City Council - Regular Meeting

Welcome to Agenda Edina, a program summarizing the actions taken at City Hall that affect you most. I'm your host, Dorothea Marty. Edina's parks are for everyone, but when large gatherings or other disturbances create safety concerns or interfere with other people's ability to enjoy a park, The City needs to have the tools and resources to respond. Following recent incidents, the City is taking a three-part approach focused on enforcement, engagement, and policy. First, enforcement. The Dyna Police Department has increased its presence in parks during peak evening hours and is using additional officers, police cadets, and reserve officers to provide greater visibility. Police are also using intelligence-led policing and mobile cameras to identify patterns, respond proactively, and deploy resources where they are needed most. At its meeting earlier this month, the City Council approved a joint powers agreement for the Dinah Police Department to join the BCA's Violent Crime Reduction Unit.

One of the things that's helpful for us is when we get into task force environments, and so I refer to those as force multipliers. And the BCA had stood up a violent crime reduction unit a few years back to really start to deal with the influx of gun violence across the region. So day in and day out that task force again focuses on that proactive work and is really resourceful and strategic and going after the most violent and most prolific offenders that exist. And we think that's key for our community. We're at that point. We of course have taken our recent high profile cases very seriously and we are very much intentional in applying the right resources to help solve these crimes and really reduce these events from happening in the future.

Second, engagement. The City and Police Department are working with community leaders, families, youth organizations, and other partners to build relationships and address concerns before they become public safety issues. That includes creating more opportunities for young people to participate in positive, structured activities and increasing staff and police presence in parks and at community events. And third, policy. The City Council is considering changes to the City's Park Ordinance that would give the City additional tools to manage large gatherings and organized activities. The City is also evaluating additional policy options related to public safety and firearms in parks and other public spaces. Addressing these issues will require more than one solution. The City is reviewing enforcement, engagement, and policy options at the local, regional, and state levels. This includes working with public safety partners and community leaders to determine what approaches will be most effective.

You know, I think in Edina, like every other community, we want our parks to be places where people can enjoy themselves and everybody is safe every time they're in the park. Because if we've got some sort of rapidly maturing gang activity, we want to nip that in the bud and get the bad people caught, get the followers back on the right track, and make sure that our whole metropolitan region is safe. And if we're in this together, it enhances our police power and gives us the ability to really help each other out. And that's so Minnesotan, I think, really helping each other out.

In 1976, it was the talk of the town. That year, the Pointe of France was set to open as the first high-rise condominium in the city. This August marks the 50th anniversary of its completion, and the current owners are celebrating the occasion by honoring the past. Edina TV shows us why this local landmark has stood apart from other condominiums through the decades.

An arch on France Avenue South welcomes owners and visitors alike to the home for close to 250 people. Near the shores of a private pond, neighbors gather for night to unite and to celebrate a milestone.

We're grateful that this year we also can celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Point of France. Give it up for them!

Five decades of history chronicled in photos, but also shared memories. Elizabeth Cherney Book was there at the beginning.

France Avenue, you know, has become quite a busy street now. It was just two lanes when we moved in.

The year was 1976, and at 14 stories, the Point of France was an upscale marvel with a French flair.

For instance, the apartments were not called apartments. They were called chateaux. The guard at the door was not a security officer, but rather it was a gendarme.

Displays in the updated lobby capture a time when the middle class was growing and both working professionals and retirees wanted a carefree lifestyle.

No yard keep up, no maintenance, a lot less maintenance. And of course, that was nice for our situation. So it was certainly an easier lifestyle.

Well, now we're going down to the ground level, which is our patio level.

The amenities list is a long one and includes a library, a play area for children, a hobby room, workout space, guest rooms, a billiard room that retains its original charm, and a lot more. Managing it all through 50 years has been a board of directors.

We think we have a unique story because we are, as far as we know, the longest self-managed organization. In other words, we do not have a hired management company to run Point of France.

A board that decided living at Point of France would be open to those 55 or older.

I love that, you know, people are very friendly. I have developed wonderful friendships here.

Strong relationships and a location that continues to amaze.

We came and the real estate opened the door for our condo and the windows were like this, you know. It was just breathtaking for me. Beautiful design, and I look at that space and I say, gee, I can have everybody in my family here for parties.

Celebrating the history of a place so many call home.

Point of France Day in the city of Edina, August 9, 2026. So be it proclaimed, James Hovland, Mayor of Edina. So, congratulations.

while maintaining the foundation for future owners to glide through the next 50 years. I'm Dan Carpenter for Edina TV.

A book chronicling the Point of France's construction and changes over the years has been developed for the 50th anniversary. Reserve a copy at the front desk at the Point of France. As you get ready for the new school year, remember that Minnesota's school bus safety law changed earlier this year. What's new? Drivers must stop for a school bus when its red lights are flashing, whether or not the stop arm is extended. And when a bus has its amber warning lights flashing, drivers must not move within 20 feet of the bus. So as you're driving this school year, slow down, pay attention, and give school buses plenty of space. Knowing what's new and following the law can help keep Edina students safe. Thanks for watching this episode of Agenda Edina. I'm your host, Dorothea Marty.