Edina City Council Regular Meeting - March 3, 2026

The Edina City Council held its regular meeting on March 3, 2026, beginning at 7:05 PM. Key topics included the removal of a traffic safety item from the agenda due to a process error, continuation of a public hearing, reports from the Transportation Commission on walking and biking infrastructure and e-bikes, adoption of a fourth-tier residential water rate, and adoption of an updated tree protection ordinance. The meeting featured recognition of the Edina High School debate state champions and farewell to a departing city management fellow.

Consent Calendar

The consent agenda was approved unanimously. Notable items included payment of claims totaling over $6.5 million, purchase requests (Braemar Arena valuation services for $25,000, Braemar Ice Arena commissioning for $190,800, streetlights for $204,927, bulk fuel for $490,000, and Interlachen Boulevard design for $348,540), land-use agreement for Mirror Lake Alum Treatment, traffic safety reports, out-of-state travel for Council Members Jackson and Risser, and multiple liquor license approvals (Takumi Sushi, Pinstripes, and renewals). Item 6.14, a petition for stop control at Brookview Avenue and West 55th Street, was removed from the agenda by staff shortly before the meeting. Mayor Hovland acknowledged a "staff short circuit between communications" and apologized for the process failure.

Community Comment & Public Testimony

• Ralph Zickert criticized City Manager Scott Neal for operating a private consulting business (Neal Family Consulting LLC) registered in Wisconsin, questioning his focus on city duties and accusing him of unsustainable budget practices.
• Allison Schumacher, Stacey Schoenfeld, Alyssa Pankratz, and Molly Soran, residents of Brookview Avenue, expressed frustration over the last-minute removal of Item 6.14. They detailed years of safety concerns at the intersection, citing three accidents in 2010, a child hit on a scooter in 2011, and ongoing near-misses involving children. They urged the council to approve a trial 4-way stop sign, arguing the traffic review process was flawed and used outdated standards.
• Joy Vogt raised concerns about approximately six ICE enforcement actions occurring within city limits and asked what the city is doing to prevent evictions and keep residents safe.
• Laura Lukens questioned the proposed lawful gambling ordinance, asking who would bear the financial losses from gambling and which nonprofits would truly benefit, urging explicit policy discussions on eligibility.

Presentations & Special Recognitions

• Edina High School Debate Team: Head coach Joe Schmidt and council recognized Valerie Schmitt (2026 State Champion) and Aditi Jha (2025 State Champion) of the Lincoln-Douglas Debate team for their state titles. They were celebrated for their achievements and will compete for the national title in Virginia.

Discussion and Action Items

• Public Hearing Continued: Council voted unanimously to continue the public hearing for a Conditional Use Permit for Highlands Elementary School (5505 Doncaster Way) to April 7, 2026.
• 9.2 Walking and Biking Improvements: Transportation Commissioner Chris Brown reported on the need for a policy requiring pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure in street reconstruction projects. Engineering Director Millner provided staff recommendations. Council discussed challenges such as ice, community engagement, and sidewalk viability. Council voted unanimously to direct staff to include community engagement on proposed pedestrian and bicycle facilities in the 2028 Comprehensive Plan development process.
• 9.3 Electric-Assisted Bicycles: Engineering Director Millner presented the Transportation Commission's recommendation to repeal the ban on Class 1 and 2 e-bikes on public sidewalks. Police reported 94 e-bike complaints in 2025, mostly resulting in warnings, and supported the repeal. Councilmember Jackson voted against, citing safety concerns and a desire for more data. Council voted 4-1 to direct staff to draft an ordinance repealing the ban on e-bikes on public sidewalks, emphasizing that riders must yield to pedestrians.
• 9.4 Fourth Tier Residential Water Rate: Nick Anhut of Ehlers & Associates proposed a 4th tier of water use at 72,000 gallons per quarter with a 25% premium over Tier 3, expected to generate roughly $200,000 annually to offset infrastructure costs. Council expressed concern over the steep percentage increases between tiers but supported the conservation signal. Council voted unanimously to adopt the first reading, waive second reading, and approve summary publication of Ordinance 2026-06.
• 9.5 Tree Protection Ordinance: Parks and Recreation Director Vetter presented the second reading of Ordinance 2026-04, which updates definitions, allows 20% alternative species for replanting, adds exemptions for tree damage to structures, and institutes an annual report. Council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance and approve summary publication.

Key Outcomes

• Item 6.14 (Brookview Stop Control): Item removed due to a communication breakdown. The Mayor apologized. Councilmember Risser criticized the flawed process. The matter will return at a future meeting.
• 9.2 Directive: Unanimous vote to integrate pedestrian and bicycle facility community engagement into the 2028 Comprehensive Plan.
• 9.3 Directive: 4-1 vote to draft an ordinance allowing Class 1 and 2 e-bikes on sidewalks.
• 9.4 Ordinance Adopted: New 4th tier water rate established for high-volume users.
• 9.5 Ordinance Adopted: Updated tree protection regulations passed on second reading.