Edina City Council Minutes January 12th, 2026

January 12, 2026 

The Board of Aldermen met in regular session with Mayor Linda Kerr presiding. Aldermen present: Dot Kriegshauser, Delmar Strange, David Bugh, Rick Yoakum, Staci Rimer, Don Crim. Absent: none. 

Others present: Roger Parton, Superintendent of Utilities; Chris Feeney, NEMO RPC Economic Development Specialist; Echo Menges, Edina Sentinel Editor; Naomi Tharp, Edina Police Officer; Brent Karhoff. 

Mayor Kerr called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and gave the invocation. The pledge of allegiance was recited. 

Motion was made by Delmar Strange and seconded by Don Crim to approve all reports and minutes as presented. Motion carried. 

Motion was made by Dot Kriegshauser and seconded by Delmar Strange to approve all bills as presented. Motion carried. 

Citizens Comments 

Brent Karhoff stated that he was interested in the dog incident that occurred in his neighborhood. Officer Tharp said the dog was quarantined on the owners property and any charges are being handled by the prosecuting attorney. (Alderman Bugh arrived at this time.) 

Chris Feeney, NEMO RPC Economic Development Specialist, met with the Board. He updated the Board regarding the City’s CDBG Demolition project including the asbestos inspection agreement and the demolition inspection contract. Motion was made by Rick Yoakum and seconded by Staci Rimer to authorize the Mayor to sign these documents after receiving CDBG approval. Motion carried unanimously. In regard to the historic properties on the demo list, Chris said certified historians in the area were selected from the list provided by DNR; notified of the project and given until January 30th to submit a bid for their services. Chris also said a clear title is required for all properties on the demo list and several abstract offices were contacted in the area for bids. Motion was made by Rick Yoakum and seconded by David Bugh to accept the bid submitted by Knox County Abstract. Motion carried unanimously. 

Building Permit 

The Board considered an application for a building permit submitted by Clarence Miller, Jr. Motion was made by Delmar Strange and seconded by Rick Yoakum to approve the permit for a storage building (40’x96′) to be built at 409 S. Fourth Street. Motion carried unanimously. 

The City of Edina currently participates in the Knox County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan in the effort to become a Disaster Resistance Community in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. An updated plan is required at this time since the last update was in 2021. Mayor Kerr read Resolution No. 736 to adopt the updated Knox County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Motion was made by Rick Yoakum and seconded by Dot Kriegshauser to adopt Resolution No. 736. Motion carried unanimously. 

Department Reports 

Roger Parton, Superintendent of Utilities, met with the Board. He reported that the warranty on the backhoe has expired and continued coverage would be $957.60 for 24 months or $3,551.10 for 60 months. Motion was made by David Bugh and seconded by Don Crim to select the extended coverage for 60 months. Motion carried unanimously. 

7:30 p.m. Public Hearing with respect to potential increases in charges and fees for City water, sewer, and trash services provided by the City of Edina. 

Mayor Kerr opened the public hearing for comments. The last rate increase was April 1, 2023 and the costs to provide these services have raised considerably in three years. No one spoke for or against the potential increases and the public hearing was closed. A second public hearing is scheduled for February 9, 2026. 

Aldermen Comments 

Alderman Rick Yoakum commented that the City has money budgeted for the Lake clubhouse improvements to be made and he would like to see something started. There was a consensus for the City employees to continue with cleaning up the building and property and for Rick to seek quotes from local contractors to complete the necessary repairs needed at this time. 

Motion was made by David Bugh and seconded by Delmar Strange to adjourn. Motion carried and the meeting was adjourned. 

Margaret Gibson, City Clerk