Alyssa Blanco

The Equity Strategic Action Plan for the City of Edina outlines a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment by acknowledging and celebrating diversity. The plan prioritizes resources to address and make progress toward shared long-term strategic goals that are data and policy-driven, collaborative with staff and community, and focused on operational excellence. It aims to eliminate systemic and institutional barriers to ensure all people have the opportunity to thrive.

The meeting addressed urgent needs stemming from federal immigration enforcement operations, specifically Operation Metro Surge, which caused widespread fear and job instability for residents. The authority discussed leveraging Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAAHA) funds to address resulting economic impact, focusing on emergency rental assistance. The primary discussion involved approving a forward commitment of $300,000 from anticipated 2026 LAAHA allocation to be administered through VEP, allowing immediate distribution by temporarily utilizing unspent 2025 funds before reimbursing them with 2026 allocations in July. The authority also confirmed the reappointment of Bernardet Hornig, Mary Kay McNe, and Anne Swinson to the United Housing Foundation. Key concerns raised included ensuring sufficient funds would cover needs until the next fiscal cycle and analyzing future percentage allocations to rental assistance versus affordable ownership preservation.

This document, presented as an agenda item, details the transformation of Fred Richards Golf Course in Edina into Fred Richards Park. It outlines the closure of the golf course in early November 2014 and the City Council's approval of a park concept, which was developed with significant public input. A master plan is scheduled for completion, encompassing site planning, feasibility assessments, and bidding. The preliminary vision for the new park includes approximately 60% open green space and 40% active use, featuring athletic fields, improved pond and wetland areas, a walking trail, and renovated clubhouse and maintenance facilities.

The meeting commenced with the annual election of officers, including the selection of a new Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary, as outgoing Commissioner Bournestein concluded his term. The commission also reviewed the agenda and approved minutes from the prior meeting on January 14th. The primary agenda item involved a public hearing for the Edina Public Schools regarding a request for a conditional use permit to expand the Highlands Elementary School parking lot by 54 spaces. Discussions centered on landscaping, lighting, and drainage. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions, including revising the landscape plan to utilize coniferous trees for screening near adjacent single-family homes and ensuring drainage is directed south and east. The commission proceeded with the election of Commissioner Elky as Chair, Commissioner Smith as Vice Chair, and Commissioner Day as Secretary.

The meeting agenda focused on a proposal by The Salvation Army, advised by Carlson Partners, to open the first secondhand retail store in Edina. The plan involves remodeling an existing 28,000 square foot industrial building at 4276 Southdale (implied street based on context) West into a family store, including retail space, a donation drop off, and on-site processing. Council members provided non-binding feedback on the concept. The discussion highlighted that current city code prohibits secondhand retail stores larger than 2500 square feet in Edina and disallows retail uses as a primary use in the industrial zoning district where the property is located. Moving forward would require the development team to seek zoning changes, such as reszoning the property and amending the zoning ordinance or comprehensive plan.