second uh public hearing matter we have in this matter this evening is um potential amendment to the parking requirements for 50th and France and Addison Lewis, our community

542
02:35:13.600 --> 02:35:32.240
development coordinator, has the matter. All right. Good evening, mayor and council. Um yep, we're here tonight to discuss the proposed ordinance amendment to the parking regulations at 50th and France. So section 3612 of the Dina zoning ordinance allows commercial property owners at 50th and France to

543
02:35:32.240 --> 02:35:48.319
rely on the public parking ramps to satisfy their parking requirement up to a floor area ratio of one. Buildings that exceed a floor area ratio of one have to provide additional parking for the square footage that exceeds the floor area ratio of one. Um so this requirement was put in place back in

544
02:35:48.319 --> 02:36:04.880
1978 as a way to share the public parking uh in a way that was fair amongst the property owners in the district. Um, last fall, you probably remember there was a variance required from this provision that was requested um for a property at 5036 France Avenue

545
02:36:04.880 --> 02:36:20.399
uh to allow F up to 1.2 without providing additional parking. And that variance was strongly supported by the community, including the businesses at 50th and France. And as a result, council directed staff to take a look at this ordinance um and see if it was

546
02:36:20.399 --> 02:36:36.720
something that we um could amend so that other property owners in the district would have the same opportunity. So staff analyzed the parking usage for the three ramps and the potential for redevelopment within the district. Um and based on that, we're recommending that the amount of F allowed before

547
02:36:36.720 --> 02:36:53.600
additional parking is required be increased from one to 1.25. Um the rationale for that is in the report. I won't uh go over it, but happy to answer any questions on it. Um, so this proposed change would have negated the need for that variance for um the

548
02:36:53.600 --> 02:37:10.240
Americana restaurant. Um, and hopefully this would allow other property owners to do similar modest expansions at 50th in France. Um, as far as outreach for this change, I did meet with the executive director of the 50th and France business association. Um, she was supportive and and also had

549
02:37:10.240 --> 02:37:26.160
communication with some of the property owners and businesses. Um, we also sent letters to all the property owners in the district. Um, I did not get a lot of comments. We had no comments on better together. We had no comments at the public hearing. So, not the most exciting change. Um, the planning

550
02:37:26.160 --> 02:37:41.200
commission took up this item at their April 29th meeting and um the vote was 8 to zero to recommend approval of the ordinance as proposed. So, um, with that, I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. >> Yeah. Very good. Thank you for that. Uh,

551
02:37:41.200 --> 02:37:57.120
any questions for Mr. Lewis. Yes. Council member, go ahead. >> Actually, this isn't a question, it's a comment. And one of the things that I remember, you gave one of the best analyses of the situation, including

552
02:37:57.120 --> 02:38:13.760
information from the Minnesota League of Cities and made the recommendation that we not grant the variance because this was in conflict with state statute. And I just want to acknowledge that. Um, I was, it did pass, but I was the lone no

553
02:38:13.760 --> 02:38:29.760
vote. But I I do think this makes sense to change the ordinance, but it still is nonsensical to me to grant a variance and then change the ordinance later. And so I hope this is not something that

554
02:38:29.760 --> 02:38:46.080
ends up being repeated. And again, I want to say thank you for the analysis that you did at that meeting. Thank you for that comment. Um, this is a public hearing matter. Is there I'm going to open it up now for public testimony. Is there anyone in the

555
02:38:46.080 --> 02:39:03.520
audience who wishes to testify regarding this matter? >> All right. Director Benerrod has got the call-in now information up on the screen. >> I do have the call-in information up on screen, but I do not have any callers. >> Okay. >> So, I must ask you to have another long

556
02:39:03.520 --> 02:40:05.680
minute. >> Sure. U my clock shows that it's 9:40. I'll come back to you at 9:41 or when I have a caller, whichever is first. >> Very good. It >> is now 9:41 and I still don't have a caller, so I think it's safe for you to

557
02:40:05.680 --> 02:40:21.520
move forward with this item. >> All right. Very good. Um, is there a motion to close the public hearing in this matter? >> So moved. >> Member Jackson moves. Member Pier seconds the closing of the public hearing in this matter. Uh any further discussion on that issue? All those in

558
02:40:21.520 --> 02:40:38.319
favor of closing the public hearing say I. >> I. >> I. Opposed. Carried. Public hearing is closed. Uh staff is recommending that we approve the change in ordinance 20260 amending it regarding the parking requirements for the 50th and France district. granting first reading and

559
02:40:38.319 --> 02:40:54.399
waving second reading. Uh in the in the form described where we would change the uh parking ramp floor ratio requirements from 1.0 to 1.25, we'd raise uh the ability there to uh for res for

560
02:40:54.399 --> 02:41:10.720
commercial businesses to have more parking in the ramps. Any further discussion on the Is there a motion to that effect? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay, we got a motion by member Jackson. Motion by me, a second by member Pierce to amend uh ordinance 2026-09

561
02:41:10.720 --> 02:41:27.280
as described by staff regarding the parking requirements for the 50th and France district grant first reading and wave second reading. Any further discussion? >> Yeah, real briefly. >> Yes. >> I just want to say thank you Mr. Lewis for this. This is a really good analysis. I appreciate it and I think that it'll be good for 50th in France.

562
02:41:27.280 --> 02:41:43.760
So I >> think we've seen a lot of your good work tonight work session in here. So yeah, thank you member Jackson and member Erser for pointing that out. Uh any further discussion? All those in favor of approval of the motion as stated say I. >> I. >> I. Opposed carried.

563
02:41:43.760 --> 02:42:02.720
>> Uh ordinance 202609 is amended as requested by staff. All right. Um next is a resolution accepting donations. Is there a motion to adopt resolution 2026-36?

564
02:42:02.720 --> 02:42:18.000
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Member Jackson moves. Member Pierce seconds the adoption of resolution 2026-3636 which accepts donations on behalf of the city of Edina. Uh any further discussion on that motion. All those in favor of

565
02:42:18.000 --> 02:42:34.720
adopting resolution 2026-36 accepting donations on behalf of the city of Adana say I. >> I. >> I. Opposed carried. Uh that resolution is adopted. Some very generous donations this particular period reporting period.

566
02:42:34.720 --> 02:42:52.080
Park and wreck uh Donna Hips uh two bench donations a total of $6,400. Very generous. Denny Scholstead uh Centennial Park, $5,000 down there. Um Denny is just a a relentless supporter of the

567
02:42:52.080 --> 02:43:10.560
city of Vidana and sculpture work and other things. Thank you, General Scholad. U police department, first responders fund, um a lot of uh it's almost

568
02:43:10.560 --> 02:43:26.880
a significant amount of money. I don't want to add it up real quick here, but uh a lot of first responders fund money coming in from active K9 uh you know for retired K9 expenses, equipment expenses, uh a series of expenses that were being covered here.

569
02:43:26.880 --> 02:43:43.120
>> The total is about $55,000. So that's that's a very generous donation from the first responders fund. Thank you for that. And those names uh will be posted on the city website. Mr. Mayor, >> right away. Yes.

570
02:43:43.120 --> 02:43:57.840
>> I do want to point out the um TCO officer wellness expense. Um so the police department is partnering with TCO. Um Mike Goldstein, the former uh chief of police in Plymouth, began this

571
02:43:57.840 --> 02:44:15.439
program and then TCO bought it out. Um police officers face a very different set of health uh risks because they go into so many stressful situations on and off and on and off. very hard on physically. And so this is a system that's designed specifically for the

572
02:44:15.439 --> 02:44:31.439
specific stresses that police officers face. And I'm really proud that we're offering this program um to our officers so that they can live long, happy, healthy lives. And uh and it's it's a special thing that we've started just this I we started Yeah. this year. So um

573
02:44:31.439 --> 02:44:46.800
it's a good deal. >> Thanks for that observation and thanks for serving on that fund. >> Oh, you're welcome. the old crime fund. It has a >> Yeah. >> a lot more appropriate name now, I think. The first responders fund. >> Yeah. >> All right. Um, next we have the annual comprehensive

574
02:44:46.800 --> 02:45:02.319
financial report for the city of Edina for the year ended December 31, 2025. We've got Nelly Chick Brewer, our assistant finance director here to introduce the topic. And we've got Andy Grace here from Beacon KBD KDV

575
02:45:02.319 --> 02:45:17.760
uh who is our auditor auditing firm to present the uh matter to us. And here come all the materials and have written form. >> I I think you already did the introduction for me. >> Yeah. >> Good evening, Mr. Mayor and city council

576
02:45:17.760 --> 02:45:34.720
member. Um, as part of our con commitment to transparency and stewardship for our public funds, we engage an independent auditor to review our financials as of the end of the fiscal year 2025. Tonight we have Andy

577
02:45:34.720 --> 02:45:51.120
from um Bergen KDV who conducted this in accordance with the government audit um auditing standards. He's going to go through the audit today and if you have any questions at the end, we'll be here to answer those for you. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Chick Brewer.

578
02:45:51.120 --> 02:46:05.920
Mr. Grace, welcome. Right. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor, members of city council for having me here tonight. Um, in front of you, you do have um the annual comprehensive financial report and included in that financial statement is our independent auditor's report that I wanted to highlight with you. Uh, that

579
02:46:05.920 --> 02:46:22.319
report highlights um our role as your auditor as well as the role of management and that these financial statements are management's responsibility. It's our role as your auditor to provide an opinion on those financial statements or assurance on those financial statements as to whether we believe uh the numbers and disclosures to be fairly stated in all

580
02:46:22.319 --> 02:46:38.080
material respects. Uh and happy to pres uh um present that we are providing a clean or an unmodified opinion which is the best that we can give as your auditor. Uh we do have some other um reports as well. One being our report on government auditing standards. Um that

581
02:46:38.080 --> 02:46:53.200
report talks about our consideration of um internal control over financial reporting and that highlights there that uh we do not provide any assurance or opinion as to whether the internal controls are appropriately designed or effective but rather that we do um provide in writing any significant

582
02:46:53.200 --> 02:47:09.439
deficiencies or material weaknesses that come to our attention as part of that process. And we had one uh material weakness to note this year related to a prior period restatement. Uh the last report I wanted to highlight here is our uh report on Minnesota legal compliance. That report um highlights how we

583
02:47:09.439 --> 02:47:25.520
consider the state auditor's office legal compliance guys been per when performing our audit. Again, we don't provide any opinion or assurances to compliance with those statutes. Rather uh anything that comes to our attention in terms of non-compliance, we are required to report and we did note uh one finding there related to payments

584
02:47:25.520 --> 02:47:42.240
made outside the standard payment period. Uh the next part of the reporting that I wanted to highlight is our communications letter that includes all required communication in accordance with audit standards but also highlights uh some financial trends and analysis that we have for you here tonight. Uh the first chart that we have is uh

585
02:47:42.240 --> 02:47:57.760
highlighting the general fund revenues, expenditures as well as the unrestricted fund balance. As you can see here in the trends in the in the bar uh in the bar graphs here that you do see increases in both revenues and expenditures in each of the years presented. Um, and as a

586
02:47:57.760 --> 02:48:14.479
result, um, we do, uh, with revenues exceeding expenditures, we did see an increase in that unrestricted fund balance going from 30, uh,.7 million to about $35.7 million here for 2025. The next chart highlights the um, ratio

587
02:48:14.479 --> 02:48:31.680
of the uh, assigned and unassigned fund balance compared to the subsequent years um, annual expenditures. And here for 2025, we use the uh budgeted expenditures for 2026. And and this is important just to highlight the financial health of the city. The state auditor's offices uh office recommends a

588
02:48:31.680 --> 02:48:47.040
minimum unrestricted fund balance in the general fund between 35 and 50% of expenditures and that helps to provide for CA cash flow in terms of timing of property tax receipts uh for emergencies. you know, any revenue shortfalls important in terms of stability when it comes to um bond

589
02:48:47.040 --> 02:49:02.880
raers, you know, looking at financial health and the city has consistently been within those uh parameters recommended by the state auditor's office. And then the city also has a policy in place to maintain a minimum between 42 and 47% of of property tax revenue and the city is is also in

590
02:49:02.880 --> 02:49:18.319
compliance with that policy. Um same information here just in bar graph format. But then moving on to the next chart, it highlights general fund revenues here over the last 5 years. Uh here in 2025, we did see about a 6% increase in revenue in the general fund

591
02:49:18.319 --> 02:49:35.040
or about uh about $3.9 million. The majority of the increase uh that occurred here in 2025 occurred in the property tax uh category with an increase in levy. Then we also saw about an $859,000 increase in uh permits and licenses with an increase in uh building permit

592
02:49:35.040 --> 02:49:50.560
activity as well as rental licenses. But those are the main drivers in the increase here for 2025. Uh the next chart highlights expenditures. Again, seeing increases each of the years presented. There was about a 5% increase in expenditures here for 2025. Uh we did see that public

593
02:49:50.560 --> 02:50:06.720
safety had the largest increase of about $3 million or about 10% uh increase there and that was related to uh filling some open positions there as well as increases in salaries. Uh general government actually decreased about $948,000. There was some grant activity occurring

594
02:50:06.720 --> 02:50:23.200
in that uh area uh back in 2024 as well as some specific consulting projects. And then park and recreation increased about $75,000 with adding uh a couple new positions there. And the other categories were uh fairly consistent with the prior year.

595
02:50:23.200 --> 02:50:39.279
The next chart highlights the budget to actual results here for 2025. Uh the budget called for $64.5 million in revenue, about $65.3 million in expenditures, and after uh other financing uh uses anticipated a decline in fund balance of about a million

596
02:50:39.279 --> 02:50:55.520
dollars. Actual revenues came in at $673 million, so about 4% better than anticipated. Uh there was one area that was less than anticipated, and that was in that property tax category. That was due to less franchise taxes than anticipated as well as um delinquent

597
02:50:55.520 --> 02:51:10.640
payments. uh and the other areas did see excess of of budgeted amounts and really due to conservative budgeting and better investment income than anticipated as well as higher um activity in both licenses and permits and charges for services. Uh on the expenditure side,

598
02:51:10.640 --> 02:51:27.920
expenditures came in at $62.1 million. That was about 5% less than anticipated. Uh all categories came in less than budget. Um and most of that had to do with just vacancies uh and being conservative for increasing cost. public works had the largest variance coming in under budget by about 11.8% just based

599
02:51:27.920 --> 02:51:44.640
on timing of projects and again conservative budgeting for those increasing uh increasing costs and as a result we did see an increase in overall fund balance of about $5 million here for 2025. Uh the next chart starts our um look at the city's enterprise funds and these

600
02:51:44.640 --> 02:52:00.479
present a bit differently in that these are full acral business type activities. So it gives you a full picture in terms of whether the fees that are being charged for these services are sufficient to covering the operating expenses of providing those services. The first one that we have here tonight is a look at the utility operations here

601
02:52:00.479 --> 02:52:16.479
over the last 5 years. This includes the water utility, sewer, storm, recycling. Uh this fund continues to see uh surpluses did uh provide a surplus this year of about $10.8 million. We also include uh the results in the surplus excluding depreciation since that's a

602
02:52:16.479 --> 02:52:34.160
non-cash uh operating expense. Uh just to give a better indication in terms of cash flow in this fund. Uh and that was a positive $17.2 million. Uh and as a result of those uh continuous surpluses over the years, we do continue to see an increase in cash and investment balances as well as unrestricted net position.

603
02:52:34.160 --> 02:52:51.200
Here in 2025, you will see that the cash and investment balance exceeds unrestricted net position which is uh um uh not the case in the previous four years and that was due to a bond issuance for capital activity and there are some unspent bond proceeds in that fund at the end of the year in 2025.

604
02:52:51.200 --> 02:53:06.720
The next fund that we have to highlight is the aquatic center operations. Uh this fund did experience an operating deficit uh and that uh occurred in each of the years presented. uh was the most significant back in 2024. That was a deficit of $317,000,

605
02:53:06.720 --> 02:53:23.359
but there were some additional repair uh and and repainting needs uh back in that period. And so we did see that improve here in 2025, excluding depreciation. Uh still had a negative there of about $37,000. Uh with the current year operations, we did see uh a slight increase in

606
02:53:23.359 --> 02:53:38.800
unrestricted net position and a decrease in overall cash and investment balances in this fund. The next fund is the golf course fund. This fund did experience uh an increase in operating income. It's actually at the highest point in the years presented with an expanded de uh a continued

607
02:53:38.800 --> 02:53:53.920
demand in this area. Uh and as a result um again continuing to see those surpluses and with the impact in terms of cash and investment balances as well as unrestricted net position seeing that continue to increase here in 2025 to a high point in unrestricted net position

608
02:53:53.920 --> 02:54:10.160
at about $2.1 million. The next fund to highlight here is the arena operations. Uh this fund uh was fairly flat uh between the two year uh between 2024 and 2025 in terms of operating revenues. Uh there can be some variance from year to year again just kind of based on repair and maintenance

609
02:54:10.160 --> 02:54:26.000
needs and there were some additional needs here in 2025 which caused that uh continued to see a loss here for 20 uh for for the current year. And when taking a look at the cash and investment balances as well as the unrestricted net position, uh continuing to see that decline or that trend continue to go

610
02:54:26.000 --> 02:54:41.600
down. Um one thing just to mention in terms of this fund is that unrestricted net position number is a full acral number. So that includes the pension liability, the um uh oped liability which the city doesn't expect to ever write a check for. So uh just something to be aware of in terms of kind of how

611
02:54:41.600 --> 02:54:57.840
you look at financial health in these enterprise funds. Uh the next fund to take a look at or the last enterprise fund to take a look at is the liquor operations. You can see this trend line uh as well in terms of the sales and operating revenue uh coming down each of the last uh uh each

612
02:54:57.840 --> 02:55:14.479
of the last four years here uh to a low point here in 2025. And as a result we see a decrease in cost of sales also a decrease in gross profit and that goes along uh the uh overall market trends just in you know in terms of a decrease in overall alcohol consumption but the uh gross profit uh percentage has

613
02:55:14.479 --> 02:55:31.359
remained uh basically the same at about 33%. Uh so continuing to kind of have that same uh profitability. Um just also kind of to look at some comparative data just in terms of how the city compares to other similar uh metro uh liquor operations and can and

614
02:55:31.359 --> 02:55:46.720
continues to be a strong performer in comparison to those um uh comparable markets there. Uh lastly, just wanted to highlight the overall financial position in the liquor fund. Uh that that continues to decline and so even though we see uh surpluses in the liquor fund,

615
02:55:46.720 --> 02:56:03.120
this fund also helps to subsidize through transfers out to other funds. uh and so uh uh those draws have exceeded uh the uh inflows within uh to this fund. So just kind of to be aware of in terms of what those available resources are going forward. We also have some comparability on per

616
02:56:03.120 --> 02:56:19.359
capita trends. Um intergovernmental revenues did increase significantly in in this data just with an increase in um street funding. Uh but um basically the overall increase in in revenues and expenditures exceed the um u rate of the increase in terms of the overall population. So you're seeing increases

617
02:56:19.359 --> 02:56:35.520
in that data. And then also highlighting the tax capacity certified tax levy and city tax rate. Uh there was an increase in the um tax levy increasing from 54.2 million to about 58.8 million. That increased at a greater rate than the tax capacity which is tied to market value.

618
02:56:35.520 --> 02:56:51.439
So did see a slight increase uh in that tax capacity rate but has remained fairly flat over the last 5 years between 28 and 30%. Uh last chart that we have to highlight is just the overall debt uh service maturities uh preventing um presenting

619
02:56:51.439 --> 02:57:06.960
the next five years as well as five-year increments uh subsequent to that fifth year. There was a new couple new bond issuances this year. So you do see those coming online, but that does highlight uh what those debt obligations look like over uh those maturity terms. And uh

620
02:57:06.960 --> 02:57:22.800
again that you know thank we wanted to thank the city the finance staff for having uh us again here this year uh being so cooperative throughout the audit process. We very much appreciate it. And next just like to open it up for any questions. >> Yeah that was a very good report. Thank you Mr. Grace. Um any observations you

621
02:57:22.800 --> 02:57:39.200
want to make about some of the other um letters or reports that you made? U you made some at the beginning but uh anything that was raising alarm bells or causing you concern? No, no, no other things to note there. >> Okay. All right. I know the past few

622
02:57:39.200 --> 02:57:55.520
years, in fact quite a few years ago, we've been getting an award for our fiscal responsibility and excellence, and I'm assuming that that's continuing, but manager Neil, anything you wanted to add to this? No, this was I mean this is an interesting period in Nadina's history with with receiving federal

623
02:57:55.520 --> 02:58:12.160
funds like we have for a few years and now having that kind of leave our leave our finances is is unusual for us that we don't didn't have a lot of history of that in the beginning and we probably aren't going to have much of a future like that in going forward but I appreciate the work of the of the firm

624
02:58:12.160 --> 02:58:27.040
and u happy to answer any questions too. Yeah, I think you do a very thorough job. I think, you know, in in the in the auditing world, I think we're really pleased with the outcome. I know you visit with us periodically as well, uh,

625
02:58:27.040 --> 02:58:45.200
as council members. So, we appreciate you taking our input as well. Uh, anybody have any questions for Mr. Grace or for manager Neil? I have a a few comments and I appreciate all the work that went into this. um reading through it um throughout 2025 I

626
02:58:45.200 --> 02:59:00.479
did have some concerns about issues and those were not in the report and um so for me this is a little bit challenging and I'm specifically concerned with tiff expenditures and spark money which is

627
02:59:00.479 --> 02:59:18.160
unspent tiff and so I've been sort of going to the state auditor site to see when the 2025 report will be and it's not going to be out there for a while But we kicked off 2025 approving 4.86 86 million in spark for

628
02:59:18.160 --> 02:59:37.040
an existing tiff district and it was for the second phase of the tiff district that was supposed to get 1.5 million of tiff and we've been told that it's in lie of tiff but the amount is greater than what was supposed to go to it and

629
02:59:37.040 --> 02:59:54.479
um the money was to support 15 affordable dwelling units in an apartment complex Um, I've asked repeatedly for the size of the units because I'm concerned that they could be naturally occurring affordable housing. Uh, because they are

630
02:59:54.479 --> 03:00:11.200
primarily single units and some of them are El Cove units and um 4.86 million is a lot of money. So for me that doesn't compute. I'm also concerned about um you know I really did appreciate how in your

631
03:00:11.200 --> 03:00:27.120
report you talk about separate entities and I'm concerned about the HRA and the general fund and I do understand the language that was in the report about how there needs to be you know there is some overlap

632
03:00:27.120 --> 03:00:45.520
because we handle the financing and and all of that but um and I did ask um for some images to be made available. uh it's not just that we have staff who are responsible for the HR financing and

633
03:00:45.520 --> 03:01:04.479
need to be engaged but we are having dialogue and we had three meetings where there were members of a lot of different departments who were there at the H meeting and because it is the exact same body that makes up city council and HR

634
03:01:04.479 --> 03:01:20.960
you can be in a meeting that's an H meeting, but it feels as if you're being um engaged as a city council person. And so this is just the first of the third and it was a series of presentations. This was the one that caught my eye and

635
03:01:20.960 --> 03:01:37.760
this appeared in every single one of the presentations and it's the budgets values and pillars. The third line um guides for city budgeting decisions. Affordable housing is the primary item within budget goal for a livable city. Yet there are no general funds allocated

636
03:01:37.760 --> 03:01:55.680
to this effort. And so this is sort of implying in an HA meeting that we should be providing general funds for affordable housing which might at my level to me that seems problematic. And

637
03:01:55.680 --> 03:02:12.240
so all of this and I do have one final image um I think or numbers. Yeah, these are all of the people. So, it's not it's not just financial analysts, but all of the people who are participating

638
03:02:12.240 --> 03:02:30.560
who are funded by the general fund. And part of this is me really feeling protective of the general fund and we keep raising the levy, but that does have an impact on Edina residents who

639
03:02:30.560 --> 03:02:47.920
are not six figure income earners and u which brings me to another use of tiff which I think it'd be wonderful to have this as a private source of funding but in a way we've managed to decouple um TIFF financing from economic development

640
03:02:47.920 --> 03:03:04.880
because we've started this program, the Heroes program, which was $1 million of unspent tiff and that is given to people who are in certain pos professions in Edina and wish to move to Edina. They can have an individual can earn up to

641
03:03:04.880 --> 03:03:20.720
$106,000 a year. Um and this can be used to purchase a home valued at $600,000. um or less, but it's an existing home. So, it's not and I understand that down payment assistance is something tiff can

642
03:03:20.720 --> 03:03:37.840
be given to, but it's not something that encourages economic development because it's existing housing. And so all of this is a long winded way of me saying it's hard for me to um vote for accepting this and I I just

643
03:03:37.840 --> 03:03:54.080
I feel like I don't have enough information and you provided a lot of information but the questions that I had >> were not addressed in this document. >> Sure. >> So I I do want to appreciate your work though. >> Why don't we go back to the more fundamental question of what your role is as an auditor?

644
03:03:54.080 --> 03:04:10.240
>> Sure. I I was actually get to that. So in terms of our ind our independent auditors report that's the only I guess piece that we're responsible for is those three pages you know in in that report and it is limited to a snapshot at the end of the year. So at December

645
03:04:10.240 --> 03:04:26.560
31st in terms of all the you know cash balances all the receivable balances capital assets liabilities are those presented correctly at that specific point in time and for all the transactions that did occur in terms of receipts payroll dispersements did those

646
03:04:26.560 --> 03:04:42.800
get accounted for a pro properly in terms of the debits and credits throughout the year not necessarily were those dispersements um in compliance with certain requirements or were they made consistent with management assertions Those would be more questions that should be geared towards management

647
03:04:42.800 --> 03:05:00.880
>> and I do understand that. Sure. >> I'm just saying for me it's really hard. >> Sure. >> So, thank you so much. >> Can I add something else to you? So, you mentioned the TI >> Go ahead. >> Yeah. So, you mentioned the TIF districts. Um, I just want to share up

648
03:05:00.880 --> 03:05:18.560
here that the OSA, the Office State of Auditors, they have a TIFF reporting that we are currently working through now that the audit has been finalized and is with you for approval tonight. That one is due to this date um on August 1st. And so once that is

649
03:05:18.560 --> 03:05:35.920
submitted, you'll see it on the website uh where where you see all the other OSA uh reports as well. >> Thank you for that. Council member Jackson. >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So, is your

650
03:05:35.920 --> 03:05:52.319
function um in doing this audit the same as the state auditor would have done if we hadn't hired you? Um or do you is it is does a state auditor do a different job than what what your firm did for us this evening? um the state auditor just had that can

651
03:05:52.319 --> 03:06:10.000
provide a similar service but um it's um it can vary depending on what the the type of engagement that it is. So in terms of it's a performance type you know um compliance type evaluations ours is strictly a financial statement audit. Okay, great. Thank you very much.

652
03:06:10.000 --> 03:06:26.160
>> And I'm going to add on just to what Andy said too, we do also in in addition to the TIFF reporting that we do for the state auditors, we also submit all these financial numbers on behalf of the city of Adina to the state auditor where they evaluate through their lens of auditing

653
03:06:26.160 --> 03:06:44.479
as well. these decisions that the council makes about how to spend tiff money or spark money, the state auditor is looking at all of that because you're filing those reports. >> They look at the spendown of it and what we do with it um with all the different

654
03:06:44.479 --> 03:07:04.279
tiff districts >> and and just to highlight too there there's many tiff district funds and they all roll up into one fund in terms of what opinion unit we're looking at. So we look at it in the aggregate. We don't look at and give an opinion on the individual pieces.

655
03:07:04.880 --> 03:07:23.840
>> All right. Anybody have anything else? Mr. Grace, um the provision of the annual comprehensive financial report requires some action on our part and that is to receive the annual comprehensive report

656
03:07:23.840 --> 03:07:40.240
called the ACFR. Is there a motion to receive the 2025 annual? You're not approving it. You're just receiving it. The motion to receive the 2025 annual comprehensive report, the ACFR. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Jackson moves. Member Pierce seconds the

657
03:07:40.240 --> 03:07:56.800
motion to receive the 2025 annual comprehensive report, the ACFR. Is there any further discussion on this matter? All those in favor of accepting or receiving the 2025 annual comprehensive report, the ACFR, say I. >> I. >> I.

658
03:07:56.800 --> 03:08:13.479
>> Those opposed, those abstaining, >> abstain. >> Motion's approved on a 4-1 vote. >> Four approving, one abstaining. Thanks for being here, Mr. Grace.

659
03:08:13.920 --> 03:08:29.439
And now we've got some general obligation bonds uh to talk about and Nick Anut has joined us this evening to talk about how those sales went today in a couple of different categories. One was a general obligation bond sale

660
03:08:29.439 --> 03:08:46.880
and one was a sales tax revenue bond sale. >> Yes. Thank you, mayor, members of the council. Nick Anne Hut with Ellers and Associates. Um, so last month, at the beginning of the month, the council set the wheels in motion by authorizing establishing a a bond sale date uh for

661
03:08:46.880 --> 03:09:02.960
funding various projects that are ongoing within the city. Uh, these are two separate uh bond issues. Uh, the first one is one you're you're pretty familiar with on an annual basis, funding uh various street reconstruction projects as well as utility improvements that are that are part of your capital

662
03:09:02.960 --> 03:09:19.920
improvement plan and are ongoing. Um, 3.2 2 million of that amount is uh for various street reconstruction expenses that are going to be repaid exclusively from special assessment revenue that the city receives um from its uh PI fund uh

663
03:09:19.920 --> 03:09:35.279
through the construction fund and then 6 million of that amount uh is to go towards water, sewer and storm water capital needs uh that are part of your CIP for this year. Those also will be repaid exclusively from fund revenues

664
03:09:35.279 --> 03:09:51.680
from those three different uh activities. Uh so no levy component associated with that. The B series of bonds is going to be repaid from the sales tax that was authorized uh from uh special legislation as well as the voters a few years ago u for ongoing

665
03:09:51.680 --> 03:10:07.840
expenses related to the Fred Richards and Braar Parks projects that are that are ongoing here in the city. Um that was a separate issuance. It is a general obligation bond, but it is separate because it's a taxable financing because there are some uh private use that's happening within the Braar Arena. Some

666
03:10:07.840 --> 03:10:23.279
certain uh users that have uh access to the facility and can use them and have for a number of years. Um and then there's also uh been some discussion about maybe exploring naming rights and some other revenue sources to support that fund in the future. And so having a

667
03:10:23.279 --> 03:10:39.120
taxable bond will basically allow for those discussions to continue. If we had a tax exempt bond, um the city might have been procluded from from some of those activities. So that's the main difference between the two. They're both general obligations supported. Um one

668
03:10:39.120 --> 03:10:56.000
from the assessments and utility funds and the other to be paid by the sales tax that is being collected. Um since the time of that authorization, uh we have gone through a couple processes to verify the project funding amounts, make sure they're right sized appropriately. Um, we also had

669
03:10:56.000 --> 03:11:10.880
discussions with Dorsey about the taxability on the the sales tax bonds and prepared some offering documents that got circulated on behalf of the city out to the marketplace uh for the bids that are going to be presented tonight. Uh, with staff's leadership, we also had discussions with credit rating

670
03:11:10.880 --> 03:11:26.880
agencies. So, these are uh like the auditor, they're independent kind of third party uh providing an opinion of the creditworthiness of the city, how how likely uh the city is going to make good on repaying its debts. And so I'm glad to say um perhaps no surprise but

671
03:11:26.880 --> 03:11:44.000
they have affirmed the AAA ratings that the city has maintained for a number of years. AAA being the highest credit rating that is conferred on municipalities on um corporations and their their debt issuance as well as uh even sovereign like the United States.

672
03:11:44.000 --> 03:12:00.640
Um so this is the highest possible rating that could be achieved and is and is something that is going to help translate into some of the results that we'll discuss here tonight. the A series of bonds for the street and utility. Uh we had five different bids on those bonds uh with the low bid

673
03:12:00.640 --> 03:12:15.920
coming from TD Financial Products. They formerly TD Securities. Um so their uh underwriting desk uh won this transaction uh with the 3.23 indicated interest rate. Um the other

674
03:12:15.920 --> 03:12:31.600
four bids you can see are very tightly uh grouped. uh only 06 percentage points difference in the in interest rate assigned amongst all five of those bids. Uh very tight uh cohesive group. Um the

675
03:12:31.600 --> 03:12:47.359
B series bonds, the sales tax bonds. Now I just recall these are taxable, right? So we expect to have a higher interest expense associated with that because they don't have the benefit of the tax exemption. Um but these were actually great results as well. uh more biders actually seven uh responded and provided

676
03:12:47.359 --> 03:13:03.120
prop proposals with Piper Sandler uh coming in with the low bid at 4.53% as their indicated rate uh the high coming from uh a 4.87% 87%. A little bit wider spread on that one. Um but uh

677
03:13:03.120 --> 03:13:21.600
still a great grouping and uh both of these results are below our um planning uh rates that we were budgeting and and anticipating uh pre-sale. So great results. Um, with those results, um, the

678
03:13:21.600 --> 03:13:38.640
final sizing of the bonds is going to be adjusted, uh, a slight reduction to to both of the bond amounts from what was authorized pre-sale. Um, the 6A series of bonds, principal amount of $8.4 million. Uh, this is to this is due to

679
03:13:38.640 --> 03:13:55.359
the winning bid and the premium and lower uh, financial transaction costs that they bid with. U, so we're able to reduce that amount. Um and the uh final calculated true interest cost is 3.25% on that. And you can see the pre-sale estimates on this slide. Um you know

680
03:13:55.359 --> 03:14:12.399
slightly above that at 3.42. So uh interest cost savings savings that will be realized within the utility funds uh ongoing B series uh be reduced to 11.95 million. Again both of these will still provide the same amount of funding that we

681
03:14:12.399 --> 03:14:28.960
anticipated. were just able to reduce them based on some of the uh estimated financing costs that weren't necessary. Um true interest costs calculated at 4.53% and we were about a tenth of a percentage point higher in our estimates before the sale. So uh both of those

682
03:14:28.960 --> 03:14:44.880
indicated um rates are uh in line with kind of the marketplace. The the bond market does move. Um the taxable market moves in a different kind of direction sometimes as the tax exempt. Um but generally speaking it tends to be um you know a little bit higher and this uh

683
03:14:44.880 --> 03:15:00.080
differential is is kind of in line with with what our expectations were. Both of these bonds are repaid over different terms as well. So that does also play a factor in the interest cost calculation. So with all that said uh we're very pleased with these results. Uh they came

684
03:15:00.080 --> 03:15:16.640
in favorably based on our pre-sale estimates. Um we certainly recommend that the council move forward and accept the low bid um from uh both of these uh entities and so there are resolutions that have been prepared uh they have been updated and are provided in revised

685
03:15:16.640 --> 03:15:33.040
form from your bond attorneys at Dorsy and Whitney. Uh they were revised to populate those resolutions with the actual terms and the identify the winning bidder uh from the sales. Uh so that would be TD Financial Products on the A series of bonds and then Piper

686
03:15:33.040 --> 03:15:50.239
Sandler on the B series. Uh these you'll take these one at a time as far as any any vote is concerned. Uh but we're recommending that the council uh consider awarding both of these sales to the the winning biders tonight. So with that, I'm happy to address any questions the council has, but uh very

687
03:15:50.239 --> 03:16:06.160
good results uh very favorable um better than expectations and certainly nothing uh that would you know lend itself to uh >> yeah thanks for that takes a good presentation, thorough presentation. Uh questions from council members on these

688
03:16:06.160 --> 03:16:23.279
two matters. Uh take 202631 first. >> Sounds good. >> Okay. So, is there a motion to approve resolution 2026-31 awarding the sale of $8,440,000 in general obligation bonds series 2026A

689
03:16:23.279 --> 03:16:39.200
to TD Financial Products? >> So moved. >> Jackson moves. Member Agnes seconds the motion as stated. Uh any further discussion? All those in favor of approving resolution 2026-31 awarding the sale of 8,440,000

690
03:16:39.200 --> 03:16:56.319
in general obligation bonds series 2026A to TD Financial Products say I >> I >> I opposed. Um no vot. >> All right. Uh all those Yeah. All those in favor I we got we got a full vote

691
03:16:56.319 --> 03:17:13.279
here. Uh the resolution adopted 5-0. Thank you. Um, all right. Next resolution is the awarding of the sale of 11,950,000 in taxable general obligation sales tax

692
03:17:13.279 --> 03:17:30.479
revenue bonds series 2026B to Piper Sandler & Company. >> That correct? >> Moved. That's correct. >> All right. Member Council member Jackson moves >> second. Council member Pier seconds a motion to approve resolution 2026-32

693
03:17:30.479 --> 03:17:46.880
which would award the sale of 11,950,000 in taxable general obligation sales tax revenue bond series 2026 uh B to Piper Sandler & Company. Any further discussion? All those in favor of adoption of the resolution as stated say I. >> I.

694
03:17:46.880 --> 03:18:03.840
>> I. Opposed carried. Resolution 2026-32 is adopted. Thanks for being here at this late hour. Appreciate it. Appreciate it. >> All right. The next matter in front of us is um a potential zoning ordinance amendment

695
03:18:03.840 --> 03:18:25.439
involving the uh proposed project by the Salvation Army at 4276 Street West. >> Good evening, Mayor Council again. >> Welcome back, Mr. Lewis. >> Yeah, thank you. Um, so Salvation Army is proposing to remodel and reuse the existing 28,000 foot building at 4276th

696
03:18:25.439 --> 03:18:42.560
Street West um for Salvation Army retail store with warehouse and indoor drop off. And this request requires a zoning ordinance amendment to allow secondhand stores to exceed 2500 square ft in the planned commercial district, a reszoning of the site from planned industrial district to a planned commercial

697
03:18:42.560 --> 03:18:58.000
district, uh, and site plan review. Um, so this item was introduced at the June 2nd city council meeting. We held the public hearing. The public hearing was closed um on June 8th and we're back here tonight for uh asking you to take

698
03:18:58.000 --> 03:19:14.160
action on this item u by waving second reading and approving the ordinance amendment. Um and then also approval of the resolution granting uh approval of the reasonzoning and the site plan. So with that, I'd be happy to take any questions. >> Questions for Rich Lewis? It looks like

699
03:19:14.160 --> 03:19:30.720
you've got this uh these two actions embodied in a single motion. Is that something you're comfortable with, >> Mr. Kendall? >> Uh I am, mayor. Unless there's likely to be disagreement, if there is going to be votes in favor of one item and against

700
03:19:30.720 --> 03:19:48.319
the other and there's going to cause confusion on that basis, then I'd recommend you separate them. If if you're comfortable with that not being a danger, then you could just go ahead. Yeah. >> All right. Um so the uh first motion would be to

701
03:19:48.319 --> 03:20:04.640
approve ordinance 2026-8 uh the amendment there too uh and the uh I suppose the waiver of second reading. Um is there a motion to that effect? >> So moved. >> Second.

702
03:20:04.640 --> 03:20:20.239
>> A motion second to uh approve ordinance 2026-8. uh the amendment there too uh and waiver of second reading. Any further discussion on that ordinance, potential amendment of that ordinance. All right. All those in favor of adop of

703
03:20:20.239 --> 03:20:38.560
amending that ordinance as stated say I. >> I. >> I. Opposed. Carried. Wave. Second reading on that. And then resolution 2026-27. Me get that up here. and um that is granting approval of the reasonzoning and site plan for the

704
03:20:38.560 --> 03:20:57.040
Salvation Army site uh at 4200 76th Street West. Is there a motion to that effect? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Had a motion to approve resolution 2026-27 resoning and site plan for the Salvation Army at 4276 Street West. Seconded by

705
03:20:57.040 --> 03:21:14.239
member Risser. Any further discussion? All those in favor of adoption of the resolution as stated say I. >> I. >> I. Opposed, carried. Resolution is adopted. That matter is concluded. Thank you. >> And now we've got uh back to Mr.

706
03:21:14.239 --> 03:21:32.960
Kendall. Ordinance 2026-10. Potential approval there. >> Yeah. Thank you, Mayor. Uh so the purpose of this ordinance is to provide a little more clarity on the process for requesting reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities

707
03:21:32.960 --> 03:21:48.479
Act and the Federal Fair Housing Act. Uh federal law is a little unclear. It requires cities to um have a process for um reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation of those federal laws, but

708
03:21:48.479 --> 03:22:04.560
it doesn't specify exactly what that process must be. So, you know, when we have applicants come to the city, um it requires a lot of explanation from staff to tell applicants how this process is going to work. Um so, I'm advising that

709
03:22:04.560 --> 03:22:20.560
the city adopt an ordinance kind of codifying how the process will work just so that the public and staff and the council, everyone in the city is aware of how this process works and knows what the requirements are. Doesn't have to go back and forth. I mean the process is always going to be a dialogue but at

710
03:22:20.560 --> 03:22:36.399
least the basics and the the the steps required are going to be understood by the ordinance and from there staff can work with the applicants to process these requests. So uh this is not technically required. The federal statutes only say that the city must process these requests. It doesn't say

711
03:22:36.399 --> 03:22:52.239
exactly how but this just provides a method for cities to fill in some of the blanks on how that will happen. So that's the reason for the recommendation and I'm happy to stand for any questions. Right. Questions for Attorney Kendall. >> Council member Jackson.

712
03:22:52.239 --> 03:23:09.200
>> Yes. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So, uh, Attorney Kendall, is this going to be a fairly uniform, um, process across different cities? And maybe manager Neil, you've whether you've heard anything at the League of Minnesota Cities. Is this is this fairly st going to be fairly standard from city to city?

713
03:23:09.200 --> 03:23:25.120
>> So, I can take that and manager Neil can jump in later if necessary. I did look at the process in a number of different cities in the metro area and outstate and uh this was the process that I felt was best. Um a lot of cities used to

714
03:23:25.120 --> 03:23:40.640
process these just basically using a kind of a variance process. You know they would accept all the same applications and use all the same forms and basically treat it like a variance. And that's um possible to do but not recommended. There's recent case law saying it's better to have a separate

715
03:23:40.640 --> 03:23:56.239
process for this just so no one gets confused and treats it like a variance or applies the standard for variance because it's it's technically not a variance. It's something different under federal law. So that's the reason for this recommendation. I looked at the the process in Minnitonka, Elk River, a

716
03:23:56.239 --> 03:24:12.080
couple of other cities around the metro and tried to take the best of what they had and incorporated into this ordinance. >> Yeah. The only thing I would add is that it's um a lot of people are doing these kinds of things, but they're doing them informally and treating them like a variance. This is a this is a more

717
03:24:12.080 --> 03:24:27.680
formalized process, which is good to have it in place because it's not something we do every day, right? It might not be something we do every decade. Uh but if we have a formal process that's codified, we can always go back to it and use it just like we would for everything else. Great.

718
03:24:27.680 --> 03:24:42.880
>> Thank you both. Good. Uh other questions for Mr. Kendall or for our city manager? Uh what is recommended is that we approve uh ordinance 2026-10 amending chapter 2

719
03:24:42.880 --> 03:25:00.239
and adding new article 11 and grant first reading. Any reason not to wave second reading? Well, I think I talked with clerk Allison and I don't know if we published 10 days prior to this meeting. So, I

720
03:25:00.239 --> 03:25:17.920
don't think that we can have it be >> fully passed at this meeting. So, in in that posture, there's no reason to wave second reading because we're going to have to bring it back either way. >> Let's take the conservative route here and be cautious. So, is there a motion to approve ordinance 2026-10 amending

721
03:25:17.920 --> 03:25:33.680
chapter 2 adding new article 11 and grant first reading on that uh amended ordinance? >> So, moved. >> Second. >> Member Jackson moves. Member Pierce seconds. The motion is stated. Any further discussion? All those in favor of adoption of the motion as stated say I. >> I.

722
03:25:33.680 --> 03:25:49.920
>> I. Opposed. Carried. The motion's approved. Thank you, Mr. Kendall. Appreciate that input and that foresight on your part. Uh we did have a advisory communication come in on the Wooddale Avenue bike lane proposed project uh

723
03:25:49.920 --> 03:26:05.040
from the uh Edana Transportation Commission. Do we need to formally accept that at all or is that just a an observation that it came in? Yeah, I think we all saw it. So, uh manager comments. >> Thank you, your honor. Just a couple of

724
03:26:05.040 --> 03:26:21.680
uh updates actually. One is that starting on July 21st, we have to we're going to need to implement a new practice at the council and that is to have roll call votes on all actions of the council. This is this is to make our uh make us more fully compliant with the

725
03:26:21.680 --> 03:26:38.640
ADA uh act access uh that we've done in other kind of forms for the council. But that's that's something new. Uh and we need to we need to start doing that on July 21st. So it really will emulate the process that we used during the COVID years if if you want to have that as a

726
03:26:38.640 --> 03:26:54.160
memory, but we did do it there and we'll start doing it again. Uh second, uh our next council meeting is Tuesday, July 21st. So we're on sort of our version of summer hiatus uh between now and then.

727
03:26:54.160 --> 03:27:10.399
Finally, another another um uh calendar item. Our our meetings in uh August are different. Uh at least the first one is na night to unite is Tuesday, April 4th as it as it always is.

728
03:27:10.399 --> 03:27:26.239
>> Sorry, August August 4th. >> Get the A part. >> Yeah. And uh our council meeting then follows that on the next night which is August 5th and it's it is a Wednesday just as a reminder. So you'll see that start to show up on our calendars here.

729
03:27:26.239 --> 03:27:41.760
And that's all I've got for you for tonight. >> Okay. Member Agno, you got anything for us? >> Oh, I do not. Thank you. >> Okay. Council member Pierce. >> Uh, thanks, Mr. Mayor. Just one thing. Um,

730
03:27:41.760 --> 03:27:57.920
the Special Olympics, the opening session is opening ceremony is June 20th. Um, and so it's June 20th through the 26th. I mentioned that uh because MDI, the organization I work for, we're

731
03:27:57.920 --> 03:28:16.960
a goal sponsor. Um so we're pretty excited about volunteering and being there uh the entire week. Um we have some of our employees are also athletes and will be um um competing as well. And

732
03:28:16.960 --> 03:28:33.840
then the torch run um actually goes through one of our facilities up north in Hibming Minnesota. So that's kind of why I'm wearing this red and blue. Um and the fact that we're not going to be here on the 4th of July. So uh pretty

733
03:28:33.840 --> 03:28:49.920
excited about that. Um it's at the U. So, if uh you are interested in participating, uh you can find it online and I'd urge you to get some tickets and go um um enjoy some of the festivities.

734
03:28:49.920 --> 03:29:06.720
There's also at the Mall of America, there will be um different exhibits um as well from other sponsors. So, that's it. We do have a city employee who is participating in those special Olympics. Lisa Santa Maria, who is an office aid

735
03:29:06.720 --> 03:29:22.000
here at city hall, is participating in one of the games. >> Awesome. Do you know which which game >> by chance? >> It's botchi ball or volleyball. Maybe Scott, it's botchi ball. It's botchi ball. >> Botchi ball. >> Thank you, Scott Denfeld.

736
03:29:22.000 --> 03:29:38.239
>> Let's remember Jackson. >> Yes. Thank you. So, I'm in the middle of interviewing uh for student commissioners and um energy environment commissioner Hilda Martinez is helping me. And Hilda is just a wonderful community volunteer. But I have to tell

737
03:29:38.239 --> 03:29:54.319
the story because her daughter was actually a student commissioner who then recommended to her mom to come join the commissions. Um and so Anna was one of my um student commissioners when I was on the energy environment commission. And it's I'm very hopeful for our future. These are very bright and

738
03:29:54.319 --> 03:30:10.800
wonderful uh young people. So, thanks to everybody who applied and you will hear from us in by July 2nd. >> Council member Risser, >> I don't have anything tonight. >> I mentioned Junth right at the beginning of the meeting. I did a mayor's minute

739
03:30:10.800 --> 03:30:26.880
on that before we started our work session this evening. And I think those activities start at 1:45 on Friday at Centennial Lakes. >> Noon. Noon to 4. >> It opens at noon, >> but the performances begin at the

740
03:30:26.880 --> 03:30:41.439
performance. >> I think the program Yeah, the formal program begins at 1:45 if people are interested in that start date. >> Okay, good. And then um uh I needed to report out too on on my visit to the US Conference of Mayors and provide a little bit of information and I'll try

741
03:30:41.439 --> 03:30:58.000
to keep it somewhat succinct here. Uh meeting was held in Long Beach uh the 3rd of June through the I think the 6th or 7th. And um uh Rex Richardson is the mayor of Long Beach. Was a great host. The city did a wonderful job hosting the

742
03:30:58.000 --> 03:31:14.479
the the mayors from around the country, several hundred strong. um got in on the uh part of I got there Wednesday and got part of a data center meeting uh in and that was um interesting and more about

743
03:31:14.479 --> 03:31:32.239
that later. Uh we also heard the next morning from uh the head of the firefighters union on a national basis and this is we've been we're you know we're starting to think about budgetary things and we know we knew from our experience last year we had a lot of things affect budget but uh he said the

744
03:31:32.239 --> 03:31:47.600
cost of equipment have doubled since precoid because of the making of fire apparatus is now controlled by three companies creating a monopoly. So uh the union on a national basis I think is going to try to do something about that.

745
03:31:47.600 --> 03:32:02.560
But another example of the challenges cities are facing across the country with with respect to increased costs. Tom Cochran the executive director uh on that Thursday morning session uh said we're looking at the issue of mayor

746
03:32:02.560 --> 03:32:18.000
security. Uh in the metro economy session put on by the bank of America. Uh the uh reporter for the Bank of America said that the economist said that we're in a fairly decent economy, but it's being

747
03:32:18.000 --> 03:32:35.040
driven by necessity spending and discretionary spending. And the spending is being driven by the high cost per household in those two categories. Um there's a big gap in high income and middle inome households. Lots

748
03:32:35.040 --> 03:32:51.200
of pressure on lower and middle inome households. those things that I think we all know instinctually just from being out in the world and also doing the work that we do as council members in Edina uh and tax refunds are helping people but um some of them are some folks are trying to hang on to their tax refunds

749
03:32:51.200 --> 03:33:08.160
only 20% of them had spent that money so far uh she talked about cities on the move and those were Indianapolis Salt Lake City and Raleigh and those are cities that have developed strategies of attracting employers uh and are experiencing some pretty good growth. A

750
03:33:08.160 --> 03:33:24.160
lot of emphasis through the whole session on housing. Uh reports out by several of the different mayors. Uh there's a uh you know the the conference tries to alternate between uh parties and independents in terms of leadership and and a guy who's in the queue is the

751
03:33:24.160 --> 03:33:41.120
mayor of South Columbia, South Carolina, Daniel Rickenman on the Republican side. Uh, and I didn't get a chance to visit with them on the side, but they have they had 21 2100 empty properties owned by the city. >> Oh my gosh. >> And so they've decided to build

752
03:33:41.120 --> 03:33:57.359
affordable houses on these properties and council member Pierce may learn more about this when he goes down next trip to South Carolina. Uh, maybe, maybe not. Um, but they are building houses in 70 days for $200,000 on these lots that the

753
03:33:57.359 --> 03:34:12.960
city owns. So, I thought that was an interesting Everybody, every city has their individual challenges on how to get this done. Um, and in Limo, Ohio, they talked a little bit about what they were doing. Um, we had Gavin Newsome there uh as an

754
03:34:12.960 --> 03:34:32.520
afternoon uh speaker with our president, David Holt, who is the outgoing president, the mayor of of Oklahoma City. And the incoming uh president now is going to be Todd Gloria, the president or the mayor of San Diego. Um

755
03:34:33.279 --> 03:34:48.239
and then I went to the U I went to a session on community development and housing uh and and listened to that session as well in San Diego a little bit what they were doing on affordable housing. And of course the homeless situation, we don't face that in Dina the way they do in Los Angeles or even

756
03:34:48.239 --> 03:35:04.000
even a modicum of it. They've got 60,000 homeless people now and and they get a city the size of Edina has that number of homeless that they're dealing with. Um, also the small city session, they wanted

757
03:35:04.000 --> 03:35:19.279
us to report out on what's working well and I did that for our community uh in terms of I took an emphasis around land use and the efforts we're making on affordable housing and then um we had a closed session with mayors

758
03:35:19.279 --> 03:35:36.000
uh it was called communicating to your community and they they gave some examples of some things that were pretty interesting. They said when they asked surveyed the question uh the question was um do we do we spend enough money or not enough money on welfare and people

759
03:35:36.000 --> 03:35:51.600
said you we spend too much money on welfare when they asked the question do we do enough to assist the poor people said we're not doing enough we are >> and um so it's this language of communication uh yeah I guess when they asked the

760
03:35:51.600 --> 03:36:06.800
question with was cultural and welfare we're doing too we're doing too much and when they couched it around assisting the poor. We're not doing enough. So, this whole idea about the language of communication, they spent quite a bit of time talking about that. Um, and then they talked about concerns around the

761
03:36:06.800 --> 03:36:23.680
country, and we see it here. Property tax relief remains at the top of the wish list for residents surveyed. You know, try to keep those property taxes in line. Uh, and 80% of Americans want tax money dedicated to affordable housing. And then safety continues to be

762
03:36:23.680 --> 03:36:38.160
the number one concern of most Americans. Um and then they had the mayor's business leaders plenary. Uh we had a Nobel Prize winner there to talk about uh you know how we can work more effectively

763
03:36:38.160 --> 03:36:54.640
together. Um and uh then we had a session on the chief asked me to attend a session with uh on technology on drone technology and I think the name of the company is SkyO and they got just we're talking to them

764
03:36:54.640 --> 03:37:10.399
amongst others about some drone technology for Edina and uh they had some rave reviews from Yria Ohio uh talked about some of the activity that they were seeing. They in Alyri, Ohio, they've seen a 30% drop in crime with the use of drones.

765
03:37:10.399 --> 03:37:26.800
Uh, and 52% of the time, the drone is the first responding officer, I'll call it, on the scene. Uh, that was true in San Francisco as well. Um, and in fact, in Yria, Ohio, uh, Director Milner, they're even using

766
03:37:26.800 --> 03:37:43.279
those drones to inspect their water towers to check them for leaks and also whether they need to be painted. um using them on missing t persons. A lot of things you could certainly think were appropriate uh in including crime.

767
03:37:43.279 --> 03:38:01.760
Cincinnati had a great experience. Tampa talked about their experiences uh all real positive involving that particular company and I think even the drone technology as a whole. um international affairs session uh talked

768
03:38:01.760 --> 03:38:20.000
about uh the woman that was a former ambassador talked about the movement towards protecting democracy around the world. Uh that was an interesting session. Uh and then other sessions as well on AI. Uh Salesforce.com has

769
03:38:20.000 --> 03:38:35.840
something new that they're calling the digital front door that they're using with cities and that might be something that we want to take a look at. So people can it makes services super easy is what they were claiming. So you you know person can come online and how do I pay my property tax or how do I find

770
03:38:35.840 --> 03:38:52.319
this? How do I find out that I know we're continually looking for ways to improve uh access to the city website and the ease of its use? So, that digital front door idea seemed interesting. Um, a lot of cities forming AI subcommittees and I

771
03:38:52.319 --> 03:39:09.680
think you formed one as well, a working group on that. Um, and then there was a section on preparation for mass violence because it could happen anywhere. You know, one of the cities we look at is Highland Park, Illinois, and they had an incident down there in 2022 on the 4th of July, and

772
03:39:09.680 --> 03:39:26.319
she talked about what they what they learned out of that. Um, uh, and I can I can share that with you later as well. There were like 10 things that people learned and that was also including the Pulse nightclub incident in Orlando.

773
03:39:26.319 --> 03:39:45.239
The mayor talked about that. So, uh, many, many good sessions. Um, and in nighttime we had some interesting activity, too. The mayor decided on Saturday night we should all go to the um Snoop Dog concert.

774
03:39:45.279 --> 03:40:01.120
>> There you go. >> So, we all ended up at the Snoop Dogg concert. >> I was in the 13th row and if uh if you like your lyrics least laced with exploives, that was the place for you. Um, but it was it was it was a quite a

775
03:40:01.120 --> 03:40:17.439
cultural experience. And then it was right next door the outdoor amphitheater was right next door to the old Queen Mary that they've got docked there. And so they had a reception over there. So um I went over there after about an hour. So that was kind of the uh

776
03:40:17.439 --> 03:40:34.319
the social event of the week. Anyway, that's uh that's a brief summary of what what went on there. I was on a I had to, you know, do I ran the the standing committee on transportation and we talked about the federal reauthorization and uh and some other things that we're working on and trying to develop in

777
03:40:34.319 --> 03:40:51.359
Congress this concept of localism. We're trying to get more money coming directly to cities like they do with CDBG money for transportation infrastructure purposes. And then I was on a panel and mayor of Cincinnati runs the uh South Asian committee and he asked me to be on a panel about immigration enforcement.

778
03:40:51.359 --> 03:41:08.560
Uh, and so I met with several of our residents before I went out there that were part of the South Asian community to get more grounded on the impacts of Operation Metro Surge on on the South Asian community. So, uh, and that was a good thing to participate in as well. So, that's it. Um, anybody else have

779
03:41:08.560 --> 03:41:23.680
anything? >> I do, Mr. Mayor. >> Yes. >> I have an unusual request. So Lindsay from Boj that was just here um got home and realized that her restaurant is a part of the Adina restaurant week promotion and that is happening the very

780
03:41:23.680 --> 03:41:40.279
days that her liquor license is suspended. And so she's asking if you would reconsider uh those suspension dates to June 30th, July 1st, and July 2nd.

781
03:41:41.760 --> 03:41:57.840
is the 30th. What day? What day of the week is that? The 30th to to Council Member Jackson's earlier point, >> it is Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. >> I'm sure she would be conscious of that. Okay. Um, with respect to that

782
03:41:57.840 --> 03:42:18.239
particular matter, let me go back to it on the agenda. We we approved a motion to uh suspend BoJ's liquor license for three days on the I think it was the 24th, 25th, and 26th of June

783
03:42:18.239 --> 03:42:33.840
and and impose a $1,000 fine for their second liquor license violation within 24 months. Uh I'd like to entertain a motion to amend that. >> Mr. there. Procedurally, you need a motion to reconsider and it can and

784
03:42:33.840 --> 03:42:49.520
because you all voted in favor of it, it can be motioned and seconded by anyone on the council. Then you need to make the motion to make that change if that's what you want to do. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. Two-step process. All right. Uh is there a motion to reconsider the matter uh of the bojes

785
03:42:49.520 --> 03:43:06.399
and the the period of suspension? >> So moved. >> Second. >> A motion second. Motion by member Agnu, second by member Pierce to reconsider the matter of the imposition of the uh the fine and the suspension of the Boj's liquor license. Any further discussion

786
03:43:06.399 --> 03:43:23.920
on on that uh motion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. All those opposed carried. We'll now reconsider the matter. Uh as I mentioned earlier, we had an amendment. We had a a motion that suspended their license for

787
03:43:23.920 --> 03:43:48.000
the period. Let me find that >> 23rd, 24th, 25th, >> 24th, 25th, 26th. 23rd was a Monday, wasn't it? >> No, 23rd is Tuesday. >> Okay. 23rd, 24th, 25th. Okay.

788
03:43:48.000 --> 03:44:05.120
Uh we had a motion that uh where we by we approved the Boj's 3-day liquor license suspension for June 23rd through the 25th and $1,000 fine for their second liquor license violation within 24 months. Uh, is there a motion to amend that particular

789
03:44:05.120 --> 03:44:22.319
uh matter to uh provide for the 3-day liquor license suspension to occur on June 30th, July 1st, and July 2nd and to continue the imposition of the $1,000 fine for their second liquor license violation within 24 months.

790
03:44:22.319 --> 03:44:37.680
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Jackson moves to amend the earlier motion. Member Pierce seconds the motion to approve the Boj's 3-day liquor license suspension and the thousand fine and oppose that three-day suspension uh

791
03:44:37.680 --> 03:44:54.399
for June 30th, July 1st, and July 2nd, 2026. Any further discussion? All those in favor of adoption of the amendment to the motion say I. >> I. >> I. Opposed? Carried. The amendment to the motion is adopted and the period of suspension will be the

792
03:44:54.399 --> 03:45:11.359
30th of June, the 1st and 2nd of July. The $1,000 final remain opposed. That do it. Okay. Thank you, Clerk Allison, for that. I'm glad she called in. >> How did she get a hold of you? >> She sent an email.

793
03:45:11.359 --> 03:45:27.920
>> Oh, I have checked. >> Yeah. Fantastic. Yeah. Okay. All right. All right. Is there a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> A second. >> Got a motion by a member Jackson, second member Ragnu to adjourn the meeting of the Dina City Council the 16th day of

794
03:45:27.920 --> 03:45:39.080
June at 10:46 p.m. Any further discussion? All those in favor of adjournment say I. >> I. >> I. Opposed carried. We stand adjourned.