HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 12/03/2024 - WorkshopApproved Minutes
Eden Prairie City Council Workshop
5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024
City Center Heritage Rooms, and Council Chambers
8080 Mitchell Road
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
ATTENDEES
City Council Members: Mayor Ron Case, Council Members Kathy Nelson, Mark Freiberg, PG
Narayanan, and Lisa Toomey
City Staff: City Manager Rick Getschow, Public Works Director Robert Ellis, Community
Development Director Julie Klima, Parks and Recreation Director Amy Markle, Police Chief Matt
Sackett, Fire Chief Scott Gerber, Administrative Services/HR Director Alecia Rose,
Communications Manager Joyce Lorenz, City Attorney Maggie Neuville, and Recorder Sara
Potter
HERITAGE ROOMS
I. State Legislative Delegation Discussion with Senator Cwodzinski, Representative
Falconer, and Representative Kotyza-Witthuhn
Case welcomed Senator Cwodzinski, Representative Falconer, and Representative Kotyza-
Witthuhn. Getschow explained upcoming legislative issues including supporting the following
items: a bill to amend Tax Increment Financing (TIF) rules to qualify Eden Prairie Center as a
redevelopment district, a bonding request for the future Highway 4 and 5 interchange, and a
bill appropriating funds for a Police and Fire specialized response garage.
Getschow noted the City is part of the Municipal Legislative Commission (MLC), which has a
platform of 2025 legislative issues including increasing affordable housing, strengthening the
state-local fiscal partnership, supporting safer communities, and investing in infrastructure,
transportation, and economic development. The City is not currently pursuing a local option
sales tax and supports property tax relief directly to taxpayers. The City is also one of the largest
contributors to fiscal disparities and does not receive local government aid.
Getschow explained legislation proposed in the last session preempted local control related to
housing density. One size fits all is not the best way to expand much needed housing. Case
added this legislation is likely proposed for cities that have done a poor job at incorporating
affordable housing. It would have disregarded City’s comprehensive plans and removed public
hearings for proposed developments. Case noted the importance of legislators soliciting input
for this type of proposed legislation with councilmembers.
Cwodzinski stated thanks is due to the MLC for stopping the housing legislation but asked the
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
January 07, 2025
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council to contact him regarding harmful legislation. Cwodzinski asked if the proposed Police
and Fire special response garage will have a regional benefit. Sackett stated the City has a
congressionally directed spending grant for a new mobile command center (MCC). This MCC is a
regional Police and Fire resource. Many surrounding cities do not have a MCC, and the City’s is
used for major events in nearby areas. The garage would also hold tactical response and public
safety equipment that is shared by regional teams. Toomey asked if drones are shared with
surrounding areas. Sackett confirmed drones are shared. Gerber added the City has one of
eight Life Safety Unit trailers in Hennepin County, which is a shared resource for the
surrounding area. These trailers are heated and used to rehabilitate firefighters during winter
months.
Cwodzinski stated his confidence the TIF legislation qualifying Eden Prairie Center as a
redevelopment district will pass in the senate. Bonding money is limited and will likely be
directed toward aging water and wastewater treatment facilities in small communities.
Cwodzinski noted his appreciation that Eden Prairie is represented by one senator and two
house members, a rarity for a city of this size. Neighboring Plymouth is represented by three
senators and five to six house members.
Narayanan asked if there will be environmental initiatives in the upcoming session. The City has
pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Cwodzinski noted the environmental committee
was the hardest committee he’s served on as environmental protection and economic
development are often at odds. Kotyza-Witthuhn stated she authored a portion of legislation
banning the use of intentionally added PFAS for juvenile products under the age of 12. This ban
goes into effect on January 1st and includes items such as car seats, crib stuffing, and bibs. PFAS
is a forever chemical, it does not exit your system unless your exposure is minimized or
eliminated. Kotyza-Witthuhn noted she is co-chair of the Children and Families Finance and
Policy committee. The childcare workforce is the backbone of the entire workforce. It is difficult
to work without safe and reliable childcare.
Case welcomed Falconer and extended congratulations on his recent election. Falconer stated
his excitement and noted his focus on absorbing information. Falconer stated his top
committee choice is environmental but assignments have yet to be confirmed.
Narayanan noted Southwest Transit is an important service for residents and ridership is quickly
increasing. Narayanan asked the legislators to support Southwest Transit. More electric vehicles
are being incorporated into the fleet, which will help the City reach its carbon neutral by 2050
goal. Case noted Southwest Trasit is piloting the use of autonomous vehicles in the City, one of
the first communities in the State to do so. The pilot has prompted conversations surrounding
the City’s involvement with the Metropolitan Council. Legislators have discussed the need for a
revamp of the Met Council. Case asked the legislators to contact the Councilmembers for their
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
January 07, 2025
Page 3
input if the issue arises.
Case stated the City is also involved with the Metropolitan Airport Commission (MAC) and
noted legislation can alter the airports operations and asked the legislators to seek input from
the Councilmembers. Having an airport is a divisive resource for residents who dislike the noise
and pilots who appreciate having a nearby airport. Case discussed the Light Rail Transit, likely to
be operational in 2027. Cwodzinski stated the Metropolitan Council is often criticized for lack of
transparency and should be an elected body. Narayanan noted he has heard complaints from
Southwest Transit that the funding allocation is not transparent.
Nelson noted her appreciation for recent legislation requiring Homeowners Associations (HOAs)
to allow solar panels. Electric equipment such as lawn mowers are slowly becoming more
popular. Kotyza-Witthuhn discussed the need to update HOA regulations. Freiberg stated large
retail manufacturers such as Toro are moving away from gas powered equipment. Prices of
electric equipment are decreasing and battery capacity is increasing. Kotyza-Witthuhn stated
frequency of use should be considered. Upgrading items used daily such as lightbulbs can have
a large impact. Getschow explained the City subsidizes Energy Squad visits to help homeowners
find energy saving opportunities.
Case summarized the importance of government offering incentives to motivate behavior in
lieu of mandates. The market can drive change. Case noted there are now electric airplanes
that have the potential to reduce noise impacts in the future. Kotyza-Witthuhn summarized her
involvement with the house aviation caucus.
Narayanan asked if there is any concern regarding insurance increases. Kotyza-Witthuhn noted
the insurance industry is regulated by the commerce department. Kotyza-Witthuhn stated she
is chair of the commerce committee. Last session there was a presentation on climate change
and its affect on the insurance industry. Incredible weather events are increasing, leading to
more frequent claims.
Cwodzinski summarized the positive feedback received from residents on a recent door
knocking trip. Case thanked the legislators for coming and expressed gratitude for the
partnership between the City and legislators.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
II. Open Podium