[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6117262,"mediaKeyId","2730632-09e432c38c86dee5f132a41ce159f80c","parentId",2730632,"title","Votes at a glance: March 18 Edina City Council actions","audioSeconds",1481,"startMs",135000,"endMs",1616000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730632-09e432c38c86dee5f132a41ce159f80c&start=135&end=1616","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730632-09e432c38c86dee5f132a41ce159f80c/thumbnail_135000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6117262/Edina/Hennepin-County/Minnesota/Votes-at-a-glance-March-18-Edina-City-Council-actions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117262-619ee578656af4b8b61d461af4cd1df7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152885&Signature=L0Lx~ZoLPOU8augJoeAHE4-P~OQcriagpOEH8CAqxv5hmTGKJVySNoJpdrn98zCiqHGdcp8DMjkmbyt80AbFRzjSNjob88Khw2t~T3qvqNlzYgKyQzr29T~9Jkig4C0aaGvy0LcJ4AQJW4ukcnDlHVsH1AxI176UMOT~8yyzsxGGqxEy1yArVwW7biOUoMpamCtGVsTjwmHk5Nz1lXz-DwpPaymmbyU7zBnjk22OTVKJG9m~iSEp5VD9KYvvGXOQkuo11O6K6-N1wxbPHFrFUzMKAS8fcOXDoqWDMEfW6EiOdyiUTCIwX2sFP8ZlK~aJtXxAsf0nUCmK3D8ULByZPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Edina, MN","date","2025-03-19T16:23:01Z","article","The Edina City Council recorded the following formal motions and outcomes during its March 18 meeting. This roundup summarizes each action, as recorded in the meeting transcript.

- Adoption of the meeting agenda as published — Motion by Council Member Jackson, second by Member Wagner; outcome: adopted.

- Adoption of the consent agenda (items excepting 6.4 and 6.5) — Motion to adopt remaining consent items in a single motion; outcome: adopted.

- Item 6.4: Purchase for Rosslyn Park Pedestrian Bridge (steel truss and engineering services) — Motion by Council Member Risser, second by Council Member Jackson; outcome: adopted (change order/purchase approved).

- Item 6.5: Change order #1 for Rosslyn Park Pedestrian Bridge (architectural services) — Motion (moved and seconded on the consent agenda); outcome: adopted (change order approved).

- Resolution 2025‑25 and related site approvals for 7200 France Avenue — Motion to table to April 16, 2025 (to allow staff to tie revised landscape plan to phase‑1 work at 7250 France Ave); mover: Council Member Jackson; seconder: Council Member Pierce; outcome: tabled to 04/16/2025.

- Ordinance 2025‑O4 (electric‑assist bicycle code changes) — Motion to table to next council meeting so staff can return with a clean draft and outreach plan; mover: Council Member Agnew; seconder: Council Member Pierce; outcome: tabled to the next meeting.

- Community comment practice — Motion to retain current public comment procedures and to explore periodic off‑camera opportunities for residents uncomfortable speaking on the record; mover: Member Agnew; seconder: Member Pierce; outcome: adopted.

- Adjournment — Motion passed.

Ending: For detailed references and the exact wording of motions, see the council packet and the March 18 meeting recording; the council asked staff to provide documentation or revised ordinance language where items were tabled.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Edina City Council Meeting / March 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of final motions and outcomes recorded during the March 18 meeting, including consent agenda items, purchases for Rosslyn Park pedestrian bridge, and tabling of two agenda items for further review.","taxTitle","Edina, Hennepin County, Minnesota","taxId",5133,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6117267,"Edina tables e‑bike ordinance after council seeks clearer sidewalk language, education plan",2728,9246000,11974000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730632-09e432c38c86dee5f132a41ce159f80c&start=9246&end=11974","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730632-09e432c38c86dee5f132a41ce159f80c/thumbnail_9246000.jpg","/articles/6117267/Edina/Hennepin-County/Minnesota/Edina-tables-ebike-ordinance-after-council-seeks-clearer-sidewalk-language-education-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117267-a33b05045a66883778ea5b9c54d18253/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152885&Signature=JpXveyNQG-B6~EF4ub198bDx7I0eWeOV1wm-q1BpwDLHJ1Ea3glh7oLImQ~Tf0whtHnX6YGStFknCyDRe8bmqg1sCicDE9lzUNP60iR7azcabdxccAn8rwCKRqRMFFUmfRt96lELke-U-WFtnU-zSO~MCV2uILwpMLtCslrtKt9PDtyH2xLzKXFX6fpK-XSGY1V593WP1tcliywo3wbVNkQV9SRyBolnTKNzsXwCGhDJmKdNC0zms3vO18o5KbS03oX7srk3AavcjRmcomdKzJ7FJtln84F-6tCHchrGoVZbcZv7c1YYUH88B66pvOdb5QeUzZ6lePiGmYiwarlccQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Edina City Council on March 18 deferred further action on proposed changes to city code governing electric‑assist bicycles after a broad discussion about sidewalk language, enforcement practicality and education for youth.

Public safety staff presented a draft that would align local definitions with state law, require helmets for riders under 18 and direct the police toward education rather than heavy citation for first offenses. Lieutenant Veni and Public Safety Director Milner said their preference was to pair modest ordinance changes with an education campaign aimed at parents and schools; Milner said many devices circulating in town are not regulated e‑bikes but unregulated motorized devices that raise the most safety concerns.

Council members asked for clearer language on the sidewalk definition and for staff to return with a clean, amended draft. Council Member Risser suggested using the Minnesota statute definition of “sidewalk” (“that portion of a street between the curb lines or the lateral lines of a roadway and the adjacent property lines intended for use by pedestrians”) rather than the draft’s phrasing that limited sidewalks to pedestrians and bicyclists. Several members said enforcement focused on reckless or careless behavior — already addressed under state law — was more practical than attempting to regulate device classes and exact speeds. The council did not adopt the ordinance and voted to table discussion to the next meeting so staff can provide a redlined alternative and an outreach/education plan.

Ending: Staff will return with a revised ordinance draft clarifying sidewalk language, an education/outreach plan (schools and communications), and suggested signage for trails and high‑use corridors.","Council members asked staff to rework sidewalk definitions, emphasize education and outreach to families and schools, and return with a clean ordinance draft; an under‑18 helmet rule and updated state‑aligned definitions were discussed but not finalized.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6117272,"Council tables 7200 France Ave site approvals after developer removes trees; staff seeks revised landscape plan",3699,5519000,9218000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730632-09e432c38c86dee5f132a41ce159f80c&start=5519&end=9218","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730632-09e432c38c86dee5f132a41ce159f80c/thumbnail_5519000.jpg","/articles/6117272/Edina/Hennepin-County/Minnesota/Council-tables-7200-France-Ave-site-approvals-after-developer-removes-trees-staff-seeks-revised-landscape-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117272-1a9fa63a4f58a80f0dd1aaac5d137322/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152885&Signature=Dqbzen6aAtkV7XiTkhwdAbp5w02YgT~EoydoUGqOq83Hc2uC~LMVH1RNfLzKZrSKTNV7l9eFf5TAZQ~Ap2kyk7SNtKyicPsKZHOxVduEQp6fq2HZ1FYa7C3-rOjsj4Ge4E3vKwv6LMaqIu4RdYuXOPcxFA4nX8aq7C-qEgPYLtXQ7Np9wQAbO2Od1TZc9v0dttL2xl6-LlE5tB42QHmycsghzvAj7mzSEcEbZOhzdE9ctUX89JvmxDwq3oWvaI2KEBFREjuzer6l4rrcbpYgv0NU6s-lsAAmFoByR9l38FoBk4PrlQS4l8ej9yiZ4CgAUi7v2JXPQnIdzROZN7UlfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Edina City Council on March 18 voted to table final action on the site plan, site‑improvement performance agreement and revised landscape plan for 7200 France Avenue South after developer activity removed trees along the site’s west property line and neighboring residents raised objections.

Community Development Director Kerry Teague described the issue to the council: trees and understory vegetation along the western lot line were supposed to be preserved under the approved phase‑1 documents; crews had removed a swath of vegetation, including some trees on private property adjacent to the development. Teague said the developer’s contractor had not installed the tree‑protection fencing and had not staked the property line before work proceeded — steps staff now intends to require before permits are acted on in future projects.

Developer Ted Carlson (Orion Investments) apologized in public and said his team will “make this right,” adding that his firm will meet with affected neighbors and coordinate replacement plantings. Landscape architect Terry Menark presented a mitigation plan that adds evergreen screening and a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees — the developer proposes planting about 20 new trees on the project site plus additional plantings adjacent to the neighboring parcel; the plan also calls for erosion control, regrading tied to the stormwater basin and understory restoration.

Council members pressed for specifics. Member Risser, citing the site‑improvement performance agreement language that trees along the west lot line “shall be preserved,” said the contract language created an expectation to leave the existing vegetation intact. Member Pierce and others asked for clear timelines, assurances that the sizes and species pledged in the mitigation plan are available, and for a before‑and‑after visual for neighbors. Teague and Menark agreed to provide image‑based renderings that show the screening effect immediately and at future milestones (for both summer leaf cover and winter evergreen visibility).

Council action: members voted to table resolution 2025‑25 and the related CIPA so staff can amend the approvals to tie the revised landscaping and performance bond to the phase‑1 project (7250 France Avenue), which is currently under construction. The council set the matter for April 16, 2025. The developer agreed to meet privately with adjacent homeowners and to coordinate the proposed plantings, and staff said it will add procedural steps — property‑line staking and tree‑protection fencing inspections — to avoid similar mistakes on future projects.

Ending: Staff will return April 16 with a revised landscape plan, availability and sizing of replacement trees, photographic renderings showing expected screening in year‑one and year‑ten, and documentation of the developer’s outreach to affected private property owners.","Council delayed final actions and asked for a revised landscape plan after developer crews removed trees along the west lot line near neighboring homes; developer apologized and proposed new evergreen plantings and understory restoration.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6117277,"Residents press council over SPARK/TIF messaging; city manager clarifies rules on returning unused funds",789,191000,980000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730632-09e432c38c86dee5f132a41ce159f80c&start=191&end=980","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730632-09e432c38c86dee5f132a41ce159f80c/thumbnail_191000.jpg","/articles/6117277/Edina/Hennepin-County/Minnesota/Residents-press-council-over-SPARKTIF-messaging-city-manager-clarifies-rules-on-returning-unused-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117277-03dfbf833bf20159b0bb8cd3aa75bcd2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152885&Signature=hAQ~WAUk9PtXdvgcuVKV4TVSw3TUWcIvKkLlVGTmM3Tch2jiA0xIfYPWLQKuUOc8GZ~G~mBWXcBNTIPwy8ysTgqwZQZ27F3Jw-JUh8fbdnR6R687RWG4rn8k~tL-gXnMwgbpbzJMezvEdwdz3nWABbDgYLkGuQiku7pi2Tw7y4fcgFHeeHm~87o4NY73jC7gAZjm5WGLk0XZquzm2ODXVZj0cy8PULaPYVc4-nArjHi6UeHO8z6ns3uT63VsdRvEbi~0Ermn7vuAwIOSn9PKJCqR7wVW-65CA0ut1sHWdrgu1JZirdapyDJ7GpsKBcmwX9tzeIcqoXb~uo9vcn1ZDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Resident Ralph Sickert used the community‑comment period at the March 18 meeting to call city statements about SPARK and tax‑increment financing (TIF) “shocking,” saying staff had repeatedly used a “use it or lose it” phrase that he argued misstated Minnesota law. Sickert told council that—he said—about $8 million in SPARK funds originated in the Southdale 2 TIF district and that roughly $11 million remains in the district.

City Manager Neal responded in the meeting’s follow‑up segment, saying SPARK is the city’s Special Projects and Redevelopment Capital Fund and that it cannot be used for general‑fund expenditures such as crime prevention. He told the council SPARK funds have been committed to specific projects and that, under the city’s program rules and state practice, unspent SPARK money reverts to the TIF fund from which it originated. Neal and staff said those TIF funds would go back to Hennepin County only if the TIF district is decertified.

Council Member Risser and others said they had heard staff messaging that the money would go to Hennepin County if unused, and asked staff to pull prior presentations to clarify whether council messaging had been inconsistent. Neal said staff would bring more expertise and supporting materials to the next council meeting, and the council asked staff to return with a written clarification on how SPARK funds originated and the conditions under which monies revert to the county.

The council did not take formal action on the matter at the meeting. Residents and several council members framed the question as a budget and messaging issue; Risser asked staff to prepare a follow‑up so the council can determine whether previous presentations should be corrected publicly.

Ending: The council asked staff to present a detailed, source‑documented explanation at a future meeting that shows which TIF districts supplied SPARK funds and under what legal conditions money would return to a TIF district or to the county.","A resident accused city staff of misrepresenting how SPARK (Special Projects and Redevelopment Capital Fund) and TIF funds revert; City Manager Neal told council that SPARK funds cannot be used for general‑fund purposes and unspent SPARK funds revert to the originating TIF district, and to the county only if the district is decertified.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6117282,"Edina reports 17% community greenhouse‑gas cut since 2019; municipal operations down 26%",1089,2830000,3919000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730632-09e432c38c86dee5f132a41ce159f80c&start=2830&end=3919","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730632-09e432c38c86dee5f132a41ce159f80c/thumbnail_2830000.jpg","/articles/6117282/Edina/Hennepin-County/Minnesota/Edina-reports-17-community-greenhousegas-cut-since-2019-municipal-operations-down-26","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117282-d883953ec84624fae48fd693e7bbc028/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152885&Signature=l4QCR6XuLLEL92aLdqHUf7MUQmJWsLLb0pZ9AzppKiD34JXjxLRJ0ry96siggvLv3FoV~W3tTiIKPdE7eONMIxa-SBv9H03Xee8AlwgWtVJmw9u0Be3-K4Ceq6zSTqhJxm6PeGwsRHdLRN-A5lqhJigy4CefINoajHEBM3EAZngpMVV~dtK2t0yAmLaZLNadJPBvtBWLsqeN3C3OwGJEccFj9Rn4tCswwiFdQXSSBKM2~KoTmZRdw-1Fsd6mT7eZ1gdsnEt1PKKtBBX2fVGHa0L7DNjehV8slzUme-RHXkdW7WonbTlkXKOgCIe0R5bGSd66p0lzmYNob-XZgX~y7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sustainability manager Marissa Baer told the Edina City Council on March 18 that the city’s latest greenhouse‑gas inventory shows a 17% reduction in community‑wide emissions from the 2019 baseline, and a 26% decline for municipal operations.

Baer said the municipal improvements — including building efficiency upgrades, a new solar system on City Hall and an expanded electrified fleet — were the main drivers of the reductions. “The buildings and energy sector is a green check for us,” Baer said while walking council members through a sector‑by‑sector inventory.

The climate action plan the council adopted in 2021 sets a community goal of reducing emissions 45% by 2030 and reaching net‑zero by 2050. Baer said the city was not on a linear trajectory toward the 2030 target in every sector: transportation is the largest shortfall, while buildings and energy have made the most progress. She said grid decarbonization by Xcel Energy and city facility projects together account for much of the municipal progress.

Baer outlined the funding sources used in 2024, including roughly $1.9 million in grant awards and expenditures from the Conservation and Sustainability (CAS) fund, financed primarily by the utility franchise fee. She said the city spent approximately $1.8 million in 2024 on electrifying the city fleet, facility efficiency upgrades and renewable energy projects, and that those programs leverage private investment — Baer said roughly $98,000 in city incentives for the Community Climate Action Fund catalyzed about $1 million in private investment.

Council members pressed for details. Council Member Jackson asked for clearer benchmarking slides and a breakdown of the efficient‑buildings ordinance compliance; Baer said the city had benchmarking data for 238 buildings with a 90% submittal rate for required properties. Member Agnew and Member Pierce urged staff to attach dollar savings and multi‑year ROI estimates to energy investments so the council can weigh climate projects against other budget priorities.

Baer also noted practical limits on the city’s authority: local transportation outcomes depend heavily on regional and state partners such as the Met Council and Hennepin County. She said roughly 63% of the remaining emissions reductions needed to meet the 2030 goal must come from transportation and land‑use changes, with the remainder from buildings and energy.

The council and staff agreed to continue the city’s outreach, grant work and targeted programs for 2025, and to reprioritize CAP actions based on the 2023 inventory and near‑term grant opportunities.

Ending: Baer said the city would produce a 2025 greenhouse‑gas inventory and recommended continuing funding of the CAS fund programs; council members asked staff to return with clearer benchmarking and dollarized savings information to aid budget decisions.","Sustainability manager Marissa Baer told the City Council the city is tracking toward its Climate Action Plan but that transportation remains the largest remaining challenge; municipal buildings and grid decarbonization showed the biggest gains.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: March 18 Edina City Council actions

Edina tables e‑bike ordinance after council seeks clearer sidewalk language, education plan

Council tables 7200 France Ave site approvals after developer removes trees; staff seeks revised landscape plan

Residents press council over SPARK/TIF messaging; city manager clarifies rules on returning unused funds

Edina reports 17% community greenhouse‑gas cut since 2019; municipal operations down 26%