HomeMy WebLinkAboutEdition Edina July 2020Edition: Edina
JULY 2020
Volume 7, Issue 8Strong FoundationCITY GOALS:Better TogetherReliable Service Livable City
City of Edina EdinaMN.gov
POPULAR ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT PAGE 4
BY DAVID KATZ
Edina’s love affair with Fourth of July parades
dates back nearly a century. Over the years,
the celebration has certainly expanded and
evolved – and so, too, has the city. In a way,
then, the history of this community mainstay
doubles as a capsule history of Edina itself.
The first Independence Day parade in Edina was
held in a neighborhood around 1930. If given
a time machine, “modern” spectators would
find many familiar touchpoints in that inaugural
procession. Marching bands, elected officials,
a cavalcade of Police and Fire department
representatives – the backbone of today’s
parades were present from the very beginning.
They even had a float honoring Edina’s
burgeoning business community, albeit a fairly
rudimentary one.
For decades, though, Edina’s parades would
remain modest in scale, insular in scope, and
largely indistinguishable from other Fourth of
July festivities held in suburbs across the country.
That trajectory changed in 1986-1988, as
the City geared up for a year-long Centennial
celebration. Activities planned for the 1988
milestone truly ran the gamut – from golf
tournaments and silent auctions, to a fashion
show of historical bridal gowns, and even an
ambitious ice palace at Lake Cornelia.
Without a doubt, a reimagined Fourth of July
procession took top billing. Committee co-chair
Betty Hemstad signaled as much in a Jan. 14,
1988 interview with the Star Tribune. “July is
the heart of the centennial. ... It’ll be the biggest
parade Edina has ever had.” As one means to
that end, volunteers split a staggering list and
invited 23,000 graduates of Edina High School
to attend.
Entertainers in the Edina centennial parade
included the First John Philip Sousa Memorial
Band and Jugheads Youth Juggling Company –
two perennial favorites, noted former parade
committee chair, Sousa Band member and
current City Council Member Mary Brindle. Both
continue to anchor Edina’s lineups.
Parades marched on under the City’s auspices
for the next decade, Brindle said. The model,
such as it was, received its next shot in the
arm in 1998. In that year, organizers made a
concerted push to enlist sponsors. Sponsorship
dollars allowed for the recruitment of various
out-of-town acts; and that, in turn, stoked
interest and drew more spectators from outside
Edina. Sponsorships remain key to the event’s
success, with the Edina Community Foundation
now doing the yeomen’s work of fundraising.
Also in 1998, a coalition of community
stakeholders came together to overcome
daunting logistics and stretch the traditional
procession route from behind Edina City Hall at
4801 W. 50th St. all the way to 50th & France.
Between then and last summer, the story has
been one more of growth than of evolution.
Attendance swelled from an approximately
7,000 spectators in 2001, to upward of 20,000
people in 2019.
Continuity and Change: Celebrating Edina’s Parade Tradition
First Edina July 4 Parade Held in 1930; 2020 Parade Goes ‘Virtual’
The First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band will be
honored in this year’s virtual parade. The band is
celebrating its 50th anniversary. File Photo
1
Edina has reached the next “chapter” in its
July 4 parade’s storied history. Due to restrictions
imposed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,
the 2020 4th of July parade is going VIRTUAL!
Tune into Edina TV or SWTV at 10 a.m. Saturday,
July 4, for a procession of content from all your
parade favorites. The theme of the video is
“Anniversary Celebrations,” honoring the 50th
anniversaries of the Edina Crime Prevention
Fund, First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band
and Human Rights & Relations Commission and
the 100th anniversary of the League of Women
Voters.
Besides watching the video, residents are
encouraged to decorate their yards and
porches and organize children’s parades in
their neighborhoods. The Edina Community
Foundation is also putting together a photo
contest. Send photos of you dressed in your
Independence Day gear or decorations to
photocontest@edinaparade.org by July 2.
Winners will be announced online July 4.
Visit edinaparade.org for more details.
Edina TV: Comcast Channels 813 or 16
SWTV: Comcast Channel 15
Tune In to ‘Virtual’
July 4 Parade
File Photo
BY THE NUMBERS
Report a Problem on
Edina 311
Number of City topics
residents can give
feedback about.
The top three topics that people
report a problem under:
Streets
Other
Traffic Safety19
Use the Edina 311 app or go through the City’s website at
EdinaMN.gov/Edina311 to report concerns and feedback
regarding issues such as animal control, damaged mailbox
or sod, fire hydrant maintenance, streets or parks issues,
overgrown vegetation, standing water and more. Code
violations were recently added to the tool. These can
include concerns about parked vehicles, boats, RVs and
lighting. Residents are encouraged to send a photo with
their submission.
– COMPILED BY KAYLIN EIDSNESS
BY KAITLIN GAULT
Edina residents can file for local office between 8
a.m. Tuesday, July 28, and 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug.
11, for the upcoming General Election Nov. 3.
City offices open for election are Mayor and two
seats on the City Council currently held by Mary
Brindle and Mike Fischer. Those elected will serve
from January 2021 to January 2025.
Filing for office is a step to get your name on
a ballot and declare your intention to run.
Candidates must file in person with the City
Clerk at City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St. A packet
and campaign manual are available at
EdinaMN.gov/Elections. The filling fee is $5,
or candidates can present a petition with 500
signatures of eligible voters in place of the fee.
The deadline to withdraw from the election is
5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13. After that date, all
names will appear on the ballot.
The Mayor and City Council are responsible for
the strategic direction of the City government
through policies and ordinances that are carried
out by the City Manager. The City Council is
responsible for budgeting and taxation, and is
accountable for listening and making decisions
on behalf of the residents of Edina.
Those elected in November will take the oath
of office Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, joining Council
Members Ron Anderson and Kevin Staunton on
the City Council.
For more information about the election or
filing for office, contact City Clerk Sharon
Allison at SAllison@EdinaMN.gov or
952-826-0408.
Filing Period for Local Office Opens July 28
Voters to Elect Mayor and Two City Council Members
The app has been downloaded
937 times from the App Store
or Google Play. 937 123
2
Edina COVID-19 Resource Hotline
952-826-0370
Resources for businesses, residents
and seniors can be found at
BetterTogetherEdina.org
EdinaMN.gov/coronavirus
Sign up for City Extra emails at
EdinaMN.gov/CityExtra
Sign up for text notifications by
texting EDINA to 57838
Stay Informed About
the City’s Response
to COVID-19!
In other business last month, the City Council:
•Renewed the City’s service contract with
DARTS for the CloverRide circulator bus
for another year. The bus will continue to
operate on demand on Fridays until DARTS
determines regular service can be safely
resumed. At that time, the south loop in
the Southdale area will resume route service
and the north loop in the 50th & France
and Grandview areas will be discontinued
due to lack of demand.
•Approved the sale of $5.26 million in
General Obligation Bonds to finance the
City’s 2020 street reconstruction and utility
improvement projects. Piper Sandler and
Company was awarded the sale with an
interest rate of just over 1 percent.
•Directed the Human Rights & Relations
Commission to lead a community
conversation about race, justice and policing
in Edina.
The Edina City Council will next meet
Tuesday, July 17. For more information, visit
EdinaMN.gov.
City of Edina EdinaMN.gov
BY JENNIFER BENNEROTTE
Flavored tobacco products cannot be sold in
Edina after Aug. 31.
In response to the increase in use of vaping
products by youth and the recent outbreak
of vaping injuries, the Community Health
Commission recommended the City revise
its tobacco ordinance to ban the sale of
flavored vaping products. Community Health
Administrator Jeff Brown took it one step
further, recommending a ban on the sale of any
flavored tobacco products.
“This ban builds on the passage of the City’s
Tobacco 21 ordinance and continues to
show the City’s commitment to the health of
residents of Edina, including those targeted by
the marketing of flavored tobacco and vaping
products, such as people with low income,
young people and people of color,” Brown said.
The City Council approved the ordinance change
at its June 16 meeting. The ban goes into effect
Sept. 1, impacting fewer than 20 retailers in
Edina that currently sell tobacco.
City Council Bans Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products
Sept. 1 Ban Aimed to Curb Youth Vaping
RECTIVITY BOX
IS RECREATION
DELIVERED TO
YOUR DOOR
City of Edina Goals
Strong Foundation: Maintain
physical assets and infrastructure.
Reliable Service: Maintain service
levels that best meet the needs of
the community.
Livable City: Plan for connected
and sustainable development.
Better Together: Foster an
inclusive and engaged community.
The City of Edina has four budget goals.
Look for the goal icons throughout this
publication to read stories about how the
City is working to meet these goals.
Brothers Henry, 6, and Calvin, 3,
open the Bright & Bold RECtivity
Box at their home in Edina. Bring
the excitement into your home
by choosing from different box
themes like Summer STEM and
Music in the Making. Pick out
which #RECtivityBox is right for
your family and order online at
EdinaMN.gov/RECtivity. Photo by
Kaitlin Gault
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday, July 8, 7 p.m.
Planning Commission meeting, Virtual
Thursday, July 9, 7 p.m.
Energy & Environment Commission meeting,
Virtual
Tuesday, July 13, 6:30 p.m.
Community Health Commission meeting,
Virtual
Wednesday, July 14, 7 p.m.
Parks & Recreation Commission meeting,
Virtual
Thursday, July 16, 6 p.m.
Transportation Commission meeting, Virtual
Tuesday, July 21, 7 p.m.
City Council meeting, Virtual
Wednesday, July 22, 7 p.m.
Planning Commission meeting, Virtual
Watch City Council, Housing &
Redevelopment Authority and Planning
Commission meetings live:
• Edina TV (Comcast Channels 813 or 16)
• Facebook.com/EdinaMN
• “Watch a Meeting” web page at
EdinaMN.gov/LiveMeetings
For audio recordings of all other meetings,
submit a data request at bit.ly/EdinaData. For
a complete listing of meetings and events, visit
EdinaMN.gov.
3
City of Edina Directory
City Council
Mayor
Jim Hovland – 612-874-8550
Council Members
Ron Anderson – 952-833-9549
Mary Brindle – 952-941-7746
Mike Fischer – 952-833-9569
Kevin Staunton – 952-836-1020
Executive Leadership Team
City Manager
Scott Neal – 952-826-0401
Assistant City Manager
Lisa Schaefer – 952-826-0416
Communications Director
Jennifer Bennerotte – 952-833-9520
Community Development Director
Cary Teague – 952-826-0460
Engineering Director
Chad Millner – 952-826-0318
Finance Director
Don Uram – 952-826-0414
Fire Chief
Tom Schmitz – 952-826-0332
Human Resources Director
Kelly Curtin – 952-826-0402
I.T. Director
Ryan Browning – 952-826-0434
Parks & Recreation Director
Perry Vetter – 952-826-0430
Police Chief
Dave Nelson – 952-826-1610
Public Works Director
Brian Olson – 952-826-0311
BY DEBBIE TOWNSEND
The estimated market value of Edina’s more
than 20,000 properties totaled $13.3 billion in
2020, according to City Assessor Bob Wilson.
That gives Edina the fourth-largest tax base in
Hennepin County, one that has steadily grown
since the 2008 recession. But what makes
Edina’s unique is its diversification in a way that
shields the City from wild economic swings.
Three-quarters of the value is in residential
property, and much of that is higher-end
properties less susceptible to ups and downs in
the economy. Seventeen percent is commercial/
industrial and 9 percent is apartments.
Even at the low point following the 2008
recession, the average median home value in
Edina was down less than 10 percent, compared
to many cities that saw drops of 20, 30 or even
50 percent. While some communities are still
struggling to get back to their pre-recession
levels, Edina’s median housing price in 2020 is
25 percent higher than before the recession.
“Historically, we have not seen these dramatic
declines in tax base,” said Finance Director Don
Uram.
That diversification and history could be
important as coronavirus weighs on the
economy. The National Association of Realtors
Research Group, along with many financial
experts, has predicted that COVID-19 will have
the biggest hit on retail and office properties
with stores closing and less demand for office
space. The travel industry has been hammered
already.
While Edina has retail and office properties that
could be affected, retail-heavy communities that
also have lots of hotels, such as Bloomington,
have a much murkier outlook.
If a city’s estimated market value falls, the tax
rate has to rise to keep revenue levels up to pay
for schools, roads and services. People end up
paying more in taxes on property that is worth
less. Often, due to limits on tax rate increases,
they also see cuts in services, which lowers the
attractiveness of that community to homebuyers
and businesses.
While Uram can’t predict exactly how Edina will
be affected by coronavirus, he believes the City’s
tax base will provide a solid foundation through
this crisis.
“From a tax base perspective, Edina is in a great
place,” Uram said.
For more information, contact Uram at
952-826-0414 or DUram@EdinaMN.gov.
Tax Base Diversification Helps Edina Weather Economic Storms
City Has Solid Base to Limit Impact of Coronavirus Fallout
4
POPULAR ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT 2019
The City of Edina reports financial year-end
results in its Comprehensive Annual Financial
Report (CAFR). This report summarizes
significant data from select funds in the
Dec. 31, 2019 CAFR and is consistent with
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
For a complete review of the City’s financial
position for 2019, consult the CAFR, available
at EdinaMN.gov/Finance.
2008Value (billions)2012
Assessment Year
201620102014 2018 20200
3
6
9
12
15
Estimated Value
City of Edina Properties
City of Edina EdinaMN.gov 5
Ramp Improvements, New Apartments and Retail Space Refresh Market Street
Business Owners and Visitors Take Advantage of New Public Spaces
BY KAITLIN GAULT
Over the span of a year and a half, Braemar
Arena received a major overhaul to improve its
energy efficiency and upgrade old systems and
failing equipment.
Out of the 25 largest buildings owned and
maintained by the City of Edina, Braemar Arena
was ranked in the top five for inefficiencies.
Realizing this, the Arena and City’s
Sustainability Division decided to participate in a
recommissioning study in 2017 with the Center
for Energy Efficiency, which recommended 26
energy conservation opportunities.
“We came to the decision that instead of being
reactive to breaking equipment and failing
systems, we need to be proactive and include
sustainability with the solution,” said Braemar
Arena & Field General Manager Chad Eischens.
“I can tell you we are spending a lot less time
and money fixing burned out rink lights.”
From the study, 18 recommendations have
been completed, two were attempted and
proven unsuccessful, and six have not yet been
attempted due to high cost.
“We were strategic with implementing the
recommendations,” said Eischens. “We dialed
into the payback timeframe and the return on
investment.”
After starting the process in 2018, staff
continued in 2019 with updates, including
additional LED lighting rink improvements,
replacing the water heater, installing a low
e-ceiling in the south arena, and installing
a variable frequency drive to allow different
pumps and fans to operate at different speeds.
The City’s Sustainability Fund and part of the
Arena’s Fund were used to pay $122,813 for
2019 projects. Staff also made a concerted
effort to partner with local utility companies to
obtain rebates.
When it comes to seeing the value of
the investments in real time, the robust
recommission effort and resolution of the
completed items have positively impacted the
Braemar Arena Invests in an Efficient Future
Energy Upgrades Save Operating Costs and Time
The Center Ramp was completed as a part of Nolan Mains
at 50th & France last fall. Photo by Kaylin Eidsness
BY KAYLIN EIDSNESS
After five years of planning and two years of
construction, the project to transform Market
Street in downtown Edina has wrapped up.
“The City and Housing & Redevelopment
Authority (HRA) are proud to see the beginning
of a new chapter at 50th & France,” said
Economic Development Manager Bill Neuendorf.
“Market Street has been transformed into
a vibrant place that welcomes residents,
customers and clients.”
In December 2016, Buhl Investors and Saturday
Properties were selected by the HRA to improve
public parking and add vitality to this sleepy
portion of 50th & France. Construction of the
$12 million expansion of the North Ramp was
completed during the winter of 2018. The
new Center Ramp and public amenities were
paid for by the developers as a part of the $74
million project. The City issued a $10.1 million
tax-increment financing note to the developer
to reimburse them for qualified costs of the
project. Construction was completed on the
Center Ramp along with Nolan Mains during the
winter of 2019.
As of April, 75 percent of the Nolan Mains
apartments were occupied and about 25
percent of the 35,000 square feet of new
commercial space is committed. 50th & France
already features more than 175 retailers,
restaurants and professional services.
John Breitinger sits on the 50th & France
Business & Professional Association Board of
Directors and has owned property in the area
since 1985.
“The first quarter of this year, we saw things
actually performing the best they have in the
last three years,” said Breitinger. “There’s an
energy with more people there more hours of
the day and it’s definitely making a difference.”
Rachel Thelemann, Executive Director of
the 50th & France Business & Professional
Association, said they’re excited to engage the
community with their new retail and outdoor
plaza space.
“We look forward to offering fun programming
for the community and families,” she said.
For more information on the construction
project, visit EdinaMN.gov or contact
Neuendorf at 952-826-0407. For more
information on 50th & France, visit
50thandfrance.com.
building operations in kilowatts, maintenance
cost and natural gas use. The Arena is spending
less money and staff time on equipment repairs,
and customers have said they enjoy the new
lighting and say the quality and consistency of
the ice has improved.
For more information about Braemar Arena,
visit BraemarArena.com or call 952-833-9500.
2017 20192018
Braemar Arena Reduction in
Annual Utility Cost
Light & Power HeatThousands$100
$300
$0
$200
$400
ANNUAL REPORT
After closing for two full seasons for a complete course
renovation, the Championship 18 at Braemar Golf Course
opened for play May 18, 2019. Photo by Peter Wong
BY KAITLIN GAULT
The City of Edina’s new Championship 18 at
Braemar Golf Course opened for the season
May 18, 2019, after its renovation debut to
golfers across the region. The Championship 18
was the last piece of a $7.5 million renovation
at Braemar Golf Course, 6364 John Harris
Drive, that included new putting and chipping
practice areas, remodeled pro shop and the
new outdoor Braemar Courtyard for games and
events.
The decision to renovate the tired 27-hole course
and consolidate golf operations to concentrate
on core assets was a financial one. The City
was losing between $265,000 and $360,000
annually due to deferred maintenance and major
issues like an outdated irrigation system.
The goals of the redesign, led by Richard
Mandell Golf Architecture, supported the
emphasis on creating a course for all ages and
abilities. The new design features the removal
of gender-linked markers and addition of
family-friendly improvements to the Braemar
Courtyard, among other changes.
After waiting two seasons for construction and
grow-in, golfers were eager to test out the
completely transformed 6,884-yard golf course
designed to create strategic options for all talent
levels. In its first season, Braemar generated
$2,876,441 in revenue and hosted 60,511 total
rounds of golf.
Braemar Golf Course General Manager Joe
Abood said the first season went extremely well.
“Play was up on days we were open, and we
were scheduled to be at capacity most of the
time,” Abood said. “The course matured nicely,
and it continued to improve throughout the
season. Conditions-wise, it kept getting better.”
The course sold 60,488 buckets at the driving
range, which brought in $413,003 in revenue.
Before the range was closed in 2017, it sold only
$330,053.
While there wasn’t a tee time to spare, the
course also experienced external factors that
impacted revenue. “We had some weather
issues,” Abood said. “It was the second-wettest
year in Minnesota recorded history, which hurt
play. We were scheduled almost every day to be
at capacity, but the weather was a challenge.”
Braemar Golf Dome, 7420 Braemar Blvd.,
increased revenue and the overall visitor
experience by making strategic investments in
2019. The facility upgraded tee dividers, installed
seating behind stalls, expanded its contract
to allow the sale of alcohol, added additional
parking and became a Toptracer Range facility.
The Dome generated total revenue of $519,374
in 2019.
Listening to visitors’ feedback and recognizing
the shift from customers solely seeking
a practice facility to also wanting more
entertainment, the City decided to offer onsite
food service and alcohol sales at the Dome. Red
River Kitchen now provides both.
Anticipating an increase in visitors from the new
Toptracer Range technology, the City spent
$60,000 from the Golf Course Fund to increase
the Dome’s parking lot capacity. Staff was
correct with their predictions. From November
through December with the new Toptracer
technology, the Dome made $174,987 in
revenue. In 2018 during the same two months,
it made $99,784.
Just three months after the technology debuted
at the facility, the Dome became one of
Toptracer Range’s top facilities in participation
and usage globally. That same month, the
Dome had a record month in customer visits
and revenue.
“We know our customers were looking for that
upgraded experience, and this technology has
really added to the overall value of our facility,”
said Abood. “The Braemar Golf Dome is one
of the only indoor driving ranges in Minnesota
equipped with Toptracer Range, the same ball-
tracking technology the pros use.”
From January through mid-March 2020, the
Dome generated $477,960 in revenue, a
significant increase from the $311,679 revenue in
2019 in the same months. Due to the COVID-19
pandemic, the Dome was forced to close a few
weeks early for the season on March 13.
For more information, visit
www.BraemarGolf.com or call 952-903-5750.
First Season at Renovated Braemar Golf Course Sees Increased Play
New Amenities and Technology at Golf Dome Increase Revenue
6
20172016 20192018
Braemar Golf Course and Dome
Revenue and Rounds
Revenue (in thousands)Rounds / Timed Golf (in thousands)$1,000 20
$500 10
$2,000 40
$0 0
$1,500 30
$3,500 70
$3,000 60
$2,500 50
Golf Dome
Revenue
Golf Course
Revenue
Total Rounds
of Golf
Number of Dome
Timed Golf
ANNUAL REPORT
ANNUAL REPORT
City of Edina EdinaMN.gov 7
Detailed in the graphs provided are the 2019 and
2018 total revenues and expenditures for all the
governmental funds. Expenditures are presented
by function, while revenues are presented by
category. At the end of the current fiscal year,
revenues and expenditures totaled $68.7 million
and $71.4 million respectively, for an overall
decrease in fund balance before other financing
sources of $2.7 million.
Revenues came in 2 percent, or $1.2 million higher
than 2018. The increase is primarily attributed
to $1.8 million more collected for taxes. The
increase in taxes is the result of an increased
General Fund operating levy that provides funding
to continue existing services levels. Taxes, which
are made up of property, franchise and lodging
taxes, remain a heavily relied on revenue source
for governmental operations, making up 58
percent of all governmental fund revenues and
67 percent of the General Fund. Tax increment
collections increased due to more being received
in the Southdale 2 Tax Increment Financing district
than anticipated. Licenses and permits as well as
intergovernmental revenue were down in 2019.
Licenses and permits is dependent upon the
number and valuation of residential/commercial
projects; intergovernmental revenue fluctuates
based upon the infrastructure projects and their
related Municipal State Aid (MSA) in any given
year. Charges for services was up due to a change
in billing provider for ambulance services at
the end of 2018. The increase in miscellaneous
revenues is due to investment income as the result
of better economic conditions.
Expenditures came in 2 percent, or $1.2 million
higher than 2018. The increase is attributed to
a decrease in general government ($6.4 million)
offset by increases in public safety ($4 million ),
Public Works ($1.4 million) and parks ($2.1 million).
The general government is lower because 2018 had
substantial capital outlay expenses related to the
expansion of the north parking ramp in the 50th &
France 2 TIF District ($10.5 million). 2019 had lower
capital outlay of $4.1 million mostly attributable
to the $2.9 million land purchase of 4100 W. 76th
St. out of the Southdale 2 TIF District. The public
safety increase is due to the purchase of three new
fire trucks ($2 million), along with the addition
of four new fire positions and increased costs of
services due to inflation. The Public Works increase
is mostly driven by the purchase of three new snow
plows and an asphalt patching truck ($905,000).
Likewise, the increase in parks is mostly driven by
capital outlay for the Arden Park shelter and Fred
Richards project ($2 million).
Governmental Funds
Governmental Fund Expenditures
2018 2019 Difference
General Government $21,523,784 $15,171,968 $6,351,816
Public Safety $21,156,896 $25,163,672 $4,006,776
Public Works $13,917,199 $15,301,476 $1,384,277
Parks $5,994,213 $8,047,901 $2,053,688
Debt Service $7,622,963 $7,702,002 $79,039
Totals $70,215,055 $71,387,019 $1,171,964
$5
$15
$0
$10
$20
$25
$30
Public
Safety
ParksGeneral
Government
Public
Works
Debt
ServiceMillionsGovernmental Fund Expenditures Comparison
2018 2019
Governmental Fund Revenues
$5
$15
$0
$10
$20
$25
$30
$40
$35
Special
Assessments
Tax
Increment
Collections
Charges
for
Services
Taxes Licenses
&
Permits
Inter-
govern-
mental
Misc.Fines and
ForfeitsMillionsGovernmental Fund Revenues Comparison
2018 2019 Difference
Taxes $38,198,624 $39,998,919 $1,800,295
Tax Increment
Collections $4,997,706 $5,447,108 $449,402
Special Assessments $4,747,205 $4,741,557 $5,648
Licenses and Permits $5,912,757 $5,183,754 $729,003
Intergovernmental $5,124,573 $3,687,620 $1,436,953
Charges for Services $4,898,548 $5,431,941 $533,393
Fines and Forfeits $1,122,426 $1,097,122 $25,304
Miscellaneous $2,511,838 $3,078,583 $566,745
Totals $67,513,677 $68,666,604 $1,152,927
2018 2019
952-927-8861 | mail@EdinaMN.gov City of Edina EdinaMN.gov
BY DEBBIE TOWNSEND
Sleepy Arden Park, where a few neighbors
walked their dogs, children clambered on
the outdated playground and the occasional
fisherman dropped a line, has found new life.
“Before it was under-utilized, and now with the
trails and everyone wanting to get outside, it is
completely full of people,” said Tom Swenson,
Assistant Director - Parks & Natural Resources.
“We have received a lot of positive feedback on
the trails from the users out there.”
The final touches are wrapping up on a
restoration project that has transformed Arden
Park, 5230 Minnehaha Blvd. And Edina residents
paid only part of the bill.
The restoration included remeandering a
section of Minnehaha Creek, removing invasive
buckthorn that blocked it from view, adding
trails and water access points, installing an
elaborate system to clean stormwater before
it enters the creek, and planting thousands of
native trees and bushes. The City paid about
$1.37 million of the total $3.5 million costs, with
project partner Minnehaha Creek Watershed
District (MCWD) and grants picking up the
remaining cost.
Taking advantage of that project, the City used
the opportunity to replace the outdated shelter
building with what Swenson called “the nicest
shelter in town,” install a new playground and
hockey rink, and improve lighting. Those added
up to nearly $1.2 million. Funding for the project
came from fees on new development, the
Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Fund, utility fees
and dedicated park funds.
The park restoration plan, which was developed
with extensive public input, was followed
closely, Engineering Services Manager Ross
Bintner said. “It’s been good to see all the
people using the park and strolling in the natural
areas,” he said.
Shallow areas, ripples and boulders along the
creek have already proven popular, along with
easy access points that let people walk right up
to the water.
“I’ve seen a lot of young families playing in
the water next to the creek,” Swenson said.
“Before, I don’t recall seeing anyone interacting
with the creek water other than to fish.”
Trails through the park and sidewalks around it
have been busy. The main lawn area will grow in
by late summer and host playground programs
Residents Flock to Newly Restored Arden Park
Creek Access, Playgrounds and Trails Are Popular Improvements
and special events once those resume. MCWD
Planner-Project Manager Laura Domyancich
expects it will take three to five years for the
new plants and trees to grow in and start to fill
out the spaces. A maintenance contract, part of
the original project price, will cover the cost of
replanting any trees or bushes that don’t make it
through the early years of the restoration.
“Seeing so many people enjoying the trails that
lead to all corners of the park and noticing the
diversity of plants and animals that are using
the various restored habitats is such a joy!”
Domyancich said.
For more information, visit EdinaMN.gov/
ArdenParkProject.
Federal Grant Helps City Hire Six Paramedic/Firefighters
Paramedic/Firefighters John Meyer, Ryan Schmitz, Allie Adie and Alex Heroff prepare
to get sworn in March 17, 2020. The four were part of a group of six Paramedic/
Firefighters hired through a federal Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response
(SAFER) grant the Edina Fire Department was awarded in 2019. The roughly
$900,000 grant will help offset the expense of hiring the additional staff through the
grant’s completion in March 2023. Photo by Kaylin Eidsness
For more information on the Edina Fire Department, visit EdinaMN.gov/Fire.
8
Paddlers and tubers enjoy the now visible Minnehaha Creek
at Arden Park. Photo by Katie Laux
CITY OF EDINA
4801 WEST 50TH STREET
EDINA, MN 55424
***ECRWSS***POSTAL PATRONCAR-RT-WS
PRESORT STD
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TWIN CITIES MN
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