HomeMy WebLinkAboutAbout Town Autumn 2011Official Magazine of the City of Edina
AUTUMN•2011
AboutTown
City Welcomes New Assistant City Manager
Page 28
Interested in lowering your utility bills? Reducing energy waste in your home keeps your house healthy, your family comfortable and saves money, too! Local classes cover easy and practical ways to make your home more energy efficient, from the best technology to the best habits. Each participant will receive a $20 discount on a visit from the Home Energy Squad, installers of a range of high-quality, energy-saving materials.
Instructor Neely Crane-Smith is the Community Energy Coordinator at the Center for Energy and Environment, a Minneapolis nonprofit which has worked to reduce energy use in all types of buildings across Minnesota for the past 30 years. Crane-Smith is a certified residential energy auditor.
Cost is $7 per person or $12 per pair. Remaining class
dates are Oct. 8 and 17 and Nov. 14. Register online at
www.edinacommunityed.org or by calling 952-848-3952.
AboutTownVolume 22, Number 4 Circulation 25,000 Autumn 2011
Official Publication of the www.CityofEdina.com City of Edina, Minnesota 4801 West 50th Street Edina, Minnesota 55424 952-826-0359
Editor: Jennifer Bennerotte
Contributing Writers: Jordan Gilgenbach, Kathy Iverson, Emilie Kastner, Kaylin Martin, Joe Sullivan
Photographer: Michael Braun
Layout Editor: Kaylin Martin
Publisher: City of Edina
About Town is produced by the City of Edina. To advertise in About Town, call Jordan Gilgenbach, 952-826-0396 .
Copyright 2011 by City of Edina, 4801 W. 50th St., Edina, MN 55424.
About Town is published quarterly by the City of Edina. The purpose of the magazine is to keep Edina residents informed of news, activities and programs that are important to them. We include articles of interest about our citizens and community history as well.
About Town is printed on recycled paper to conform to City conservation guidelines.
Cover photo by Rebecca Schmoll
Home Energy Awareness: From Outlets to Ice Dams
Table of Contents
Calendar Of Events ..........................................................................1
Autumn Calendar Highlights .........................................................4
A Word From The Mayor ...............................................................5
Edina’s First Full-Time, Paid Police Officer ..................................6
It’s Not Only Neighborly ... It’s The Law ...................................12
The Squad Is In The House ...........................................................14
Neighbors’ Home Watch Program Creates Bonds,
Reduces Crime ................................................................................16
City Council To Hold Town Hall Meeting Oct. 1 ......................18
School District General Elections To Be Held Nov. 8 ...............20
Quality Of Life Survey Shows Residents
Give City High Marks ...................................................................22
Celebrate The Holidays With The
Red Ribbon Campaign In Edina ..................................................26
New Assistant City Manager Begins Work ................................28
VEAP Prepares To Distribute Holiday Joy .................................30
Edina Art Center Presents 24th-Annual
‘Gifts! Gifts! Gifts!’ Sale .................................................................32
City Welcomes New Human Resources Director ......................34
Edina Fire Ranked No. 1 In Cardiac Arrest Survival ................38
Business Notes ................................................................................42
Planning Matters ............................................................................44
Urban Prairie Takes Root In Edina ..............................................46
1 • AUTUMN 2011
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
110 a.m., Town Hall meeting, Edina Senior Center.
10 a.m., Digital Animation for Ages 10-17 starts, Edina Art Center.
27 p.m., Jim Berner, Edinborough Park.
3 46:30 p.m., Digital Point-and-Shoot for Beginners, Edina Art Center.
7 p.m., City Council & HRA, Edina City Hall.
5 610 a.m., Design & Collage Workshop, Edina Art Center.
4 p.m., Public Art Committee, Edina City Hall.
77 p.m., Robin Hopper Workshop: Artist Talk, Edina Art Center.
89:30 a.m., Home Energy Awareness, Edina Community Center.
10 a.m., Robin Hopper Workshop Demo, Edina Art Center.
910 a.m., Robin Hopper Workshop Demo, Edina Art Center.
7 p.m., Classic Brass Quintet, Edinborough Park.
10 117 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall.
7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall.
127 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall.
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161 p.m., Intro to Clay starts, Edina Art Center.
7 p.m., Honeywell Concert Band, Edinborough Park.
173 p.m., Home Energy Awareness, Edina Community Center.
186:30 p.m., Community Health Committee, Edina City Hall.
7 p.m., City Council & HRA, Edina City Hall.
199 a.m., Still Life Drawing starts, Edina Art Center.
20Noon, Brodini Comedy and Magic Act, Edinborough Park.
6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall.
2110 a.m., Wood Fire Experience, Edina Art Center.
10 a.m., All Day Clay for students in Grades 2-6, Edina Art Center.
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257 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall.
7 p.m., Medalist Concert Band, Edinborough Park.
249 a.m., Terri Halperin-Eaton Workshop, Edina Art Center.
3110 a.m., Creative Watercolor starts, Edina Art Center.
237 p.m., Somewhat Dixieland Band, Edinborough Park.
307 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park.
October 2011
266 p.m., Taking and Processing RAW Photos, Edina Art Center.
7 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall.
274:30 p.m., Art Center Board, Edina Art Center.
6:30 p.m., Intro to Oil Painting starts, Edina Art Center.
286 p.m., Annual Family Halloween Party, Edinborough Park.
13Noon, Bob the Beachcomber, Edinborough Park.
7 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, Edina City Hall.
2910 a.m., Pumpkin Decorating for Ages 3 to adult, Edina Art Center.
10 a.m., Pumpkin Festival, 50th & France.
About Town Calendar
2 • AUTUMN 2011
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
14 p.m., After School Jewelry starts, Edina Art Center.
7 p.m., City Council & HRA, Edina City Hall.
26:30 p.m., Pottery for All Skill Levels starts, Edina Art Center.
34 p.m., Public Art Committee, Edina City Hall.
5 p.m., Members’ preview of “Gifts! Gifts! Gifts!,” Edina Art Center.
4 5
67 p.m., Roseville Big Band, Edinborough Park.
77 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall.
7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall.
8Election Day.
97 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall.
10Noon, Okee Dokee Brothers Band, Edinborough Park.
7 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, Edina City Hall.
11Veterans Day. City Hall Closed.
12
137 p.m., Good News Big Band, Edinborough Park.
143 p.m., Home Energy Awareness, Edina Community Center.
157 p.m., City Council & HRA, Edina City Hall.
16 18 19
207 p.m., Seward Concert Band, Edinborough Park.
21
227 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall.
237 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall.
24Thanksgiving. City Hall closed.
25Day after Thanksgiving. City Hall closed.
265 p.m., Holiday Tree-Lighting Ceremony, 50th & France.
2928277 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park.
November 2011
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174:30 p.m., Art Center Board, Edina Art Center.
6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall.
About Town Calendar
3 • AUTUMN 2011
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
Noon, Wonderful World of Woody, Edinborough Park.
4 p.m., Public Art Committee, Edina City Hall.
2 3
47 p.m., Minneapolis Police Band, Edinborough Park.
67 p.m., City Council & HRA, Edina City Hall.
75 8Noon, Bob the Beachcomber, Edinborough Park.
7 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, Edina City Hall.
9 10
115 p.m., AR&LE Singers, Edinborough Park.
7 p.m., St. Paul Police Band, Edinborough Park.
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137 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall.
7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall.
147 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall.
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187 p.m., Bend in the River Big Band, Edinborough Park.
19 206:30 p.m., Community Health Committee, Edina City Hall.
7 p.m., HRA & City Council, Edina City Hall.
21 224:30 p.m., Art Center Board, Edina Art Center.
23 24
277 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall.
26Christmas holiday observed. City Hall closed.
25
December 2011
287 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall.
29 30
15Noon, Brodini Comedy & Magic Act, Edinborough Park.
6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall.
316 p.m., Annual Family New Year’s Eve Party, Edinborough Park.
About Town Calendar
4 • AUTUMN 2011
Autumn Calendar Highlights
Other Dates To Remember
Oct. 6 Noon, Wonderful World of Woody, Edinborough Park.
Oct. 11 7 p.m., Roseville Big Band, Edinborough Park.
Oct. 13 6 p.m., Travel Photography: Taking Photos in Strange Places, Edina Art Center.
Oct. 23 10 a.m., Terri Halperin-Eaton Workshop, Edina Art Center.
Oct. 29 10 a.m., Friends of the Edina Library Book Sale, Edina Community Library.
Nov. 1 4:15 p.m., Clay for Kids starts, Edina Art Center.
Nov. 2 9 a.m., Quick Draw: Faces starts, Edina Art Center.
Nov. 3 Noon, Wonderful World of Woody, Edinborough Park.
Nov. 17 Noon, Brodini Comedy & Magic Act, Edinborough Park.
Dec. 13 7 p.m., South of the River Community Band, Edinborough Park.
Halloween Party
What: Attention boys and ghouls! Edinborough Park offers another night of fun, excitement and a little bit of fright. Join in for trick-or-treating, games, a comedy show and much more.When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28.Where: Edinborough Park, 7700 York Ave. S.Info: 952-833-9540 or www.EdinboroughPark.com.
Pumpkin Festival
What: The 50th & France Business and Professional Association hosts Pumpkin Festival, a fall event for children. Activities will include horse-drawn trolley rides, costume parade for kids and pets, cake walk, trick-or-treating and more. The Pumpkin Festival has been a long-standing tradition of this community and provides a fun, safe Halloween celebration for children and their families.When: Saturday, Oct. 29. Trick-or-treating will begin at 10 a.m. and all other activities will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Where: Downtown Edina, 50th Street and France Avenue.Info: 50th & France Business and Professional Association, 952-922-1524, or www.50thandfrance.com.
Friends of the Edina Library Book Sale
What: The Friends of the Edina Library hold book sales in October and April of each year. Proceeds from the sales are used for the acquisition of hardcover and electronic books for circulation throughout the Hennepin County Library system, children and adult programs and other needed resources for the Edina Library. Most adult books are priced at $1 and children’s books at 50 cents. Friends of the Edina Library donate more than 500 volunteer hours to sort, set up and provide customer service for each sale. The use of electronic scanners will be permitted after noon on Saturday, Oct. 29.When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Bag Sale 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31.Where: Edina Community Library, 5280 Grandview Square.Info: 612-543-6325.
A Word From The Mayor
Quality of life has many components, not the least of which is good health. This past year, the Mayors of Edina, Bloomington and Richfield have discussed the role our communities can play in assisting our residents in accomplishing the goal of achieving long and healthy lives. Those discussions have generated interest from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) and now the three cities and Blue Cross are collaborating to initiate a healthy community pilot program, which, if successful, could become a model for communities across the nation. This new initiative to remove barriers to healthy living in our community and support people in their efforts to live healthier lives is very exciting. We’ll build on the success of some of our current projects such as our farmers market at Centennial Lakes Park and look for new ways to bring healthy options to our schools, workplaces, community groups and neighborhoods. The idea is to create sustainable changes that make physical activity and healthy eating accessible to everyone.
We are dedicated to this new health improvement initiative because it focuses on improving the quality of life for all residents and helping prevent diseases caused by unhealthy eating and physical inactivity. Health is a gift and our community can’t thrive without vibrant and healthy citizens. With the right changes in place, building healthy lifestyles we can all maintain won’t be as hard as it seems. It’s all about making the “healthy choice the easy choice.”
Stay tuned as we launch this initiative this fall. You’ll start to see signs of our commitment to healthy living
throughout the community, and we’ll keep you updated on how you, your family, friends and coworkers can get involved.
James B. HovlandMayor
2011 AUTUMN • 5
A local vendor sells fresh produce at the Edina Farmers
Market.
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By Joe SullivanContributing Writer
In 1928, Percy Redpath came to Edina with his wife, Mary Lena, and seven children to buy a farm, but he ended up as the village’s first full-time, paid police officer.
According to the Spring 2007 issue of the Edina Historical Society’s newsletter, Redpath was hired as the village’s first, and only, police officer in 1930, shortly after he moved to a parcel of land on the east side of today’s Highway 100 where the southwest corner of the Edina Country Club golf course is now located. Although still mostly farmland, the early village had a growing residential population. Along with streetlights, sidewalks, paved streets and other amenities, the new suburban gentry wanted police protection.
Village Council meeting reports of the period indicate why the Council considered Redpath as the right man for the job. He was a perfect combination of city and country for a largely rural community that was becoming more residential. Redpath had grown up in a big city. He was born in 1887 and grew up in St. Paul. His father was a railroad engineer and his mother was the daughter of an agricultural expert. She was born in Bermuda where her dad taught modern farming to the native people.
Redpath lost both of his parents as a young boy. His mother’s death resulted from the birth of a stillborn infant shortly after his second birthday. His father died in a train accident when he was 7 years old. An only child, the orphaned Redpath was raised by his aunts in St. Paul.
Later in his life, he advertised for a housekeeper and hired Mary Lena Horney, who had moved to Wisconsin from Texas. Sometime after her arrival, they married
Edina’s First Full-Time,
Paid Police Officer
6 • AUTUMN 2011
Percy Redpath, his wife, Mary Lena, and their two oldest
children on their Wisconsin farm. (Irene is standing in front of
Mary Lena. Muriel is sitting in Percy’s lap.)
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and moved to a larger farm near Clara City, Minn. The couple had seven children while they lived on the Clara City farm.
The kids, Irene, Muriel, John, Joseph, Mary, Gregory and Lorraine, ranged in age from 11 years down to less than 1 year old.
In 1928, the 41-year-old Redpath and his growing family moved to a 20-acre farm in Edina, near 54th Street and Normandale Road. The other two of their nine children, Donna and Charlotte, were born in Edina after they moved to a 10-acre farm at 60th and Normandale where they raised cows, chickens and pigs and maintained a garden plot.
Edina depended on the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department to investigate serious crimes. Some suburbs elected constables to “keep the peace” at local events like community dances and an occasional election. In those days, tiny Edina had little need for a full-time constable. Edina farmers such as John Olinger were designated as part-time police officers.
The First ‘Squad’ CarThe first police vehicle, purchased by the village for $550 on Feb. 6, 1930, was a 1930 Ford Model A Tudor sedan. Optional equipment included cowl lights, spotlight, a gun case and lettering spelling out “Village of Edina” on the driver’s side door.
2011 AUTUMN • 7
(continued on next page)
A clipping from The Crier newspaper published in March
1930.
The car was outfitted with a one-way radio so that Redpath could receive radio calls (presumably from Hennepin County’s dispatcher and Edina citizens). Because the radio did not allow officers to report back, police officers from several nearby communities would frequently converge on a reported crime scene. For example, one night, police from St. Louis Park, Minneapolis and an Edina officer all showed up after a prowler was reported in the Country Club District. It prompted one impressed resident to write a letter of praise to the The Crier.
After each shift, Redpath noted in his log book the vehicle’s mileage and how much gas he had purchased. Entries in his log books indicate that he averaged about 50 miles a night and put in five gallons of gas almost daily.
At first, he parked the police car at his home overnight. Since using the car for personal trips was specifically forbidden, the Redpath family owned a family car for non-business trips. However, their son John recalled getting an “occasional” ride home after a movie at the Edina Theatre. (Redpath got free movie passes for distributing theater handbills to Country Club homes.)
When the Village hired a daytime policeman by the name of Bob Mieske, Redpath started parking the car at the Country Club Garage at 50th & France so it would be available to Mieske during the day.
Crime In EdinaIn the early 1930s, crime in Edina looked a lot like it does today. While Redpath spent most of his working hours tagging speeding and parking violators, checking on reports of prowlers and responding to complaints of barking dogs, he was also first on the scene of some serious crimes including assaults, domestic disputes, burglaries and armed robberies.
In his logbooks, which are preserved at the Edina Historical Society, Redpath kept a daily record of his activities. One of his earliest entries concerned a report of two dead bodies: “Couple found dead in car on Olinger Road at 9:30 a.m. by a neighboring farmer, Ernie Hanson. I had made this district early [last] evening.” He didn’t speculate on a possible cause of death or provide any other details.
8 • AUTUMN 2011
Percy Redpath and Bob Mieski with their 1930 Model A Ford
police car.
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Redpath once drew an owl in a tree with the caption: “Night Off” on Tuesday, March 6, 1931. While some nights had four or five incidents recorded, the entry for Tuesday, March 6, noted the night was “Quiet, a perfect moonlight night.” Typical entries were terse and to-the-point, handwritten on a 5-by-8 inch page to record the day’s activities. But, occasionally, the entries offered a clue to Redpath’s personality.
A Community ServantRedpath did more than deal with wrongdoers. He served his community in many ways. Using Village-approved
funds, he bought and delivered groceries to Edina families struggling during the Great Depression in the 1930s. He assisted stranded motorists, started cars that had dead batteries and pushed vehicles stuck in mud.
He befriended a young, homeless man who occasionally slept at the Country Club Garage. His name was Hilding Dahl and, a few years later, he became an Edina police officer who served the Village and City of Edina for 37 years.
2011 AUTUMN • 9
(continued on next page)
“The Crier” Newspaper, July 1933
Redpath and Mieske Report Two Important “Finds” During Month of June
Officer P.A. Redpath of the Edina Police department in the course of his official rounds about two weeks ago, found that the new three-two (beer containing 3.2 percent alcohol*) beverage which has become so popular in the past three months, had not quite discouraged all of those enterprising gentlemen who in the past 14 years have been following the business of cooking commercial alcohol and dispensing it to the trade.
Answering a call to inspect a vacant house in rural Edina, Officer Redpath uncovered a 300-gallon “Moonshiner’s” still in the basement. None of the
“finished” product was found, but the operators had on hand, ready for re-distilling, almost two dozen 55-gallon drums of commercial alcohol. Mr. Redpath turned over the “find” to the [Hennepin County] Sheriff’s office, and deputies confiscated the alcohol and equipment.
*[Note: In 1933, an act of congress named the Volstead Act brought an end to the unpopular, so-called “Prohibition” Law. Earlier, while “prohibition” laws were still in effect, a widespread, illegal process involved “spiking” a non-alcoholic product called “near beer” by injecting alcohol into barrels of near beer with a needle.]
As a 1940s student at nearby Southwest High School, I remember “Officer Dahl” dropping in regularly to the Brown Derby Café, then located next door to the Edina Theatre on its west side. (We were convinced that the purpose of his frequent visits was to make sure us teenagers weren’t drinking anything stronger than Coca-Cola.)
An Early DeathRedpath served the Village of Edina until 1937, when he died at age 49. His entire household was quarantined with scarlet fever. Scarlet fever was a much more common malady in the 1930s than it is today and the quarantining of an entire family was not unusual.
10 • AUTUMN 2011
The Redpath family home in 1936 at 6300 Brookview Ave.,
not far from today’s Pamela Park.
A Few More Entries From Officer Percy Redpath’s 1931 Daily Logbook:
Although many of his log-book entries recorded ordinary reports of speeders exceeding the Village speed limit or couples “spooning” in cars parked along Edina streets or country roads, he also ran across some more serious crimes:
Friday, Jan. 23, 1931: Description: age 35-40 man attacked girl with club; 5’-8”; 180 lbs.; light complexion; short brown, sheep-lined coat; light cap; 4-day beard.
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 1931: 8:30 p.m. Religious nut; sitting by fresh-made fire just off Hanson Road. Clean, honest face; long hair; beard; space in Country Club Garage refused for him; sent him to Union Gospel Mission in Mpls. for place to sleep.
Sunday, April 26, 1931: Made call to #50 and #55 [Mpls. squads]. Hold-up at 50th and France, arrived just ahead of St. Louis Park car, civilians had left in pursuit of stick-up car south on Halifax. Sheriff’s got hold-up man in Chicken shack. All credit due to pursuers.
Sunday, May 24, 1931: 9:30 a.m. Received radio call, insane man threatening to shoot, one of grown sons had struck his mother and older brother with a heavy boltcutter, lacerating their heads. Found suspect hiding amongst cows in barn. Held suspect at car until Sheriff’s car arrived.
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2011 AUTUMN • 11
His son John recalled that his father’s condition had been improving when he passed away while sleeping. There are mixed reports as to whether or not his death was caused by the disease. Although the family doctor said his death was caused by complications from scarlet fever, his obituary in The Crier attributed his death to influenza and a heart ailment.
Dahl was hired to fill the vacancy on the Edina police force caused by Redpath’s passing – a selection Redpath would no doubt have applauded.
Note: George Weber served as Constable for the Village of Morningside for almost 28 years after Morningside seceded from the Village of Edina. He served about the same time Redpath served as Edina’s first Police Officer.
Photos and background material came from the
archives at the Edina Historical Society and the following
publications: Edina Historical Society Newsletter and The
Crier newspaper of the County Club District.
The Redpath family in 1942, five years after Percy’s death.
Back row from left: Greg, Muriel, John, wife Mary Lena, Joe,
Irene. Front row from left: Donna, Lorraine, Mary, Charlotte.
The children went to Edina schools and the family attended
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It’s Not Only Neighborly …
It’s The Law
12 • AUTUMN 2011
Encroaching Vegetation
The Law: City Code Section 1200, Prohibited Encumbrances or Obstructions. “ … no person shall obstruct, encroach upon, encumber or interfere, wholly or partially, with any street, boulevard, alley, sidewalk, easement, park or public ground by placing or installing … trees and other plantings which overhang the traveled portion of streets or sidewalks, provided that no portion of such tree or planting is less than 16 feet above the traveled portion of the street or less than 8 feet above the sidewalk.”
What It Means: All property owners are responsible for maintaining vegetation along streets, sidewalks and alleys to comply with City ordinances. Streets and alleys must be clear of encroaching vegetation to a height of 16 feet above the edges. Sidewalk clearance is 8 feet above the edges. Dead wood, broken branches or other hazards that may fall into public thoroughfares must be removed or corrected.
Vegetation encroachment can cause several safety problems. Street widths are constricted by encroachment, forcing vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists into narrower traffic lanes. Branches can fall and cause property damage. Traffic signage
is less visible. Routine street maintenance such as snowplowing and sweeping are more difficult to perform.
Selective trimming or removal of other vegetation can greatly improve not only public safety, but also the aesthetic appearance of neighborhoods. Some neighborhoods with natural wooded lots bordering the streets often have a large amount of buckthorn growing at the edges. This non-native invasive shrub should be removed. Removing the plant along streets will help reduce future labor necessary for maintaining street clearances.
Young trees can also benefit greatly with proper trimming early in their lives. Lower branches should be removed as the tree grows.
For more information, contact City Forester Tom
Horwath, 952-826-0308.
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2011 AUTUMN • 13
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By Kaylin Martin
When Edina resident Michelle Lohrding wanted to make her family’s home energy efficient, she wasn’t looking to do so at the cost of quality or comfort. However, after a quick phone call, she found out she didn’t have to sacrifice anything.
Lohrding was contacted by the Home Energy Squad, a joint program offered by Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy. After hearing about the program, she knew it was an opportunity, of which she wanted to take advantage. “It didn’t seem like a large investment, or that it was a difficult process,” said Lohrding. “So I thought, ‘This is interesting. Let’s give it a try!’”
On a snowy day last winter, the Squad showed up with tools in hand, ready to make Lohrding’s 1930s home more energy efficient and save her some money, too. Lorhding was presented with a couple of service packages, ranging from $50 to $80 with the option to select additional services. From the package of her choice, she then had the flexibility to decide what energy-saving options she wanted to implement in her home.
Prior to the Squad visiting, Lorhding had already taken some energy-saving measures such as replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights and installing a programmable thermostat.
“Those were the easy ones for us to implement. The other ones we could do, but didn’t know what to buy and what was the best,” she said about choosing faucet aerators, high-efficiency shower heads and weather-stripping for the Squad to install.
Lorhding said she was excited about all the changes, but the high-efficiency shower head made her a little nervous. “When I lived in an apartment in California where they’ll do anything to conserve water, I had a low-flow shower head and it was a ‘drip, drip, drip’ and that is not what I wanted,” she said. “The products have developed far enough where you can now save energy and save water, and not even realize a difference.”
The Squad Is In The House
14 • AUTUMN 2011
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The Home Energy Squad arrives equipped and ready to make
any changes to make a home more energy efficient.
After the installations were made, Lorhding wanted one last piece of advice from the Squad. She mentioned the closets in the master bedroom, which sit above the garage, were either an “ice box” or “sauna.” At her request, the Squad took a peek at the problem and then gave her recommendations of green companies that could add insulation where it was needed most. They then installed rubber on the bottom of the doors to stop the cold or hot air from entering the master bedroom.
“I was very impressed,” said Lorhding of the Home Energy Squad. “They were incredibly well trained, knew what they were doing and believed in it. It made the whole experience really great.”
Since the program’s inception in January 2010, more than 8,000 area homeowners have participated in the Home Energy Squad program and began saving energy in their homes immediately. Of those, nearly 80 families in Edina have welcomed the Home Energy Squad into their home.
Xcel Energy’s Jean Hammer hears from happy homeowners all the time.
“Customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive,” she said. “They like getting expert advice on saving energy and money. The ease of having someone in the home who can both consult and install, all in less than two hours, is my favorite feature of the program.”
“You can spend a little time investing in having an energy efficient home and get a good return,” said Lorhding,
“especially in older homes. If you can tighten them up, do. You won’t be disappointed.”
To qualify for the program, participants must be a
customer of either Xcel Energy or CenterPoint Energy. To
schedule a visit with the Home Energy Squad, call
866-222-4595 or visit HomeEnergySquad.net.
2011 AUTUMN • 15
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By Jordan Gilgenbach
The Edina Police Department’s SWAT team arrived at an Edina residence in SWAT gear, but an emergency wasn’t under way. Instead, the team was making an appearance at a Neighbors’ Home Watch meeting. “It was the neighborhood’s fourth-annual Neighbors’ Home Watch meeting and the SWAT team came all dressed up with the Bearcat,” said Crime Prevention Coordinator Kaylin Martin. “It was a hands-on evening where neighbors got an inside look at the Edina SWAT team.”
“The chance to interact with the police officers and explore the Bearcat vehicle was the absolute highlight of our neighborhood block party,” said resident George Warner. “It was a wonderful experience for kids and adults alike.”
The Neighbors’ Home Watch program is a joint effort between the Edina Police Department and Edina residents to reduce and prevent crime. Martin says the program puts an emphasis on reducing common property crimes such as burglaries and theft from autos.
“These are the easiest crimes to prevent,” said Martin. “We don’t want residents to be victims of these – or any – crimes and we’re going to do what we can to help.”
The Home Watch program is a way for residents to stay informed and create relationships with both the Police Department and neighbors.
“You get to know who comes and goes, who your neighbors are and how to spot things that are out of the ordinary,” Martin said.
Nancy Hall says that’s one of the best things about starting her Neighbors’ Home Watch. She said, “I think neighbors getting to know each other better and just having a sense of community” is the best thing about the Home Watch program.
Hall has lived in her Edina home for 30 years. She and her husband used to travel a lot for work, so they didn’t have time to get to know their neighbors. However, after retirement, that changed. “Now we know each other’s names; it’s not just friendly waves anymore,” she said.
Neighbors’ Home Watch
Program Creates Bonds,
Reduces Crime
16 • AUTUMN 2011
Officer Brandon Kuske shows off the Edina Police
Department’s Bearcat at a Neighbors’ Home Watch meeting.
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2011 AUTUMN • 17
As time went by, Hall noticed many changes in the neighborhood. “There are more young people with kids. The park’s getting used a lot more,” she said. “For years, we had always talked about starting a Neighbors’ Home Watch, but never did anything. When we had that burglary on Hollywood Avenue, that was kind of the catalyst.”
Hall got a few neighbors together and contacted Martin to set up a group for their neighborhood and schedule a date, time and location for the first meeting. Hall’s first neighborhood meeting was held in Todd Park.
With the meeting confirmed, invitations provided by the Edina Police Department were sent out. Surprisingly, 60 friends and neighbors showed up to the meeting, exceeding what Hall and Martin had expected.
“When Nancy called me to set up the meeting, she said about 20 people would be there,” Martin said, adding that it is always good to see people who are eager to make a difference in their community.
Hall and her neighbors have been enthusiastic about the Home Watch program and encourage others to get involved. She said they are working on creating a neighborhood association.
It’s simple to start a Home Watch in your neighborhood. To begin, simply contact your neighbors and coordinate a date and time for the first informational meeting,
usually held Monday through Wednesday evenings, and confirm the date with Martin. A group must consist of at least 10 households or half the number of units in a multi-unit dwelling to continue.
At the first meeting, attendees are given an overview of the Neighbors’ Home Watch program and crime in Edina and crime prevention information is distributed. Some things that will be discussed are the types of crime, residential security and when to call 9-1-1.
“I always stress how important it is to call 9-1-1, but some people feel uncomfortable calling,” she said. “It’s better to be safe than sorry. When in doubt, call 9-1-1.”
To maintain status as an active Home Watch group, one meeting must be conducted annually. At least half the original number of participants and the Neighbors’ Home Watch Coordinator must attend the yearly meeting. Active groups have yellow “Neighbors’ Home Watch” signs posted in the neighborhood.
Annual meeting topics can range from security surveys and identity theft, to fire and personal safety. The Edina Police Chief, Fire Chief or other City staff are also available to speak at meetings.
For more information on the Neighbors’ Home Watch
program or to start a group, visit www.CityofEdina.com/
Police, or contact Martin at 952-823-9523.
18 • AUTUMN 2011
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City Council To Hold Town Hall
Meeting Oct. 1
The Edina City Council will hold a town hall meeting 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 1.
The town hall meeting will be held at the Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Square. Residents are encouraged to attend to share their views about topics facing the City.
The City Council strives to hold two town hall meetings per year. For more information, visit
www.CityofEdina.com.
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School District General Elections
To Be Held Nov. 8
20 • AUTUMN 2011
Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, for the 2011 General Election.
There are six school districts within Edina’s boundaries. Three of them will have school board elections: Edina, Hopkins and Richfield. The City of Edina administers elections for Edina Public Schools.
School District 273 (Edina) General ElectionEdina Public Schools will hold its regular board election to fill three spots on the Edina Board of Education. Candidates are Jason Berger, Cathy Cella, Sarah Patzloff and Leny K. Wallen-Friedman.
Voters in the Edina school district will also vote on two ballot questions. The levy seeks to renew the $400 per pupil portion of the school district’s existing referendum revenue for 10 years, and to raise approximately $4.5 million of revenue to advance learning through technology.
“We are living in educational times that are filled with challenges and opportunities and the referendum questions will help in both arenas,” said Superintendent Ric Dressen. “The additional funding would ease our funding challenges and allow us to advance the learning opportunities that are available through technology. Of the funds that will be generated by this referendum, 100 percent will remain in our district.”
The first ballot question regarding revenue renewal asks voters to extend an existing property tax referendum that is scheduled to expire in 2012. The second question asks voters to approve a property tax increase to cover technology costs that would include hardware, software, infrastructure, staffing and training.
The current technology levy expires in 2012 and was for hardware only. Edina receives the least amount of technology funding per pupil when compared to six neighboring suburban districts. Edina currently spends $122 per pupil on technology, while Hopkins spends $719 per pupil for technology; Minnetonka, $655; Eden Prairie, $637; and Wayzata, $545.
Over the past five years, the Edina school district has made budget adjustments totaling approximately 8 percent of the general fund budget, with minimal impact to classes and educational programs.
If the referendum is unsuccessful, the district would need to make annual budget adjustments totaling more than $4 million, which is approximately 5 percent of the district’s general fund budget. “This would increase class sizes, reduce program and course offerings and stall implementation of the district’s technology plan,” said Dressen. “This local referendum is necessary to maintain the quality of education in Edina and to maintain our commitment to excellence.”
Absentee ballots became available for the Edina election Sept. 23. Those who plan to vote by absentee ballot may vote in person at City Hall from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Extended hours for absentee voting are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, and until 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7.
For more information on polling locations and absentee ballots, call Edina City Hall Voter Registration at 952-826-0363.
School District 270 (Hopkins) General Election Hopkins School District 270 will hold its regular board election to fill four spots on the Hopkins School Board.
2011 AUTUMN • 21
The City of Hopkins administers the Hopkins School District Elections, but those with questions regarding absentee ballots, polling locations or ballot questions should contact Cindy Joyce of the Hopkins school district at 952-988-4001.
School District 280 (Richfield) General ElectionRichfield School District 280 will hold its regular board
election to fill three spots on the Richfield School Board. Richfield School District administers its own elections and should be contacted at the District Office through Pat Vaughan, 612-798-6012, who can answer questions regarding absentee ballots, polling locations or ballot issues.
PrecinctPrecinct 1APrecinct 1BPrecinct 1BPrecinct 2Precinct 3Precinct 4Precinct 5Precinct 6Precinct 7Precinct 8Precinct 9Precinct 10Precinct 11Precinct 12Precinct 13Precinct 14Precinct 15Precinct 16Precinct 16Precinct 17Precinct 17Precinct 18Precinct 19
LocationShepherd of the Hills ChurchShepherd of the Hills Church Chapel Hills ChurchEdina Senior CenterEdina Covenant ChurchWeber Park Warming HouseShepherd of the Hills ChurchCountryside Elementary SchoolNormandale Lutheran ChurchSouth View Middle SchoolConcord Elementary SchoolCreek Valley Elementary SchoolCreek Valley Baptist ChurchCornelia Elementary SchoolCentennial Lakes Park Hughes PavilionSheridan Hills Elementary SchoolValley View Middle SchoolArneson Acres ParkSheridan Hills Elementary SchoolCornelia Elementary SchoolSheridan Hills Elementary SchoolSheridan Hills Elementary SchoolCalvary Lutheran Church
Address500 Blake Road500 Blake Road6512 Vernon Ave.5280 Grandview Square4201 W. 50th St.4115 Grimes Ave.500 Blake Road5701 Benton Ave.6100 Normandale Road4725 South View Lane5900 Concord Ave.6401 Gleason Road6400 Tracy Ave.7000 Cornelia Drive7499 France Ave. S.6400 Sheridan Ave. S., Richfield6750 Valley View Road4711 W. 70th St.6400 Sheridan Ave. S., Richfield7000 Cornelia Drive6400 Sheridan Ave. S., Richfield6400 Sheridan Ave. S., Richfield6817 Antrim Road
Polling Places
Quality Of Life Survey Shows
Residents Give City High Marks
22 • AUTUMN 2011
By Jordan Gilgenbach
“Edina, Minnesota ... for living, learning, raising families and doing business.” The City’s motto rings true for residents, according to a recent quality of life survey.
The survey, conducted by Decision Resources, Ltd., shows that 99 percent of residents rate Edina’s quality of life as “excellent” or “good.” The last year such a survey was conducted in Edina was 1999, at which time 81 percent rated the quality of life as “excellent.” However, Bill Morris, President of Decision Resources, said to be cautious when comparing the two surveys because they were administered more than 10 years apart.
“Edina is No. 1 when compared to other cities’ recent quality of life surveys,” said Morris. “Edina received a 90 percent ‘excellent’ rating while the next top city has a 77 percent ‘excellent’ rating.
“A 10-1 ratio is the strongest we’ve seen anywhere.”
City Manager Scott Neal said he was anxious for the results to come in. He said he wanted to learn from the survey who lives here, why they live here and what they think of their local government.
“It’s not possible for elected officials or City staff members to interact regularly with a representative sample of Edina residents,” Neal Said. “The survey gives us the opportunity to discover what a representative sample of Edina residents thinks about their City government and their community. This is very valuable information.”
Morris said the purpose of the survey comes down to learning three things: satisfaction, policies and communications. Through the survey results, one can learn the general perception of quality of life; residents’ satisfaction with safety, tax levels and City services; if residents think policies are effective; what policies they think should be in place; and if they feel informed.
According to the survey, 92 percent of residents think the City is generally headed in the right direction, which is the highest of surrounding communities. More than
100
75
50
25
90 77 55 55 53 47 47
9 20
42 41 46 51 48
Edina St. Louis ParkMinnetonkaShoreview WoodburyEden PrairieEagan
Excellent
Good
Fair/Poor
The City of Edina has the highest
percentage of people in the Twin Cities
who rate the quality of life as “excellent.”
Comparative Quality of Life Rating
2011 AUTUMN • 23
30 percent could not identify a serious issue facing the City. Taxes and lack of redevelopment were identified as moderate issues by about 1 in 10 people.
Ninety-one percent of respondents gave City staff a “good” or “excellent” rating. “Our staff got a great approval rating from the residents [during the 1999 survey], too, and continue to do so and are highly regarded,” said Mayor Jim Hovland.
City Council Member Ann Swenson recognized City staff during the July 19 City Council meeting. “They do such a great job, as noted by the residents,” she said.
Neal said he looks forward to being able to analyze the data from the survey. He said the information may be used to modify operations of the City. “It’s going to help us prioritize the things we work on,” he said.
“By and large, we should be very proud of what we’re doing and be happy with our community for taking part in the survey and providing such positive information,” said City Council Member Mary Brindle.
“We live in a premier community,” said Hovland. “Everybody here on the Council works hard for this town. That’s the only reason they work hard. Everybody’s only wanted one thing: to make Edina a better place to live for all who live here.”
The telephone survey was conducted in April and May. Morris said 400 people were asked the same series of questions, which included how residents rate their quality of life, if they think the City is heading in the
right direction, what issues face the City, demographic information, plus much more. The results are accurate to plus or minus 5 percent. The survey cost $24,000 which was paid for out of the City’s Communications Fund.
To view the full report, visit www.CityofEdina.com. For
more information on the survey process and Decision
Resources, Ltd., call 612-920-0337.
24 • AUTUMN 2011
EDINA 50th & France
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
EDINA 6800 OFFICE
Pam Allen 952-221-2177
Jeff and Diane Anderes 952-927-2842
Ginni Anderson 952-927-1669
Ann Burbidge 952-927-2840
Winnie Crosbie 952-927-1165
John Everett 952-927-1646
Alyssa Granlund 612-759-5180
Mark Granlund 612-803-8129
Heather Hansen 612-366-0051
Ruthann Holetz 952-927-1624
Jim Jaeckels 612-281-5834
Stacy Johnson 952-927-1608
Mary Greig Krieter 612-719-0665
Jane Larson 612-720-1048
John MacKany 952-927-1163
John McDonald 952-927-1197
Kim Melin 952-201-4758
JoanE Mitchell 952-927-1147
Jude Dugan Olson 952-927-1186
Aaron Ouska 612-940-8020
Kevin Ries 952-927-1196
Tom & Erick Ries 952-927-1191
Margie and John Sampsell 952-927-1195
Jim Starr 612-247-5898
Wade Thommen 952-927-1152
Michael Tierney 952-927-1676
Susan Wahman 952-927-1114
Corky Weber 952-927-1198
Dan Willette 952-927-1694
Pam Aagaard 952-261-7576
Dave Anderson 612-750-2209
Sandy and Buzz Bainbridge 952-915-7980
Babette and John Bean 952-924-8722
Lou Blemaster 612-790-8585
Krysta Clark 952-924-8707
Sheila Cronin 952-915-7951
Karen Daly 952-924-8746
Amy Deckas 612-735-7430
Patti Eastman 952-924-8786
Lisa Eckert 952-915-7964
Tom Frisk 612-418-6642
Mary Beth Goulett 612-309-3967
Zeb Haney 952-924-8742
Janie Hays 952-924-8721
Mark Kouatli 612-708-8400
Bob and Francy Matson 952-915-7950
Tom and Meg Meyers 952-924-8712
Andrew Olive 612-669-7452
Sandy Ring 612-306-3875
Marcia Russell 612-965-7997
Margaret Shaw 952-924-8769
Tim Sipprell 612-327-7657
Kathie Volland 952-915-7934
Chris Willette 612-388-8828
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Open Houses • Active Listings • Home Values • Property Search
2011 AUTUMN • 25
EDINA 50th & France
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
EDINA 6800 OFFICE
Pam Allen952-221-2177
Jeff and Diane Anderes952-927-2842
Ginni Anderson952-927-1669
Ann Burbidge 952-927-2840
Winnie Crosbie 952-927-1165
John Everett952-927-1646
Alyssa Granlund 612-759-5180
Mark Granlund 612-803-8129
Heather Hansen 612-366-0051
Ruthann Holetz952-927-1624
Jim Jaeckels612-281-5834
Stacy Johnson952-927-1608
Mary Greig Krieter612-719-0665
Jane Larson612-720-1048
John MacKany 952-927-1163
John McDonald952-927-1197
Kim Melin952-201-4758
JoanE Mitchell952-927-1147
Jude Dugan Olson952-927-1186
Aaron Ouska612-940-8020
Kevin Ries952-927-1196
Tom & Erick Ries952-927-1191
Margie and John Sampsell952-927-1195
Jim Starr 612-247-5898
Wade Thommen952-927-1152
Michael Tierney 952-927-1676
Susan Wahman952-927-1114
Corky Weber952-927-1198
Dan Willette952-927-1694
Pam Aagaard 952-261-7576
Dave Anderson 612-750-2209
Sandy and Buzz Bainbridge 952-915-7980
Babette and John Bean 952-924-8722
Lou Blemaster 612-790-8585
Krysta Clark 952-924-8707
Sheila Cronin 952-915-7951
Karen Daly 952-924-8746
Amy Deckas 612-735-7430
Patti Eastman 952-924-8786
Lisa Eckert 952-915-7964
Tom Frisk 612-418-6642
Mary Beth Goulett 612-309-3967
Zeb Haney 952-924-8742
Janie Hays 952-924-8721
Mark Kouatli 612-708-8400
Bob and Francy Matson 952-915-7950
Tom and Meg Meyers 952-924-8712
Andrew Olive 612-669-7452
Sandy Ring 612-306-3875
Marcia Russell 612-965-7997
Margaret Shaw 952-924-8769
Tim Sipprell 612-327-7657
Kathie Volland 952-915-7934
Chris Willette 612-388-8828
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Open Houses • Active Listings • Home Values • Property Search
By Kathy IversonContributing Writer
The Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Red Ribbons are an easy way to say, “I want to celebrate the holidays and protect those I love.”
Starting Nov. 15, look for the MADD Red Ribbons in Edina at participating medical clinics, government buildings, libraries and schools. Throughout the holiday season, tie the MADD Red Ribbons on vehicles, keychains and backpacks as a visual reminder to stay sober when driving.
Encourage everyone in a car to wear their seat belts because they are the best defense against a drunk driver. If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 9-1-1.Your role as a responsible party host can keep your friends and loved ones safe.
Did You Know?
• Only time can make someone sober. Caffeine does not affect blood-alcohol levels.
• Beer and wine are just as intoxicating as hard liquor. A 12-ounce can of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce wine cooler and 1.5 ounces of liquor contain the same amount of alcohol.
• Physical appearance cannot be used to determine if someone has had too much to drink.
• Mixers won’t help dilute alcohol. Carbonated mixers like club soda or tonic water cause alcohol to be absorbed into a person’s system more quickly. Fruit juice and other sweet mixers mask the taste of alcohol and may cause people to drink more.
Planning A PartyResponsible hosts know that part of showing guests a great time is making sure they get home safely. Keep in mind:
• Planned activities engage people, make for less active consumption of alcohol and ensure that your friends remember the great event long after the last piece of confetti has settled.
• Provide plenty of food to keep your guests from drinking on an empty stomach.
Slow-Cooker Cranberry Punch
2 cups cranberry juice2 quarts apple cider1/2 cup sugar1 orange studded with 6 whole cloves2 cinnamon sticks, about 3 inches eachGarnish: orange slices or cinnamon sticks.
1. Combine all ingredients (except garnish) in slow-cooker.
2. Simmer, covered, on low setting 1-1/2 hours.
3. Serve in warmed mugs.
4. Garnish each with orange slice or cinnamon stick.
5. Makes 10 servings.
26 • AUTUMN 2011
Celebrate The Holidays With The
Red Ribbon Campaign In Edina
• Avoid too many salty snacks, which tend to make people thirsty and drink more.
• Offer non-alcoholic beverages or “mocktails” for designated drivers and others who prefer not to drink alcohol.
• If preparing an alcoholic punch, use a non-carbonated base, like fruit juice. Alcohol is absorbed into the blood stream faster with a carbonated base.
• Be prepared by having the telephone number of a taxi service on hand for those who need a ride. Also, be prepared to keep a guest overnight if they would otherwise be an impaired driver.
• As guests RSVP, confirm that you are serving a variety of fun alcohol-free beverages for everyone.
During Your Party
• Never serve alcohol to someone under the legal drinking age and never ask children to serve alcohol at parties.
• Don’t let guests mix their own drinks. Choosing a reliable “bartender” will help you keep track of the size and number of drinks that guests consume.
• If a guest appears to be drinking a bit much, offer to freshen his or her drink with a virgin version.
• Do not push drinks! Drinking at a party is not mandatory for having a good time.
• Have fun – but not too much fun. To be a good host, you should stay within your limits in order to make sure your guests stay within theirs.
• Close the bar 90 minutes before the party ends.
Kathy Iverson is the Chemical Health Coordinator for the
City of Edina. She can be contacted at 952-929-7627 or
kiverson@ci.edina.mn.us.
2011 AUTUMN • 27
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28 • AUTUMN 2011
New Assistant City Manager
Begins Work
Karen Kurt’s remodeled rambler in southwest Minneapolis has an off-center front door, corner windows and a red brick chimney, blending in well with her neighborhood of 1950s post-war era dwellings.
It wasn’t that long ago, though, that she ripped the 60-year-old home down to the studs.
It was important to Kurt that the home’s size and scale fit in with the neighborhood, but she also wanted to enjoy the amenities of a modern home. Most of the interior walls were removed. The main floor was apportioned between a living zone and a private master suite. The once poorly lit and cramped kitchen was rebuilt in a new location on the sunny south side of the home. The kitchen and dining area, new den and living room were designed to be open to each other. Retained at the center of the floor plan was the original brick fireplace, common in the dwellings to which World War II servicemen came home.
Kurt used many of her skills as a manager when she designed and remodeled her home. She spent countless hours researching and evaluating options and materials for her home, all of which paid off when the project was completed in 2008 and honored with a local BLEND architecture award in 2010.
In her new role as Edina’s Assistant City Manager, residents and City staff will benefit from Kurt’s research, evaluation and organizational development experience, too. Among the initial goals for the new Assistant City Manager, Kurt plans to develop an orientation and continuing education program for the members of the City’s advisory boards and commissions, develop a new organizational performance measurement system and to improve the City’s systems for collecting and using survey data and management information in the City’s policy-making processes.
“My strengths are being able to look at things holistically and work cross-functionally with diverse departments, stakeholders and constituencies to navigate through a decision-making process,” said Kurt, who succeeded Heather Worthington in the position.
Prior to joining the City staff in August, Kurt was Human Resources & Support Services Manager for the City of Eden Prairie, where she worked since 2002. Prior to her position in Eden Prairie, Kurt held human resources leadership positions with Minnesota Technology, Inc., VERITAS Software and the City of Roseville.
Ph
o
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o
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y
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Karen Kurt began work as Assistant
City Manager Aug. 1.
2011 AUTUMN • 29
“Karen has exactly the right skill set that I was looking for in an Assistant City Manager,” said City Manager Scott Neal, who selected Kurt out of a pool of approximately 130 applicants. “She is very bright. She knows how to create and implement a performance-based, customer-centered work culture in a local government organization. That’s what we need here.
“I worked with Karen for eight years while I was Eden Prairie’s City Manager. She is a trusted advisor and in many ways acted as my de facto assistant city manager there. She did great work in Eden Prairie. I know she’ll do great work here in Edina as well.”
Kurt said she was attracted to the position in Edina because the job matched her skillset and because residents are supportive of local government. “I’ve always viewed Edina as a progressive community in which residents are clearly interested in not only being a part of decision-making, but taking leadership roles in current issues,” she said.
A native of Iowa, Kurt earned her bachelor’s degree from the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. She is studying for her master’s degree in Urban Studies at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
For more information, contact Kurt at 952-826-0415 or
kkurt@ci.edina.mn.us.
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Holiday Joy
30 • AUTUMN 2011
Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP) is in search of holiday spirit and generous donations to make this year’s holiday season brighter for area children and families in need.
Over the Thanksgiving and winter holidays, VEAP plans to distribute food to more than 3,400 households and gifts to more than 5,000 children in Edina, Bloomington, Richfield and southwest Minneapolis. To accomplish this goal, VEAP is seeking donors to provide gifts and volunteers to help sort, set up and distribute those toys to low-income families.
Monetary and non-perishable food donations help ensure that all families have the ability to have a holiday meal.
Donations of new, unwrapped gifts, toys and gift cards help to make the holiday bright for the children in low-income households. Parents are able to come to VEAP and select gifts for their children at the free holiday store. Gifts can be dropped off at VEAP, 9731 James Ave. S., Bloomington, Nov. 1 through Dec. 8 for distribution in late December. Edina residents can also drop off donations at the Edina Police Department, 4801 W. 50th St., or Fire Station No. 1, 6250 Tracy Ave.
Gifts are greatly needed for all age groups of children but historically, VEAP has had the greatest need for toys for newborns to 3-year-olds. Good gifts for that age group include music-and-movement toys, trucks, soft toys and puzzles with large pieces. VEAP will distribute gift cards for teens, so $15 gift cards to local retailers such as Target, Wal-Mart, Kohl’s and Best Buy are appreciated. VEAP
also plans to distribute games to each family using the program, so family-friendly board games for a variety of age levels are needed. Hats, mittens, gloves and scarves are also requested. New books for all ages are greatly appreciated. All gifts should be brand new and unused with a value of $10 to $20. Please do not donate large gifts.
Individuals and families interested in registering for these programs can contact VEAP at 952-888-9616. Registration for the Thanksgiving program will take place Oct. 24 through Nov. 16. Christmas registration will take place Nov. 28 through Dec. 19.
Volunteer opportunities are also abundant during the holiday season. Volunteer opportunities include registering families, data entry, sorting toys, helping families shop through the toy store and delivering hot meals.
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32 • AUTUMN 2011
Edina Art Center Presents
24th-Annual ‘Gifts! Gifts! Gifts!’ Sale
In early November, the Edina Art Center’s Clark Gift Shop will expand into the gallery and tea room to make room for hundreds of handcrafted gifts. The sale will feature pottery, jewelry, wearables, ornaments, glass, sculptures, paintings and more. All works are original and 95 percent of the items are made in Minnesota. There are also art supplies available for children and adults.
The Gift Shop has gone through many changes over the years. Sandy Clark of Edina originated the idea in the late 1970s. In 1981, Ron and Sandy Clark renovated the small porch area into a gift gallery for sales of original artworks and have continued to donate to upgrade carpeting and shelving.
“With this economy, people are caring more about where their gift dollars are going,” said Gift Shop Coordinator Gene Andersen. “When they shop here, they know that they are supporting local artists and the wonderful programs at the Art Center. They not only find one-of-a-kind treasures, but they feel good about assisting the growth of the arts in Edina.”
Anderson and Assistant Kay Gritton have lined up more than 40 artists to participate in the sale.
A special Members Sneak Preview is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3. The event will include a silent auction, appearances by some artists, door prizes and refreshments. Members are encouraged to bring guests who may be interested in becoming members.
“This is the perfect event for our members to meet other members and, of course, to shop!” said Membership Chair and Board Member Dana Lappin. “The pottery and jewelry selections are outstanding and I always find great gifts for everyone in my family – even my dad! The Art Center has so much to offer, it’s truly the hidden gem of the Edina community.”
“Gifts! Gifts! Gifts!” opens to the public on Friday, Nov. 4 and remains open through Dec. 23. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
Memberships to the Edina Art Center are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Benefits of membership include discounts on classes, invitations to exclusive openings and special events such as the Members Sneak Preview of “Gifts! Gifts! Gifts!,” discounts on supplies purchased from the gift shop, entry into the annual Members’ Juried Show and use of studios when space is available. Cost is $30 for an individual membership or $45 for a family membership.
The Art Center is located at 4701 W. 64th St., one mile
west of Southdale Center on the frontage road. For more
information, call 952-903-5780 or visit
www.EdinaArtCenter.com.
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2011 AUTUMN • 33
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City Welcomes New Human
Resources Director
34 • AUTUMN 2011
By Emilie Kastner
Every two weeks, City of Edina Payroll Technician Vicki Olson collects all paper timecards that employees have filled out by hand; manually enters each expense code, business unit and project code; and then prints a report to verify the correct coding and hours – procedures of an outdated system.
For the pay period ending July 15, Olson single-handedly entered 48,323.22 hours for the 677 City employees, which required her to spend 16 to 20 hours entering data to print a 79-page report confirming payroll accuracy.
Things won’t be this way for long, however.
The City of Edina welcomed a new Human Resources Director, Lisa Schaefer, to its staff Aug. 15. With five years of experience with the League of Minnesota Cities and eight years of experience with the City of Eden Prairie, Schaefer plans to make improvements to Edina City Hall processes by automating human resources, benefits services and payroll, in addition to establishing more efficient practices.
“Human resources is very used to being behind the scenes,” said Schaefer. “We get the systems in place and remove roadblocks so other [City employees] can provide services and get their jobs done.” She plans to make the City’s human resources team a more centered part of the workplace.
Although Schaefer plans to transform and simplify the current payroll system, she will face considerable challenges. Payroll for Braemar Golf Course, Edina Liquor, Edinborough Park, Centennial Lakes Park and Edina Aquatic Center is also handled by Olson. Because those facilities have large seasonal staffs, Olson said she has seen as many as 689 employees on payroll during the summer. The complexity of City contracts also makes it hard to create an automated system.
“We have five union contracts,” said Olson. “I would be hard-pressed to find a system that will meet all of our needs.”
The Finance, Health and Information Technology departments already utilize an online system, and other departments could as well. However, it would be nearly impossible to automate timecards for Police and Fire because they have varying expense and project codes, and for Public Works employees because they lack access to computers, she added. Nonetheless, City employees are still excited for Schaefer to implement changes.
“The most important change that I am looking forward to would be technology,” said Human Resources Representative Candy Fiedler, who has been working at the City for 23 years. “We have been behind the times as far as timecards are concerned.”
“What Lisa brings to our organization is a wide breadth of experience in human resources,” said City Manager Scott Neal. “She has been a human resources manager
2011 AUTUMN • 35
for the League of Minnesota Cities for five years. Five years at that capacity is like 20 years in a city. Because she was exposed to all those different cities across our state, she has seen such a wide variety and we are going to capture the benefit of that here.”
Schaefer said her biggest accomplishments include designing and implementing eLearning for supervisors at the League of Minnesota Cities. “I like working with supervisors because it’s a key element for engaging a workforce; they know the employees the best,” she said.
She also developed Supervisory Training for League Supervisors to help them become better leaders in the organization.
In addition, while she was working at the City of Eden Prairie, she developed the City’s first comprehensive employee handbook and brought together a team from every department to ensure the City’s policies would be supported by and meet the needs of all departments. The City of Edina has an employee handbook, which Schaefer will review and help strengthen.
“She really helped lead us in a new direction at the League with eLearning,” said Laura Kushner, Human Resources Director for the League of Minnesota Cities.
“She was instrumental in the approach that she took. Lisa helped my department update our knowledge and skills to become a better HR department with more strategic thinking.”
“The most important thing in human resources,” said Schaefer, “is coming to the table knowing that there is more than one way to accomplish a goal. It is about listening to help managers and employees find solutions to make their jobs easier.”
Schaefer’s first three goals in her new position include learning more about the culture in Edina and what motivates City employees, ensuring that human resources systems are supporting the goals of the City Council and the City Manager, and helping employees better do their jobs.
As to what she will miss most about working with Schaefer at the League of Minnesota Cities, Kushner said,
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36 • AUTUMN 2011
“Her great sense of humor and her strategic approach to human resources; she really takes the time to think through what makes sense and will apply that thinking to every type of program she is working on. I will really miss that.”
Schaefer describes herself as being calm and says she has the ability to remain that way when things become stressful. She enjoys seeing the humor in things. “You just can’t take yourself too seriously,” she said.
“In addition to the strategic thinking,” added Kushner, “she is very dedicated to her job. She takes an extremely professional approach to it. She won’t stop thinking about a problem until she has developed a solution.”
“I have a lot of confidence in Lisa because I know her work first hand and I think that we were quite fortunate here that we were able to attract her away from the League of Minnesota Cities where she had a good job,” said Neal. “I’m excited that she has joined our team.”
“Because of her extensive knowledge, having worked in the City and with the League, I think she’s going to bring some new, refreshing ideas,” said Fiedler. “I’m looking forward to finding out what they would be.”
Schaefer attributes much of her interest in working in government to her family background. She said her family valued public service. Raised in a small town of about 700 people, her brother, grandfather and father
were volunteer firefighters, and her father was an elected official.
She first became interested in human resources while working at Best Buy in college where she was responsible for the hiring and training of a team. She double-majored in political science and applied psychology at St. Cloud State University and her career decision was finalized when she began a human resources internship at the City of Eden Prairie while finishing up her undergraduate work. Schaefer went on to receive a Human Resources Generalist Certificate and a Public Sector Human Resources Certificate from the University of Minnesota, as well as her master’s degree in business administration from the University of St. Thomas.
Schaefer and her husband, Dan Lenz, reside in Eagan with their 6-year-old daughter, Alayna, and their 1-year-old Tibetan Terrier, Zoey. She enjoys traveling, family activities, taking her daughter to dance lessons, boating, being at the lake and spending time with friends. Even though she moved into her house a little more than a year ago, one of her hobbies could also be unpacking, she joked.
Assistant to the City Manager Ceil Smith, who was previously responsible for some of the duties of Human Resources Director, will retire in November.
For more information on Schaefer or her new role as
Human Resources Director, call 952-826-0364.
2011 AUTUMN • 37
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38 • AUTUMN 2011
Edina Fire Ranked No.1 In
Cardiac Arrest Survival
By Jordan Gilgenbach
No one wants to have a heart attack. If you do have one, though, you’re in the best place. Residents can rest assured they will be taken care of in Edina.
The Edina Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Services was ranked No. 1 in the nation in sudden cardiac arrest survival during a study by the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES) program.
CARES is a secure, web-based data management system that can produce statistics to compare a community’s EMS performance to local, state and national rates. Communities can discover ways that could improve emergency cardiac care.
The study, which looked at cardiac arrest survival rates in 2010 among CARES participants, shows Edina with a 71.4 percent survival rate of cardiac arrests that were witnessed by someone and had a shockable rhythm. This compares with a survival rate of 49.4 percent in Hennepin County and 31.8 percent nationwide. If CPR is started by a bystander, the survival rate increases to 75 percent in Edina, 51.4 percent in Hennepin County and 34.7 percent nationwide.
“In Edina, you are 252 percent more likely to survive a cardiac arrest than you are in the average city in the United States,” Mayor Jim Hovland said during a presentation in June. “A big kudos goes to Brad Beard and the crew at Fairview Southdale and also our Fire Department and the EMS.”
“The best survival rates are those that are witnessed by a bystander, found in a shockable rhythm and the bystander started CPR,” said Dr. Stephen Battista, cardiologist at Fairview Southdale Hospital, 6401 France Ave. S. “We are saving 75 percent of the potentially savable patients.”
The Edina Fire Department has been working with Fairview Southdale using CARES to improve cardiac care since 2005. Battista said Fairview bought Bluetooth technology for Edina Fire’s EMS so EKGs could be transmitted directly to the hospital. All EMS agencies in Hennepin County began using the CARES program in 2010.
“It’s been a great partnership,” said Edina Fire Chief Marty Scheerer. “I am very proud of all our police, EMS,
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EKGs are transmitted directly from an ambulance to the
hospital, which aids in Edina’s high survival rate of cardiac
arrest victims.
fire and dispatch crews, as well as all those who work hard every day at Fairview Southdale.”
A “chain of survival” is used to better a person’s chance of survival. Promptly calling 9-1-1, quickly starting CPR, early use of an automated external defibrillator, delivery
of advanced life support and post-resuscitative care all aid in the survival of a cardiac arrest victim.
“You have between four and 10 minutes to restore blood to the brain to avoid brain damage,” said Battista. “If someone sees a person go down, they should call 9-1-1 and start CPR immediately. The sooner that is done, the
2011 AUTUMN • 39
(continued on next page)
Edina residents need not go far for excellent heart care. The University of Minnesota Physicians Heart at Fairview is in their backyard.
Formed in October 2008, the U of M Physicians Heart at Fairview began when the University of Minnesota Physicians cardiovascular division, Minnesota Heart Clinic and Fairview Health Services collaborated with two main goals: to provide the finest patient care and to be in the top 10 cardiovascular programs in the nation.
The program at Fairview Southdale offers patients a wide array of services, ranging from prevention to treatment and research. Heart transplants are conducted at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview on the U of M campus. Edina is one of 13 Twin Cities and greater Minnesota locations of the University of Minnesota Physicians Heart.
Two services at Fairview Southdale are the Women’s Heart Clinic and the Cardiomyopathy Optimization Rehabilitation and Education (CORE) clinic. The Women’s Heart Clinic is designed to focus on women’s heart disease and health. This clinic has women clinicians to talk with patients to help make them feel more comfortable.
Fairview Southdale is one of three CORE clinics in the Twin Cities. This outpatient program offers care to patients with cardiomyopathy and heart failure. The CORE clinic’s mission is to “make living with heart disease a lot less scary,” by tailoring care to each patient’s needs.
For more information on the University of Minnesota Physicians, visit www.umphysicians.org.
U Of M Heart Clinic At Fairview Southdale
better off the victim is.”
Use of the chain of survival saved a man at Braemar Arena in November 2010. Kevin Whipple, a Minnetonka resident, was officiating a girls hockey tournament at the arena when he collapsed on the ice. He was in cardiac arrest. Immediately, Justin Johnson, a Minneapolis Fire Department EMT, called 9-1-1 and provided Whipple with a shock from a defibrillator. Almost immediately, Whipple was awake. He was then taken to the hospital where he made a full recovery.
“This just shows how important it is to know basic CPR,” said Scheerer.
CARES is a collaborative effort between the Center for Disease Control, the American Heart Association and the Emory University Department of Emergency Medicine. Its goal is to develop a registry which could increase the survival rate of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The registry, created in 2004, was tested in the Atlanta area in 2005. Currently, CARES has 40 participating communities in 25 states.
For more information on the CARES program, visit
http://mycares.net. To learn more about the Edina Fire
Department, visit www.CityofEdina.com/Fire.
40 • AUTUMN 2011
Chain of Survival
1. Promptly Call 9-1-12. Quickly Start CPR3. Use an AED early4. Deliver Advanced Life Support5. Deliver Post-Resuscitative Care
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42 • AUTUMN 2011
Business Notes
Mad About Candy? Experience Alix In CandylandIt’s a play on words, but this “storybook candy shop” is nothing but real. Alix in Candyland, owned by Alix Noonan and Lynn Evinger, opened its doors Aug. 2 at 5400 France Ave. S.
“We wanted to give kids and adults the opportunity to escape the real world when they enter our store,” said Noonan, whose love for Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland has been the inspiration for the business. Giant mushrooms, a castle and little teacups are just a few of the design themes inside the shop. “There are a lot of candy shops around. We wanted kids to associate an entire experience with it.”
The company boasts local, nostalgic, American-made and international candy; special occasion gifts; and jewelry. Candies include a selection of gummies and chocolates, retro candy and other varieties. Gift baskets, of which there are five character variations, are called Candy Hatters. The “Alix Basket” is a grand basket containing the largest variety of candy.
Noonan, who recently graduated from the University of St. Thomas, said she has always had a passion for chocolate and has “wanted to open a fair trade chocolate” business. She and best friend Evinger decided to give it a try, despite the tough economy.
Products are sold individually or in bulk. Prices range from a couple dollars for individual items to $11.99 per pound when buying items in bulk. The owners researched pricing to stay competitive with local candy
shops and picked prices that they believe will encourage patronage.
Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. The shop is closed on Mondays, and will be closed Tuesdays in the winter.
For more information about Alix in Candyland, call
952-915-1100 or visit www.AlixInCandyland.com.
The Works Moves To Larger Facility In BloomingtonThe Works, a hands-on museum, workshop and resource center dedicated to teaching engineering, science and technology to children ages 5 to 12, has moved to Bloomington.
Until Sept. 3, The Works was located in the Edina Community Center, 5701 Normandale Road, but has moved into a new, larger, 40,000-square-foot facility located at 9740 Grand Ave., due to a dramatic increase in attendance. Last year, attendance reached 41,366, up 20 percent from the previous year and almost three times the amount from three years prior.
The new facility’s Discovery Center will hold enough classrooms and exhibits to welcome more than 150,000 visitors per year.
Current exhibits at The Works are grouped into three categories; Gears & Gizmos consists of mechanisms and simple machines, Build! includes structures and shapes and The Interactive Image contains imaging and optical technologies.
2011 AUTUMN • 43
For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation
to The Works, call Kris Best at 952-848-4846, email
Kris@theworks.org or visit www.theworks.org.
New to 50th & France: PandolfiPandolfi, a new candy, gelato and gift shop, opened its doors in June at 50th & France, 3904 W. 50th St.
In addition to selling candies, gummies, lollipops, chocolates and gifts, Pandolfi boasts that its store is the only place in Minnesota to obtain Palazzolo’s Artisan Gelato & Sorbetto, of which it carries a rotation of 24 flavors of the 600 produced. Palazzolo’s, headquartered in Michigan, has appeared on Oprah’s O List and was featured on the show “Outrageous Foods” by the Food Network. A flavor or two is switched daily and as the year progresses, seasonally, with varieties like pumpkin for fall and peppermint for winter.
“My Italian heritage compels me to feed, entertain and host people,” said Owner Jeanne Riha. “I grew up in a house where there were always guests.”
Riha, from Chicago, is married with two daughters, ages 9 and 7. She developed the idea to open the store with her mother, who has since passed away. The store is now run with the help of family and friends, including help from her eldest daughter who can operate the register.
Riha described Pandolfi as a “mom and pop” shop with a family-friendly atmosphere. “I would like to provide a variety of high-quality treats and focus as much as I can on local artisans to create a fun environment for people to treat themselves,” she said.
She saw the 50th & France location as lacking places that appeal to children. “Our goal is to be a warm, welcoming environment for families and anyone who is looking for a 15-minute vacation,” she said. During the fall, the store will transition away from its focus on gelato and place more emphasis on gifts and candy.
Store hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.
For more information on Pandolfi, call 952-928-3000 or
email info@PandolfiCo.com. For more information on
Palazzolo’s Artisan Gelato & Sorbetto, visit
www.4Gelato.com.
– Compiled by Emilie Kastner
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Pandolfi Owner Jeanne Riha proudly stands next to her
candy, gelato and gift shop which opened in June.
Planning Matters
44 • AUTUMN 2011
Team Of Residents Selects Consultants For GrandView Small Area PlanA community-led team of residents, business and property owners selected the team of consultants to develop a small area plan for the GrandView District.
Last year, a Community Advisory Team made up of Edina residents led a process to determine the future of the City’s former Public Works site on Eden Avenue and the area surrounding it, known as the GrandView District. The group met several times during April 2010 and developed seven guiding principles for the area. At the time the principles were adopted, the Edina City Council also agreed to embark on a small area planning process for the area and retain ownership of the City’s Public Works property until after a study is complete. The community-led small area planning process began in April 2011 and is led by a 50-member Steering Committee.
Representatives of the Steering Committee interviewed nine firms and selected those best suited to work on the small area plan. Bruce Jacobson of Close Landscape Architecture and Mike Lamb of Cunningham Group Architecture were selected to be lead consultants on the project. Other consultants include Jack Broz of HR Green, Antonio Rosell of Community Design Group and Tony Schertler of Springsted. Together, they are working with the Steering Committee to study land use, community needs, transportation and market analysis, and finance.
“Our community-led process has broken new ground for Edina. We have worked hard over the past few
months to organize community members and other key stakeholders. Now, we look forward to engaging those folks and others in creating a plan for the future of the GrandView District,” said Steering Committee Chair Kevin Staunton.
A $100,000 grant through the Metropolitan Council’s Livable Communities Demonstration Act will defray the costs of the year-long planning process.
For more information, visit www.CityofEdina.com/
Grandview or http://edinacitizenengagement.org/
grandview. Questions can be directed to Staunton,
952-836-1286, or Chris Rofidal, 952-285-4459.
2011 AUTUMN • 45
Southwest LRT Moves Into Preliminary Engineering PhaseThe Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) line received permission in September from the Federal Transit Administration to enter into preliminary engineering.
“This is a milestone to celebrate. The Southwest LRT project is now real, after more than a decade of hard work and commitment,” said Hennepin County Commissioner Gail Dorfman. “We go from one of 100 communities around the country seeking FTA approval, to one of a dozen that has the go-ahead to begin engineering the line.”
“Southwest is the next big step – we’re creating a regional system, not just talking about one,” said Counties Transit Improvement Board Chair Peter McLaughlin. “Southwest LRT will serve more than 240,000 jobs and connect the region’s top job center, downtown Minneapolis, with the region’s sixth largest job center, Opus/Golden Triangle.”
Hennepin County, along with cities and community partners, led the Southwest LRT project through an alternatives analysis and draft environmental impact statement, which included the selection of a locally preferred route, before transitioning the project to the Met Council in 2010. Hennepin County has also developed the Southwest LRT Community Works project to integrate land use and development planning as engineering of the transit line progresses.
The Southwest LRT Community Works project will identify housing and economic development opportunities at station locations and along the corridor,
and enhance connections to existing residential and commercial nodes.
The Southwest Corridor LRT line will stretche approximately 15 miles from downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie, with projected ridership of nearly 30,000 average weekday riders by 2030.
For more information, visit www.southwesttransitway.org.
To receive project updates, sign up for the email list on the
“Contact Us” page.
46 • AUTUMN 2011
Urban Prairie Takes
Root In Edina
By Kaylin Martin
The Tall Blazing Star, Yellow Coneflower and Blue Lobelia seedlings have yet to bloom, but the monarch butterflies and bumble bees have already found a new home. In a sea of manicured sod, it’s easy to say the urban prairie at the corner of 74th Street and Metro Boulevard stands out, especially when the tall grasses and prairie flowers haven’t fully developed.
Since the planning phase of the Public Works & Park Maintenance Facility, remaining environmentally and financially conscious has been at the top of the City’s list of priorities for the property. To maintain those goals, more than 35 species of native grasses and flowers were planted, creating an oasis on the 7.5-acre site that includes a rain garden and no-mow grasses.
Matt Lasch of Applied Ecological Services said prairies like those at the new Public Works & Park Maintenance Facility typically need three to five years to mature. He says weeds are almost always present in the initial phase of prairie planting. However, not all small plants are weeds, but may look that way to the uneducated eye.
“With some patience and education, by the third or fourth year, people start to love it,” said Lasch, referring to prairie restoration projects he has completed in the past.
“You have all this color and all these butterflies and bumble bees around. People start to get a soft side to it.”
Tom Mundahl, a pastor at St. Louis Park’s Lutheran Church of the Reformation, saw his congregation grow to appreciate the prairie landscaping his church chose to plant six years ago.
“When I tell people where I work, they immediately say, ‘ooh, that’s the place with the prairie,” said Mundahl about the church many recognize while driving along Minnesota Highway 100. “About two years ago, after a burn, the prairie exploded in color and that’s when people really came to appreciate it.”
Because the tall grasses and prairie flowers are native and part of the planned landscape area, Lasch says the plantings at the Edina Public Works & Park Maintenance Facility have been successful so far.
“Some of the plants I’m seeing now will probably bloom late next summer. With the amount of seedlings coming in, all the rain and hot weather we’ve had this year, it could even be sooner,” he said.
Lasch said most weeds in prairie plantings are annuals, meaning they germinate, grow, set seed and die in one growing season. While weeds grow early, fast and tall, most native prairie plants are slow-growing perennials, but continue to blossom every year. Since perennials depend on below-ground structures for their existence and invest large amounts of time and energy into root production, there may not be much to see of the plant above soil in the beginning.
2011 AUTUMN • 47
For example, Lasch says the lead plant in the landscaping will be one to three feet tall for most of its life, but often has roots as deep as 15 feet. As the native plants age, they will kill off the shallow-rooted weeds.
Because the native landscape needs to be well managed in the beginning, the City hired Applied Ecological Services to oversee the area through 2012. After three years, the prairie, rain garden and no-mow grass on the site will be virtually maintenance free. The natural landscaping won’t require irrigation, fertilizer or mowing, something City Engineer and Director of Public Works Wayne Houle welcomes.
“If we go with a lower-maintenance landscaping, then we won’t be using our resources on our own facility,” he said.
The landscaping stays in theme with the environmentally friendly facility, which boasts LED lights in the parking lot and a geothermal heating and cooling system. Edina is also a GreenStep City, a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability goals.
While the landscaping will essentially become maintenance free once the prairie is mature, it will require a controlled burn every few years.
Lasch says fire puts nutrients from the plants back into the soil and controls the annual weed species, which cannot tolerate the fire.
“You’re going to get more diversity and more color,” said Lasch. “The plants will thrive after a controlled burn.”
So will the insects, especially the Monarch Butterflies, he added.
“If after a few years we’re not getting what we want, then we’ll reevaluate,” said Houle, “but right now, we’re right where we want to be.”
For more information on the facility, contact Houle at
952-826-0443.
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The native landscape at the Edina Public Works & Park
Maintenance Facility has become a haven for different species
of butterflies and bees.
AboutTown Magazine
City of Edina
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.CityofEdina.com
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