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Home My WebLink AboutCity Council - 07/14/2026Eden Prairie City Council Approved Minutes 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2026 City Center 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, and City Attorney Maggie Neuville CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA I. Call the Meeting to Order Mayor Case called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. All Council Members were present. II. Pledge of Allegiance III. Open Podium Invitation IV. Proclamations and Presentations A. Update from Hennepin County Commissioners Edelson and Goettel Getschow introduced Hennepin County Commissioners Edelson and Goettel, who presented a Hennepin County Update. Commissioner Edelson introduced herself and noted she represents District 6, which includes part of Eden Prairie. Commissioner Goettel introduced herself and noted she represents District 5, which includes Richﬁeld, Bloomington, and the southern portion of Eden Prairie and a small portion of southwest Minneapolis. Commissioner Goettel stated Hennepin County typically falls under the radar, but has a lot of impact on Minnesota as the second largest government entity in the state and has over $3.1 billion in its annual budget. CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES July 14, 2026 Commissioner Edelson added they represent around 190,000 people in their districts. There are seven Commissioners for Hennepin County, with a total of 1.3 million residents. She saw the City's Quality of Life service and commended the Council on the work they are doing in the City. Commissioner Edelson explained widespread support from communities across Minnesota helped secure $205 million in funding, with additional funding expected in the future to help preserve Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) hospital. However, the county faces signiﬁcant uncertainty due to anticipated federal and state budget cuts, Medicaid changes, and SNAP-related challenges. The county's $3.15 billion budget relies heavily on property taxes at 35.4 percent of the budget, as well as federal and state funding, making it vulnerable to funding ﬂuctuations. Due to ﬁnancial constraints, the county plans to slow capital improvement projects in the coming budget cycle. Public safety and the justice system continue to face growing demands, including ongoing staﬃng shortages and overtime costs at the county jail. Commissioner Goettel detailed major ﬁnancial challenges aﬀecting county programs due to federal and state funding reductions. An $8 million annual cut to SNAP beneﬁts will reduce staﬃng and make it harder to process the growing number of food assistance applications. To help address food security, the county invested $2 million in local food networks and shelves. The county has also lost $10.8 million in grants, including terminated FEMA funding, and has chosen not to pursue some grants because their compliance requirements were too strict. Looking ahead to 2027, the county expects an additional $20 million in cuts, including reductions in HUD support for housing security, and $59 million in cuts for Medicaid funding. This will have a signiﬁcant impact on services for people experiencing homelessness, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. Case added HCMC Hospital has to serve everyone that shows up regardless of funding, which is why Minnesota supported keeping HCMC open. The cumulative hit of these budget cuts is ﬁve percent, which is a big deal. Commissioner Goettel added everyone got on board with supporting HCMC Hospital. It is a level one trauma center, which is important to keep in the area. Despite receiving $755 million in total to help stabilize the hospital, the hospital lost 300 employees who were worried about the stability of their jobs, and those jobs now have to be replaced. This funding does not support a long-term debt cycle that the hospital will always have, especially with the Medicaid cuts coming. Commissioner Edelson added rising property values have led to higher property taxes for homeowners. The average Eden Prairie home saw an average property tax increase of nine percent since September 2025. This trend is making it increasingly diﬃcult for residents, as wage growth has not kept pace with rising CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES July 14, 2026 taxes. Counties are also required by state and federal law to provide many core services, even when funding is reduced, leaving property taxes as one of the few ways to cover budget shortfalls. Commissioner Goettel noted the issues extend beyond recent years. There has been a decade-long trend of increasing residential tax burdens while the tax capacity of commercial and industrial properties has declined due, leading to oﬃce building foreclosures and a weak commercial market. The state's property tax system needs a comprehensive review and reform to make property taxes more aﬀordable for residents. Commissioner Edelson highlighted the opening of the 13-bed Youth Crisis Stabilization Center in December 2025 with a $15 million investment to provide intensive mental health care for children close to home. The center helps families avoid sending children out of state for treatment. Upcoming infrastructure projects in Eden Prairie include the ongoing Pioneer Trail Bridge replacement, expected to be completed this fall, and another bridge replacement planned for 2027. Commissioner Goettel stated many cities approached her about cost-sharing participation, which has already changed with MnDOT’s new cost-sharing policy. Many cities, including larger ones like Bloomington, cannot aﬀord the rising costs of road construction. Even as the county gets more transportation dollars and takes on more costs, some projects have to slow down. Feedback is always appreciated to determine what type of cost-sharing would be the most applicable to the diﬀerent cities. Commissioner Goettel added aﬀordable housing investments are some of the most important investments the county can make to increase the quality of life. In 2025, Hennepin County was the primary funder of aﬀordable housing development within the county with 21 projects and 1,339 aﬀordable rental units, along with down-payment assistance. Commissioner Goettel explained Elevate Hennepin is a resource hub connecting local entrepreneurs to expert advisors at no cost on a wide range of topics. More than 4,648 entrepreneurs have accessed thousands of hours of free cohort learning opportunities and helped 345 businesses launch as a result of these eﬀorts. This program is very valuable in helping local businesses succeed. Commissioner Goettel added the county is doing more for its residents in the mental health space, including the Police Embedded Social Worker program, and it has become an essential response method with nearly 50 social workers. Eden Prairie Police alone in 2025 made 485 referrals to the embedded social workers for social services. CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES July 14, 2026 Commissioner Goettel noted Hennepin County just kicked oﬀ the one, two, tree campaign this year to help spread awareness about the importance of planting trees to support neighborhoods and overall healthier communities. From 2022 to 2026, staﬀ estimates 636,230 trees will have been planted due to this program. There is also a Health Tree Canopy grant program that is awarded annually to cities. Case noted the partnership Eden Prairie has with Commissioner Goettel and Commissioner Edelson have been exemplary and a great beneﬁt to the City. Commissioner Goettel added the county just voted on equipment grants for the Eden Prairie school district to include all-terrain wheelchairs to help youth navigate a variety of outdoor services, and will serve 709 Eden Prairie residents. B. Metro Transit Green Line Extension Update Getschow introduced the Metro Transit executive team to present an update on the Light Rail Transit Green Line Extension. Dr. Tyrone Ellis Carter, of the Metropolitan Council District 3, introduced himself. Dr. Carter thanked local leaders and community partners for their expressed support for the Light Rail project reaching another major milestone. The project is moving toward its planned 2027 opening. Dr. Carter praised Eden Prairie's preparation for the new line and noted how easy it will be to travel through the Twin Cities for work, entertainment, and everyday activities. He introduced Lesley Kandaras, the General Manager of Metro Transit, to present. Kandaras thanked the Council for the opportunity to provide an update on the Green Line Extension. Metro Transit is focused on ensuring a successful 2027 launch, although an opening date has not been announced yet. Kandaras highlighted Metro Transit’s role as the region’s largest public transit provider serving more than 60 communities. Kanaras introduced Project Director Jim Alexander to provide a detailed project update. Alexander noted this project is nearing the ﬁnish line after years of work and thanked the City of Eden Prairie for its partnership throughout the project. While the opening date will be announced later this fall, the current focus is on extensive system testing to ensure the rail line is safe, reliable, and ready for a successful launch. Testing is progressing as planned. Alexander introduced Brian Funk, the Chief Operating Oﬃcer, to talk more about the hiring process for the Green Line extension. Funk explained Metro Transit is preparing for a successful Green Line Extension launch by completing testing, hiring staﬀ, and providing training. Funk highlighted the hiring of about 260 positions, including train operators, CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES July 14, 2026 maintenance staﬀ, and rider support personnel, and noted staﬃng is on track. Funk also emphasized coordination with Southwest Transit to ensure a smooth transition and reliable service when the line opens. Chief Joseph Dotseth, the Metro Transit Chief of Police, introduced himself and explained that the agency's safety and security action plan uses a community- wide approach to improve transit safety. Dotseth highlighted increased police presence, trip agents, community service oﬃcers, security teams, outreach services, and real-time security camera monitoring as key safety measures for the Green Line Extension. Dotseth noted the strong partnership with Eden Prairie and other local agencies, with plans for a physical police presence along the line, and Metro Transit Police's commitment to provide a safe public transit experience. Case added he’s heard great things about Chief Dotseth from Eden Prairie's Police Department. Residents have not had many concerns about the Green Line Extension, but safety has been brought to the forefront, and he has been assured by all police that safety will be the top priority. Kandaras reiterated that safety is the main priority on the Green Line. Metro Transit recognizes people will not ride the system if they do not feel safe. In addition to the work done by their police department, the safety department is working closely with other cities' police and ﬁre jurisdictions through the corridor to ensure a coordinated emergency response if necessary. Collaboration and partnership are extremely important for this project, so Metro Transit staﬀ will be out at community events as well as outreach staﬀ. Case noted his appreciation for all the presenters and critical information provided at tonight’s presentation for Eden Prairie residents. City staﬀ are looking forward to the opening of the Green Line Extension. C. PeopleFest! Week Proclamation Case read aloud a proclamation to declare July 26 through 31 as PeopleFest! Week. PeopleFest is an annual, weeklong celebration that honors and celebrates diversity in our community. D. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-054 accepting Spring 2026 donations to Parks and Recreation. Parks and Recreation Director Amy Markle explained that these donations, totaling $19,650, allow the City to oﬀer special events, programs, and educational activities at little or no cost to residents. Businesses increase their exposure and interaction with the community and increase the ability of our CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES July 14, 2026 residents to enjoy our programs. All donations for Parks and Recreation special events will be used to enhance events and lower overall costs. MOTION: Toomey moved, seconded by Narayanan to adopt Resolution No. 2026- 054 accepting multiple spring 2026 donations to Parks and Recreation. Motion carried 5-0. V. Approval of Agenda and Other Items of Business MOTION: Narayanan moved, seconded by Nelson to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried 5-0. VI. Minutes MOTION: Nelson moved, seconded by Toomey to approve the minutes of the Council workshop held Tuesday, June 16, 2026, and the City Council meeting held Tuesday, June 16, 2026, as published. Motion carried 5-0. VII. Consent Calendar A. Clerk’s List B. Code Amendment – Data Centers. Approve second reading of an Ordinance No. 06-2026 to add language in Chapter 11 regulating Data Centers and adopt Resolution No. 2026-055 approving summary ordinance C. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-056 approving appointment of election judges for August 11, 2026 State Primary Election D. Approve lease for Cenobot SP 50 autonomous cleaning vacuum from Innovative Solutions E. Approve Minnesota Housing Local Housing Trust Fund Grant program spending plan F. Approve the Aﬀordable Housing Trust Fund funding agreement with West Hennepin Aﬀordable Housing Land Trust (doing business as Homes Within Reach) G. Award contract for 2026 Edenvale hard court rehabilitation to DMJ Asphalt Inc H. Approve change order #1 for 2026 pavement rehab project with Bituminous Roadways, Inc. I. Approve change order for Water Treatment Geothermal Project with Pioneer Power, Inc CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES July 14, 2026 J. Approve professional services agreement for Riverview Road reconstruction with SRF K. Award construction contract for Sanitary Sewer Lift Station No. 16 (18488 Bearpath Trail) rehabilitation to Pember Companies, Inc. L. Approve grant agreement SG-21276 for sanitary sewer improvements under the 2023 Municipal Publicly Owned Infrastructure Inﬂow and Inﬁltration Grant Program M. Approve professional services agreement for support in preparation of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan with AE2S N. Award contract for Town Center Water Tower Trail to Concrete Idea, Inc MOTION: Freiberg moved, seconded by Narayanan to approve Items A-N on the Consent Calendar. Motion carried 5-0. VIII. Public Hearings and Meetings A. Marshall Farms by Marshall Farms, LLC. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-057 for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment from Medium Density Residential to Low Density Residential on 8.69 acres, adopt Resolution No. 2026-058 for a Planned Unit Development Concept Plan Review on 32.13 acres, approve ﬁrst reading of an Ordinance for a Planned Unit Development District Review with Waivers on 32.13 acres and a Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-9.5 on 17.84 acres, and from Rural to Parks and Open Space on 14.29 acres, adopt Resolution No. 2026-059 for Preliminary Plat on 32.13 acres, adopt Resolution No. 2026-060 for ﬁndings of fact in support of park dedication fees Getschow explained the applicant proposes developing the 32-acre Marshall Farm property at 9905 Dell Road into 50 single-family residential lots including an extension of Crestwood Terrace, utilities, and 5 outlots. One of the outlots is approximately 13.18 acres and is located in the south half of the property. This outlot will be deeded to the City for natural resource preservation. The Planning Commission voted 8-0 to recommend approval at its June 8, 2026 meeting. The applicant is in attendance to make a short presentation. Steve Schwieters, from Wooddale Builders, introduced himself. This is a higher- end development, with villas for empty nesters and single-family homes. Dan Schmidt, Civil Engineer, Sathre-Bergquist Inc., and Dave Remick from McDonald Construction Partners will present more about the project. Dave Remick introduced himself and stated McDonald Construction Partners builds single-family homes all over the Metro area. CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES July 14, 2026 Paul Ryland with Johnson-Reiland Builders introduced himself and noted that his company was started in the early 1970’s and does work all over Bloomington and Eden Prairie, and is excited to be working on this project. Ryland noted this project will have one developer called Marshall Farms, LLC and two builders. The proposal reduces housing density compared to the original Marshall Garden plan and includes 28 villa homes and 22 larger custom single- family homes. The villas feature slab-on-grade construction, optional second stories, and HOA-provided lawn and snow care. The project also includes zoning waivers similar to existing standards, a new road extension, and a trail to improve safety, preservation of 13 acres of natural space, tree removal and replacement, and enhancing landscaping. Remick noted McDonald Construction has been around for almost 50 years and constructs energy-efficient homes across the Metro area. Standard features include EV-ready garages, solar-ready home placement when feasible, and high- performance windows, doors, and insulation. Each home receives a HERS energy rating, and buyers can choose additional energy-efficiency upgrades through the builder's custom home options. Ryland added McDonald Construction was awarded a Reggie Award for Minnesota’s Green Path program. Dan Schmidt, Civil Engineer with Sathre-Berquist, Inc introduced himself. The biggest challenge with this site is protecting the bluff. The project was developed in coordination with the City and the watershed district and has already received conditional watershed approval. The Council opened the public hearing. Daniel McKnitt, 9719 Geilser Road, noted his concerns about the proposed narrow-lot waiver. This increased density along the northern bluff would create a wall of homes inconsistent with the surrounding neighborhood. He asked the Council to reconsider the waiver, suggesting fewer homes. Nearby home values have dropped drastically in recent months, due to concerns about increased density in the neighborhood. Richard Koppy, 9872 Crestwood Terrace, expressed support for the revised development and stated it was an improvement over the previous proposal. His concerns are regarding planned improvements to Dell Road, including traffic management, landscaping, trail design, and safety. He asked the City to provide more information about the road construction, pedestrian and bike trails, Riley CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES July 14, 2026 Creek Crossing, and long-term landscaping plans to preserve the area's residential character. Case asked Public Works Director Robert Ellis to respond to concerns regarding landscaping and trail. Ellis noted the City’s Engineering Staff would be more than happy to meet with Mr. Koppy regarding his concerns. The Dell Road project will happen simultaneously with this development. The project will be a two-lane roadway, so Dell Road will not be expanded. There will be a larger and wider box culvert bridge over the creek with separation for pedestrians and will connect with the existing trail. Landscaping will be standard with green space and native plantings. MOTION: Toomey moved, seconded by Nelson to close the Public Hearing. Motion carried 5-0. Case noted this is the last large scale residential parcel of land in Eden Prairie, and he was hesitant to take it and break it into half-acre lots and be done. That being said this is a really nice project, and the developer did a great job laying it out. In regard to the concerns about density, developers end up putting smaller lots next to bigger lots to actualize the value of the land, and this has been done across the City. There are only four lots that will border new lots, which is pretty good as the City transitions to these new developments. The Council always hears from existing homeowners that their lot values are going to drop when new developments go in. There is research that proves that home values go up after the third or fourth year of a development going in. Toomey asked what the pricing for the villas will be. Ryland stated that these are custom homes, the model home is priced at $900,000 fully ﬁnished with landscaping. Nelson stated there was talk about solar ready features and asked if the builders will encourage buyers to add solar features. Ryland noted the City’s requirement for EVs chargers in garages. Due to the climate in Minnesota, panels must be installed after the roof is installed. Connections will be ready to go for the buyer, but the solar panels can be added at any time after the roof is complete. Nelson asked if the builders will allow any buyer to have them from the beginning of the building process, or if it has to be done after the building is built. Ryland stated it will be an option that the buyer can select right away. CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES July 14, 2026 Remick added that all homes will be built ready for solar either at the time of initial construction or later. Nelson stated it is good to hear homes will all be built with the capability to have solar. Case added this plan exceeds City and Council expectations. He appreciated the developers agreed to allow photo documentation of the buildings and surrounding farm area for Historic Heritage Preservation since this was one of the last farms in the area. Narayanan stated he appreciated the solar-ready approach. MOTION: Toomey moved, seconded by Freiberg to adopt Resolution No. 2026- 057 approving a Comprehensive Plan Amendment from Medium Density Residential to Low Density Residential on 8.69 acres; and Adopt Resolution No. 2026-058, approving a Planned Unit Development Concept Plan Review on 32.13 acres; and approve the ﬁrst reading of an Ordinance for a Planned Unit Development District Review with waivers on 32.13 acres and a Zoning District change from Rural to R1-9.5 on 17.84 acres and from Rural to Parks and Open Spaces on 14.29 acres; and Adopt Resolution No. 2026-059 approving a preliminary plat of 32.13 acres into 50 lots and 5 outlots; and Adopt a Resolution No. 2026-060 for ﬁndings of fact in support of park dedication fees; and authorize the issuance of an early Land Alteration Permit for Marshall Farms at the request of the Developer subject to the conditions outlined in the permit; and direct Staﬀ to prepare a Development Agreement incorporating Staﬀ and Commission recommendations and Council conditions. Motion carried 5-0. B. 11609 Leona Road phase II by Kimley-Horn. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-061 for a Planned Unit Development Concept Plan Review on 3.44 acres, Approve the ﬁrst reading of an Ordinance for a Planned Unit Development District Review with Waivers on 3.44 acres, adopt Resolution No. 2026-062 for Preliminary Plat on 3.44 acres Getschow explained Told Development Company, the property owner, is proposing to redevelop the northern portion of the parking lot at 11609 Leona Road. This is Phase II of a redevelopment project. Phase I included the partial demolition and remodel of Oﬃce Depot into Planet Fitness and underground stormwater management. A drive-thru Starbucks was approved in Phase I but is no longer moving forward. Instead, a drive-thru Shake Shack is proposed to be constructed in the northwest corner of the site. A Valvoline Instant Oil Change is proposed to be constructed in the northeast corner of the site. The developer is proposing to plat the property so each building has its own parcel. The Planning Commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval at its June 22, 2026 meeting, CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES July 14, 2026 contingent on the developer submitting revised building elevations for the Shake Shack building and updating the landscaping/tree replacement plan. Both contingencies have been addressed by the developer. Matthew Lingam, Kimley Horn at 11669 Single Tree Lane in Eden Prairie, noted this project replaces the planned Starbucks and instead will offer a Shake Shack and Valvoline. The Planet Fitness is operational. The new plan will offer a drive- through, parking, landscaping, and stormwater management. Pedestrian walkways and EV charging will be available. Toomey stated she does not like the parking lot at this location. Many parking islands cause drivers to hit the curb when turning off Leona. Lingam stated this project meets the minimum parking requirements for the City. Due to sizing and location parking islands are required. The curb off of Leona is to provide conflict with the Shake Shack drive-thru. Case added it seems like the curb has been improved and is forcing traffic to come further into the parking lot. Lingam stated the curb does force a different traffic pattern. Ellis noted the existing parking island Toomey is referencing will be removed. Case added there will be 24 parking spots for the Shake Shack and asked if that is comparable to other fast food restaurants in the City. Community Development Director Julie Klima noted the 24 parking stalls provided for the Shake Shack site do meet City requirements and are suﬃcient for that location. Case asked why the other 30 parking spaces are being presented as part of Planet Fitness parking if Shake Shack needs it. Klima noted 140 parking stalls total are being proposed for this site, City code only requires 127 for all three uses. It is overparked but does allow cross parking for all businesses. MOTION: Narayanan moved, seconded by Nelson to close the Public Hearing; and adopt Resolution No. 2026-061 for a Planned Unit Development Concept Plan Review on 3.44 acres; and approve the First Reading of an Ordinance for a PUD District Review with Waivers on 3.44 acres; and adopt a Resolution No. 2026-062 for a Preliminary Plat of three lots and one outlot on 3.44 acres; and direct Staﬀ to prepare an amendment to the Development Agreement incorporating Staﬀ and Commission recommendations and Council conditions. Motion carried 5-0. C. 6345 Eden Prairie Road Zoning District Change. Approve ﬁrst reading of an Ordinance for a Zoning District Change from Public to R1-22 on 1.22 acres Getschow explained the City is requesting a zoning district change from Public to R1-22 on two parcels totaling 1.22 acres. Both parcels are privately owned, and a single-family home is located on one of the parcels at 6345 Eden Prairie Road. CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES July 14, 2026 There are no proposed changes in the use of the propertiesThe Planning Commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval at its June 22, 2026 meeting on the condition the two lots are combined into one. Magna Ortiz, 6345 Eden Prairie Road, introduced himself as the developer and owner of the property. Ortiz stated his intent to introduce himself to the Council and explain he was doing upgrades to the property when he discovered the property was zoned public instead of residential. Case said this seemed pretty straightforward as a clerical error that happened years ago, but will now get fixed. MOTION: Nelson moved, seconded by Narayanan to close the Public Hearing; and approve the ﬁrst reading of an Ordinance for a Zoning District change from Public to R1-22 on 1.22 acres. Motion carried 5-0. IX. Payment of Claims MOTION: Freiberg moved, seconded by Narayanan to approve the payment of claims as submitted. Motion was approved on a roll call vote, with Freiberg, Nelson, Narayanan, Toomey, and Case voting “aye.” X. Ordinances and Resolutions XI. Petitions, Requests and Communications XII. Appointments XIII. Reports A. Report of Council Members 1. Case noted the Fourth of July celebration put on by City Staﬀ was amazing, with two straight nights of activities and great work done by public safety staﬀ including Police, Fire, and Parks and Recreation volunteers. Freiberg added he got to visit the Command Center with Police and Fire and see what a great tool it is for Public Safety. Case thanked Fire and Police staﬀ for all their work to keep the event safe. B. Report of City Manager 1. Getschow noted that the next meeting would be August 18. There will also be meetings the ﬁrst and third Tuesday in September and October. CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES July 14, 2026 C. Report of Community Development Director D. Report of Parks and Recreation Director E. Report of Public Works Director F. Report of Police Chief G. Report of Fire Chief H. Report of City Attorney XIV. Other Business XV. Adjournment MOTION: Narayanan moved, seconded by Freiberg to adjourn the meeting at 9:04 PM. Motion carried 5-0. Respectfully submitted, _________________________ Sara Potter, Administrative Support Specialist