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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEditionEdinaAugust2016AUGUST 2016 Volume 3, Issue 8 Edi tion: Edina Docs Goes Live A newly developed resource for Edina residents, Edina Docs aims to provide easier access to a plethora of public documents. When a resident needed a copy of old Board and Commission minutes, City Council meeting packets or previous financial reports, they used to have come into Edina City Hall. With the rollout of Edina Docs a few months ago, residents can now find most of these documents, and more, from the comfort of their computer chair. Until 2013, the City of Edina did not have an electronic records management system; all official documents were filed as hardcopies. “People were shocked that a city the size of Edina, in 2013, had no electronic records,” said City Clerk Deb Mangen. “We just had paper files. If the building had burned down, everything would have been lost.” In 2013, the City started using Laserfiche software that allowed them to scan and host the documents electronically. The idea to switch to archiving these files electronically stemmed from keeping these documents in a safe place to be used in the future. “Initially, the process of doing things electronically was to get permanent records archived – to protect them,” said Mangen. “But then we realized we could put certain items up for the public to use. The various commission and board documents all have real general public interest … so getting those types of records out there is extremely helpful.” Today, it’s also seen as a step forward in not only aiding residents, but also promoting government transparency. “We’re ultimately able to provide better customer service to our residents at the same time as increasing transparency,” explained I.T. Manager Ryan Browning. “Now, residents won’t have to come all the way down to City Hall to find what they need. It will be on Edina Docs.” This resource could aid in various research projects, as there are City Council meeting minutes dating back from the late 1880s to the present, and even Council packets from the 1970s. There are also previous documents from the Engineering and Finance departments, the Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA), and past construction projects. Edina Docs allows users to easily search the database. Users can browse in specific folders, or search the entire database for a word or phrase. “The searching capability is pretty powerful. If somebody knew or thought something was discussed at City Council, for example, the searching capability in the Laserfiche system should give them quite a bit of help,” Mangen said. While the database is not complete at this time, it is a great repository of public information, and will continue to be updated with new documents. To access Edina Docs, visit EdinaMN.gov. Four candidates are vying for open seats in the race for Edina City Council. Incumbent Jim Hovland is unopposed in the election for Mayor. Mary Brindle, Donna Callender, Mike Fischer and Jennifer Janovy are campaigning for two open Council Member seats. The two “at large” Council Member seats are currently held by Brindle and Ann Swenson. Brindle seeks a third term. The League of Women Voters of Edina will host a candidate forum at City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St., 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21. Those who attend will have an opportunity to hear opening and closing remarks as well as ask questions of the candidates. The forum will be rebroadcast on Edina TV 10 p.m. Mondays, 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Thursdays and 3 and 11 a.m. Fridays through Nov. 7. The top vote-getters will begin their four-year terms in January. The municipal election will be held Nov. 8, in conjunction with the State General Election. Absentee voting begins Friday, Sept. 23 and goes through Nov.7. For more information on the election, visit EdinaMN.gov or call the Voter Registration staff at 952-826-0363. Voters to Elect Mayor, Two City Council Members Whether young or old, there’s strong interest in Niantic’s new mobile app, Pokemon GO. This popular spot in front of Centennial Lakes Park’s Hughes Pavilion has flowers, fountains and four Pokestops. The Pokestops have drawn thousands of digital monster hunters since the game’s release. Centennial Lakes Park Is Popular With Pokemon TrainersPhoto by Dietrich Nissen4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424 952-927-8861 mail@EdinaMN.gov EdinaMN.gov The City of Edina Legend of 2016-2017 Priorities: Focused Redevelopment Planning for the Future Intergovernmental Relations Transportation & Infrastructure Enterprise Facilities A new program is under way to help target and train skilled volunteers who are interested in working with the City while building their skillsets. “Volunteer Edina” aims to engage volunteers in impactful service opportunities and to support various City departments. “The goal is to engage residents and anyone else who is interested in giving back to the City,” said Project Coordinator MJ Lamon. “Volunteers don’t replace staff, but they’re an enhancement. We can offer more if we have volunteers supporting us.” The City already had a robust volunteer program in the form of the Boards and Commissions, which includes more than 100 volunteers. The Senior Center, Edina Art Center, Parks & Recreation and Communications & Technology Services departments have used volunteer support periodically as well. This year, though, the City is making a concerted effort to work with more volunteers in more ways. The Parks & Recreation Department will have about 50 volunteers, more than ever before, and the Communications & Technology Services Department is looking to create a team of volunteers to help broadcast meetings of the City Council and Planning Commission. “The return on investment is so great. We can do more; we can accomplish more if we have this support. And they bring a different perspective that sometimes we don’t think about,” said Lamon. “Edina has always held a special place in my heart. It’s where I gravitated toward because it’s a place I spent a lot of time in during my childhood. I come from a town that tries to do the same,” said Edina Volunteer Connor Nystrom, who grew up in Boone, Iowa and spent many family vacations visiting the Twin Cities area. After graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in Marketing, Nystrom took a position with Dart Transit Company in Eagan. “Being a brand new resident to the Twin Cities and not having a ton of connections, I thought volunteering would be a great way to get involved and try to meet new people. I live in St. Paul, I work in Eagan, but Edina is where my heart is.” Amy Ma, an Edina High School senior, is a new volunteer in the Volunteer Edina program. She served as a City volunteer in the past as a Leader in Training with the Parks & Recreation Department and a student member of the Planning Commission. After her year-long term on the Planning Commission concluded, she got involved with the Volunteer Edina program. “Volunteering through Volunteer Edina was a good way to stay involved with the City and still be able to be involved in helping with the Comprehensive Plan [which I had a role in while serving on the Planning Commission],” said Ma. “I think it’s really interesting to actually go behind the scenes and see how local government works. You see a lot of people in this facility doing their own summer projects and you get a chance to talk to them a little and learn more. When I was on the Planning Commission, the things we were presented with were kind of the finished projects, whereas with what I’m doing now, you kind of get to see how the whole project gets put together.” Lamon expects to receive more applications from interested volunteers and will continue to look for appropriate projects. In addition to volunteer applications coming in to the City organically, Lamon expects to do some recruiting to find valuable and resourceful volunteers for specialty volunteer roles. Volunteering is a great way for college students and prospective college students to get involved in a field they’re interested in as well. Ma is interested in a career in economics or public policy and has committed to helping Economic Development Manager Bill Neuendorf with several projects. Because Volunteer Edina is pairing talented volunteers with substantial projects, volunteers may also be able to use their time as internship or course credit. “It’s really a pleasure to work with volunteers who are interested in helping the community and interested in learning more,” said Neuendorf. “They bring a level of sincerity and a level of energy that you might not find in a consultant. It’s also an opportunity to get the next generation started and give them a chance to get involved in city government and have an impact on their world.” “Volunteering for Edina is a way to give back to the community that constantly gives back to me. It’s a way to meet other people and see the City like you’ve never seen it before,” said Nystrom. “I’ve seen so many parts of Edina that I never knew before I was a volunteer. It’s a way to also have a tie to the community that you wouldn’t have otherwise.” The City is currently recruiting volunteers to serve at Braemar Golf Course, Edinborough Park, Edina Art Center and Edina Senior Center, as well as volunteers for Open Streets on 50th. Volunteers can apply online at EdinaMN. gov/volunteer. For more information, visit the Volunteer Edina webpage at EdinaMN.gov/ volunteer or contact Lamon at 952-826-0360 or MLamon@EdinaMN.gov. Edina Grows Volunteer Program Photo by Jordan GilgenbachEdina High School Senior Amy Ma volunteered with the City over her summer break. AUGUST 2016 For information on Braemar Golf Course, visit BraemarGolf.com • Photos by Michael Braun Sustainability Coordinator Tara Brown began work for the City July 18. September 2016 Events Thursday, Sept. 1, 3-7 p.m. Centennial Lakes Farmers Market, Centennial Lakes Park Monday, Sept. 5 Labor Day, Edina City Hall closed Tuesday, Sept. 6, 7 p.m. League of Women Voters of Edina Candidate Forum for Senate District 49, Edina City Hall Wednesday, Sept. 7, 7 p.m. City Council Meeting, Edina City Hall Thursday, Sept. 8, 3-7 p.m. Centennial Lakes Farmers Market, Centennial Lakes Park Thursday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m. Energy & Environment Commission Meeting, Edina City Hall Saturday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fall into the Arts Festival, Centennial Lakes Park More than 240 talented artists from around the Midwest will display and sell their artwork at the annual Fall into the Arts Festival. The arts festival will also feature favorite fall foods and artist demonstrations. Proceeds will benefit the Edina Crime Prevention Fund, Edina Art Center and Centennial Lakes Park. Sunday, Sept. 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fall Into the Arts Festival, Centennial Lakes Park Monday, Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m. Community Health Commission Meeting, Edina City Hall Tuesday, Sept. 13, 7 p.m. Park Board Meeting, Edina City Hall Tuesday, Sept. 13, 7 p.m. Heritage Preservation Board Meeting, Edina City Hall Wednesday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting, Edina City Hall Thursday, Sept. 15, 3-7 p.m. Centennial Lakes Farmers Market, Centennial Lakes Park Friday, Sept. 16, 7 p.m. Edina High School Homecoming Football Game, Kuhlman Field Saturday, Sept. 17, 9 a.m. Walk with the Mayor, Braemar Golf Course Monday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m. League of Women Voters of Edina Candidate Forum for House District 49A, Edina City Hall Monday, Sept. 19, 8 p.m. League of Women Voters of Edina Candidate Forum for House District 49B, Edina City Hall Tuesday, Sept. 20, 7 p.m. City Council Meeting, Edina City Hall Wednesday, Sept. 21, 7 p.m. League of Women Voters of Edina Candidate Forum for City Council, Edina City Hall Wednesday, Sept. 21, 8 p.m. League of Women Voters of Edina Candidate Forum for Mayor, Edina City Hall Thursday, Sept. 22, 3-7 p.m. Centennial Lakes Farmers Market, Centennial Lakes Park Sunday, Sept. 25, 1-5 p.m. Open Streets on 50th We’re closing West 50th Street between Wooddale Avenue in Edina and Chowen Avenue in Minneapolis for the second-annual Open Streets on 50th! Tuesday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m. Human Rights & Relations Commission Meeting, Edina City Hall Wednesday, Sept. 28, 7 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting, Edina City Hall Thursday, Sept. 29, 3-7 p.m. Centennial Lakes Farmers Market, Centennial Lakes Park By the Numbers: Enjoy All the Renovations at Braemar Golf! After more than 50 years, Braemar Golf Course continues to be a beautiful, top-rated Edina facility. 1,800,000 Construction on the $1.8 million renovation project for the driving range and the Academy 9 course first began last summer. 52 Braemar Golf Course celebrated its 52nd Anniversary in July and debuted a brand new logo. 114,000 The new turf teeing area of the renovated driving range measures around 114,000 square feet and is the largest for any public facility in the region! There are two different pin placements on the new Academy 9 Par 3 course to accommodate varying skill levels. 5 The new Academy 9 course at Braemar Golf opened for the first time to the public Aug. 5. 2 To accommodate an increased need for space, the South Metro Public Safety Training Facility (SMPSTF) is expanding. Renovations are under way to add a 100-seat classroom; new office space; remodeled exterior and entryway; and an enlarged common space, kitchen and women’s restroom. “It’s been getting more and more difficult for our owner and member agencies to book the space they need,” said SMPSTF Director Debra Fields, who added that she’s seen an increase in joint training sessions that bring larger groups of police and fire personnel to the Facility. “We are getting squeezed out of classroom space.” The SMPSTF features two live-fire gun ranges, two small classrooms, defensive tactics room, interactive combat simulator, tactical building and tower and a canine training field. The facility’s gun range is open to the public Wednesdays and Saturdays. The SMPSTF also holds introduction to handgun and permit to carry classes. “It’s been difficult to bring in national speakers because we’ve had to limit the headcount,” said Craig Essig, Edina’s Assistant Fire Chief, who oversees safety and training. “With the additional space, we’ll be able to bring in a lot more training opportunities.” Built in 2004, the SMPSTF is owned by the cities of Bloomington, Eden Prairie and Edina and the Metropolitan Airports Commission. Multiple local agencies also share memberships to the facility. The cost of the $1 million expansion project is shared by the owner agencies. Construction is expected to be complete by January. For more information, contact Fields at 952-903-5700 or visit www.policeandfire.training. South Metro Public Safety Training Facility Expands Tara Brown recently began work as the City’s Sustainability Coordinator, a newly created position. For years, the City had been interested in having a designated person to focus on improving conservation and sustainability efforts throughout Edina. “Prior to this position, people from multiple departments and facilities across the City each had different pieces to sustain and it was just added onto other duties,” said Assistant City Manager Lisa Schaefer. “We really didn’t have the staff resources to be able to implement the goals of the Energy & Environment Commission effectively.” Brown’s initial goals are to understand all the services and facilities Edina offers, and from there, define and measure the carbon emissions and other energy uses to see where the City could start making the largest impacts. Her position will also serve as the liaison to the Energy & Environment Commission, and help execute the group’s priorities and goals. While several cities have similar positions, sustainability coordinators are still rather new to the government scene. “It takes so much energy and effort to properly document, assess and measure for sustainability and people are now starting to see returns on doing so and that it’s worth investing in,” added Brown. Prior to working for the City, Brown worked at Target Corporation for 10 years, three of which were devoted to sustainability. “I’ve really enjoyed having a full-time job in sustainability,” said Brown. “I went to school for business because I understood that I needed a technical skill to make an impact, but sustainability is my passion.” As a Minneapolis resident, Brown sees this new position, and working for Edina, as more than just a job. “I live in Minneapolis, just a couple blocks away, so Edina is my community. My kids go to school here, I’m always shopping and enjoying this area. I’m excited to help what I think is my community become more sustainable,” she said. While the short-term goals are internally focused on Edina governmental operations, the long-term goals for this position will eventually include a community-based action plan. “The City of Edina wants to be a leader in sustainability, and we want our residents to be focused on that, too,” added Schaefer. “We want to set the example and do what we can first.” For more information, contact Brown at 952-826-1621. City Hires First Sustainability Coordinator Photo by Michael BraunSeptember Edina TV Broadcast Schedule Edina City Council (shown until the next scheduled meeting) • Sundays – 3 a.m., 11 a.m. • Tuesdays – 7 p.m. (live broadcast on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month) • Wednesdays – 3 a.m., 11 a.m. • Saturdays – 7 p.m. Planning Commission (shown until the next scheduled meeting) • Wednesdays – 7 p.m. (live broadcast on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month) • Thursdays – 3 a.m., 11 a.m. • Fridays – 7 p.m. • Saturdays – 3 a.m., 11 a.m. U.S. Senate Candidate Forum (shown from Sept. 7 through Nov. 7) • Tuesdays – 11 p.m. • Wednesdays – 7 a.m., 3 p.m. • Saturdays – 11 p.m. • Sundays – 7 a.m., 3 p.m. Park Board (shown from Sept. 13 through Oct. 9) • Mondays – 7 p.m. • Tuesdays – 3 a.m., 11 a.m. • Thursdays – 10 p.m. • Fridays – 6 a.m., 2 p.m. State Legislative Candidate Forums (shown from Sept. 20 through Nov. 7) • Sundays – 10 p.m. • Mondays – 6 a.m., 2 p.m. • Fridays – 10 p.m. • Saturdays – 6 a.m., 2 p.m. Council/Mayor Candidate Forums (shown from Sept. 22 through Nov. 7) • Mondays – 10 p.m. • Tuesdays – 6 a.m., 2 p.m. • Thursdays – 7 p.m. • Fridays – 3 a.m., 11 a.m. Agenda: Edina (new episode on the 1st and 15th of each month) • Daily at 2:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 6:30 p.m. Beyond the Badge (new episode on the 1st of each month) • Daily at 2 a.m., 10 a.m., 6 p.m. Enterprise Edina (new episode produced periodically) • Daily at 2:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 6:15 p.m. On The Job (new episode on the 15th of each month) • Daily at 1:45 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 5:45 p.m. Rotary Club of Edina Meetings (new episode weekly) • Daily at 1 a.m., 9 a.m., 5 p.m.Submitted renderingFile photoAn architect’s rendering shows how the remodeled entrance to the South Metro Public Safety Training Facility will look when the project is complete in the fall.