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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEditionEdinaJune2018• ‘ New Bus Service Begins this Month CloverRide Will Offer Unlimited Rides on Fridays in Edina for $3 Edina will soon begin offering a new way for residents and visitors to get around the greater Southdale Area. CloverRide is a shuttle service that makes several stops around Edina, completing the loop every hour. CloverRide is expected to begin in mid-June and run weekly on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; riders pay a daily fare of $3 that allows them unlimited rides throughout that day. Tentative route stops include: • Aurora on France • Brookdale Edina • Cedars of Edina • Centennial Lakes Park • Cub Foods • Lunds & Byerlys • Parklawn Neighborhood • South Haven • Southdale Center • Southdale YMCA • Super Target • Yorktown Continental The shuttle is operated by DARTS, an organization that focuses on seniors services and has helped support several other community transit services in the area. “Seniors can plan their days around this route. It’s a way for those groups to also have another opportunity to socialize and have a way to stay active in the community,” said Transportation Planner Mark Nolan. “We know that some people will ride this for the fellowship and the driver will develop a relationship with the riders. A system like this can get more successful because it is so accessible.” CloverRide is available for anyone to use, but DARTS has found such services most beneficial for the senior or adaptive needs community. Riders who are near the route can also request a special stop if it’s within two blocks of the regular route. To request a special pick up, call 651-234-2272. Additionally, riders with mobility devices such as scooters, wheelchairs or walkers are welcome; the CloverRide driver will assist with the loading as needed. “This is an additional way for people who either don’t have cars, choose not to drive, or can’t drive to get to where they want to go,” said Nolan. “We are very excited about this and we want anyone in the community to take advantage of the CloverRide service.” To find out more about the CloverRide program visit EdinaMN.gov. Edition: Edina JUNE 2018 Volume 5, Issue 6 Race & Equity Task Force Presents Recommendations to Council City Staff Begins Evaluation of Implementation Tasked over a year ago with making recommendations on policies, practices and strategies to identify and eliminate race- based disparities in City facilities, services and institutions, the City of Edina’s Race & Equity Task Force presented 21 recommendations to the City Council last month. The City Council directed staff to evaluate the feasibility and advisability of implementing them and report back with the results of their evaluation in September. The Task Force found five key areas where staff should focus their implementation initiatives. • Actively foster a community culture that goes beyond racial inclusion and generates a sense of belonging for all. • Visibly demonstrate the City’s commitment and accountability to eliminate racial inequities and create an inclusive and engaged community. • Ensure City policies and procedures eliminate practices that may create or perpetuate racial inequities. • Implement changes in the community that focus on building relationships with people of color. • Improve the ability to leverage data and analytics to drive desired outcomes. “Culture is defined as a set of shared values, behaviors and beliefs that are practiced. Our history shows that we have established norms that, if not challenged, will continue to impact our goal, to achieve Edina’s goal, to foster an inclusive and engaged community,” said Race & Equity Task Force co- chair James Pierce. “We believe that executing all of these recommendations will not only set us on the right track, but will over time establish new norms that will help our culture continue to thrive.” Members of the Task Force and its working groups were thanked for their work on the project. In other business last month, the Council: • Approved a five-year lease with options for two additional five-year terms with Red River Kitchen to become the new restaurant and beverage vendor at Braemar Golf Course. Red River Kitchen plans to start service with its food truck at Braemar Golf Course and to Academy 9 golfers as soon as possible. • Awarded Nate and Tiffany Mueller the 2018 Heritage Award for commitment to preserving the historic character of their home, located at 6400 Parnell Ave. S. The Edina Heritage Award is given to individuals, families, companies or organizations that have made an outstanding contribution to the preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and use of Edina’s heritage resources. • Received an update from City and Minnehaha Creek Watershed District staff on progress at the 60 percent design stage for the Arden Park Improvement Project. The Council authorized the design team to move the project forward to the 90 percent design stage. • Presented the 2017 Mike Siitari Officer of the Year Award to Police Sgt. Brian Hubbard. The Council will next meet 7 p.m. June 19 and July 17 at Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St. File photo 4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424 | 952-927-8861 | mail@EdinaMN.govCity of Edina EdinaMN.gov Parade on the Pond The Edina Model Yacht Club will host its 26th-annual Parade of Boats Sunday, June 10, at Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Ave. S. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature boat sailing, racing and showings along the shores of the park’s central pond. File PhotoFarmers Market and Free Movies Thursdays in Summer Visit Centennial Lakes Park for Local Produce and Films Under the Stars Keep Thursdays open on your calendar to shop local produce and enjoy free movies outdoors at Centennial Lakes Park. From 3 to 7 p.m. each Thursday June 14 through Sept. 27, farmers and food makers sell locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs, plus homemade delicacies such as cheese, confections and salsas. New vendors this year include Oh Crepe! (fresh crepes made on the spot); Natasha’s Pierogi (frozen, easy to prepare); The Kraut Guy (several varieties of sauerkraut) and LaLa Homemade Ice Cream (by the cone or container). Visitors may bump into Centennial Lakes Park General Manager Tom Shirley exploring the offerings at tables set up along the walkways near Hughes Pavilion. “My favorite item at the market has to be the fresh Minnesota sweet corn!” Shirley said. “I can’t wait until it is available each year.” Stay after visiting the market or drop by later to catch the free Movie in the Park, starting in the Maetzold Amphitheater at sunset each Thursday in the summer. The lineup includes movies for everyone, from family films “Peter Rabbit” (June 21) and “Coco” (Aug. 9), to the musical fantasy “La La Land” (July 26) and action flicks “Justice League” (July 19) and “Wonder Woman” (Aug. 23). Popcorn and soda are sold on site or bring your own snacks, but no alcohol is allowed. Bring a blanket to sit on or chairs are welcome, but please set those up farther back to avoid blocking the view of others. Centennial Lakes Park is located at 7499 France Ave. S. To learn more about the market or download the full summer movie and concert schedule, visit CentennialLakesPark.com. The Farmers Market starts on June 14 and runs through Sept. 27. It is held 3 to 7 p.m. each Thursday. Edition: Edi na JUNE 2018 4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424 | 952-927-8861 | mail@EdinaMN.govCity of Edina EdinaMN.gov A Community Treasure for 60 Years Edina Aquatic Center Celebrates 60 Years Some say if you follow a rainbow to its end, you’ll find a leprechaun’s pot of gold. If you follow a rainbow to its end in Edina, the same people say it leads you to the Edina Aquatic Center. The gold-standard of municipal pools marks its 60th anniversary this summer, but still looks as shiny and polished as it did when it opened. The Aquatic Center, originally named the Edina Municipal Pool, opens for its 60th season June 8. Last season, the Aquatic Center saw almost 90,000 visitors in all, 2,544 of them coming to dip their toes and splash around on the same day. So what keeps people coming back and chasing the gold? Is it Pirates Plunge? Or could it be the Shipwreck Express? Maybe the water cannons and diving boards? The Zero-Depth Pool and Oakwood Forest? “We have a little something for everybody, especially with the new play structure. We have the zip line and diving boards and slides and the FlowRider,” said Aquatic Center General Manager Patty McGrath. “When I say we have a little something for everyone, I really mean it – from tots to seniors.” This “tots to seniors” mentality can be seen by the generations taking the plunge into the cool water. Take former City Council Member and President of the Edina Swim Club Ann Swenson, for example. Swenson has been swimming at the pool for almost 42 years. She brought her kids the pool and now brings her grandchildren to the pool. “I take my grandkids there or meet them there. It’s water; it’s Minnesota,” said Swenson. “On a beautiful day with its location on top of a hill, I think the setting is beautiful and as an amenity, it’s wonderful to have for a city.” To celebrate the milestone, the Aquatic Center will host a weeklong celebration July 9-14 consisting of events, giveaways and just plain fun! For more information on the Aquatic Center or to buy season passes, visit EdinaAquaticCenter.com or stop by to see for yourself. The Edina Aquatic Center is located at 4300 W. 66th St. Upcoming Events Recurring Events: Date Night, Braemar Golf Course 4 p.m. Fridays Farmers Market, Centennial Lakes Park 3-7 p.m. Thursdays starting June 14 Movie in the Park, Centennial Lakes Park Sunset Thursdays Thursday, June 7-Friday, June 29 Minnesota Mosaic Guild Gallery, Edina Art Center Friday, June 8, 10 a.m. Edina Aquatic Center opens for the season Saturday, June 9, 10-11 a.m. Author’s Studio, Edina Art Center Sunday, June 10, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Parade of Boats, Centennial Lakes Park Monday, June 11, 7-8 p.m. Fitness in the Parks, Lewis Park Tuesday, June 19, 7 p.m. City Council Meeting, City Hall Wednesday, June 20, 6:30-8 p.m. Family Fun Night, Cornelia School Park Thursday, June 21, 6:30 p.m. Walk with the Mayor, Bredesen Park Wednesday, June 27, 6:30-8 p.m. Family Fun Night, Weber Park Thursday, June 28, 6-7 p.m. Fitness in the Parks – Tai Chi, Yorktown Park Friday, June 29 Absentee Voting Opens, City Hall Active Volunteers Over300 3,504 Parks & Recreation Service Hours BY THE NUMBERS Volunteer Edina Volunteers support the City of Edina in meaningful ways and enhance the City’s community programs. Volunteer Edina is the City’s official volunteer program. Get involved today! Visit EdinaMN.gov/Volunteer. Police Service Hours 3,182 Updated Water Plan Helps Manage Stormwater Consult the City’s Water Map to Learn More About Potential Flood areas This is the season when residents typically notice the potential for flooding, issues with drainage or standing water in or around their property. The City’s updated Comprehensive Water Resources Management Plan (CWRMP) will help staff answer residents’ questions and manage flooding, drainage and clean water issues. “If you want to learn more about water issues, the first thing you can do is visit the City’s Water Resources map online. It’s an interactive map that shows where the water and flood issues are,” said Water Resources Coordinator Jessica Vanderwerff Wilson. “The map shows the 1 percent annual chance of potential flooding areas for the entire city during the peak of a major storm event.” The online interactive map can be found at EdinaMN.gov/WaterMap. Residents can also reach out to the Engineering Department directly at 952-826-0371 to get help troubleshooting potential issues. The CWRMP guides management of surface water quality and quantity for many bodies of water in the city over the next 10 years. The plan outlines incremental water resource improvements through capital infrastructure and investment, pollution prevention programs, development and redevelopment permitting, and regular operation and maintenance of the existing network. Because Edina has several flood areas, there are areas throughout the city that are designed to hold water during high water events. At certain times, it may be expected for trails, yards or roadways to have some amount of standing water. The CWRMP gives the Engineering Department, residents and other City departments a better understanding of the bigger water picture in Edina as improvements and new infrastructure are built. “In the past, there were instances where some small issues were solved or others were ignored or transferred somewhere else. Now that we have this updated model, we have a much better understanding of the system and its opportunities and constraints. It allows us to be much wiser about the decisions we make regarding water management,” said Wilson. “Our updated model is incredibly detailed. It really helps us to better understand, manage and communicate risk.” Water management has been handled differently over the years. Decades ago, water was quickly routed away from streets and homes through pipes with no consideration of the downstream impact. Today, there is increased flooding because of the amount of impervious areas and increased precipitation, with a simultaneous focus on clean water. The dynamic is challenging, especially given the drainage model of the city was built with different service intentions. “We don’t want stormwater running down driveways and off our sidewalks. That water can collect dirt and fertilizer and go down the storm drains, right to the nearest lake or pond,” said Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Program and Project Manager Erica Sniegowski. “A great thing to do is to direct downspouts into greenspace so pollutants can be naturally filtered out through the ground. Also, if your yard is compacted, then you may want to think about aeration so your yard can help absorb more water.” Sniegowski also suggested adding shrubs or native plants to help absorb water, or working with a landscaper for additional ways to abate the water. Edina is part of a larger effort to continue to improve clean water practices in the area. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Nine Mile Creek Watershed District and the City are each developing a clean water strategy that will coordinate efforts between agencies. “With this plan and this model, we’re thinking much more about the future. We’re not thinking just about next year or next spring; we’re thinking about the next 100 years. In addition to flood issues, clean water is a really important part of this too,” said Wilson. To learn more about the CWRMP or the City’s water management, visit EdinaMN.gov/WaterResources. Nine Mile Creek Watershed District will also hold a Sustainable and No-Mow Lawn workshop 6:30- 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, at the Southdale-Hennepin Area Library, 7001 York Ave. S., where attendees can learn more about creating a better draining and more drought resistant yard. !;N Clean Water Best Management Practices (BMPs) Creek/Stream Minnehaha Creek Drainage Areas Outlet Elevations DRAFT 1-Percent-Annual-Chance Flood Inundation Updated 100-Year Floodplain (effective since 11/4/2016) Floodplain Floodway Edina Water Resources Map Printed on May 23, 2018 from https://www.barr.com/maps/Edina/index.html 0 1 20.5 mi 0 2 41km 1:72,224 File PhotoThe online interactive map can be found at EdinaMN.gov/ WaterMap. Residents can also reach out to the Engineering Department directly at 952-826-0371 to get help troubleshooting potential issues. Four Edina girls show off their smiles after winning the 400 Meter Medley Relay at the Aquatennial Swimming Meet held at the then Edina Municipal Pool in 1961.