Edina City Council Meeting Summary - February 4, 2026

The Edina City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2026, beginning at 7:13 p.m. after an extended work session on immigration enforcement. The agenda was amended to include a resolution affirming community values and a resolution for emergency rental assistance. The council addressed a wide range of topics including a conditional use permit for a preschool, a citywide speed limit evaluation, firearms and gambling ordinances, the 2026 legislative platform, and a report from the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The meeting was adjourned at 10:58 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• The council unanimously adopted the consent agenda (5-0). Routine approvals included minutes from January 20 and 26, payment of claims totaling over $2.6 million, bulk road salt purchase ($220,000), a watermain corrosion control study ($69,300), Braemar Ice Arena Phase 1 improvements ($5,034,197), First Due software subscription renewal ($32,346), League of Minnesota Cities membership ($38,829), and out-of-state travel for the Mayor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Henry McLenighan spoke about winter safety and the new reality of needing to carry identification.
• Arthur Cobb expressed appreciation for the city government and staff.
• Taylor Bruhschwein stated that the percentage of crashes involving vulnerable road users has more than doubled over the past three years and urged the Council to increase funding for the Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety (PACS) fund.
• Brooke Bartholomew called for more visible resistance against ICE, including banning ICE from staging on city property and calling for a statewide eviction moratorium.
• Janet Kitui demanded clarity and collective action, stating the black community is under attack, and echoed calls for banning ICE staging and an eviction moratorium.
• Anna Leamy (MN Gun Owners Caucus) began speaking against the firearms ordinance but was asked to stop by the Mayor and City Manager, as it was a scheduled agenda item not subject to general community comment.
• Steve Brown shared personal experiences helping people sheltering in place and urged the council to pass a resolution requesting an eviction moratorium and emergency rental assistance.
• Brett Johnson announced a new family-friendly sports bar opening at 50th and France in partnership with the Edina ED Fund and Boosters.
• David Frenkel requested updates on the delayed pedestrian bridge projects over Crosstown and the railroad tracks.
• Kathy Rendleman (Edina Education Fund) thanked the community for a fundraiser ($40,000 raised) and highlighted the critical need for mental health funding and the Hornet Cares fund for students and staff.
• Public Hearing (4201 W. 50th St - Mis Amigos Preschool): Andrew Johnson and Steve Springrose raised concerns about traffic congestion on J Place. Janey Westin expressed concerns about blocked driveways and pedestrian safety.

Discussion Items

• City Manager's Response to Community Comments: City Manager Patrick Neal addressed questions from the January 20 meeting, confirming no change to police patrols, detailing the city's statements on immigration, and updating the council on the city's participation in an amicus brief in the state lawsuit against federal immigration enforcement (a temporary injunction was denied on January 31).
• Special Recognition (Arden Park): James Wisker (Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Administrator) and Steve Sando (Edina Resident and MCWD Board Manager) presented an award recognizing Arden Park as the 2025 Project of the Year by the Minnesota Association of Watersheds. The project treats over 80 acres of stormwater.
• Conditional Use Permit with Variances (4201 W. 50th St): Community Development Director Teague presented the proposal for Mis Amigos Spanish Immersion Preschool. Council Member Jackson flagged that two parking spots in front of a private garage driveway violated state statute. A traffic consultant from Stantec stated the peak hour trips were projected at 60 in and 54 out. The council approved the CUP with conditions eliminating the two reserved parking spaces and moving the required handicap spots closer to the building.
• Sketch Plan Review (Salvation Army - 4200 76th St W): A proposal for a retail store and donation drop-off. Staff noted a significant zoning challenge as retail is not a primary use in the industrial district. Council members expressed openness to a zoning solution, with discussion focused on amending the industrial district language rather than requiring a full rezoning and comprehensive plan amendment.
• Citywide Speed Limit Reduction Evaluation: Transportation Planner Andrew Scipioni presented data showing that 85th percentile vehicle speeds and the percentage of crashes involving vulnerable users increased after the 2021 speed limit reductions, though the COVID-19 pandemic may be a compounding factor. The council discussed PACS fund allocation and potential next steps.
• Firearms Ordinance (2025-17): The council approved the second reading of a firearms safety and storage ordinance on a 4-0-1 vote (Council Member Risser abstained, citing concerns about preemption). Summary publication was approved 5-0. Council Member Risser requested language highlighting sections of the code that are out of sync with state statute.
• Lawful Gambling Ordinance (2026-02): The council granted first reading on a 4-1 vote (Council Member Agnew opposed). The ordinance was amended to allow up to six premise permits for lawful gambling, with a limit of one permit per nonprofit organization to prevent monopolization. The Council discussed harms, the need for a values assessment, and ensuring funds support local needs.
• 2026 Legislative Platforms: The council unanimously approved the 2026 state and federal legislative platforms, which include items on affordable housing (Pooled TIF, Emergency Rental Assistance) and lifting the state firearm preemption.
• Affirming Community Values (Resolution 2026-08): The council unanimously adopted a resolution affirming the city's commitment to community values and stewardship amidst immigration enforcement operations.
• Emergency Rental Assistance (Resolution 2026-07): The council adopted a resolution urging the state to approve emergency rental assistance funding. The directive included requesting a letter to the governor, with final language incorporating a call for an eviction moratorium, despite concerns raised by the Edina Housing Foundation.
• City Manager Retirement Announcement: City Manager Patrick Neal announced his retirement effective January 8, 2027. Mayor Hovland read a summary of his annual performance review, rating him as "fully satisfactory."
• Mayor's Report from U.S. Conference of Mayors: Mayor Hovland reported on the winter meeting in Washington D.C., highlighting a panel on immigration enforcement where he and other mayors discussed local impacts and the need for constitutional policing.

Key Outcomes

• CUP Approved (5-0): Conditional Use Permit granted for Mis Amigos Spanish Immersion Preschool at 4201 W. 50th St, with six conditions, including the elimination of two parking spaces blocking a garage and relocation of handicap spots.
• Firearms Ordinance Approved (4-0-1): Second reading of the firearms safety ordinance passed.
• Gambling Ordinance First Reading Approved (4-1): First reading passed, amended to allow up to six permits, one per organization. A second reading is pending.
• Legislative Platforms Approved (5-0): 2026 state and federal platforms adopted.
• Community Values & Rental Assistance Resolutions Approved (5-0): Resolutions 2026-08 and 2026-07 were adopted.