On the agenda: Edina, MN City Council Work Session 3rd Tuesday — Colocation (Oct 20)

City Council Work Session Meeting Agenda
October 20, 2026, 5:30 PM
Edina City Hall, Community Room, 4801 W. 50th St.

Accessibility Support:
The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public process. If you need
assistance in the way of hearing amplification, an interpreter, large-print documents or something
else, please call 952-927-8861 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting.
1.

Call to Order

2.

Roll Call

3.

Meeting Topics
3.1.

4.

2027-2028 Proposed Commission Work Plans

Adjournment

Page 1 of 16

Item Report
October 20, 2026
City Council
Item Number: 3.1

Department: Administration

Item Activity: Information

Prepared By: MJ Lamon, Special Projects & Engagement
Manager

Item Title: 2027-2028 Proposed Commission Work Plans
Action Requested:
None
Information/Background:
Starting in 2026, commission work plans began working on two-year work plans. This year, City
Council will hear from the Arts & Culture Commission, Community Health Commission, and Parks &
Recreation Commission. The commission chair or designee will present proposed initiatives.
Resources/Financial Impacts:
Reviewing commission work plans ensures that proposed initiatives align with available City capacity
and resources. Staff liaisons identified whether each initiative has a budget impact and confirmed
that a funding source is available, as well as the level of staff support required. These considerations
inform staff recommendations to Council, ensuring that both funding and personnel resources are
appropriately aligned with proposed work plan activities.
Relationship to City Policies/Plans/Budget Pillars:
The commission work plan process is integrated into the City’s overall work plan framework, which
emphasizes alignment with Council priorities and strategic goals.

Better Together
Values Impact:
The work plan process ensures commissions have structured
Engagement

opportunities to share input and align priorities with the City Council,
fostering transparent two-way communication.
The structured work plan process allows Council to review alignment

Stewardship

with long-term goals, ensuring thoughtful investment of City resources
and minimizing duplication of effort.

Supporting Documentation:
Documents marked with "Board Portal" do not meet ADA Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (URL)
and are not included in the public packet. To request a board portal document, please submit a data
request (URL).

Page 2 of 16

1.
2.
3.
4.

2027-2028 Chair WP Presentation
2027-2028 PARC WP
2027-2028 ACC WP
2027-2028 CHC WP

Page 3 of 16

Advisory Commission Proposed Work Plans
City Council Work Session
October 20, 2026

Page 4 of 16

Timeline & Roles
October 20
Chair Presentation

November 4
Staff Presentation

Chairs
• Present work plan proposals
• Focus on items needing explanation

Admin Staff
• Present city-wide recommendations
for work plan proposals

City Council
• Ask questions
• Make sure to understand scope and
item being requested
Admin Staff & Liaisons
• Available for questions

Staff Liaisons
• Available for questions

City Council
• Provide feedback for staff to develop a
final recommendations
Page 5 of 16

Next Steps
 Oct. 20 – Nov. 2………….Staff/City Manager Review

Review proposed work plans and offer comments / adjustments for City
Council consideration
 November 4……………Staff Presentation

Staff will present comments on work plan initiatives
Receive feedback from Council on edits/changes
 Nov. 4 – Nov. 25…………Staff/City Manager Review

Incorporate Council feedback
 December 1……………City Council Approval

Work plans approved at the City Council meeting

Page 6 of 16

Presentation Order

5:30 Staff Presentation
5:40 Parks and Recreation Commission
5:50 Arts and Culture Commission
6:00 Community Health Commission

Page 7 of 16

= commission

1

= staff

Parks & Recreation Commission
2027-2028 Proposed Work Plan

Initiative Title: Review and Comment on potential updates to the Park Ordinance
Initiative Description:
Staff will review and propose updates to the City Code of Ordinances as it relates to parks and requests the commission
review and comment on those updates. Comments on proposed changes would be presented to the City Council.
Deliverable:
Comments on proposed changes.
Targe Completion Date:
Initiative Type:
Leads:
Quarter 1 2027
Task
Council Charge: ☒ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☐ 3: Review & Recommend
☐ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff):
Staff Support Required (completed by staff):
Liaison Comments:

2

Administration Comments:

Initiative Title: Alternate Funding: Philanthropic Efforts
Initiative Description:
Continuation: Develop a recommended action plan for consideration on the framework for a philanthropic group to
support the city in matters of Parks, Recreation and the Arts.
Deliverable:
Report to the City Council
Targe Completion Date:
Initiative Type:
Leads:
Date when item will be complete
Project
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☒ 3: Review & Recommend
☐ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): None to provide a recommendation.
Staff Support Required (completed by staff):
Liaison Comments:
Administration Comments:

Page 18 of
Page
of316

3

Initiative Title: Alternative Funding: Naming Rights/Sponsorships
Initiative Description:
Focus on Alternative Funding on potential expanded naming rights and sponsorships.
Deliverable:
Recommendation to the City Council
Targe Completion Date:
Initiative Type:
Leads:
Date when item will be complete
Project
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☒ 3: Review & Recommend
☐ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff):
Staff Support Required (completed by staff):
Liaison Comments:
Administration Comments:

4

Initiative Title: Research feasibility of an Unplug Edina Day
Initiative Description:
Unplug Edina Day would encourage Edina community members to “unplug” from their electronic devices and “plug”
into play, creativity, friendship, adventure, and family time at local Edina parks and recreation facilities. Unplug Edina
Day would promote three core community pillars: environmental sustainability, personal wellness, and the economic
impact of local recreational properties. This study to determine the potential could be conducted with cross-over or
review and comments by other City commissions such as the Energy & Environment and Community Health, or other
city commissions.
Deliverable:
Study and Report
Targe Completion Date:
Initiative Type:
Leads:
TBD
Project
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☒ 2: Study & Report ☐ 3: Review & Recommend
☐ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff):
Staff Support Required (completed by staff):
Liaison Comments:

5

Administration Comments:

Initiative Title: Rebrand Senior Center
Initiative Description:

Page 29 of
Page
of316

Review and Comment: (Source: Strategic Plan for Recreation Facilities Tactic 1.1.2) Re-brand the Senior Center as a
“community center” or “activity center” to attract other age segments by removing the negative connotation of
“senior” label among 55-75 age segment. Consider including in a multi-purpose facility at the Grandview site.
Deliverable:
Review and Comment
Targe Completion Date:
Initiative Type:
Leads:
TBD
Project
Council Charge: ☒ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☐ 3: Review & Recommend
☐ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff):
Staff Support Required (completed by staff):
Liaison Comments:

6

Administration Comments:

Initiative Title: Education and Engagement on any potential LOST Referendum
Initiative Description:
During the last two legislative sessions the City Council submitted requests to update and amend the City’s Local Option
Sales Tax authority for expanded use, but not expanded rates. If that were to occurs again and it is approved by the
state legislature a referendum would be required. The Commission requests to play a role in the education and
engagement of informing the community as it relates to Parks & Recreation needs if there is a future referendum.
Deliverable:
If a referendum is scheduled would include Community Engagement and Education
Targe Completion Date:
Initiative Type:
Leads:
TBD
Event
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☐ 3: Review & Recommend
☐ 4: Review & Decide ☒ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff):
Staff Support Required (completed by staff):
Liaison Comments:
Administration Comments:

Page 10
3 of
Page
of316

= commission
= staff
Initiative Type:
Ongoing

Arts and Culture Commission
2027/2028 Proposed Work Plan
Target Completion Date:

Lead(s): Westlund, Steinberg, Piacek-Llanes,
Pandya, Student Commissioners (Peterson &
Trinh)

1

Initiative Title: Art Center Colocation at Southdale Library
Initiative Description: As the new Art Center is completed, the Arts and Culture Commission will assist in public
outreach and engagement.
Deliverable: Assist with community outreach and engagement
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Study & Report ☒ 2: Review & Comment ☐ 3: Review & Recommend ☐ 4: Review & Decide
Budget Required (completed by staff): Possible funding required for marketing and community outreach
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): This will be a joint city staff/commission effort.
Liaison Comments: Supportive of this initiative and the assistance it offers in communicating to the public about the
new art center and art opportunities.
City Manager Comments:

Initiative Type: Ongoing/Annual

Target Completion Date:

Lead(s): Pandya, Fram, Piacek-Llanes, Student
Commissioner Peterson

Initiative Title: Edina Art Grant Program
Initiative Description: Work with City staff to improve and implement the Edina Art Grant Program (years 4 and 5).

2

Deliverable: Years 4 & 5 of the Edina Art Grant Program
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Study & Report ☐ 2: Review & Comment ☐ 3: Review & Recommend ☒ 4: Review & Decide
Budget Required (completed by staff): Funds will be needed for this project. $5,000 per year is the initial
recommended amount for Public Art Fund microgrant awards.
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): Communications and marketing will be instrumental as we move forward
with this project. This may require multiple hours of staff time as we establish the program. The project will continue
on an annual basis, with minimal additional needs pending annual funding reviews.
Liaison Comments: Supportive of this program; will evaluate results.
City Manager Comments:

3

Initiative Type: Ongoing

Target Completion Date:

Lead(s): All

Initiative Title: Review Public Arts and Culture Opportunities for New City Facilities and Locations

Page 111 of
Page
of316

Initiative Description: The Arts and Culture Commission will review art and décor elements and make public art
recommendations for city facilities and locations, as well as recommend spaces for cultural activities.
Deliverable: Review and recommend public art projects to be implemented.
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Study & Report ☐ 2: Review & Comment ☒ 3: Review & Recommend ☐ 4: Review & Decide
Budget Required (completed by staff): No budget needed
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): City staff will need to provide updates and potential selections to the ACC
on projects.
Liaison Comments: ACC members are very interested in being involved in upcoming city projects and art installations.
Their knowledge and skills in the realm of public art and art mediums will be valuable as projects move forward.
City Manager Comments:

Initiative Type:
Target Completion Date:
Event
Initiative Title: Commission Participation in Community Events

Lead(s): Byrd, Curtin, Steinberg

4

Initiative Description: Promote Commission initiatives and art in Edina through increased ACC presence at public
events, including the Edina Fourth of July Parade and the Fall into the Arts Festival at Centennial Lakes Park and other
City events throughout the year.
Deliverable: Promote art in Edina and engage with residents.
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Study & Report ☐ 2: Review & Comment ☐ 3: Review & Recommend ☐ 4: Review & Decide☒Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): Minimal
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): Communications may be asked to assist with creating marketing
materials. Staff Liaison will be able to take care of everything else.
Liaison Comments: Supportive of initiative.
City Manager Comments:

Initiative Type: Year 1: Study and
Report, Year 2: Implement

Target Completion Date: Q4
2028

Lead(s): Fram, Zbaren, Piacek-Llanes, Westlund,
Student Commissioner (Trinh)

5

Initiative Title: Creative Health: An Arts & Wellness Initiative
Initiative Description: Creative Health is a two-year commission initiative that positions the arts as a legitimate tool for
community wellbeing. The initiative recognizes a growing body of research that arts engagement measurably improves
mental health outcomes, reduces isolation, supports chronic disease management, and aids recovery from trauma
Deliverable: The commission will commit its first year to mapping existing arts-and-health efforts in the community,
identifying gaps and underserved populations, consulting with healthcare providers and community health
organizations, and building locally-grounded experiences. Year Two shifts to implementation, where the commission
will focus on funding and launching pilot programs designed directly from Year One's findings, ensuring resources go
toward interventions the community actually needs.
Council Charge: ☒ 1: Study & Report ☐ 2: Review & Comment ☐ 3: Review & Recommend ☐ 4: Review & Decide

Page 12
2 of
Page
of316

Budget Required (completed by staff): No budget will be required during year 1. The ACC will reassess in year 2 once
the research phase is complete.
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): Only staff liaison support required at this time to communicate and
schedule time with other commissions.
Liaison Comments:
City Manager Comments:
Parking lot:
Public Art Master Plan

Page 13
3 of
Page
of316

= commission
= staff

Community Health Commission
2027-2028 Proposed Work Plan

1

Leads: Smithson, Leszko, Gadia
Initiative Type:
Target Completion Date:
Project
Q3
Initiative Title:
Study and Report strategies to promote social connection to improve community wellbeing within the City of Edina:
Initiative Description:
Bin Buddies (Working title)
A campaign to increase neighbor-to-neighbor communication by encouraging all residents to have someone who takes
out/returns their trash bins when they’re away from home. The campaign would also encourage residents to check on
neighbors if they haven’t seen a buddy’s trash bins out recently.
Connection through Plants
Current ideas: community garden, neighborhood plant swaps, or something like Access to Excess or Neighborhood veg
or seed swaps like Little Free Libraries.
Deliverable: Report
Council Charge: ☒ 1: Study & Report ☐ 2: Review & Comment ☐ 3: Review & Recommend ☐ 4: Review & Decide
Budget Required (completed by staff): No budget impact
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): None
Liaison Comments:
City Manager Comments:

2

Leads: Sullivan, Parrish, Giljahn, Pandey, Gadia
Initiative Type:
Target Completion Date:
Project
Q2
Initiative Title:
Study and Report strategies to increase bike safety for City of Edina riders and community members.
Initiative Description:
Current ideas: Positive reinforcement programs, classes and stickers for bikes, helmet enforcement, speed limit for all
bikes (including e-bikes)
Deliverable:
Report
Council Charge: ☒ 1: Study & Report ☐ 2: Review & Comment ☐ 3: Review & Recommend ☐ 4: Review & Decide
Budget Required (completed by staff): None for study and report phase
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): None
Liaison Comments:

3

City Manager Comments:
Initiative Type:
Target Completion Date:
Leads: Shukla, Sullivan, Smithson, Pandey
Project
Q4
Initiative Title:
Study and Report strategies to engage City of Edina community members about alternatives to prolonged screen time.
(Possible Park or Art Commission Collaboration)
Initiative Description:
Cross commission committee working together to study and report on initiatives geared to increased physical activity,
getting outdoors and reducing screen time.
Deliverable:
Report
Page14
1 of
Page
of316

Council Charge: ☒ 1: Study & Report ☐ 2: Review & Comment ☐ 3: Review & Recommend ☐ 4: Review & Decide
Budget Required (completed by staff):
Staff Support Required (completed by staff):
Liaison Comments:
City Manager Comments:

5

4

Initiative Type:
Target Completion Date:
Lead(s): Giljahn, Parrish, Jarvi
Ongoing/Annual
Q1
Initiative Title:
Study and report on possible updates to City of Edina Tobacco regulations
Initiative Description:
Evaluate Bloomington and Richfield City Code related to tobacco licensing; as each City has ceased issuing new tobacco
licenses. Possible Edina City Code update.
Deliverable:
Report
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Study & Report ☐ 2: Review & Comment ☐ 3: Review & Recommend 4: ☐ Review & Decide
Budget Required (completed by staff):
Staff Support Required (completed by staff):
Liaison Comments:
City Manager Comments:
Initiative Type:
Target Completion Date:
Lead(s): Jarvi, Leszko
Ongoing/Annual
Q1
Initiative Title:
Appoint two members (primary and backup) to represent the City of Edina Community Health Board on the Statewide
Community Health Services Advisory Committee (SCHSAC).
Initiative Description:
Ongoing initiative with members serving each year. Current members rotating off CHC in 2027.
Deliverable:
Appointment
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Study & Report ☐ 2: Review & Comment ☐ 3: Review & Recommend ☒ 4: Review & Decide
Budget Required (completed by staff):
Staff Support Required (completed by staff):
Liaison Comments:
City Manager Comments:

6

Initiative Type:
Target Completion Date:
Lead(s): Jarvi, Giljahn
Ongoing/Annual
Q1
Initiative Title:
Appoint two members to serve on opioid settlement funds stakeholder group
Initiative Description:
Ongoing initiative with two members serving on stakeholder group each year
Deliverable:
Appointment
Page15
2 of
Page
of316

Council Charge: ☐ 1: Study & Report ☐ 2: Review & Comment ☐ 3: Review & Recommend ☒ 4: Review & Decide
Budget Required (completed by staff):
Staff Support Required (completed by staff):
Liaison Comments:
City Manager Comments:
Parking Lot: Youth peer-to-peer support around self-harm
- Tracking ongoing responsibilities of Community Health Commission
o Annual participation, representation, etc.

Page16
3 of
Page
of316