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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEditionEdinaFebruary20164801 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 K-9 Blitz received his bullet- and-stab protective vest this month thanks to a donation from Vested Interest in K9s, a non-profit that worked with St. Paul’s CaJah Salon last fall to raise money for protective vests for K-9s around the Twin Cities. Each vest weighs nearly 5 pounds and is valued around $2,000. Two-year-old Blitz joined the Edina Police Department in February 2015 and began work once he and his handler, Officer Sean Young, graduated from K-9 academy in May 2015. Blitz is one of two K-9s working for the Edina Police Department. Speak Up, Edina! FEBRUARY 2016 Volume 3, Issue 2 Edi tion: The City’s next online discussion is now available at SpeakUpEdina.org. The discussion, which focuses on advertising, is available until April 11. The City has sold advertising for many years to help offset the production costs of some of its publications. Currently, advertising space is sold in the City’s About Town magazine, the Senior Center’s The Times newsletter and the Parks & Recreation Department’s Activities Directory. The City also sells advertising space on dasherboards in Braemar Arena’s west arena and Backyard Rink, on season tickets at Braemar Arena, banners at Braemar Field and tee dividers at the Braemar Golf Dome. The City also sells sponsorships for “Enterprise Edina” and “Beyond the Badge,” two television shows produced by the City. In the discussion, the City asks what residents think of the amount of advertising compared to content in its publications; whether residents patronize businesses they see advertised in City publications and facilities; if the City should sell more advertising at City facilities; and what residents think of expanding advertising even further, to areas such as on water towers, City parking ramps and the City website. Feedback from this discussion will be compiled and presented to the City Council April 19. This month, the City has been gathering feedback on volunteerism. Questions asked include whether residents volunteer any of their time and why, in what capacity they volunteer, what sort of volunteer position they would like if they could create their own and what they would hope to get out of volunteering for the City. This discussion is open until March 7. Feedback will be compiled and presented to the City Council March 15. To weigh in on a discussion, visit SpeakUpEdina.org. Do you travel Highway 169? The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) wants to know what you think. Complete the survey online at mndot.gov/metro/projects/hwy169study. Initiated by MnDOT, Scott County and the Metropolitan Council, the purpose of the study is to evaluate cost-effective options for improving transit and reducing congestion on Highway 169 between Shakopee and Golden Valley. The feedback from the survey will be used to help MnDOT determine the best options for reducing congestion, providing reliable trip times and improving transit. A greater mobility study will also evaluate the potential for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines and MnPASS express lanes in the southwest metro and/or other improvements. BRT is a bus service that travels the highway and stops only at designated stations on or immediately adjacent to the highway. A 2014 study indicated that, compared to other regional highways, Highway 169 between downtown Minneapolis and Marschall Road in Shakopee is an ideal candidate for BRT. MnPASS is a congestion-free travel option during peak drive times on highways with high congestion. The lanes, similar to those seen on Interstate 35W in the south metro and Interstate 35E in the north metro, are dedicated to buses, carpools, motorcyclists or solo drivers who pay a fee during peak drive times. The results of the mobility study, which will conclude in spring 2017, will be used to determine whether to advance recommended improvements to the highway to a pre-design process, to add specific improvements to the project that are already programmed or to get improvements ready should funding become available. Construction on Highway 169 between Highways 55 and 62 is set to begin in late 2016, which includes replacement of the bridge over Nine Mile Creek. The new bridge will be constructed to accommodate any future expansion of the highway. For more information or to take the survey, visit mndot.gov/metro/projects/hwy169study. MnDOT Kicks Off Highway 169 Mobility Study, Survey Donors Have ‘Vested Interest’ in Blitz Overdose deaths from legal and illegal opioids are a growing concern in Minnesota, where deaths spiked from 54 in 2000 to 317 in 2014. To combat prescription drug abuse and provide residents with a safe way to dispose of unwanted medication, the Edina Police Department is offering a medication disposal program. “Throughout the years, we’ve seen an increase in heroin use in the Twin Cities,” said Police Chief Dave Nelson. “Prescription painkillers can be a gateway to heroin use and we want to do everything we can to curb that abuse.” From 2013 to 2015, the number of controlled substance arrests in Edina grew from 37 to 102. Those arrests include heroin use, prescription forgery, DWIs and possession of other hard drugs. The growing number concerns Nelson, who also said that burglars often look for prescription painkillers during break-ins to use or sell on the street. Removing unused and expired medications from your home eliminates that possibility. Also, properly disposing of medications prevents the chemicals from entering the ground and drinking water, which can happen when medications are flushed down the toilet or drain. Properly disposing of medication also ensures they are kept away from children and pets. With a donation from the Edina Crime Prevention Fund, the Police Department was able to purchase 90-pill medication disposal bags that contain activated carbon, which neutralizes the medication. The bags can also neutralize 12 ounces of liquid medication or 12 transdermal patches. “This critically important program provides a service to the community that can be used by all residents of Edina,” said Brad Beard, Edina Crime Prevention Fund Board Member and President of Fairview Southdale Hospital. Those using the program should place the medication in the bag, fill it halfway with warm water, wait 30 seconds and seal the bag. It will then be safe to discard the bag in a trash receptacle at home. Medication disposal bags are available for pick up Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Police Department, 4801 W. 50th St., or Fire Station No. 1, 6250 Tracy Ave. Large quantities of medication may be brought to one of six Hennepin County drop box locations. For more information about the Edina Police Department and a list of the Hennepin County drop-off sites, visit EdinaMN.gov/Police or call 952-826-1610. Police Start Medication Disposal Program Photo by Kaylin EidsnessThe City of Edina seeks nominations for the annual Mayor’s Commendation Awards. Six awards will be presented by Mayor Jim Hovland to volunteers and organizations that have made significant contributions to the community through service or volunteer efforts. Awards include: • Mayor’s Service Club Commendation: Awarded to an organization that has made outstanding contributions to the community at large. • Mayor’s Individual Service Commendation: Awarded to an individual for outstanding and exceptional volunteer service to the community at large. • Mayor’s Outstanding Senior Commendation: Awarded to a senior citizen for outstanding volunteer service within the community. • Mayor’s Youth Commendation: Awarded to a young person who has demonstrated a commitment to improving the quality of life in the community. • Mayor’s Commendation for Service to Youth: Awarded to an individual or organization making a positive impact on the lives of Edina youth. • Mayor’s Community Involvement Commendation: Awarded to a City employee for outstanding volunteer service to the community above and beyond his or her position with the City. “We are a community blessed in so many ways. Year in and year out, we have a bountiful number of highly qualified, capable and caring residents who step forward to serve our City,” said Hovland. “The Mayor’s Commendations are one way to recognize the special volunteer efforts of residents, students, seniors, individuals and service clubs who serve our community so well. Their philanthropy is their time and dedication and we are greatly appreciative of what they do for Edina.” Nominations are due 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 11 and will be presented at the 37th-annual Volunteer Recognition Reception Wednesday, April 20 at Braemar Golf Course. Winners will receive a glass award, certificate and recognition in a future City publication. To nominate someone, complete a nomination form at EdinaMN.gov/ form_mayorcommendation. Service clubs and organizations may also recognize their outstanding volunteers at the event. For more information, contact Executive Assistant Heather Branigin at 952-826-0403 or hbranigin@EdinaMN.gov. Nominations Open for Mayor’s Commendation AwardsPhoto by Kaylin EidsnessThe medication disposal bags contain activated carbon, which neutralizes medications. FEBRUARY 2016 Upcoming Events Wednesday, March 2, 7 p.m. City Council Meeting, Edina City Hall. Thursday, March 3, 4 p.m. Public Art Edina working group, Edina City Hall. Friday, March 4, 6:30 p.m. Family Movie Night, “Winnie the Pooh,” Edinborough Park. Tuesday, March 8, 7 p.m. Heritage Preservation Board Meeting, Edina City Hall. Tuesday, March 8, 7 p.m. Park Board Meeting, Edina City Hall. Wednesday, March 9, 7 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting, Edina City Hall. Thursday, March 10, 7 p.m. Energy & Environment Commission Meeting, Edina City Hall. Monday, March 14, 6:30 p.m. Community Health Commission Meeting, Edina City Hall. Tuesday, March 15, 7 p.m. City Council Meeting, Edina City Hall. Thursday, March 17, 6 p.m. Transportation Commission Meeting, Edina City Hall. Saturday, March 19, 5:30 p.m. Dinner & a Movie, “McFarland USA,” Braemar Golf Course. Tuesday, March 22, 7 p.m. Human Rights & Relations Commission Meeting, Edina City Hall. Wednesday, March 23, 7 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting, Edina City Hall. Thursday, March 24, 4:30 p.m. Arts & Culture Commission Meeting, Edina City Hall. Edina might be getting its first new hotel in nearly 10 years. Atlanta-based Noble Investment Group has proposed building a new Hilton-branded hotel in the northeast corner of the Southdale Center property near West 66th Street and York Avenue. The four-story, 146-room hotel would be an upscale, all-suites hotel with an indoor swimming pool, fitness room, meeting rooms and a large gathering space called “The Lodge.” The building is also close to the street and property lines, which helps create an active and vibrant feel while screening the parking area from view. The hotel is anticipated to be branded as a Hilton Homewood Suites. The building takes a contemporary approach in its design of character, incorporating exterior materials such as limestone, metal panels and stucco. The architect also proposes possible sustainable design elements, such as a solar reflective roof, enhanced recycling, on-site stormwater storage system, LED lighting, occupancy sensing thermostats, recycling of existing pavement and Zip Cars for guest use. Pedestrian connections from the hotel to Southdale Center and the perimeter of the site are planned. To provide better guest access to its provided parking, a section of Southdale Center’s ring road that is in front of the building is proposed to be changed from one-way traffic to two-way traffic. If approved, this would be Edina’s third hotel. The developer believes an all-suites hotel, which typically see guests stays of four days to two weeks, is a much-needed amenity given the growing regional medical district and robust nearby shopping and dining. Noble Investment Group presented the plans to the Planning Commission and City Council as part of a non-binding sketch plan to gather feedback on the proposal. At press time, no formal application had been made. The developer expects that, upon securing City approval, construction could begin as early as this summer and conclude in about a year. For more information, contact the City’s Planning Division at 952-826-0369. The City Council has set five strategic priorities for 2016 and 2017: focused redevelopment, planning for the future, improving intergovernmental relations, preserving and expanding transportation and infrastructure, and stabilizing operations at enterprise facilities. City staff crafted a work plan approved by the City Council that sets the stage for budget development and focuses the work of municipal departments. Focused Redevelopment Redevelopment and renewal of commercial and residential areas is essential for the continued health of the community. The City remains focused on the revitalization of two important commercial areas – Southdale and Grandview – as well as nurturing the vibrant 50th & France commercial area. There are numerous proposed redevelopment opportunities that need to be addressed in the coming years, including Pentagon Park, the Southdale Hennepin County Area Library site and the former Fred Richards Executive Golf Course. The Pentagon Park redevelopment, dubbed “The Link,” has the potential to be the most significant redevelopment project in Edina since the completion of Centennial Lakes in the early 2000s. The redevelopment process of these sites should consider the potential cumulative impact – both positive and negative – on streets and streetscape, transportation, utilities and other services, and nearby single-family homes. Tax-increment financing and other tools may be used to provide incentives to develop in ways consistent with the City’s land use, transit, density and health goals. Planning for the Future Vision Edina established a long-term strategic framework to guide the community’s development over two decades. The future holds both great opportunities and challenges as Edina residents seek to preserve what has made the community successful in the past, while reinventing itself to meet the needs of future generations. Residents have made it clear that they believe forward- looking planning is critical to the community’s success. The next Comprehensive Plan will be the first opportunity to translate Vision Edina into actionable goals with respect to land use, transportation, water resource management, parks, energy and environment, housing and heritage preservation. Improve Intergovernmental Relations Achieving many of the City’s goals will require strong intergovernmental relationships. Vision Edina participants identified both education and transportation as critical drivers of future success. In both of these areas, the City must effectively work with other government entities to promote effective outcomes. Staff members will also continue to meet and share information with cities bordering Edina. Preserve and Expand Transportation and Infrastructure The City is committed to preserving and expanding infrastructure systems to maintain reliability and quality and to meet the demands of redevelopment. This will be accomplished through a long-term financing plan that balances prudence and community expectations. Vision Edina highlights residents’ strong desire to expand the variety of transportation options to reduce the dependency on automobiles and enhance the community’s ease of connectivity. Adoption of the Living Streets Plan was an important step forward, but significant work has yet to be done. Stabilize Operations at Enterprise Facilities Edina’s enterprises – Edina Art Center, Edina Aquatic Center, Braemar Golf Course, Braemar Arena, Braemar Field, Centennial Lakes Park and Edinborough Park – represent important community amenities. Revenues from Edina Liquor help to defray some of the operating and capital costs for these enterprises. While still highly profitable, Edina Liquor is generating less revenue with the entry of a new national competitor in the local liquor market. A high level of cost recovery at the enterprise facilities ensures that community resources are being well used and the general taxpayers are not heavily subsidizing amenities used by a select group. However, cost recovery at the enterprise facilities also involves careful policy considerations with respect to access, partnerships and types of use. For more information on the City’s strategic priorities or work plans, contact the Administration Department, 952-826-0364. City Council Sets Five Priorities for 2016-2017 The City of Edina’s Parks & Recreation Department boasts six summer softball leagues made up of more than 55 teams. “The leagues are very accommodating of all skill levels,” said Amanda Clarke, who’s played on the Tuesday Night Co-Rec League for 10 years. “Even with some teams being a little more competitive than others, the leagues are all very welcoming. People are just out there to have fun.” The evening Leagues include a single-game Men’s League Day (Wednesdays or Thursdays), a 35-and- Over League (Wednesdays), a Co-Rec League with the cities of Hopkins and Minnetonka (Tuesdays), Edina Co- Rec League (Thursdays), Men’s Double-Header League (Mondays) and a new Friday Co-Rec League that begins June 3 for those who aren’t able to start the week of April 25 when the rest of the leagues begin play. Recreation Supervisor Eric Boettcher manages the leagues and sees what a good time players have each week. “It’s just a great way for people to get together with their friends or coworkers, spend time outside and get some exercise,” he said. All games are played at Van Valkenburg Park, 4935 Lincoln Drive. There are 10 league games, with the exception of the Double- Header League, which has 20 games. All leagues except the Tuesday evening Co-Rec League have a single-elimination playoff. All games are refereed by paid officials. Players must be at least 18 years of age. Rosters that are made up of 90 percent or more Edina residents qualify for a $60 discount on the $500 team fee. Registration is open through March 25. “I love the league we play in,” said Clarke. “You get to know the other teams and the umpires. It’s just a good excuse to get together with friends one night a week and play some softball.” To download the registration packet, visit EdinaParks.com. For more information, contact Boettcher at 952-826-0432. Swing into Summer in an Adult Softball League File photoRegister for one of six summer Parks & Recreation softball leagues by March 25. New Hotel Proposed Near Southdale By the Numbers: Tin Fish Tin Fish’s First Anniversary at Braemar Golf Course Draws Near 1 Tin Fish is the only private restaurant operating in a City of Edina facility. 5 Tin Fish’s top menu items are Mahi Mahi Tacos, Tilapia Tacos, Fish and Chips, Mini Tin Sandwich and Shrimp Salad. 270 Tin Fish has been open at Braemar Golf Course for more than 270 days. Tin Fish: 6364 John Harris Drive, Edina, MN 55439 • Phone: (952) 941-5573 The City received $74,199 in revenue and construction value from Tin Fish last year. Learn more about Tin Fish at www.tinfishmn.com/braemar-park.File Photo3,282 Tin Fish sold 3,282 grilled Mahi Mahi Tacos at Braemar Golf Couse in 2015. 74,199