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Home My WebLink AboutAbout Town spring2014France Avenue Construction To Begin Page 26 SPRING•2014 Official Magazine of the City of Edina AboutTown AboutTown Volume 25, Number 2 Circulation 25,000 Spring 2014 Official Publication of the www.EdinaMN.gov City of Edina, Minnesota 4801 West 50th Street Edina, Minnesota 55424 952-826-0359 Editor: Jennifer Bennerotte Contributing Writers: Krystal Caron, Jordan Gilgenbach, Lauren Hardy, Ashley Krepsky, Kaylin Martin, Michael McGivern and 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 Barb Pederson, 612-998-7412 . Copyright 2014 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 residents and community history as well. About Town is printed on recycled paper to conform to City conservation guidelines. Cover photo by Annie Engen. Table Of Contents Calendar Of Events ..........................................................................1 Spring Calendar Highlights ............................................................4 A Word From The Mayor ...............................................................5 Minnesota Is Known For Sub-Zero Winter Temperatures And Blizzards ..........................................................6 It’s Not Only Neighborly ... It’s The Law ...................................10 Boards Seeks Nominations For Annual Heritage Award ........12 Familiar Face Returns To Lead Edina Fire .................................14 City of Edina To Flush Hydrants .................................................17 Local Organization Fills A Void In The Community ................18 Garden Council To Host ‘Great Gardens Of Southwest Edina’ Tour ..................................................................20 50th & France Receives Hennepin County Recycling Grant ...22 France Avenue Construction Begins This Spring ......................26 City Opens 11th-Annual Photo Contest For Entries .................28 Speak Up, Edina! Residents Encouraged To Participate In Monthly Discussions .............................................32 Nelson Elevated To Police Chief ..................................................34 Countryside Park Renovations Complete ..................................38 Millner Steps Into New Role ........................................................42 Edina’s New Chief Building Official Is More Than A Code Enforcer ........................................................46 Friday Night Music Coming To Rosland Park ..........................48 Edina Public Schools Focuses On Personalizing Learning For Every Student..........................................................50 Business Notes ................................................................................52 Planning Matters ............................................................................54 Nearly $217,000 Donated To Parks & Recreation Department In 2013 ........................................................................56 The Last Word ................................................................................58 TheWatersofEdina.com NOW OPEN! (952) 467-8344 Enhanced Care, Memory Care, Senior Living AVAILABLE Te a r H e r e Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 6:30 p.m., Community Health Commission, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., City Council, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., La Dolce Vita Jazz, Edinborough Park. 2 3 Noon, Magician Matt Dunn, Edinborough Park. 4 p.m., Public Art Working Group, Edina City Hall. 4 5 6 7 p.m., St. Louis Park Community Band, Edinborough Park. 7 8 7 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 9 6-8 p.m., Women’s Night Out, Braemar Golf Dome. 7 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 10 Noon, Teddy Bear Band, Edinborough Park. 7 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, Edina City Hall. 11 12 10 a.m., The Author’s Studio, Edina Art Center. 13 7 p.m., Southside Big Band, Edinborough Park. 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 7 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., City Council, Edina City Hall. 23 7 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 24 Noon, Bob the Beachcomber, Edinborough Park. 4:30 p.m., Arts & Culture Commission, Edina City Hall. 25 26 29 7 p.m., Honeywell Concert Band, Edinborough Park. 2827 7 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park. April 2014 30 17 Noon, Will Hale and the Tadpole Parade, Edinborough Park. 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. About Town Calendar 2014 SPRING • 1 Te a r H e r e 2 • SPRING 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Noon, Brodini Comedy & Magic, Edinborough Park. 4 p.m., Public Art Working Group, Edina City Hall. 2 6:30 p.m., Braemar- City of Lakes Figure Skating Show, Braemar Arena. 3 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Vehicle Day, Southdale Center. 6:30 p.m., Braemar- City of Lakes Figure Skating Show, Braemar Arena. 4 7 p.m., South of the River Band, Edinborough Park. 5 7 p.m., Police K-9 Demonstration, Kuhlman Stadium. 6 6:30 p.m., Community Health Commission, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., City Council, Edina City Hall. 7 8 7 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, Edina City Hall. 9 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Edina Garden Council Plant Sale, Arneson Acres Park. 10 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Edina Garden Council Plant Sale, Arneson Acres Park. 11 7 p.m., Northern Winds Concert Band, Edinborough Park. 12 7 p.m., Roseville Big Band, Edinborough Park. 13 7 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 14 7 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 16 17 9:30 a.m., Neighborhood Workshop, Edina Senior Center. 10 a.m.-noon, National Kids to Parks Day, Rosland Park. 18 7 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park. 19 20 7 p.m., City Council, Edina City Hall. 21 22 Noon, Mary Hall Show for Pipsqueeks, Edinborough Park. 4:30 p.m., Arts & Culture Commission, Edina City Hall. 23 24 27 7 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 26 Memorial Day. Most City offices closed. 25 May 2014 28 7 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 29 7 p.m., Mister Jim, Edinborough Park. 30 15 4:30-7:30 p.m., Taste of Edina, Westin Galleria Edina. 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. 31 About Town Calendar 3 • SPRING 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 7 p.m., South of the River Band, Centennial Lakes Park. 3 6:30 p.m., Community Health Commission, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., City Council, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Vintage Piano, Centennial Lakes Park. 4 7 p.m., Jim Berner, Centennial Lakes Park. 5 Noon, Teddy Bear Band, Centennial Lakes Park. 4 p.m., Public Art Working Group, Edina City Hall. 6 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Edina Art Fair, 50th & France. 7 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Edina Art Fair, 50th & France. 9-10 p.m., Nite Glow Golf, Braemar Golf Course. 2 7 p.m., Southside Big Band, Centennial Lakes Park. 8 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Edina Art Fair, 50th & France. 1-5 p.m., Great Gardens of Southwest Edina Tour sponsored by Edina Garden Council. 9 10 7 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Sidewalk Cáfe, Centennial Lakes Park. 11 7 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Good News Big Band, Centennial Lakes Park. 12 Noon, The Bazillions, Centennial Lakes Park. 7 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, Edina City Hall. 13 6 p.m., Music in the Park Concert Series, Rosland Park. 14 15 7 p.m., Hopkins Westwind Concert Band, Centennial Lakes Park. 16 7 p.m., Edina Chorale, Centennial Lakes Park. 17 Noon, Red Yarn, Centennial Lakes Park. 7 p.m. Vintage Piano, Centennial Lakes Park. 7 p.m., City Council, Edina City Hall. 18 7 p.m., Calhoun Isles Community Band, Centennial Lakes Park. 20 6 p.m., Music in the Park Concert Series, Rosland Park. 21 22 7 p.m., St. Louis Park Community Band, Centennial Lakes Park. 23 7 p.m., Harmonic Relief Show Choir, Centennial Lakes Park. 24 Noon, Mister Jim, Centennial Lakes Park. 7 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 25 7 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Sidewalk Cáfe, Centennial Lakes Park. 26 Noon, Sticks and Tones, Centennial Lakes Park. 4:30 p.m., Arts & Culture Commission, Edina City Hall. 27 6 p.m., Music in the Park Concert Series, Rosland Park. 28 3029 7 p.m., Honeywell Concert Band, Centennial Lakes Park. June 2014 19 Noon, Will Hale and the Tadpole Parade, Centennial Lakes Park. 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. About Town Calendar Key: 3-7 p.m., Farmers Market, Centennial Lakes Park. 4 • SPRING 2014 Spring Calendar Highlights Other Dates To Remember May 15 Noon, Ms. Catherine and Friends, Edinborough Park. May 17 10 a.m., The Author’s Studio, Edina Art Center. May 17 Public Works Open House, Public Works & Park Maintenance Facility. June 3 Noon, Big Fun Show, Centennial Lakes Park. June 5 Dusk, Movie in the Park “The Nut Job,” Centennial Lakes Park. June 8 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., Parade of Boats, Centennial Lakes Park. June 8 7 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Centennial Lakes Park. June 12 Dusk, Movie in the Park “Saving Mr. Banks,” Centennial Lakes Park. June 19 Dusk, Movie in the Park “42,” Centennial Lakes Park. June 25 7 p.m., Eden Prairie Community Band, Centennial Lakes Park. June 26 Dusk, Movie in the Park “Frozen,” Centennial Lakes Park. Edina Garden Council Plant Sale What: This popular plant sale sponsored by the Edina Garden Council (EGC) offers flowering annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables and hanging baskets. There will be great deals on the many winter-hardened perennials that EGC members bring from their gardens. The EGC is a non- profit organization and proceeds from the plant sale are donated for Arneson Acres Park improvements, horticultural scholarships and gardening beautification projects for the community of Edina. When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 9; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 10 Where: Arneson Acres Park Greenhouse, 4711 W. 70th St. Info: 952-926-8447 Edina Art Fair What: The 50th & France Business & Professional Association will host the 48th-annual Edina Art Fair. One of Edina’s premier summer events, the event draws tens of thousands to downtown Edina each year. Featured art will include drawing, painting, ceramics, pottery, glass, jewelry, photography, sculpture and wood. The event will also feature live entertainment and food. When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, June 6; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 7; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 8 Where: Downtown Edina, 50th Street and France Avenue Info: 952-922-1524 or www.edinaartfair.com Te a r H e r e A Word From The Mayor American Author H. Stanley Judd once said, “A good plan is like a road map: it shows the final destination and usually the best way to get there.” Like any successful organization, the City gives weight to its planning efforts. Before the 2014-2015 City budget was prepared, the City Council set six strategic priorities for those years: infrastructure, commercial and mixed- use redevelopment, workforce, communication and engagement, community vision and aviation noise. Infrastructure. The City is committed to preserving and expanding infrastructure and to meet the demands of expansion and redevelopment. This will be accomplished through a long-term financing plan that balances prudence and community expectations. Commercial and Mixed-Use Redevelopment. Development and renewal of commercial and residential areas is essential to the ongoing health of the community. The City will focus on the 50th & France and Grandview areas to create maximum positive impact. Tax-increment financing and other tools will be used to provide incentives to develop areas in ways consistent with the City’s land use, transit, density and health goals. Workforce. High-quality service delivery requires skilled employees who are properly deployed. The City supports high-performance staffing approaches and the recruitment and retention of well-qualified employees. To support these efforts, the organization will provide competitive compensation and benefits packages. Communication and Engagement. To clearly understand community needs, expectations and opinions, the City will consistently seek the input of a broad range of stakeholders in meaningful and interactive communication. Efforts to engage the community will utilize multiple platforms; be informative, transparent and responsive; and will involve volunteers and City boards and commissions. The City will also work to bolster existing communication and engagement tools. Community Vision. A clear vision of a desired future will help focus the City’s daily efforts and sustain a high quality of life. A vision for the community through the year 2040 that reflects the unique character, values and priorities of residents and stakeholders will be developed. Broad community participation will be central to the effort and critical to its ultimate success. Aviation Noise. RNAV flight patterns over the community may have a negative effect on the quality of life. The City is committed to influencing the outcome of RNAV decisions, mitigating the impacts to the community, and working with neighboring communities to find the best possible solutions. Just a quarter into the two-year budget cycle, we are already making great progress toward meeting our goals. In this issue of About Town, you’ll read about plans to redevelop Pentagon Park and repair parking ramps at 50th & France. You’ll read about some key new staff at City Hall. You’ll read about how the City is using www.SpeakUpEdina.org to engage with people. What will Edina look like in 2040? Later this year, you will be invited to help answer that question and form the community vision we’ll work toward over the next few decades. I hope you’ll take part as that plan is shaped. James B. Hovland Mayor 2014 SPRING • 5 Te a r H e r e Minnesota Is Known For Sub- Zero Winter Temperatures And Blizzards 6 • SPRING 2014 By Joe Sullivan Contributing Writer By the time you read this, the threat of “dangerously cold weather” in the Twin Cities should be well behind us. But I am writing this article in the third week of January and sub-zero weather is still fresh in my mind. One thing I learned about winter this year is the climate change term “polar vortex.” As St. Paul writer Bonnie Blodgett noted in the Jan. 10, 2014 Minneapolis Star-Tribune: “The polar vortex is what happens when hot and cold air collide. Suddenly it’s 38 degrees F [above zero] in the [Arctic] … and that warm air shoves frigid [Arctic] air toward Chicago. The jet stream begins to buckle and you get a big swoosh.” On its way, that “big swoosh” blows more of those below-zero wind-chill temperatures into Minnesota, too. (Wind-chill temperatures of 54 degrees below zero and driven by strong winds mean that exposed skin can freeze in less than five minutes.) Our polar vortex didn’t last that long this time, though it was around long enough for Gov. Mark Dayton to order closing of schools statewide for as long as the “dangerously cold” days and nights continued. Some companies, like 3M Co., also told their Twin Cities employees to stay home during those “dangerously cold” days. Minnesota’s Biggest, Deadliest Winter Blizzard Named the “Armistice Day Blizzard,” it hit Minneapolis and much of the rest of Minnesota on Nov. 10, 1940, the night before the national holiday. It was the first big snowstorm I can remember and it was a humdinger! I was 8 years old and the eldest of our family’s then- four children. A year earlier, our family had moved to southwest Minneapolis from Sioux City, Iowa, during the winter of 1939. We were renting a house at 4540 York Ave. S. and my brother Denny and I were attending what was then Robert Fulton Elementary School at 49th Street and Washburn Avenue South. (Denny was in first grade and I was in third.) The heavy snow, packed together by strong winds, had started to fall the night before Armistice Day and our whole family was out of bed early the next morning to see if the snow was still coming down. Drifts more than three feet high were already outside our windows and it was still snowing and blowing! I didn’t remember it right away, but it was Armistice Day, and our school district didn’t hold classes. We later heard a radio weather report that said the governor had closed all schools statewide until the effects of the blizzard moved on. 2014 SPRING • 7 (continued on next page) Nothing Was Moving! City snowplows were waiting for the storm to subside before trying to plow the streets. The few plows that had ventured out were stalled by the hard-packed snow, now blowing into four-foot drifts. Streetcars started out on some lines, but they were soon stuck in drifts with their passengers still aboard. Drivers of cars who had taken a chance and tried to beat the blizzard ended up in snowdrifts, resulting in more closed streets. Virtually no one went anywhere. Mother Sullivan Finds a Grocery Store Open for Business My most vivid memory of the entire storm came after my mother called McClellan’s, our little neighborhood grocery store, to find out if they might be open. She had planned to make a trip to McClellan’s on Armistice Day because they were always open on national holidays when most of the larger stores were not. Mr. McClellan said they were open, but he hadn’t yet seen any customers that morning. He took her phone order, but cautioned mom not to include anything she didn’t absolutely need, because his son Ray would be delivering our groceries on skis. He said there was no way they could get their delivery truck out of its garage, let alone drive it through the drifted streets. We waited almost an hour before we saw Ray skiing down 46th Street carrying one of their collapsible grocery boxes in his gloved hands. When he got to our house, he took off his skis in the middle of the street and brought the grocery box up to our door. After unloading the groceries on our kitchen table, he carried the empty box back to the street where he strapped on his skis and returned to the store with the wood box. Star Journal Reported 34 Minnesota Deaths From Nov. 11, 1940 Snowstorm Two days after the blizzard began, the Minneapolis Star Journal reported 34 storm-related Minnesota deaths, Co u r t e s y o f t h e M i n n e s o t a H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y Cars were snowed-in and pointing in all directions on highways in and near the Twin Cities. From 3:30 p.m. and on into the night, blowing snow rendered visibility for drivers virtually nil. 8 • SPRING 2014 expected to mount still higher. Of the 34 deaths, 18 were marooned duck hunters. According the article: “While Minnesota labored to reopen snow-plugged highways and railroad lines after Monday’s blizzard, airline travel was nearly back to normal. [Inter-city] buses leaving from Minneapolis were running on schedule except those heading west … Streetcar service was moving more slowly toward normal, but highway travel was still hampered by thousands of big, hard-packed drifts and hundreds of cars stalled and abandoned by motorists.” Downtown workers, who had given up trying to get home, filled almost all the city’s hotels with four people to a room – more if possible. Waiting rooms everywhere had people sleeping on sofas, chairs and the floors. The Star Journal article also said: “In some cases, farmers with [horse] teams were sent on ahead of plows to pull stalled cars from the path of the big machines … The coroner at Shakopee said it was not [yet] determined that most of the deaths were caused by freezing or carbon monoxide poisoning. … Near New Brighton, snowplows broke through and released more than 250 travelers stranded there. Most of them left their cars for later recovery, however.” 1940 Armistice Day Blizzard Set An All-time Record Minneapolis’ Armistice Day storm brought a record 24-hour snowfall to the city when the weather bureau reported 16.2 inches of snow fell up to 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 1940, the day following the national holiday. Although the record-breaking snowfall stopped during the early hours of the morning, high winds of 50 Co u r t e s y o f t h e M i n n e s o t a H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y Streetcars, important transportation for thousands of downtown workers, were either paralyzed by snowdrifts or, even if they could fight their way through, were blocked by individual automobiles abandoned all over major arteries where the streetcar routes ran. At 9 p.m. the second day of the storm, the streetcar company gave up all attempts to maintain schedules. 2014 SPRING • 9 mph and higher continued to whip the fallen snow into huge drifts in the city and throughout the state. Oldtimers had to dig back into their memories more than 50 years for a storm that even came close to the 1940 storm. Background information and photos were provided by Minnesota Historical Society; All Hell Broke Loose by William H. Hull; Minneapolis Star Journal; and Minneapolis Tribune. Co u r t e s y o f t h e M i n n e s o t a H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y On outlying streets, scores of cars were blocked in helter- skelter fashion in mountainous drifts of blowing snow, making roads impassible for other cars and trucks. Dr. Tompach and his team at Edina Facial Aesthetic Specialist are committed to excellence and dedicated to making your visit with us personalized and comfortable. Y 6545 FRANCE AVENUE SOUTH #690 | EDINA, MN 55435 | 952.925.2525 edinafacialaesthetics.com Services and products include Botox® Cosmetic, Juvéderm® Ultra XC, Latisse,® Clarisonic, and Revision Skincare Minnesota Center, Suite 270 I 7760 France Avenue South l Minneapolis, MN 55435 Responsive.Accountable.Aligned with you.Independent Registered Investment Advisors do things differently. Learn why it is important at RIAstandsforyou.com. ISC FINANCIAL ADVISORS Tom Gartner TOM GARTNER, CFP® Wealth Manager ISCﬁnancialadvisors.com952-835-1560 Responsive.Accountable.Aligned with you.Independent Registered Investment Advisors do things differently. Learn why it is important at RIAstandsforyou.com. 10 • SPRING 2014 It’s Not Only Neighborly … It’s The Law The Law: Edina City Code Chapter 36. Article XII, Div. 2, Sec. 36-1254 (b(8)). Customary home occupations as an accessory use. Permitted customary home occupations include the following … if, and only during such times as, they comply with all of the conditions of [Sec. 36-1254, § A-B]: in single dwelling unit and double dwelling unit buildings only, rental of rooms for residential occupancy to not more than two persons per dwelling unit in addition to the permanent residents of the dwelling unit. What It Means: Homeowners in the City of Edina are permitted to rent or sublet their homes. If homeowners choose to sublet a room(s) within their home while also residing at the property, no more than two additional tenants are permitted. There are no licensing procedures for homeowners to undergo in order to sublet a residential property. Whether the homeowner is the primary resident or not, they are still responsible for ensuring that all residents are familiar with and comply with the City Codes and ordinances. For more information, contact the City Planning Division at 952-826-0369. The Law: Edina City Code Chapter 20, Article III, Div. 2, Sec. 20-126 (a). Refuse containers. Containers on residential properties shall not be placed or maintained in such a way as to unreasonably interfere with the use of the adjoining property. … Containers on residential property shall be stored in such a manner as to be out of view from the street in front of the premises or in a garage located on the premises except as provided hereafter. ... Within 12 hours after the scheduled collection, the containers and any material not collected shall be returned [to storage]. What It Means: Garbage and recycling containers must be stored in a place that cannot be seen from the street in front of the house, either in a garage or screened area. Containers can be put out by the street for collection up to 12 hours before the scheduled collection and should be stored within 12 hours of collection. Additionally, any material not collected must also be put away and stored within 12 hours from time of collection. For more information, contact Environmental Health Specialist/Recycling Coordinator Solvei Wilmot at 952-826-0463. Renting or Subletting a Home Storage of Refuse and Recycling Containers 2014 SPRING • 11 44th & France (952) 920-2010 www.erskineinteriors.com BRING IN About Town FOR 10% OFF ANY SERVICE!* CARPET l HARDWOOD COUNTERTOPS l CABINETS * If a current in-store promotion is better than 10% off for your project, you can choose that promotion (but not both). TO ACTIVATE: KARL WILBUR 952 897 5476 karl.wilbur@ymcatwincities.org SOUTHDALE Y FREE WEEK PASS $0 ENROLLMENT, $150 SAVINGS *OFFER EXPIRES 6/18/2014 180+ GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES FULLY EQUIPPED FITNESS CENTER SWIMMING & FAMILY POOL ALL AGES & FITNESS LEVELS FREE DROP OFF CHILD CARE 12 • SPRING 2014 Board Seeks Nominations For Annual Heritage Award A significant part of the community since 1956, Southdale Center was the winner of last year’s Heritage Award presented by Edina’s Heritage Preservation Board. “The Heritage Board has always appreciated the fact that Southdale was the first enclosed, climate-controlled mall in the nation and a treasure in the community,” said Senior Planner Joyce Repya, who serves as staff liaison to the Board. “With the major renovation that took place a couple years ago, management at the Center did a great job of restoring the charm and breathing life back into the mall that has been a gem in the community for decades.” To find another local landmark to take home the heritage preservation recognition, the City of Edina is looking for entries in its 12th-annual Heritage Award Contest. Established by the City’s Heritage Preservation Board in 2003 to showcase local historic preservation activity, the Edina Heritage Award is given to a deserving local business, person or neighborhood for achievements in preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and use of Edina’s historical places. Any individual, company or organization is eligible for the award, including non-residents, but in order to be considered, the historic property or resource must be located in Edina. Current members of the Heritage Preservation Board are not eligible for the award. Besides Southdale Center, previous winners include owners of the Convention Grill; St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church; Pete and Sandy Cochrane, owners of a Colonial Revival in the Edina Country Club District; Robert Sauer and Robert Zoller, former owners of the Coddington House on Blake Road; Edina Morningside Community Church; Dick and Jackie Whitbeck, owners of the historic Sly Farmhouse on Brookview Avenue; the Morningside Neighborhood; owners and tenants of Edina Cinema for their iconic sign; and Brad and Arlene Forrest, owners of the Baird House, and its remodelers. “The importance of the past has not been lost on the heritage award recipients,” said Repya. “They have all embraced their histories, while at the same time stayed relevant with the 21st century.” The Heritage Preservation Board will select this year’s winner. The Edina City Council will present the award Su b m i t t e d P h o t o After an extensive remodel, Southdale Center was named winner of the 2013 Heritage Award. 2014 SPRING • 13 during National Preservation Month in May. The winner will receive a commemorative plaque. Award nominations are due 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 4. A nomination should include the address of the heritage resource; description of its preservation, rehabilitation and restoration; and the name and address of the owner. A photo should also be included. Entries should be sent to: Edina Heritage Award, Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St., Edina, MN 55424. Entries can also be emailed to Mail@EdinaMN.gov or completed online at www.EdinaMN.gov. For more information, contact Repya, 952-826-0462. – Compiled by Kaylin Martin … get back into your skinny jeans! 6600 France Ave S. Suite 163 Edina, MN 55435ALYSE M. 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Public safety as a career was always in the back of my mind as a kid because of this show.” Thinking back, Schmitz had no idea his interest in a TV show could spark an interest that would lead to a long and fulfilling career in the fire service. Now, as Edina’s new Fire Chief, Schmitz is excited to be doing something he loves. “Dreams do happen,” he said. “It’s crazy to think back to watching the show, and now, here I am, doing what they did on the show!” After graduating from Jefferson High School in Bloomington, Minn., Schmitz wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. After talking with a recruiter, he joined the Air Force for four years where he was trained as a paramedic. He then worked as a paramedic in Faribault, Minn., for about a year before moving back to the Twin Cities. Schmitz attended St. Catherine University in St. Paul where he received his degree in respiratory therapy in 1989. He then worked in Hennepin County Medical Center’s major trauma unit, where he managed ventilators in the ICUs, performed floor treatments, and helped stabilize patients in the emergency department. Once he graduated, he worked as a paramedic at North Memorial Hospital. He later went back to school to obtain his fire science and paramedic degrees. Schmitz began volunteering as a firefighter for the Eden Prairie Fire Department in 1988. He eventually worked his way up to become a Lieutenant. For the last 12 years, Schmitz held the title of Assistant Chief of Training, and was in charge of training and of the Fire Inspections Department. In August 2011, the position was made full time. “Tom has been a great partner since he came onboard as a volunteer firefighter 25 years ago,” said Eden Prairie Fire Chief George Esbensen. “Tom and I were Lieutenants together, Assistant Chiefs together, and then ultimately Tom came here full time to fill the role as our Assistant Chief of Training.” Schmitz is no stranger to the Edina Fire Department, with nearly 20 years of experience. Prior to his full-time work in Eden Prairie, he was a longtime City employee. He started with the City of Edina in 1993 as a Paramedic/ Firefighter. He was promoted in 1999 to Battalion Chief, where he was tasked with overseeing the Department’s training and safety programs, and supervised the paid- on-call firefighters. He was also involved in special operations and oversaw construction and operations of the South Metro Public Familiar Face Returns To Lead Edina Fire 2014 SPRING • 15 (continued on next page) Safety Training Facility. Schmitz held that position until he became full time at Eden Prairie in August 2011. In February, Schmitz came back to Edina to assume the position of Edina Fire Chief. “[Schmitz] is very well respected and will be a great Chief,” said former Edina Fire Chief Marty Scheerer, who retired in September 2013. “Every assignment he was given, he was able to complete well beyond expectations.” “[Schmitz] is known nationally as a top performer in his profession,” Esbensen said, “and is well respected both internally to the [Eden Prairie] Fire Department as well as externally to all other facets of our City government.” “Tom is going to be a great addition to our Fire Department and to our overall leadership team,” said Edina City Manager Scott Neal. “He brings 25 years of experience in the field with him back to Edina, and we are excited to see him back in his new role.” “I am very excited to return to Edina,” Schmitz said. “Having previous experience with the Edina Fire Department’s operations, I think the transition has been seamless. I’m ecstatic to continue to provide Edina’s residents with the premiere service they are used to seeing with the Fire Department.” As Fire Chief, Schmitz oversees the operations of the Fire-Rescue & Building Inspections Department, and is responsible, both directly and indirectly, for supervising 31 full-time Paramedics/Firefighter, 15 paid-on-call/ volunteer Firefighters, 12 Building Inspections employees, three chiefs, a Fire Marshal, Chief Building Official and administrative assistants. He also manages the department’s budget, participates in training and works with other jurisdictions and agencies. In the event of a fire or emergency, he may serve as the on-scene incident commander, providing supervision and leadership. “[Schmitz] looks at every situation from all angles,” Scheerer said. “He is calm and can make decisions under pressure.” “He has grown in his career into a person who is a true student of his profession of leading others,” Esbensen Ph o t o b y M i c h a e l B r a u n Tom Schmitz began as Edina’s new Fire Chief in mid- February. He directs the Fire-Rescue & Inspections Department. 16 • SPRING 2014 said. “[Schmitz] will be excellent at developing new initiatives and encouraging an environment of mentoring and leading others to enhance their skills and knowledge. Both of these traits Tom has demonstrated in Eden Prairie, and I know he will carry forward in Edina.” “I look forward to learning a lot of new things as Chief,” Schmitz said. “There has been a lot of change, just in the two years since I left. Not so much operationally, but in terms of staff across the organization. There were some things as Battalion Chief that I didn’t need to think about, and, now, as Chief, I will need to be heavily involved in. It’s an exciting challenge.” Schmitz lives in Eden Prairie with his wife of 20 years, whom he met while working together as paramedics at North Memorial. Their daughter is attending college in Colorado. Schmitz enjoys being outdoors, partaking in high-adrenaline activities like mountain biking, rock and ice climbing and kayaking. He even loves winter camping. “I slept outside in a tent this last winter when it was 26 degrees below 0,” he said. “It was one of the best night’s sleep I’ve ever gotten.” For more information, visit www.EdinaMN.gov/Fire. Providing lifetime dental health through quality, patient-centered care. Southdale Medical Center6545 France Ave. S., Suite 390 952-926-3534 ParkDental.com • All new practice• Early morning and evening appointments• Most insurances accepted• Saturdays are for children• New patients welcome North Shore Get-Away Private, Quiet, on Lake Superior Main House is new, architect-designed, lots of windows overlooking the lake, granites, stone, wood Guest House is nearby, custom woodwork, glass, antique wicker, also overlooks Lake Superior Rental Info: SuperiorShoreRental.com and VRBO 254232 and 243767 Jeannie Hanson (952) 913- 1245 2014 SPRING • 17 To purge rust and stagnant water from the water distribution system and identify hydrants in need of maintenance, the Utilities Division of the City of Edina’s Public Works Department will again flush hydrants in late April and early May. Key hydrants are also flushed throughout the year as weather and water demand allows. Hydrant-flushing will take place 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. In an attempt to minimize the impact on residents, hydrants will be flushed on the east side of Minnesota Highway 100 the week of April 21 and will be flushed on the west side of the highway the week of April 28. Due to the hydrant flushing, it is inevitable that some residents will receive rust-colored water that could stain laundry, but it is safe to drink. You should check for signs of discoloration prior to washing clothes. If the water is discolored when you turn on your tap, simply run the cold water until it is clear. Because the Edina water system is “looped” or inter-connected, it is possible that red water problems will occur in any area of the City while flushing is occurring. For more information regarding hydrant flushing, call the Utilities Division at 952-826-0375. City Of Edina To Flush Hydrants Coverage for backups of sewers and basement drains is available, but not always included in a basic homeowner’s insurance policy. In addition, insurance companies that do offer the protection have varying amounts of coverage. Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if you have coverage for backups. If you do not have coverage, consider adding to your policy because in most cases the City’s insurance will not cover your damages in the event of an incident. D O YOU have insurance for sewer back-up s? Check your policy today! ? 18 • SPRING 2014 By Kaylin Martin When Idith Almong and Meg Rodriguez started Edina Give and Go last summer, the longtime community members wanted to give students something that wasn’t always easy to get – an opportunity. Whether it’s an opportunity to play in the school band or orchestra if a student can’t afford an instrument, or to access the internet from home to do homework, Lillian Ziff, Program Director for Edina Give and Go, said the organization tries to give every student the same opportunity. “We work to meet the small, yet important needs in the underserved youth who are often overlooked,” said Ziff. “We have the possibility to get the whole community together to help out the kids who need a little bit more.” Ziff, who worked as a school psychologist for more than 20 years and served as the Dean of Students at Valley View Middle School, has visited every school in the district in the past year to see what needs aren’t being met. “There are voids and there are hidden costs that some students just can’t meet. That’s what we’re trying to discover, and then find out how to fill that gap,” she said. “If you don’t know it’s there, you can’t do anything about it.” Each week, the non-profit posts a story on its website, www.edinagiveandgo.org, about a need that the community can meet. Each need falls into one of the organization’s defined categories: academic support, arts, athletics, enrichment activities, technology, youth employment, transportation and college support. One popular need that was met with overwhelming support was a collection of band instruments. Bill Webb, Band Director at Cornelia, Highlands and Concord elementary schools, said he’s received more than a dozen instruments from Edina Give and Go since the story was posted. Those instruments came from community members who might have had old instruments tucked away in closets, or whose children were no longer interested in playing an instrument. “It’s a wonderful program to have,” he said. “Any instrumental program is an expensive venture to start, but we just want every student to have the opportunity to play. This program gives students that chance.” Part of the job of Heidi Howard, who serves as Dean of Students at Edina High School, is to support academics and access educational opportunities. “I try to match students with the best possible opportunity,” she said. Taking the ACT for a third time if need be is one of these opportunities. “It’s really fun to be in that situation,” she said. “To be able to tell a student, ‘you want to improve your score by one or two points to meet a specific college’s requirement, then go for it. Take that test again and see how it goes.’ I’d hate for the $58 fee to get in the way of a student getting into the college of his or her choice.” Local Organization Fills A Void In The Community 2014 SPRING • 19 Around nine percent of Edina students qualify for free and reduced lunch benefits, which equates to about 750 kids. Those students are eligible for a fee waiver to take the ACT twice. However, Howard says most Edina students take the test at least three – sometimes as many as five – times. She said many students also receive private tutoring for the test. Ziff saw that, so the story posted one week was a call for ACT tutors to volunteer some time or for donations to fund private lessons. “One thing that makes us unique is the way in which we match the needs of the children and youth to donors and volunteers in the community,” Ziff said, about the organization. Howard noted that along with the increase in ACT preparation, schools are becoming more technologically driven. She said that’s good on one hand, but on another hand makes the process for students much more laborious and time consuming if they don’t have internet access at home. Community members have funded the purchase of mobile WiFi hotspots for Edina Give and Go to distribute to students who need them. “The school district can provide laptops for the students to check out, but providing internet access isn’t anything we’ve moved into. So, our hands were tied,” said Howard. “We have possibilities within the district and grants, but [Edina Give and Go] has been able to fill the gap, and they fill it quick.” Webb’s favorite thing about the organization though, is his ability to tell students that they shouldn’t be afraid to try new things. “I applaud the program for taking this initiative. It’s another way to help serve students who might not quite have the wherewithal to make it happen for whatever reason,” he said. “Sometimes it’s financial, sometimes it’s something else. But we can always say ‘we’ve got an instrument for you. Don’t worry about it.’” For more information about Edina Give and Go, visit www.edinagiveandgo.org. In 2013, Edina Give and Go acquired funding for or donations of: • Mobile WiFi hotspots • ACT test registrations and tutoring • Band and orchestra instruments • Music books • Eye glasses • Edina High School sweatshirts • Go-To bus passes • Edina High School choir trip • Afterschool nutrition program • Saturday School 20 • SPRING 2014 Garden Council To Host ‘Great Gardens Of Southwest Edina’ Tour The Edina Garden Council will host its biennial garden tour 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 8. This year’s tour theme is “Great Gardens of Southwest Edina.” Four private gardens, as well as Arneson Acres Park, will be on display during the tour. Dan & Dianne Latham – 7013 Comanche Court This mini botanical garden features more than 400 varieties of annuals, perennials, vegetables, shrubs and trees. The park-like setting features a gazebo and a lotus reflecting pool. Dianne’s passion for plant collecting has created a diverse landscape, from tropicals to Minnesota native plants. In a wonderful union of shared interests, Dan’s vegetables and herbs become Dianne’s companion plants. Dianne’s bed of Asiatic and trumpet lilies lends its beauty and fragrance to Dan’s gazebo. Dan’s Honeycrisp espalier apple trees become the backdrop for Dianne’s mixed perennial border. A plant sale will be held at this site featuring surplus Minnesota hardy plants from Edina Garden Council members’ gardens. Mary Yee and Paul Glewwe – 6704 W. Trail Mary Yee’s 50 varieties of peonies represent those that bloom very early, early, mid-season and late season, ensuring garden visitors the site of peony bloom over a four- to five-week period. Mary likes to experiment in the garden and grows a number of woody plants not commonly grown in Minnesota. These include American paw paw trees, Japanese and Korean maples, fringe tree, yellow-flowered magnolia, lacebark pine, seven-sons flower, and oakleaf hydrangeas. In the shaded backyard, she grows woodland plants such as hostas, Solomon’s seal, Japanese forest grass, hellebores and candelabra primroses. Maura and Vic Katyal – 6421 Indian Hills Road The Katyal’s 1.3-acre lot has come a long way in five years – from dandelions and buckthorn to natives, hostas, tulips, Gingkos and maples. Removing 20-year- old buckthorn made room for native grasses, shade plants and flowers; a dry creek bed for the rainwater runoff with use of “recycled” stone from the University of Minnesota Music building (1888) and Fort Snelling through the Historical Stone Company; and retaining walls and features designed by the owner and executed by The Garden Gate. Additional features include a reclaimed granite terrace with firepit and accent stone gardens and benches. Plants including Japanese maples, Pagoda dogwoods, varieties of Gingko, countless natives and exotics featured throughout serve as focal points to energize and relax the spirit. Susie and Steven Heim – 7028 Down Road This beautifully landscaped residence of more than one acre includes welcoming plantings at the front of the home, a beautifully landscaped side yard that leads to the back of the home and extensive pool side plantings. Don’t miss the large shade plant garden of hostas and other shade-loving plants on the hillside, which Susie designed. The large compost pile outside the pool fence sometimes sprouts bonus plants like squash vines and other vegetables. Pam and Michael Welch – 4916 Aspasia Lane Pam has more than 75 varieties of peonies. Her hosta glade features shade loving Martagon lilies. Pam also 2014 SPRING • 21 has a large collection of iris and succulents, including Minnesota native cactus. Arneson Acres Park – 4711 W. 70th St. Don’t miss Edina’s premiere public garden! Many varieties of trees are found in the park, which once was the Morten and Katherine Arneson home and nursery. The Edina Parks & Recreation Department maintains Arneson Acres Park and its 28 formal gardens. The Arneson house is home to the Edina Historical Society and Museum, as well as to the Edina Garden Council. The centerpieces of the gardens are the gazebo and fountain, which were donated by the Edina Garden Council. You will find specialized gardens of annuals, perennials, wildflowers, daylilies, Minnesota hybridized hostas, Minnesota hybridized lilies and a restful memory garden. Tickets for the tour cost $12 in advance and can be purchased online or at the Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Square. Tickets can be purchased the day of the tour for $15 each at the home of Dan and Dianne Latham at 7013 Comanche Court. All funds raised by the garden tour and its plant sale are used to support the Edina Garden Council’s projects in Edina’s parks, as well as scholarships for horticulture students. For more information, contact Latham at 952-941-3542 or Dianne@lathampark.net. Heritage of Edina Is Proud to Present its 5 Star Assisted Living Community t1SJWBUFBQBSUNFOUTXJUINPOUIUPNPOUISFOUBM t'MFYJCMFNFBMQMBOT t5SBOTQPSUBUJPOGPSTIPQQJOH CBOLJOHBOENPSF t1IZTJDJBOWJTJUTBOEIPVSOVSTJOHTUBêPOTJUF t1FSTPOBMDPODJFSHFTFSWJDFT t8FMMOFTTQSPHSBNXJUI15" t8FFLMZIPVTFLFFQJOH t3FTQJUFBOEIPTQJDFTUBZT t"HFJOQMBDFXJUIMPWJOHDBSF EJHOJUZBOETFSFOJUZ Call for a tour and a FREE LUNCH! (952) 920-9145 Independent Living, Assisted Living, Extended Assisted Living and Memory Care, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Unit www.heritageofedina.com Over 50 years of service to the community Exceptional 24 Hour Personal At-homeAdultAssistance&Care NURSING HHA’S COMPANIONS 612-708-1079 www.adulthelpcare.com Assisting throughout the Twin Cities. Insured s Licensed s Dependable 22 • SPRING 2014 By Jordan Gilgenbach Business owners and managers have one main, overarching goal – maximize profits while providing the best service to customers. For the 50th & France Business & Professional Association, that means cutting costs where it can without sacrificing service. The Association is doing just that, thanks to the help of a $10,000 grant from Hennepin County to start an organics recycling program. With nearly a dozen restaurants in Edina’s downtown, there are plenty of food scraps and other organics to divert from landfills. “Before the program began, organics made up 80 percent of the trash,” said Rachel Thelemann, Executive Director of the 50th & France Business & Professional Association. “Since garbage gets taxed much higher than recycling, there is a potentially significant cost savings by providing organics recycling.” A few 50th & France businesses first approached Thelemann last summer about organics recycling. “This is the right thing to do and a better way to do business,” said Zach Saueressig, General Manager of Salut Bar Américain. “When Jed from Edina Cinema approached me, we felt like we just needed a few more businesses interested to start the ripple effect.” Thelemann went to the City’s Energy & Environment Commission for guidance. Commissioner Sarah Zarrin, who had led a task force to explore business recycling in Edina, was a valuable resource. “More than 85 percent of Edina’s residents recycle, and we think that’s pretty good,” Zarrin said. “I was amazed to find out some restaurants don’t even recycle glass. There is still huge room for improvement.” Zarrin saw Thelemann’s request as an opportunity to introduce her to Hennepin County’s business recycling grant program. The program is available to for- and non- profit businesses and non-governmental organizations and institutions, including multi-family housing. Grants awarded through the program are used to improve an organization’s recycling program. The grants can provide up to $50,000 for containers and other equipment and installation, hauling service charges and improvements to loading docks and waste enclosures. “This grant program is groundbreaking for Hennepin County and the commercial sector,” said Andre Xiong, Environmentalist with Hennepin County Environmental Services. “Over half of the waste produced in Hennepin County is generated by business. We want to work with them to determine how we can increase recycling rates among businesses.” In 50th & France’s case, the grant was used to provide organics recycling containers for participants and a drop- off location at one of the three waste enclosure locations inside the municipal parking ramps. The containers were installed in March. Thelemann said she hopes to expand 50th & France Receives Hennepin County Recycling Grant 2014 SPRING • 23 the program to the other two waste enclosures in the future. Participating restaurateurs can recycle all food waste and food-soiled paper products, such as paper plates, paper towels, egg cartons, paper food containers and parchment paper. Once the materials are composted, it creates an “organic- rich soil amendment” used to improve soils, prevent erosion and capture carbon dioxide, according to Hennepin County. The 50th & France Association is one of the first organizations to receive a grant from Hennepin County for such a program. Edina-based Dairy Queen International also received a $10,000 grant to add organics recycling at its research and development lab and in employee areas. Other businesses in Minneapolis, Bloomington and St. Louis Park were also awarded initial grants. Cocina del Barrio, Edina Cinema, Edina Grill and Salut Bar Américain are the district’s first businesses to adopt the organics recycling program. “These four businesses are some of the biggest contributors to our garbage waste,” Thelemann said. “We are excited to be participating in this program. It’s a great chance to re-educate and create another benefit for our members.” She said she hopes to expand the program to other businesses in the district next year, and possibly to larger events like the Edina Art Fair, after all the kinks are worked out. “Organics recycling and composting is becoming more popular as a practice and its getting easier to do,” Saueressig said. “In the long term, it’s going to become part of culture and daily life. It’s a responsible thing to do for both the environment and the community at large … and we want to be a great example for other restaurants.” “The business sector generates more than half of the total waste in Hennepin County, and nearly two-thirds of business waste is recyclable,” Xiong said. “Helping businesses improve their recycling is an important strategy toward meeting the County’s goal of recycling at least half of the waste generated in the County by 2015.” The program was approved in 2013 to help businesses start or improve programs that divert recycling and organics from the trash. In 2013, Hennepin County awarded $142,776 in grants. 2014 brings an even greater (continued on next page) Su b m i t t e d P h o t o Organics recycling is now available to businesses at 50th & France thanks to a Hennepin County recycling grant. 24 • SPRING 2014 opportunity for businesses, with Hennepin County able to award up to $500,000 in grants. “The grant program is really a win-win for businesses,” Zarrin said. “Not only does it help keep recyclables out of landfills and incinerators, but it is also saving businesses money.” “We are looking at a possible 20 to 30 percent cost savings,” Thelemann said. “Waste haulers are required by State law to collect a solid waste tax from commercial waste generators at a rate of 17 percent of the cost of a business’ trash service cost,” Xiong said. “Additionally, haulers are required by Hennepin County to collect a solid waste management fee of 14.5 percent. Businesses that separate recyclables and organics for recycling are exempt from the 31.5 combined state and county tax on their recycling bills.” Xiong also notes that, on average, haulers charge customers less for recycling service than trash service, with trash being almost double the cost of recycling service. “We hope the support from the City and interest from local businesses will continue to increase recycling participation in Edina,” Xiong said. “The more recyclable waste you can divert from the trash for recycling, the less your overall waste management costs will be.” For more information or to apply for a business grant, visit www.hennepin.us/businessrecycling. In Edina since 1961, serving Christian families with an outstanding education built upon a rich, biblical world view. Visit today! Call to arrange a school-day visit that ﬁts your schedule. Kindergarten through 8th grade CALVIN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL www.calvinchristian.org 952-927-5304 4015 Inglewood Ave. S. www.calvinchristian.org 952-927-5304 2014 SPRING • 25 Your savings federally insured to $250,000 National Credit UnionAdministration, a U.S.Government Agency RCU can help you plan & save.Start today! Your dream isonly a dream until you make ithappen RCU Edina Ofﬁce • 4450 W 76th St • rcu.org • 1-800-341-9911 SylvaZoraqi.edinarealty.com Office: 952-924-8739 Cell: 612-710-8081 SylvaZoraqi@edinarealty.com Sylva Zoraqi REALTOR Edina Realty 50th & France R Zo RR www.smilesatfrance.com 4999 France Ave. South, Suite 230 • Minneapolis • 612-824-7033 Enhancing Smiles... Building C ce... Changing Lives Complimentary,Cosmetic,Resorative & Implant Consultation Located at50th &France By Jordan Gilgenbach France Avenue, as it lies today, is a sea of concrete from Interstate 494 to Highway 62. This regional thoroughfare moves more than 30,000 vehicles every day, adding to the frustration of pedestrians and bicyclists who try to navigate the corridor. “The area is not inviting for pedestrians to navigate or cross,” said Andrew Plowman of WSB & Associates, a consultant on the project. “That will change with the impending improvements set to begin.” Starting this spring, the City will enhance three key intersections along France Avenue to improve crossings for pedestrians and bicyclists. Construction was to occur in 2013, though due to a late spring and higher-than- anticipated contractor bids, the project was put on hold until 2014. “Instead of construction happening over a couple years, most construction – with the exception of some landscaping – will be finished by the end of the year,” said the City’s Engineering Director, Chad Millner. The City received a $1.09 million federal grant to construct a pedestrian bridge across France Avenue at 72nd Street. However, the Edina Transportation Commission and the Edina City Council decided to use the funding to instead improve several crossings along France Avenue. “By improving access at these intersections, it’s allowing people to more easily cross France Avenue,” said Paul Nelson, Chair of the City’s Transportation Commission. “The lanes are extra wide, the traffic moves quickly and the timing of the lights makes problems for pedestrians. It’s especially troublesome for the elderly or disabled who can’t make it across the street in one light.” The $4.09 million project impacts the intersections of France Avenue at West 66th, West 70th and West 76th streets. The project was awarded to Thomas & Sons, Inc., earlier this year and construction will begin in April or May, depending on weather. 26 • SPRING 2014 France Avenue Construction Begins This Spring Su b m i t t e d P h o t o The intersection of 76th Street and France Avenue will be improved this year to provide for better pedestrian crossings. The intersections at 70th and 66th streets will also be improved. To maximize pedestrian safety, the lanes on France Avenue will be narrowed from 13 and 14 feet wide to 11 and 12 feet wide. This will add space needed to create a boulevard and a buffer between sidewalks and the roadway. “The driving lane width will not affect the drivability or the traffic flow of France Avenue,” Millner said. “It will bring more attention to the fact that France Avenue is being used by all modes of transportation, not just cars.” Narrowed lanes will also provide space for refuge islands at the three intersections. Refuge islands are the spaces between the northbound and southbound lanes where pedestrians or bicyclists may have to wait if they cannot completely cross the street before the light changes. Traffic signals will be improved with accessible pedestrian signals, countdown timers and vehicle and bike detectors. Free right-turn islands, like those at 76th Street and France Avenue, will be removed. This will help increase space for pedestrians and decrease the length of crossings. Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant pedestrian accommodations, pedestrian lighting and planters will also be installed. Construction is anticipated to last from April or May through October. It will begin in the area between Gallagher Drive and 69th Street, followed by the area between 66th and 69th streets, and finishing with the area between Gallagher Drive and 76th Street. “Drivers on France Avenue should expect delays during construction as the roadway may be down to two lanes,” Millner said. “We’re going to do our best to minimize disruptions drivers face, but they should anticipate delays.” To avoid delays, drivers are encouraged to travel on York and Xerxes avenues whenever possible. For more information, contact the City’s Engineering Department at 952-826-0371 or visit www.EdinaMN.gov/ Engineering. 2014 SPRING • 27 10 a.m.-noonSaturday, May 17Rosland Park National Kids to Parks DayIn Edina www.EdinaParks.com • Enjoy learning about biking, fishing and other outdoor activities. • Event held rain or shine. • Sponsored by Cool Planet, Hoigaard’s, Fairview Southdale Hospital and Three Rivers Park District. Fre e F a m i l y Fu n ! 28 • SPRING 2014 City Opens 11th-Annual Photo Contest For Entries From paddle- boating at Centennial Lakes Park and walks around Bredesen Park, to high school graduation and making snowmen, the City of Edina is full of moments to capture with a camera. Enter your best moments in the City’s “Images of Edina” Photo Contest. The 11th-annual contest, sponsored by the City’s Communications & Technology Services Department and Edina Magazine, is free to enter and open to both amateur and professional photographers who live, work or go to school in Edina. Entrants must submit their photos online at www. edinamag.com. “We received many excellent photos last year, and it made it really tough for the judges to pick category winners,” said Jordan Gilgenbach, Communications Coordinator for the City. “We can’t wait to see the variety of photos we get this year.” Category winners, “Best in Show” winner and “Readers’ Choice” winner will receive gift certificates to local restaurants or businesses. Winners will also receive plaques, be recognized at a City Council meeting and have their work displayed for up to two years at Edina City Hall. Photos may also be published in issues of Edina Magazine or City of Edina publications such as About Town. Photos can be submitted online between April 1 and June 13 at www.edinamag.com. Readers can vote for their favorite photos from June 14 to July 15 for “Readers’ Choice.” ‘Images of Edina’ Photo Contest Rules For a complete list of official rules and contest criteria, visit www.EdinaMN.gov/PhotoContest. Photos must have been taken in Edina, and should be entered in one of five categories representing the City’s vision statement: • Living: People • Living: Plants/Wildlife • Learning • Raising Families • Doing Business Photographers may submit up to five photographs with a maximum of one per category. Only photos taken between June 15, 2013 and June 13, 2014, are eligible. Su b m i t t e d P h o t o “Free,” by Megan Norman was selected as “Best in Show” in last year’s photo contest. Cosmetic, Family & Sports Dentistry, PA & DR. DOUGLAS L. LAMBERT, DDS DR. SANDRA HOUCK, DDS ELIZABETH A. LAMBERT, D.D.S. Dentistry with eye on today a vision for tomorrow..! Call us at 952-922-9119 www.yoursmiledocs.com 2014 SPRING • 29 /.-4*% TUIPNBT!CFMMCBOLTDPN XXXMPBOTXJUITFBODPN %JSFDU $FMM 4FOJPS.PSUHBHF-PBO0GGJDFSSean Thomas xÙÙĝÞªĝğé xōĝğéĝ½ªğĝĒğxčğª ¶ 8JUIBWBSJFUZPGGJOBODJOHPQUJPOTJODMVEJOH $POTUSVDUJPO ')" BOE+VNCPMPBOT*DBO GJOEUIFQSPHSBNUIBUNFFUTZPVSOFFET RÞxčğ Financing. RÞxčğĝSolutions... All submissions must be the original work of the submitting photographer. All photo entries become the property of the City and Edina Magazine. By submitting one or more photos, photographers must agree to the terms of the City’s Submitted Photo & Original Artwork Policy found online at www.EdinaMN.gov/PhotoContest. For more information, visit www.EdinaMN.gov/PhotoContest or contact Gilgenbach at 952-826-0396. 2013 “Images of Edina” Photo contest Winners: • “Puddle Jumper,” by Megan Norman, winner of the Living: People category • “The Eagle Has Landed,” by Jennifer Cossack, winner of the Living: Plants & Wildlife category • “Senior Moment,” by Annie Engen, winner of the Learning category • “My Rearview Mirror,” by Erica Hacker, winner of the Raising Families category • “Dentist,” by Megan Norman, winner of the Doing Business category • “Celebrating Spring Break,” by June Swart, winner of the Readers’ Choice award • “Free,” by Megan Norman, winner of the Best in Show award 30 • SPRING 2014 YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS 2014 SPRING • 31 Pam Allen 952-221-2177 952-927-2842 612-889-4177 952-927-1646 612-803-8129 952-927-1624 612-382-3109 612-281-5834 612-719-0665 612-720-1048 952-927-1163 952-927-1197 952-201-4758 952-200-5712 952-927-1186 612-940-8020 952-210-8342 952-927-1196 952-927-1191 952-927-1195 952-237-6611 612-501-0252 612-247-5898 952-927-1676 952-927-1114 952-927-1198 612-388-8828 952-927-1694 952-261-7576 612-750-2209 952-924-8722 612-802-5057 952-924-8707 612-810-5793 952-915-7951 952-924-8746 612-735-7430 952-924-8786 952-915-7964 612-309-3967 952-924-8742 952-924-8721 612-787-8736 612-708-8400 612-803-5595 612-865-3549 952-924-8785 952-924-8712 612-242-4514 612-791-1094 612-965-7997 952-928-9810 612-325-7972 612-965-0030 Speak Up, Edina! Residents Encouraged To Participate In Monthly Discussions This year, the City of Edina is holding monthly discussions online at www.SpeakUpEdina.org, the City’s civic engagement website. Through the discussions, the City will gather feedback from residents, businesses and visitors on select topics. Several questions will be asked during each discussion. “The City is very interested to hear what residents think about these topics,” said Communications Coordinator Jordan Gilgenbach, who moderates the online discussions. “The feedback will help staff and the City Council better understand the opinions of residents as we look at these topics down the road.” “Communication and engagement is a strategic priority for the City Council this year,” said Edina City Manager Scott Neal. “The City is using the discussions on ‘Speak Up, Edina!’ to proactively understand the needs, expectations and opinions of the community.” In January, the City held a discussion about food trucks. A discussion on the City’s food-liquor sales ratio for restaurants with liquor licenses, known generally as the “60-40 rule,” was held in February. In March, the discussion topic was organized garbage hauling. Information from the online discussions was compiled and presented to the City Council. “While these discussions aren’t being used to propose change, the feedback is helpful for the City Council and staff,” said Gilgenbach, who compiles a summary of the discussion each month for the City Council. “So make sure you weigh in on the discussions!” Upcoming discussions include: April: Bee Keeping The City wants to learn what residents think about residential bee keeping. In addition, the City may ask where on a property residents think hives should be kept, whether or not permitting should be required, how to handle complaints and how to address potential health hazards, such as bee-related allergies. This discussion will be available April 1-30. May: The Future of the Senior Center The City may ask if residents 55 and older are members of the Senior Center and why they are or are not, what they think the future of the Senior Center is, and what type of recreational opportunities should be offered for Edina’s seniors. This discussion will be available May 1-31. June: Incentives for Conservation The City may ask if residents would take advantage of financial incentives for taking conservation measures, such as installing solar panels; what types of conservation upgrades should be incentivized; how they think an incentive program should be structured and how such a program would be funded. This discussion will be available June 1-30. Additional topics for the second half of the year will be announced in the coming months. Residents may also visit www.SpeakUpEdina.org to post ideas for staff and City Council consideration. For more information, visit www.SpeakUpEdina.org or contact Gilgenbach at 952-826-0396 or jgilgenbach@EdinaMN.gov. 32 • SPRING 2014 Design your ownBusiness Cards& Postcardswith our NEW Online Ordering System! 952-920-1949 facebook.com/jerrysprintingedina Enter Promo Code: AT10 when ordering and receive 10% off! Visit: www.jerrysprinting.com 2014 SPRING • 33 Celebrating 21 Years of Dance Excellence www.victoriadance.com (952) 835-7497 EDINA’S PREMIERE DANCE STUDIO 7109 AMUNDSON AVE. Training Minnesota’s Top Dancers Since 1993! Enroll Today! VDP offers high energy classes with PROPER technique! TAP l JAZZ l CLASSICAL BALLET l LYRICAL l MODERN l HIP HOP CREATIVE MOVEMENT l MUSICAL THEATER l DANCE LINE Angela Rohland, FNPArthur W. Ide, III, MD Dermatology, P.A. 952.374.5995 l www.dermatologypa.org 7300 France Ave. S l Suite 400 l Edina, MN 55435 Providing complete skin care for all ages since 1917. Nelson Elevated To Police Chief By Krystal Caron Although new City of Edina Police Chief Dave Nelson didn’t envision a career in law enforcement while growing up in Bloomington, Minn., he certainly found his calling in it. At the end of January, Nelson was promoted to Police Chief, succeeding Jeff Long in the position. It was a fitting placement for Nelson after serving the City for nearly 25 years, the last four as Deputy Police Chief. When Nelson graduated from high school, he didn’t have a career path in mind. He found himself taking law enforcement classes at the urging of a friend. One class became two, two became three, and ultimately he declared his major in law enforcement. He graduated from Normandale Community College in 1983 with an associate degree in law enforcement. Upon graduation, Nelson began his career in law enforcement in Andover as the Patrol Deputy for the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. Two years later, he found his place at the Edina Police Department as a Patrol Officer and the first full-time School Liaison Officer. Nelson now has one daughter in college at the University of Minnesota and another at Minnesota State University, Mankato, so higher education is on his mind. He recommends that anyone interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement pursue a four-year degree instead of a two-year degree. Competition is high in the area of law enforcement, and four-year degrees allow people to better market themselves to prospective employers. 34 • SPRING 2014 Ph o t o b y M i c h a e l B r a u n Dave Nelson started his role as Edina’s new Police Chief in mid-January. Nelson speaks from experience. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Metro State University in 1996, and soon after was promoted to a full-time Detective position where he handled fraud and forgery cases. “I achieved my four-year degree in 1996 and I believe that helped me in the promotional process for Sergeant. After that, it was a lot of hard work,” said Nelson, stressing the importance of education. “If I didn’t achieve my four-year degree, I would not be where I am today.” Nelson quickly climbed the ranks, being promoted to Investigator, Sergeant, Lieutenant overseeing fraud and forgery investigations in 2008, and eventually overseeing the patrol unit. In 2009, he spent 10 weeks in Quantico, Va., at the FBI National Academy, taking a staff and command course. Nelson wasn’t finished, though. His ambitions were high and he quickly was promoted to Deputy Police Chief, setting him up for his eventual promotion to Police Chief this year. “[Chief Nelson] holds himself to high standards. He doesn’t work a 40-hour week. If you see him less than 50 hours, it’s a surprising week,” said Lt. Michael Nibbe. Nibbe has worked closely with Nelson over the last several years and admires his attention to detail and ability to think creatively, sharing a story about a time when Nelson investigated a robbery and was able to help identify whether a vehicle was involved by checking whether or not the tire was wet from driving on wet roads. Nelson supervises more than 100 staff and volunteers: 50 sworn officers; 27 civilian positions, including 9-1-1 dispatchers and support staff; up to 20 Reserve officers and about 20 volunteers in the Explorer Post. As Police Chief, he also oversees the maintenance and technology of nearly 40 marked and unmarked vehicles, manages the budget for the Police Department and ensures that his team is trained and well educated. “We focus a lot on training,” said Nelson. “We have a Training Officer who coordinates all these different training seminars to get officers more knowledge so they can do their job better.” Nelson describes the Edina Police Department as a close- knit group with an incredible number of opportunities available to its officers. Officers have the chance to work in plain clothes detail, in the schools, with the financial crimes task force and many others. This is something that gives the officers here an advantage and job satisfaction that Nelson says you can’t find very often. Nelson was an adviser to Edina/Eden Prairie Police Explorer Post 925 and helped support many students in that capacity. One such student, Lt. Brandon Kuske, now works for the Edina Police Department and serves as an adviser to Edina/Eden Prairie Police Explorer Post 925. Nelson remarked, “For him to be hired here, to be a cop for as many years as he has and to give back to the 2014 SPRING • 35 (continued on next page) kids by being an adviser for six years, that’s awesome.” While Nelson explains that those sorts of connections and relationships aren’t unique in Edina, they are no less remarkable. “I’m overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from the department and the community,” said Nelson about his new role as Police Chief. “I’m honored to have this opportunity and am really looking forward to it.” Describing the differences in his new role, Nelson noted how important public relationship building and customer service are to this position. As Deputy Police Chief, he worked mostly on day-to-day issues. Now, he has his eyes on the big picture. Nelson is proud of the work that the department does and embraces the success of the current programs within the department. Over the past nine years, Nelson has helped shape the course of the department and his goals as Chief center on continuing the success of the current programs– not starting from scratch. He hopes to continue to strengthen communication and relationships with groups like the Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina residents and the surrounding community, and staff within the department. “We always want to work with our community on problems,” said Nelson. “If there are issues or certain crime trends, we definitely want to reach out to the community for support from them, communication from them, and how can we solve the problem together. That’s not new for Edina, but it will continue to be a priority.” “I am looking forward to Dave serving as our new Chief,” said City Manager Scott Neal. “He is an experienced law enforcement professional with a good sense of what the department needs right now to move forward.” For more information, visit www.EdinaMN.gov/Police. 36 • SPRING 2014 West 50th & Vernon Avenue at Hwy. 100 952-920-3996 www.washburn-mcreavy.com Family Owned & Operated Since 1857 2014 SPRING • 37 COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY Emergency Response 911 Crisis Connection 612-379-6363 Day One - MN Domestic Violence Crisis Line 1-866-223-1111 Poison Control 1-800-222-1222 City of Edina 952-927-8861 Bloomington Public Health 952-563-8900 WIC, Immunizations, Health Assessments, Senior Services, VEAP (Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People) 952-888-9616 Emergency Assistance, Food, and Transportation - www.veapvolunteers.org Hennepin County Eligibility Support Services 612-596-1300 Cash/Food/Medical Assistance CAPSH 952-933-9639 (Community Action Partnership of Suburban Hennepin) Programs for low-income residents including, energy assistance & foreclosure prevention assistance - www.capsh.org Metro Transit 612-373-3333 Metro-wide bus & light rail service - www.metrotransit.org Employment Action Center 612-752-8400 www.eac-mn.org Homeline Tenants Rights 612-728-5767 Resource Line: (952) 848-3936 www.edinaresourcecenter.com Your connection to community information, resources and services Our services are free and confidential Visit our new website! The Edina Resource Center listens to your needs and connects you to the resources that can help. Edina Resource Center staff and volunteers are available to answer any question you may have, including navigating resources such as education and community information, food and housing assistance, health care supports, immigrant services, tax assistance, transportation and more. The Edina Resource Center is a program of the City of Edina, Edina Community Education Services and Edina Public Schools. By Ashley Krepsky It’s been three years since Recreation Supervisor Kristin Aarsvold was able to plan summer programs at Countryside Park. After a renovation of the park last year, Aarsvold is excited to organize activities there that will bring neighborhood kids out to play. “We hadn’t had a park program at Countryside for a while because the building was substandard,” said Aarsvold. “I hope we get a lot of kids and families spending time at this park once again!” Playground Pros for ages 9 to 12 and the Fab 4 and 5 programs will meet at Countryside Park this summer. In addition to a new park shelter where summer programs are held, a new hockey rink and pleasure skating area were added. They were heavily used this winter, said Recreation Supervisor Eric Boettcher “The new rink is one of the more popular rinks. [We received] a lot of positive feedback from community members. Edina hockey has practiced there, so it has been used a lot more [than previous seasons],” said Boettcher. In addition to the new shelter, hockey rink and expanded pleasure skating area, there is a renovated baseball field and basketball court and a new playground and asphalt trails. The new shelter building was constructed on the west side of the park. A new asphalt trail connects all amenities in the park, as well as the parking lot on the west end. The baseball field has improved drainage and irrigation, warning track, fencing and dugouts. The park’s basketball court and playground were both relocated. The basketball court was resurfaced and the playground’s new location is in a more shaded area with better access to the shelter. In addition, the playground has Edina’s first recycled rubber, poured-in-place safety surface. It will be a 38 • SPRING 2014 Countryside Park Renovations Complete Su b m i t t e d I l l u s t r a t i o n Renovations for Countryside Park were completed in late 2013. softer, cleaner environment and will be more accessible for people of all ages, especially those with mobility challenges. “The entire renovation has significantly improved a community asset,” said Parks & Recreation Director Ann Kattreh. “Our old shelter was not one that neighbors would have wanted to use. Our new shelter adds quality to the park system and the winter ice rink numbers have increased. The playground is the nicest in the park system and residents from other neighborhoods will enjoy it, too.” Combined efforts for this project included substantial financial support though park dedication fees paid by the developers of The Waters and donations from the Edina Baseball Association. With help from these organizations, the City was able to do more than the original plan of renovating only the path system and baseball field. “The Edina Baseball Association has been very pleased with the opportunity to collaborate with the City on several projects to upgrade the baseball fields and athletic facilities in the community – most notably Countryside Prep, Garden Park and the [proposed] sports dome,” said Jeff May, previous Association President. “It’s great to see the City show its strong commitment to providing athletic facilities, which will allow for more events, increased participation and improved playing conditions. Countryside Prep is a good example of a public-private partnership to upgrade a wonderful neighborhood park.” As for 2014, plans are underway for a $14 million project at Braemar Arena that includes a number of components. Currently still in the design and development phase, the project will include a sports dome at the Braemar athletic field site, an outdoor refrigerated sheet of ice at Braemar Arena and renovations to Pamela Park. For more information about the park renovations, contact Kattreh, 952-826-0430. 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Millner’s strong work ethic played a role in the City’s decision to hire him as Engineering Director. “I’m definitely used to doing hard work,” Millner said. “While milking cows several times every day wasn’t the most fun thing, it needed to get done and really taught me the value of hard work.” Millner was hired by the City in June 2012 as Assistant City Engineer. He served as interim Engineering Director since November 2013 until he began his new role in late- January. “I am excited to be leading the City’s Engineering Department,” Millner said, “and figuring out the challenges that come with it.” Millner studied physics at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn., and earned a degree in civil engineering from the University of Minnesota. He will receive his master’s degree in Business Administration from St. Cloud State University later this spring. Looking back, Millner said he was destined to become an engineer from an early age. Math science and engineering seemed to be natural pursuits for Edina’s new Engineering Director. As a boy back on the farm, he would try to figure out ways to get puddles in the yard to drain. While attending the U, Millner worked for the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Office of Road Research. He would often go to MnDOT’s test site in Rogers where he would collect data, create reports and assist in writing research papers. After graduating in 2000, he was offered a position at Short Elliot Hendrickson Inc. (SEH), a full- service engineering, planning and architectural firm, where he worked for more than 11 years. “[Millner]’s work at SEH focused on improving communities and working directly with citizens and businesses to help them understand a street, utility or neighborhood project and the potential impacts and benefits,” said SEH Regional Leader Tracy Ekola. “While with SEH, his technical expertise in improving a community’s infrastructure, coupled with his collaborative nature, worked to benefit the clients he served. In his new role, we look forward to the opportunity to continue our work with Chad and his team to continually improve the City of Edina for residents, businesses and generations ahead.” Millner Steps Into New Role Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n Chad Millner was promoted to Engineering Director in January. 2014 SPRING • 43 He last held the position of Construction and Project Manager in Municipal and Civil Engineering. As a project manager, he oversaw projects, budgeting, requests for proposals (RFPs) and staffing. During his tenure at SEH, he had his hands in many projects – most notably, reconstructing 76th Street in Richfield when Best Buy was building its corporate offices in 2001. “SEH was a great place to work,” Millner said. “It’s really where I got to put more of my education to work, and further develop my skills and learn more.” But ultimately, it came time for a change, he said. In June 2012, Millner made the transition from private to public sector, becoming the City of Edina’s Assistant Engineering Director. When Wayne Houle resigned last year, Millner assumed the role of interim Engineering Director. “Having been involved with so many of our projects in the Assistant City Engineer role, it was an easy transition because he understood the projects, pace and workload,” said Environmental Engineer Ross Bintner. “Chad was able to jump right into the new role without any difficulties.” When it came time to apply for the job, “I got a chance to test drive the position, which was helpful,” Millner said. “The timing of this felt right, the fit was right. The position is high-demand, and it will allow me to use my skills in different ways.” Millner oversees 12 full-time staff, one part-time staff and up to three interns in the summer. Additionally, he is responsible for planning and designing infrastructure; bidding projects; overseeing construction; and inspecting the City’s water and sanitary sewer facilities, streets, trails, bridges, storm sewers, traffic control devices and other public infrastructure. “Chad was a great leader in the Assistant City Engineer role, and I think that will continue in his new role,” said Bintner, a part of Millner’s department. “We are all very excited to have Chad lead the department.” “I feel fortunate to have someone with Chad’s intellect and work ethic take on the duties of our Director of Engineering position,” said City Manager Scott Neal. “He has the integrity, quality and dedication to service to represent the City well in the community.” Millner said most of the interaction residents probably have with the Engineering staff is during street reconstructions – a connection he hopes to strengthen. “I really want to further gain the trust of residents, the City Council and City staff by improving our communications and having a transparent process,” Millner said. Millner said the Engineering Department will be busy this summer with multiple projects all over the community: (continued on next page) 44 • SPRING 2014 street reconstructions in the Birchcrest B, Strachauer Park B, Countryside F, Morningside B, Bredesen Park D and Todd Park F neighborhoods; France Avenue intersection pedestrian improvements; Hazelton Road; Olinger Boulevard; 54th Street; the fourth phase of the Edina Promenade; several sidewalk projects; and a few raw watermain projects. Looking ahead, Millner said the department is already discussing which streets will need to be reconstructed as far out as 2019 and 2020. “It’s really about the big picture,” Millner said. Millner lives in Eden Prairie with his wife and two step- daughters. He is also an endurance athlete, participating in marathons, triathlons, hiking the Rockies and going on camping trips. He has even hiked Mount Kilimanjaro and Machu Picchu, and competed on Team USA in a duathlon last summer. For more information, contact Millner at 952-826-0318, or visit www.EdinaMN.gov/Engineering. We’re as close as the end of your nose. Banfield.com FREE Office Visit & Consultation!* EDINA 5103 Gus Young Lane 952-929-9236 Open 7 days a week with extended hours! *First time clients only at listed hospital 2014 SPRING • 45 From Hawaii comes the fastest growing watersport, Stand Up Paddling. We've got everything you need: boards, paddles, and accessories. PLUS a staff of knowledgeable experts to get you started. 5015 Penn Avenue S. Minneapolis 612-925-4818 www.scubacenter.com STANDUP PADDLEBOARDS bankingunusual.com Need a Home Loan? Contact Brett Grendahl 952.886.7227 bgrendahl@bankingunusual.com ® Member FDIC NMLS 455329 Work Right. Live Well.™ Helping people choose careers they love. Choose or change your career for a lifetime of satisfaction and success. Your extraordinary life is waiting for you. Kelly M. Lewis Coaching & Associates Career Choice Coaching 952.456.8467 www.kellymarielewis.com Request a Complimentary Career Strategy Session Career Change | Work/Life Balance | Encore Career | College Major Selection EDINA HARDWARE 4510 Valley View Road, Edina 952-925-1133 Celebrating 54 Years on the Corner 1960-2014 By Krystal Caron New City of Edina Chief Building Official David Fisher brings with him a wealth of knowledge and perspective that took a career to cultivate. Fisher has worked for five different cities throughout the metro, including Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Brooklyn Center, Maplewood and now Edina. Having worked in such varied and diverse cities, he brings with him a fresh perspective that City Manager Scott Neal is excited to see in Edina. “Being the Chief Building Official in Edina is a challenging job for a lot of reasons,” said Neal. “There is a lot of development going on. Most development here is coordinated professionally with architects and that brings some complexity. One of the things we really liked about Dave is that he’s not just a code enforcer. He’s a problem solver.” Fisher earned associate degrees from Anoka Ramsey Community College and North Hennepin Community College in Building Inspection Technology. He went on to pursue a four-year organizational behavior and communications degree from Concordia University. He held positions ranging from Building and Code Enforcement Officer to Contract Housing Rehabilitation Inspector to Building Official. By no means new to the work of a Building Official, Fisher has held the position of Building Official for a total of 26 years – half of that time with Brooklyn Center and the other half with the City of Maplewood. Fisher is proud of the quality work that he and his teams have produced over the years – and the industry has taken note. He and the Maplewood Building Department were given an award by the Association of Minnesota Building Officials (AMBO) for their dedication to code development and education of building inspectors. He also serves on the Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience and Interior Design. Fisher holds a seat there as a public member appointed by the governor. “Dave has been heavily involved in nearly every facet of promoting building safety, including serving as chair of AMBO and now chairing its Code Development Committee,” said Doug Determan, Chair of AMBO. “Through his commitment to this industry, Dave has helped to foster a culture of active and engaged code 46 • SPRING 2014 Edina’s New Chief Building Official Is More Than A Code Enforcer Ph o t o b y M i c h a e l B r a u n David Fisher started work as Chief Building Official for the City of Edina on March 17. professionals amongst his peers. We’re excited to see him in this next chapter at the City of Edina.” Even so, this new venture for Fisher won’t be a walk in the park. He explains that the City of Edina will offer him new challenges. “It’s the bigger homes that are very unique. I look forward to the challenge … big homes on not-so-big lots,” said Fisher. As Chief Building Official, Fisher will work with design professionals, oversee commercial planning and inspections, and meet with local businesses. “It’s a win-win for me, for both [myself and the City of Edina],” said Fisher. “I can bring some new ideas and give a positive influence to the department and for the future.” Fisher began work in Edina on March 17 and hit the ground running. Last year, the Building Inspections Division of the Fire-Rescue & Inspections Department was responsible for 18,408 inspections and $3,511,935 in revenue. In this role, Fisher will manage a staff of eight inspectors and two support staff. Fisher lives with his wife, three kids and dogs in Maple Grove, where he’s outnumbered by the thespians in his family. Fisher’s oldest son is in the Guthrie program at the University of Minnesota, his daughter participates in community theater through Lyric Arts, and his younger son is doing Our Town with Theater Latté Da and will be an understudy for Shrek at the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis. “I’m not a person that gets up on stage, but I’ll help build things. I’ll help build sets,” he joked. For more information on the Building Inspections Division, call 952-826-0372 or visit www.EdinaMN.gov/Building. 2014 SPRING • 47 70th & Cahill (952) 944-5770 www.FlowersOfEdina.com Flowers of Edina By Kaylin Martin A long and varied career in the music industry has taken Paul Peterson far from home. He’s been a production director for Donny Osmond, a songwriter for numerous Grammy Award contenders, and a highly acclaimed performer in his own right. In all his travels, though, nothing has impressed him like the devotion to music he sees in his own backyard in Edina. “Music is my wheelhouse … I’m interested, first, in doing things to increase the notoriety and reach of what the City is already doing musically, but also to explore ways to bring even more music events to Edina,” said Peterson. Peterson is achieving this by bringing his talents and connections to Edina through the newly established “Music in Edina” program, a Friday night concert series to be held from 6 to 9 p.m. during June and July this summer in Rosland Park. Peterson and Kandance Ellis, co-chairs of the Edina Arts & Culture Commission’s Music in Edina Working Group, presented the idea in July 2013 to enhance the community’s music scene. The group will see its ideas come to fruition this summer when the concert series kicks off. Peterson is part of one of Minnesota’s best known and most prolific musical families. His own big break came in the mid-1980s, at age 17, when Prince saw his vocal and instrumental talent and found a place for him in the popular funk/pop ensemble The Time. Prince prominently featured Peterson and The Time in his film debut, the movie “Purple Rain.” “I wanted to establish roots here,” said Peterson, who moved to Edina with his wife, Julie, 17 years ago to raise their family. “Part of that was finding a way to help; to see if I could bring some of my talent and expertise to the residents here. We have such a wealth of talent in Edina, and if we tap that talent, we can bring more awareness to the music in our community.” Ellis agrees. “A lot of people have expressed interest for more musical options here in the community, and I think we can make that happen,” she said. “The concert series is just one 48 • SPRING 2014 Friday Night Music Coming To Rosland Park Ph o t o b y M i c h a e l B r a u n With the help of the Music in Edina Working Group, musician Paul Peterson is bringing music to Edina this summer with a Friday night concert series in Rosland Park. way we can bring the community together to enjoy good music.” The Friday night concert series will include a wide range of musical acts from within Edina, such as the Edina Chorale or Singing Seniors, as well as musicians from outside of the community. Peterson wants to not only feature a variety of musicians, but bring in some better known acts. With his connections, that’s something he’ll most likely achieve. After the breakup of The Time, Peterson launched a successful solo career. As his reputation grew, he also began collaborating and touring with a wide range of household names representing a number of musical styles: from Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie, to The Beach Boys, to Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire. “The sky is the limit,” said Peterson of the musical acts he’s hoping to secure for the series. “I think cultural diversity is great. We should have a rock band, funk band, symphony and string quartet, just to name a few. I’m happy and glad to help get this off the ground.” Sponsorship opportunities for the concert series are available. For more information about Music in Edina, or about sponsorships, contact Edina Art Center Manager Michael Frey at 952-903-5729. 2014 SPRING • 49 Looking for new digs? We’ll sniff out a new home for you. Fred Little, Realtor, GRI 952-220-3733 fredlittle@edinarealty.com www.fredlittle.edinarealty.com 50 • SPRING 2014 By Lauren Hardy, Communications Specialist, Edina Public Schools If students are to thrive in today’s ever-changing global society and work environment, then educators must provide them with an experience that echoes the nature of life after K-12. This means looking at education through an innovative lens and taking action – something that Edina Public Schools (EPS) is working toward with its Next Generation 2012-15 Strategic Plan, which includes a Secondary Academic Program Plan for its middle and high schools. “Our schools have a reputation of excellence; it’s time to advance that excellence and build a system that lets students own their learning from the bottom up,” says EPS Director of Teaching and Learning Randy Smasal. “We need to give students the opportunity to learn in a way that aligns with their individual drive and passion. The better students know themselves and how they like to learn, the greater chance they have to succeed.” Traditionally, academic standards are packaged into grade-level experiences or courses. The future system EPS is working toward, however, allows students to choose different pathways to master these standards. This means looking at standard completion differently, through a personalized learning model. Personalized learning gives students a degree of choice in how, where, when and what they learn. A great example of this practice can be found in Edina High School’s (EHS) May Term senior option. Over the last 10 years, many EHS seniors have completed a May Term project, which can involve an internship or a creative project of their own design. The project takes place during the last few weeks of the school year, after many seniors have already fulfilled graduation requirements. During this time, students are encouraged to stretch themselves, find new learning opportunities, and, in the end, present what they learn. “May Term is an example of the kinds of personalized learning opportunities we are looking to expand upon in the future,” Smasal says. “Once students reach a certain level, they are ready to design more of their own learning experiences. Our vision is to gradually release more responsibility and choice to them as they move throughout Grades 6-12.” While the District is only in the discussion stages of how to implement May-Term-esque concepts into other grades, EHS Principal Bruce Locklear has seen firsthand the benefits these opportunities provide for all students. Smasal and Locklear agree it’s more than just the opportunity to travel or work outside of school; it is an opportunity to serve others and develop a learning plan that really enhances a student’s educational journey. “In education, the rules of the game continue to change. Students need to be prepared for and be able to manage the shifting dynamics of our workforce and diverse society. And for that to happen, they need to be immersed in the community, working in partnership with businesses and organizations,” Locklear says. Edina Public Schools Focuses On Personalizing Learning For Every Student 2014 SPRING • 51 Personalized learning experiences have powerful implications for participants. In the case of 2006 EHS grad Jenny Taft, the impact was life-changing. Before the 2006 May Term application deadline, Taft knew she wanted to explore a career in sports broadcasting. After discovering that her neighbor, Geoff Spades, worked for the regional broadcasting network Fox Sports North, she asked him about internship opportunities. With Spades’ help, she quickly became a May Term intern at Fox Sports North in Minneapolis. “Without May Term, I might not be where I am today,” Taft told EPS as she walked out of a yoga class on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, where she works for Fox Sports 1 as the Monster Energy Supercross Reporter. “It helped me learn more about my passions and shaped my perspective of what it would be like to work in my industry. It introduced me to the right people and set me up for success.” The personalized learning May Term creates a gateway to the future for students. It allows them to map out their own course and propels them to become independent, lifelong learners. “The fact that EHS offers May Term is amazing,” Taft says. “It’s funny … you grow up in Edina and you know it’s a good school, but you don’t realize how unique the school is and how nice, supportive and passionate the people are until you leave.” As part of its Secondary Academic Program Plan, EPS is exploring ways to encourage more learning opportunities outside the classroom. While the framework for the plan was approved by the School Board in June 2013, the district will bring forth specific recommendations for implementation this spring that will be phased in over the next several years. “We know that the traditional model of sitting in a classroom with one teacher and 25 kids is not necessarily the only path to success after graduation,” says EPS Superintendent Ric Dressen. “By thinking creatively and allowing students to lend their voice to the planning process, we can advance our Edina Excellence and develop an even stronger school experience for the next generation of learners.” For more information about the Next Generation of Edina Public Schools, visit www.edinaschools.org/StrategicPlan. Su b m i t t e d P h o t o Today, Jenny Taft lives in California where she works for Fox Sports 1 as the Monster Energy Supercross Reporter. 52 • SPRING 2014 New Starbucks opens on France Avenue The latest Starbucks to come to Edina opened in November at 7501 France Ave. The new coffee shop is located between the Whole Foods grocery store and Old Navy in Centennial Lakes Plaza. Because of the high traffic in the area and drive-through lane, the store is expected to be one of the highest- grossing shops in Minnesota. “We’re very excited to meet the Southdale/Centennial Lakes/Edina community and make new friends,” said store Manager Kristin Unterseher. For more information, call 952-737-7820 or visit www.starbucks.com. VEAP Opens New Facility VEAP, 9600 Aldrich Ave. S., Bloomington, opened its new facility on Jan. 6. The nonprofit provides many services, including a food shelf, transportation and social programs for low-income residents of Edina, Eden Prairie, Richfield, Bloomington and South Minneapolis. “This is a dream come true,” said VEAP Director Susan Russell Freeman, “[The new facility] was something we hadn’t planned on doing for our 40th anniversary, but with the times being the way they are, it became a necessity.” Built in 1953, the 42,000-square-foot space previously occupied by Minnesota Vikings Food Services required a $2.2 million renovation. To make the move to the larger and newly renovated location possible, VEAP formed a partnership with Hennepin County, leasing space to the Human Services and Public Health Department in a unique public-private partnership. “[VEAP] has a full-time staff of 19 and over 1,000 volunteers who live in the community and that is what we are. We plan to be open for another 40 years,” said Russell Freeman. VEAP operates the largest single site food pantry in the state of Minnesota, serving more than 7,000 individuals a month. For more information about VEAP, visit www.veapvolunteers.org. Business Notes Su b m i t t e d P h o t o VEAP, 9600 Aldrich Ave. S., Bloomington, opened its new facility on Jan. 6. 2014 SPRING • 53 Banfield Pet Hospital Opens National pet hospital chain Banfield opened its doors in Edina at 5103 Gus Young Lane in December. The facility is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. It is a full-service veterinary hospital that provides everyday wellness and preventative services like Banfield’s signature Optimum Wellness Plan and medical procedures. The Optimum Wellness Plan is a comprehensive and affordable pet health care solution designed to keep one’s pet healthy and happy. Pet owners build the plan based on their animal. Every plan includes unlimited free office visits, routinely recommended vaccines, comprehensive physical exams, early screening for serious illnesses, discounts on most Banfield products and services and online access to pet health records, among other things. The hospital is headed by Dr. Ashley Nichols and Manager Carol Ann Jerome. For more information, visit www.banfield.com or call 952-929-9236. A La Mode Boutique & Nail Salon Newest Addition To 50th & France A La Mode, a new boutique shop featuring manicures, pedicures, home décor, fashion accessories and gifts, opened in December at 3928 W. 50th St. The salon features eight manicure and eight pedicure stations. Owner Sara Saferstein is proud that her store offers “natural” nail products from Deborah Lippmann, Shellac and Vinylux, which are all chemical-free products. The shop also offers two membership programs that help frequent guests save on services. For more information, visit www.alamodenails.com or call 952-300-2642. Cocoa & Fig Brings New Location to Edina After its success at the Gaviidae Commons in the downtown Minneapolis skyway, Cocoa & Fig opened a second location in Edina at 6807 York Ave. S. in the Yorkdale Shops. “We had been downtown for going on four years, which is fabulous,” said owner Laurie Pyle. “The downtown location is great if you live and work downtown, but we have a lot of customers who live in the southern suburbs, so we wanted to create something convenient for them.” The shop opened in mid-October and specializes in cakes, cupcakes, French macaroons, cake lollipops, torts, cheesecakes and brownies. The shop also offers gluten- free options. The new location also offers spots to sit down and enjoy the treats and consultation room for its catering options. Cocoa & Fig caters events such as weddings, graduation parties, anniversaries and baby showers. Cocoa & Fig is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit www.cocoaandfig.com. – Compiled by Michael McGivern and Ashley Krepsky 54 • SPRING 2014 Planning Matters 50th & France Parking Ramps To Be Updated It was more than 40 years ago that the first parking ramp was built at 50th & France. This summer, that ramp and the two others will undergo a much-needed renewal. The Edina City Council approved plans to make more than $5.7 million in renovations and improvements to the three existing parking structures available to 50th & France visitors. A Parking Advisory Team, comprised of property owners, business operators and managers of the area businesses, set forth recommendations that include adding an elevator to the South Ramp, designating ramps as “full” when they’ve reached capacity, increasing brightness and energy-conservation through the use of LED bulbs and adding crosswalks and additional signage. These upgrades are expected to better manage the flow of traffic and generally improve the parking experience to match the superior retail shopping experience visitors have come to expect from the area. The initial capital investment will be paid by the City of Edina with subsequent and long-term maintenance to be managed and paid for by area business owners. It’s an expense that is expected to bring a financial return to the area very quickly. The project is expected to span two years and will be tackled in two phases in order to lessen the impacts on businesses and shoppers. Initial work will begin in June 2014 and conclude in October. The second phase will include construction of the elevator in the South Ramp and exterior ramp painting. Phase Two is expected to begin in March 2015, with the projected completion date slated as October 2015. During this time, parking will be limited, but still available to visitors. For more information, contact Economic Development Manager Bill Neuendorf, 952-826-0407. City Creates TIF District To Support Redevelopment of Pentagon Park The City is doing what it can to support a $500 million redevelopment in southeast Edina. The Pentagon Park office park, consisting of 15 multi- tenant office buildings, was built in the late 1960s. For several decades, it was well positioned in the marketplace and had much success. However, in the past decade, its dated layout and aging infrastructure has made it considerably less desirable. Since 2004, the assessed valuation of the Pentagon Park properties has declined by 60 percent. The vacancy rate of some of the buildings far exceeds that of the marketplace. Nearly every building requires significant repair after several years of deferred maintenance. The area is in need of redevelopment so that these trends are reversed. The new owner envisions a complete transformation of the private properties in the future. Anticipated uses include 1.4 million square feet of office space, 40,000 2014 SPRING • 55 7601 France Avenue South l Suite 300 l Edina, MN 55435 Jenny Rasmussen ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT, CFP,® AAMS,® CDFATM 952.857.1238 jenny.x.rasmussen@ampf.com © 2014 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC square feet of retail, a 400-room hotel, shared parking ramps, and the potential for multi-family housing. In February, the City Council established a new Tax Increment Financing District that would allow the City to consider a public/private partnership in the future so that the full potential of this important business/mixed- use district can be realized. The developer is expected to seek additional approvals for the project later this year. The redevelopment is expected to occur in phases over a period of about 15 years. For more information, contact the Planning Division, 952- 826-0369. – Compiled by Krystal Caron and Jennifer Bennerotte 56 • SPRING 2014 Nearly $217,000 Donated To Parks & Recreation Department In 2013 Parks and other such amenities greatly improve the quality of life in a community. The City of Edina is the fortunate recipient of many donations each year that improve its parks, adding to the quality of life enjoyed in Edina. In 2013, nearly $217,000 in donations was received by the Parks & Recreation Department. The largest donation to the department was $100,000 from the Edina Baseball Association for a renovation of the baseball field at Garden Park. The association also donated $23,128 for warning track additions for the baseball field there and at Countryside Park. “The City of Edina and the Parks & Recreation Department are thrilled and thankful for the support with generous donations from the community and from our athletic associations,” said Parks & Recreation Director Ann Kattreh. “It was an especially exciting year to work with the Edina Baseball Association to make improvements to both the Garden Park baseball field and the Countryside Park baseball field. Their generous support made it possible to improve the conditions and playability at both facilities. The impact of their donations will be appreciated by thousands of residents for years to come.” Those who made donations of $300 or more to the Edina Park & Recreation Department in 2013 were: Given From/Through For Barbara La Valleur Edina Art Center Those who made donations of $500 or more to the Edina Parks & Recreation Department in 2013 were: Given From/Through For Edina Community Foundation Recycling containers Michael Kelly and Edina Art Center Michelle Herring Juried Show Minneapolis Foundation Edina Art Center Mark and Ruth Valgemae Edina Art Center Juried Show Those who made donations of $1,000 or more to the Edina Parks & Recreation Department in 2013 were: Given From/Through For 50th & France Business & Artists’ stipends for Professional Association sculptures at 50th & France Edina Resource Center Edible playground at Lewis Park Energy & Environment Trees at Lewis Park Commission FILMTEC (Dow Chemical Co.) Edible playground at Lewis Park Kelodale Garden Club Edina Art Center buckthorn removal, noxious weed control and planting of native plants 2014 SPRING • 57 Given From/Through For Minnesota Department Edible playground at of Health, State Health Lewis Park Improvement Program Rotary Club of Edina Bike racks Morningside – Tour de Edina Whole Foods Yorktown Park Community Garden Those who made donations of $5,000 or more to the Edina Parks & Recreation Department in 2013 were: Given From/Through For Edina Community Grant-in-Aid Foundation Fairview Southdale Edible playground at Hospital Foundation Lewis Park Minnesota Department Centennial Lakes Farmers of Human Services Market Besides the Edina Baseball Association, those who made donations of $10,000 or more to the Edina Parks & Recreation Department in 2013 were: Given From/Through For Chris Davis, Concord Scoreboard at Courtney USA Field Given From/Through For Edina High School Two scoreboards at Dug Out Club Pamela Park Edina Soccer Irrigation at Alden Park Association For more information on donations made in 2013 or to make a donation to the Parks & Recreation Department, contact Director Ann Kattreh, 952-826-0430. We’re still around after 80 years. (And so are the driveways we put in back then.) www.hageconcrete.com612-861-4243 CONCRETE WORKS TechniCrete.The only concrete with a lifetime, no-crack guarantee. 58 • SPRING 2014 The Last Word By Scott H. Neal City Manager On May 4, 1901, the members of the Edina Village Council and the Eden Prairie Township Board of Supervisors met in joint session to discuss and resolve an issue of mutual concern – the extension of the Anderson Town Line Road. After considerable discussion, they eventually reached a solution. Edina agreed to pay the landowner, Mr. McCauley $23 for his land and $23 for “other damages.” Eden Prairie agreed to manage the construction of the road, including paying as much as $3 per day for a “man and team” and $1.50 per day per “man.” Eden Prairie also agreed to furnish all the tools necessary to do the job. Edina agreed to pay half the construction cost. Both parties agreed to the construction specifications, to have the project completed by July 1, 1901, and that a post-project survey was unnecessary. More than 112 years later, city officials in Edina still work with our neighbors on projects and programs of mutual interest. Edina worked with the cities of Bloomington and Eden Prairie on the redesign of the 494/169 intersection. Like our predecessors, we had to reach agreement on construction specifications, cost shares and completion dates. In 2003, Edina worked with the cities of Eden Prairie and Bloomington and the Metropolitan Airports Commission to design and build the South Metro Public Safety Training Facility – a center dedicated to training our respective police and fire fighters. We dispatch 9-1-1 calls for the cities of Richfield and Golden Valley. We collaborate with the cities of Bloomington and Richfield for public health services. Edina provides cable television public access services to the five cities and six school districts represented by the Southwest Suburban Cable Commission. We share a building with Hennepin County for our Senior Center and the Edina Community Library at Grandview Square. We are members of a multi-city group called LOGIS that provides unique software and network solutions for municipal government functions. Finally, the City Council recently approved a set of joint goals with the school district. Some of those goals are: • Advance discussions and problem-solving related to joint facilities use, including recreational facilities and the Grandview Area Plan. • Enhance community communications and public engagement, including neighborhood associations. • Improve youth life services and programs for youth life challenges through coordination of community resources. Many times, it is easier to do your own thing. But easier isn’t always better. We collaborate with our neighbors because it is often more cost effective and because it allows us to leverage our financial contribution to get more than what we are paying for. Look for more of it in the future. Scott H. Neal City Manager 2014 SPRING • 59 Edina’s #1 Builderin 2012 & 2013! Build with Edina’s Top Permitted New Home Builder Two Years Running! Call Today about Available Homes & Homesites in Edina Sell Your Existing Home to JMS - Call for Details Award-Winning Industry Leader Since 1985 952.949.3630 www.JMSCustomHomes.com MN Builder Lic. #BC392462