City Council

The Edina City Council is comprised of a mayor and four Council members who serve four-year staggered terms with elections in even-numbered years. Edina’s Mayor is James Hovland. Council Members are Joni Bennett, Scot Housh, Linda Masica and Ann Swenson.

The Mayor and Council are responsible for the efficient operation of the city government through policies and ordinances that are carried out by the Council-appointed City Manager.

Specifically, the Council is responsible for budgeting, taxation and management of city property. The Council is accountable to the residents of the city.

The Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St. The Council holds other special meetings from time to time. Regular Council meetings begin at 7 p.m. Agendas for meetings are available before each meeting. The agenda includes time for public hearings on subjects such as proposed ordinances, planning and zoning matters, assessments and public improvements.

Routine business is placed on a “consent agenda,” which is considered and approved by one motion at the beginning of each meeting. Any member of the Council or audience may remove an item from the consent agenda for discussion and action. Other agenda items include public comment, bid awards, recommendations and reports, Council and City Manager's comment and a special segment devoted to hearing concerns of the citizenry.

To conduct business, the Council must have a quorum. Three Council members constitute a quorum. A majority vote of the Council is needed to approve most motions, ordinances and general resolutions. Improvement Hearings for which petitions meeting statutory requirements have been presented require three affirmative votes. When there is not a petition, four of five affirmative votes are required. Street or easement vacations for which petitions have been filed require three affirmative votes. However, vacations originated by the Council require four affirmative votes for approval, as do zoning ordinance actions. The second reading of any ordinance may be waived with four affirmative votes.