HomeMy WebLinkAboutCitySlick_July_2014_printby Lauryn Grimes, Communications Intern
Edina has hosted parades with some regu-
larity since the City’s Centennial celebration
in 1988. After a soft start and with the support
of volunteers and City staff, the event grew
into one of the west metro’s premier Fourth
of July activities.
Employees from many City departments keep
the parade a fun, safe and entertaining event
for all.
One of the many employees involved with
parade preparations is Horticulturist Tim Zim-
merman. One of his responsibilities is im-
proving the City’s landscaping in time for the
Fourth of July visitors. It is particularly im-
portant that the grounds of City Hall look
good, as the parade route begins behind the
facility at the intersection of Eden Avenue and
Willson Road. Wooddale and Utley parks are
also along the parade route, which ends at
50th Street and Halifax Avenue.
“I go through [the visible areas] and replace
plants if needed and plant new shrubs. In
some places, I trim the bushes if needed and
I also do wood-chipping,” said Zimmerman.
“Everything is all done before the Fourth.”
For the last seven years, Recreation Su-
pervisor Kristin Aarsvold has led a substantial
amount of parade preparation in her role as
staff liaison to the Edina Community Founda-
tion’s Fourth of July Parade Committee.
A newsletter for the City Council and employees of the City of Edina
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
2 Around The
Water Cooler
3 Staff Notes
7|3|2014
City Employees Help Keep the Fourth of July Parade ‘Afloat’
July 5, Steven, Fire-Rescue &
Inspections
July 5, Thomas, Fire-Rescue
& Inspections
July 5, Patty, Edinborough
Park and Edina
Aquatic Center
July 5, Matthew, Fire-Rescue
& Inspections
July 6, Bruce, Public Works
July 6, Jim, Public Works
July 8, Aaron, Police
July 8, Nathan, Police
July 8, Vanessa, Community
Development
July 12, Jim, Public Works
July 14, Todd, Fire-Rescue &
Inspections
July 14, Tony, Police
July 14, Krystal,
Communications &
Technology Services
July 15, Joyce, Community
Development
July 15, Annie, Administration
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Following is a summary of some of the projects of some departments, divisions and
facilities. Other areas of the City will be featured in upcoming issues.
Communications
& Technology Services
The Communications & Technology Services
Department recently launched a mobile app
called “Edina To Go” for residents to use to
connect with their local government.
The free app, available in the iTunes App Store
and Android Google Play store, gives residents
quick, easy access to City information and
allows residents to report problems such as
potholes, street light issues, damaged street
signs and other issues.
To develop Edina To Go, the City partnered
with PublicStuff, a company that specializes in
mobile apps and service requests for
municipalities. PublicStuff has worked with
cities big and small, including Philadelphia
and New York City, to give cities a mobile
presence. The City of Edina was the first city
in Minnesota to partner with PublicStuff. The
City of St. Louis Park is also working with the
company and expects to launch its app in July.
Fire-Rescue & Inspections
The Edina Fire Department was called to the
5300 block of Halifax Avenue at 9 p.m.
Thursday, June 5, after receiving a call from a
homeowner about a cooking fire. The fire was
already extinguished by the time fire crews
arrived to the scene. However, water was
poured on the grease fire, causing a large
flare-up that left black marks on the home’s
ceiling. One person received minor injuries
while trying to put out the fire.
If there’s ever a grease fire, Fire Marshal Jeff
Siems urges you to call 9-1-1 and then follow
these steps:
• Let others in the home know there’s a fire.
• Do NOT pour water on it.
• If safe to do so, turn off the source of heat
(burner/element).
• If safe to do so, cover the flames with a lid
or another pot to smother the fire. Do not
remove the lid until everything has cooled.
• If you can’t cover it, dump a large amount
of baking soda on the fire.
Be careful with a glass lid as they can break
from the fire’s extreme heat. Siems also said
not to throw flour or sugar onto a grease
fire, as it can cause an explosion similar to
throwing water on a grease fire.
Police
This year, 17 people from the Edina Police
Department participated in the 10th-annual
Law Enforcement Torch Run to raise money
for the Special Olympics. This year, the torch
was passed to Edina from Eden Prairie on
Thursday, June 26. Following the completion
of the Edina leg – just over five miles – the
EPD passed the torch to Richfield.
Special Olympics Minnesota is an organization
that encourages people with intellectual
disabilities to participate in sporting
competitions to help them grow physically,
mentally and socially. Each year, the
organization sponsors a variety of trainings
and competitions throughout the year in
locations across the state.
This year, the EPD was able to raise nearly
$700 for the non-profit through the Torch Run.
Aarsvold works with a multitude of City departments to
ensure all of the event details are covered. Among other
things, she works with the Public Works and Police de-
partments to coordinate barricades and crowd control. She
also helps to coordinate volunteers.
“I help with whatever is needed and follow the Veterans who
march in the parade,” said Aarsvold. “Then, I help with the
final units and clean-up.”
The Communications & Tech-
nology Services Department
broadcasts the parade and takes
hundreds of photos to capture
the day.
“I start by coordinating the rental
of a production truck, then co-
ordinate staffing of the pro-
duction,” said Video Production
Coordinator Scott Denfeld, who
coordinates the live broadcast.
“Usually a total of about 8 to 10 people are involved in
the production of the live broadcast that plays on Edina
Channels 16 and 813. It is also replayed throughout the
month of July.”
Economic Development Manager Bill Neuendorf will be
one of the emcees of the parade, along with Chamber of
Commerce President Lori Syverson.
The Edina Fire Department is responsible for completing the
pre-fireworks inspection, marching in the parade and standing
by for potential emergencies. The department even holds a
post-parade picnic at Fire Station No. 1 for families of the staff.
Off-duty personnel drive or ride in the tower truck or am-
bulance in the Parade, both of which are crowd favorites.
“With holidays, more people get together. There’s more ac-
tivity and travel, which all increase the chance of 9-1-1
calls,” said Fire Inspector Brian Hanrahan of why off-duty
personnel are tasked with driving or
riding in the parade.
In her role as President-Elect of the
Rotary Club of Edina, Communi-
cations & Technology Services Di-
rector Jennifer Bennerotte will rep-
resent Rotary to serve as one of the
grand marshals of the parade, which
has a theme of “Salute to Edina’s
Volunteers.” Other grand marshals
represent the Edina Chamber of
Commerce, Edina Federated Women’s
Club and Edina Lions Club.
The Edina Police Department is responsible for providing
general parade security and traffic and pedestrian control at
the fireworks.
“It’s enjoyable for officers to say ‘hi’ to the kids and to wave
at the crowd,” said Lt. Brian Tholen. “We’re all celebrating
the Fourth of July together.”
For more information on the parade, visit www.edinaparade.org.
Michael Bengtson began work as an
Officer for the Police Department June
23. Bengtson most recently worked
as a Patrol Deputy for Carver County
Sheriff’s Office since 2008. He holds an
associate degree in Law Enforcement
from Alexandria Technical College.
Kevin Medzis began work as an Officer for
the Police Department June 24. Medzis
most recently worked as a Community
Service Officer for the Metro Transit
Police Department. He holds a
bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement
and Criminal Justice from Metropolitan
State University.
Matt Koskinen began work as
Video Production Assistant for the
Communications & Technology
Services Department June 23.
Koskinen holds a bachelor’s degree in
Film from the University of Utah.
Graphic Designer Kyril Negoda’s last day
with the Communications & Technology
Services Department was July 3.
Negoda accepted a full-time position
as an Information Designer with CHK
America, a nationally renowned way-
finding company, in Santa Barbara,
California. He begins work there July 14.
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AROUND THEWATER COOLER
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STAFF NOTES
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ANNIVERSARIES
Jackie Onischuk, Fire-Rescue & Inspections,
20 years. (July 11, 1994)
Mike Kregness, Fire-Rescue & Inspections,
15 years. (July 26, 1999)
Mike Lorentz, Public Works,
10 years. (July 6, 2004)
Don’t miss Music in the Park at Rosland Park, 4300 W. 66th St. Bring a picnic,
lawn chairs or a blanket and settle back for a relaxing and fun evening.
All concerts are free and open to the public.
First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band 8:30 p.m. July 4
Patty Peterson 6 p.m. July 18
Edina Music All-Stars 6 p.m. Aug. 1
Arts & Culture
Commission
MusicInEdina.org