One of the primary issues discussed was the proposed financing for the Macy’s site project. Ralph Ziker, a resident, voiced strong concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the financial estimates tied to the project’s $23 million Tax Increment Financing (TIF) notes. Ziker highlighted that during two previous Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) meetings, key financial details about the property tax revenues needed to cover the interest costs were not disclosed. He referenced a city official, Mr. Neil, who stated it was “too early in the financing process to predict a precise interest rate.” Ziker challenged this, questioning why the developer could predict an interest rate two years prior while residents were not given similar information. He cautioned that the project’s financial burden could potentially increase from $23 million to $40 million due to additional property tax revenues and suggested that additional public subsidies of around $35 million might be needed. Ziker called for greater accountability and transparency, specifically thanking council members Pierce and Risser for their probing questions.

Following Ziker’s remarks, Eric On, representing the Minnesota Chinese Christian Church, advocated for the approval of a proposal to purchase the local art center and convert it into a multicultural hub. He mentioned that the church had gathered 137 signatures in support of the initiative.

Another resident, David Frankl, raised safety concerns, particularly about recent drug-related activities and the use of e-bikes in local parks. Frankl recounted a personal near-collision with a teenager riding an e-bike recklessly and suggested that Edina should consider helmet requirements similar to other jurisdictions. He also questioned the city’s $2.2 million allocation for making the Grand View parking ramp ADA compliant, expressing frustration over delayed responses to his data request for a structural report on the ramp.

The mayor acknowledged Frankl’s concerns and assured him that the requested structural report was forthcoming. The mayor also mentioned that the issue of e-bikes would be discussed later in the meeting with the chief of police.

City Manager Neil provided further clarity on the proposed $23 million TIF agreement, stating that the city would issue pay-as-you-go notes rather than handing over public bonds to the developer. These notes would only be repaid if the developer met the agreement’s conditions and paid their taxes. Neil assured the council that the anticipated property taxes would cover the agreement’s costs, provided the developer followed through on the project.

The council also discussed pedestrian safety near City Hall, with Neil noting that pedestrian-activated flashers would not be installed based on city policy but that staff would continue monitoring pedestrian traffic.

A significant topic of discussion was the regulation of e-bikes within the city. The city attorney mentioned that several Twin Cities had recently considered or enacted helmet requirements for e-bike users under 18. The police chief added that e-bikes could operate on sidewalks, road shoulders, and bicycle lanes, but noted existing city ordinances that allowed for sidewalk riding with a maximum speed limit of 10 miles per hour. He mentioned reports of children riding e-bikes in violation of state statutes and suggested further research and potential enforcement actions.

The Transportation Commission was suggested as a potential body to study existing policies nationwide and recommend local regulations regarding e-bikes. A council member inquired about regulating speed limits on the 9-Mile Creek Trail, with the police chief confirming that the city could likely implement speed limits on its trails.

Concerns were also raised about other electric transportation devices, such as e-scooters and e-skateboards. One council member recounted an incident involving a young e-skateboard user nearly colliding with an older pedestrian. The council seemed to lean towards considering helmet requirements and enhancing public awareness about safe e-bike use.

The discussion then shifted to the reliability of the community’s electric grid, with complaints about service interruptions. A council member referenced a contact at the Public Utilities Commission who could formally address these concerns during an active filing period for complaints regarding Excel Energy’s performance.

Council Member Jackson advocated for a resolution supporting a grant application for a railroad crossing elimination program, citing community concerns about unsafe railroad crossings. The council unanimously approved the resolution.