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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEdition Edina October 2020Edition: Edina OCTOBER 2020 Volume 7, Issue 11Strong FoundationCITY GOALS:Better TogetherReliable Service Livable City EDINA COVID-19 RESOURCE HOTLINE 952-826-0370 BY KAITLIN GAULT Your vote matters, and the City wants to make sure you know how to make it count in the Nov. 3 General Election. Ballot drop-off and in-person absentee voting for the Nov. 3 General Election is available now at Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St. The voting process at City Hall is similar to past elections, but includes a new ballot drop-off area and COVID-19 precautions. Ballot drop-off is available outside of City Hall through 3 p.m. Nov. 3. Voters may drop off their ballots weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. without leaving their car, which reduces person-to-person contact and provides a quick and easy way to vote. To drop off a ballot, enter the parking lot from West 50th Street and follow the signs to the drop-off tent. Those dropping off ballots will then exit on Grange Road. For those not requesting a ballot online, in-person absentee voting is available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at City Hall. On Saturday, Oct. 31, it will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and until 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2. To ensure social distancing, a limited number of voters will be allowed inside City Hall. Once capacity inside the building has been reached, voters will queue up under a tent. Voters are encouraged to apply for an absentee ballot online at bit.ly/MNAbsentee. All in-person voters are required to enter City Hall wearing a mask or face covering that covers both the mouth and nose and keep it on until they exit the building. Upon entering and exiting the City Council Chambers, voters will receive hand sanitizer. Election staff will also ensure there is proper social distancing and sanitize voting machines regularly. Edina City Clerk Sharon Allison urges voters to request their ballot early and plan how they will vote. “Voters should request an absentee ballot as soon as possible online or come to City Hall to complete the application,” Allison said. “Give yourself enough time to plan. Decide if you are going to mail it and if you are, mail it early and allow enough time for the post office to deliver it.” Allison always wants voters to remember that previously registered voters do not need a witness for their absentee ballot. For new voter registrants, a witness is needed. Vote in Nov. 3 General Election to Let Your Voice Be Heard New Ballot Drop-off Offers Easy Way to Vote Early Edina City Hall is open for absentee ballot drop-off and in-person absentee voting for the Nov. 3 General Election. Residents are able to complete their absentee ballot application, receive their ballot and submit it to be counted all in one place through Nov. 2. Photo by Kaitlin Gault City of Edina EdinaMN.gov On Nov. 3, General Election Day, voting will not be available at Edina City Hall. However, residents will be able to drop- off their absentee ballot at City Hall from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Edina residents must vote at a polling place for their precinct on Election Day, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. To find the correct polling place based on your address, visit the Secretary of State Polling Place Finder at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us. For more information about the election or voting at City Hall, visit EdinaMN.gov/Election or contact Allison at SAllison@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0408. •If you’re uncomfortable mailing your ballot, you can drop it off from your vehicle instead. •Drop-off tent will be staffed •Only ballots from Edina voters accepted •Must show ID with name and signature if dropping off a ballot for someone else Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays Sept. 24-Nov. 2; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 3 Where: City Hall parking lot, 4801 W. 50th St. Follow posted signs to enter lot for drop off. How To Drop Off Absentee Ballots 1 BY DEBBIE TOWNSEND With huge turnout expected in the Nov. 3 General Election, combined with the COVID-19 preventive measures of sanitizing and social distancing, lines are expected at polling places. Election officials are encouraging people to vote by mail. “For safety, it’s much better to vote by mail right now,” said Deputy City Clerk Jane Timm. Mail-in voting is among the CDC’s recommended ways you can help protect yourself and others from COVID-19. You can apply for an absentee ballot at Mail Your Ballot to Avoid Long Lines and Limit Virus Risk No Stamp or Witness Needed for Most Ballots bit.ly/MNAbsentee or call Hennepin County at 612-348-5151. Residents can also download and print the application at EdinaMN.gov/Election and email it to hc.vote@hennepin.us or send it by mail to Hennepin County Government Center, 300 S. 6th St. PSL 012, Minneapolis, MN 55487-0012. Timm noted that while mailed ballots need a postmark by Nov. 3 to be valid, the time for them to reach Hennepin County offices to be counted has been extended to Nov. 10, giving extra time for any delay. Some benefits of voting by mail: •You can fill out the ballot at home at your leisure. •You can take time to review and research all candidates as you go through the ballot. •No need to travel to a polling place or drop box, stand in line in cold weather or risk flu or COVID-19 exposure. •You don’t need a stamp. The ballot envelope is already postage paid. To ensure your absentee ballot arrives on time and is counted, follow these tips: •Carefully read and follow the instructions included with your ballot. •No witness is required for the Nov. 3 election unless you are also registering to vote. •Mail your ballot early to ensure it’s postmarked no later than Nov. 3 and received by Hennepin County by Nov. 10. Track your ballot to ensure it has been received by entering your address at bit.ly/MNCheckBallotStatus. When an absentee ballot is received, the signature and identification number are compared to the voter registration to ensure they match. Records are checked to verify the voter has not died or already voted in that election. The ballot is then separated from the signature envelope to keep the votes anonymous. The ballot is put through a counting machine just as if the voter had inserted it. Need a ballot? What if you change your mind after mailing your ballot? What if you make a mistake? Answers for these and other frequent questions can be found at MNvotes.org or by calling the Elections office in Edina at 952-826-0363. BY THE NUMBERS High Turnout Expected for November General Election Number of polling places in Edina 20 The Nov. 3 General Election could generate record turnout – much higher than the last presidential election in 2016 that brought out 75 percent of eligible voters statewide, 81 percent in Hennepin County and 86 percent in Edina. Voters are encouraged to vote early by absentee ballot. – COMPILED BY DEBBIE TOWNSEND Number of election judges hired by Edina for the Nov. 3 General Election Number of voting machines in Edina 240 21 2 If you are an Edina resident and a registered voter, you may vote for a Mayor and two City Council members during the Municipal Election, held in conjunction with the State General Election Nov. 3. Two Council members will be elected to four-year terms. The Mayor will also be elected to a four-year term. You will also be able to vote for federal, state and county candidates. Polling Places Polling places are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day at the following locations: Precinct Location Address Precinct 1A Shepherd of the Hills Church 500 Blake Road Precinct 1B Chapel Hills Church 6512 Vernon Ave. Precinct 2 Highlands Elementary School 5505 Doncaster Way Precinct 3 Mercy Commons Covenant Church 4201 W. 50th St. Precinct 4 Edina Morningside Community Church 4201 Morningside Road Precinct 5 Good Samaritan Church 5730 Grove St. Precinct 6 Countryside Elementary School 5701 Benton Ave. Precinct 7 Normandale Lutheran Church 6100 Normandale Road Precinct 8 South View Middle School 4725 South View Lane Precinct 9 Concord Elementary School 5900 Concord Ave. Precinct 10 St. Alban’s Church 6716 Gleason Road Precinct 11 New City Covenant Church 6400 Tracy Ave. Precinct 12 Arneson Acres Park 4711 W. 70th St. Precinct 13 Centennial Lakes Park 7499 France Ave. S. Precinct 14 Edina Community Lutheran Church 4113 W. 54th St. Precinct 15 Church of St. Patrick’s 6820 St. Patrick’s Lane Precinct 16 Cornelia Elementary School 7000 Cornelia Drive Precinct 17 Southdale Library 7001 York Ave. S. Precinct 18 Edinborough Park 7700 York Ave. S. Precinct 19 Calvary Lutheran Church 6817 Antrim Road Voters To Elect Mayor, Council Members in November Register to Vote You are qualified to vote in Minnesota if: •You are 18 years of age. •You are a citizen of the United States. •You have resided in Minnesota for 20 days. •You are registered to vote. You must re-register to vote if you have moved, changed your name or have not voted within the past four years. You can register online or register when you vote. Election Day Registration On Election Day, you may register at your polling place by presenting one of the following authorized proofs of residence: •Valid Minnesota driver’s license or learner’s permit (or receipt for either) showing current street address in precinct. •Valid Minnesota identification card (or receipt) showing current address in precinct. •Oath of a voter registered in your precinct, who is not a challenger, signed in the presence of an election judge. •Valid registration within the same precinct (applies only if the voter has moved within the same precinct). College students can show their address in the precinct by using a current fee statement and student identification card. For more information about polling locations, voter registration or absentee ballots, call the Voter Information Hotline at City Hall, 952-826-0363. – COMPILED BY HEIDI LILLIE Stay Healthy Wash your hands with hot, soapy water for at least 20 seconds; cover your coughs and sneezes; wear a mask when in public; practice social distancing and stay home if you are sick. Stay Informed To get reliable and updated information about COVID-19, refer to the Minnesota Department of Health, CDC or your health provider. Challenge the Stigma Sharing facts and accurate information about COVID-19 helps challenge rumors and stereotypes that have been negatively associated with racial and cultural groups or people wearing facemasks. There have been incidents of discrimination, bias and hate reported around the world during the pandemic. If you believe you are a victim of a hate crime because of fear around COVID-19, contact the Edina Police Department, 952-826-1610. If you feel you have experienced discrimination within the City’s services, facilities or institution, contact Race & Equity Coordinator Heidi Lee, 952-826-1622. 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! 3City of Edina EdinaMN.gov What do you like best about living in Edina? •The people in our community •Our mix of world-class health care and excellent retail •Our beautiful parks and neighborhoods What would you like to help the City improve? •Making certain we have a full spectrum of housing options to cover a lifetime of living in Edina •Transportation: where you are going and how you get there should be part of living and not effort. •Support maintaining an inclusive civil society and respectful civil discourse Areas of emphasis in your campaign? •Continued effort around community capacity to absorb and manage change •How do we create even greater value in community •Defining, post COVID, our most unfilled human needs and addressing the same What do you like best about living in Edina? •I moved here for the schools. Today, I most appreciate Edina’s excellent parks and public services. •Edina is both urban and suburban: we boast strong, beautiful, distinctive neighborhood communities and a robust commercial sector. •Edinans are considerate, compassionate, smart and ambitious. With pride, they invest their time and energy in our community. What would you like to help the City improve? •Facing population growth, demographic changes and new development proposals, Edina must exercise due diligence, considerable forethought and, when necessary, restraint. •Planning and redevelopment must be coherent, responsible and transparent. •Edina must improve its relationship with ALL residents, communicate with the School District, and underscore its mission to support neighborhoods. Areas of emphasis in your campaign? •Setting a sustainable trajectory for thoughtful, communicated change that brings all Edinans into the future together. •Rejecting party politics at the local level to build consensus. •Promoting people, equality, neighborhoods, transparency, accountability, respect, discernment, community over politics! What do you like best about living in Edina? •The people. Residents here really do want to make a difference with the direction of their city and want to stay informed. •I enjoy the green space, and the varied feel of the community where no two neighborhoods are alike. •The proximity to everything the metro area has to offer. What would you like to help the City improve? •Sensibility toward overdevelopment and the stress it puts on the community •Engagement with the community before extensive exploration/action •Discipline to follow the desires of residents for their community Areas of emphasis in your campaign? •Sensible: I will ask how City decisions enhance the quality of life for Edina residents. •Open: I will approach Council work and resident communications with independence and neutrality. •Accountable: I will ensure decision making includes resident engagement and alignment with community needs. What do you like best about living in Edina? •I like the great parks and the amazing neighbors who are very much welcoming •I like the quality of the schools in Edina •I like the safe neighborhoods, the family- friendly atmosphere, and the great community in Edina What would you like to help the City improve? •Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency – I will strive to increase the Council’s transparency and responsiveness. •Data-driven decision-making approach – Helping the City use data-driven approach in the policy-making process. •Ensuring all the voices are heard – I will commit to ensure that all voices are heard at the Edina City Council. Areas of emphasis in your campaign? •Fiscal responsibility, accountability and transparency •Data-driven decision-making approach •Ensuring all the voices are heard at the Edina City Council Candidate Profiles Edina City Council Jim Hovland Rhonda Bland MAYOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBER CITY COUNCIL MEMBER CITY COUNCIL MEMBER Joshua Ahlberg Ukasha Dakane Address: 5023 Nob Hill Drive Years in Edina: 30 Website: hovland2020.com Address: 7000 Kerry Road Years in Edina: 48 Website: Bland2020.com Address: 6825 Valley View Road Years in Edina: 9 Website: AhlbergForCouncil.org Address: 3945 Market St., Unit 223 Years in Edina: 6 Website: www.ukasha4edina.com 4 What do you like best about living in Edina? •Strong sense of community identity •Safe neighborhoods with parks •Great schools What would you like to help the City improve? •Continuing to improve communication with the residents, including leveraging Better Together Edina •Prioritizing mitigation and adaptation to climate change in City decisions •Using the Comprehensive Plan to increase predictability of Council expectations and decisions Areas of emphasis in your campaign? •Communication with the community •Prioritizing environmental sustainability •Ensuring all who live here feel safe and welcome What do you like best about living in Edina? •The schools because they brought us here and are where I became more involved in the community. •The snow removal service on the roads during winter is impeccable. This is a service coveted by our neighboring cities. •The emergency response time for fire or ambulance is terrific. What would you like to help the City improve? •I want to improve the engagement level of ALL of our community members to build a more inclusive community. •We will be dealing with the impact of COVID-19 epidemic for some time. I can help the City consider racial and social equity lens in the decision making. •I will support pathways to homeownership for members of our community who are currently priced out of the market. Areas of emphasis in your campaign? •Our campaign focus is on racial equity, affordable housing to meet community needs, and continued leadership around sustainable growth. •My experience and knowledge combined with the relationships I have formed in the community make me an asset to the City. I can make a difference as a member of the Edina City Council. What do you like best about living in Edina? •Town center celebrations and events •Neighborhood friendliness and safety •Walking/running trails! What would you like to help the City improve? •Keep the city safe •Make improvements to areas of traffic congestion for more efficient travel •Ensure that ALL feel welcome and supported in the community Areas of emphasis in your campaign? •Quality education for all •Incorporate ideas of the new generation into the workings of the Council •Emphasize research and statistics when decision-making What do you like best about living in Edina? •We considered Edina primarily because of the schools and have not been disappointed. •My wife and I love the mature park-like neighborhoods and the city’s easy access to major highways. •My wife and I have found a group of friends in Edina that make our community truly feel like home. What would you like to help the City improve? •We need to increase our efforts so that we are known as a community where all truly feel welcome. •We need to solve the problem of affordable housing. •We need to constantly upgrade our technology and services to ensure that we can continue to effectively support our seniors. Areas of emphasis in your campaign? •I will ensure that all voices are heard, making it easier for everyone to participate in the governing process. •I will focus on pragmatic data driven decision making, ensuring we stay ahead of the important community trends. •I will focus on balanced economic growth, honoring our history as we progress towards the future. Candidate Profiles Edina City Council Carolyn Jackson Janet Kitui CITY COUNCIL MEMBER CITY COUNCIL MEMBERCITY COUNCIL MEMBER CITY COUNCIL MEMBER Parinaz Kassemi James Pierce Address: 5716 Continental Drive Years in Edina: 20 Website: Carolyn4Edina.com Address: 7201 York Ave. S., Unit 519 Years in Edina: 9 Website: www.janet4edina.com Address: 6710 Vernon Ave. S. Years in Edina: Less than 1 Website: www.parinazforedina.com Address: 5505 Merritt Circle Years in Edina: 5 Website: www.pierceforedina.com City of Edina EdinaMN.gov 5 BY DAVID KATZ Edina resident Jessi Kingston has made it her life’s work to create and foster inclusive, welcoming environments for all Minnesotans. It’s a tall order, but Kingston has already impacted the state’s equity landscape in several positive and impressive ways. Until fall 2018, she helmed the City of Saint Paul’s Department of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity. In that capacity, Kingston held the City to equity- focused contract bidding and workforce development regimens, which also safeguarded fair housing and prevailing wage policies in Saint Paul. Closer to home, Kingston volunteered her expertise as a member of Edina’s Human Rights & Relations Commission. She also co-chaired Edina’s Race & Equity Task Force. This dedicated group, in turn, shepherded City stakeholders through a comprehensive and community-led process to identify and combat all forms of discrimination. The task force delivered its final report to the Edina City Council in summer 2018. In the time since, the City has adopted or moved forward on nearly all of the group’s recommendations – including hiring Edina’s first full-time Race & Equity Coordinator. According to Kingston, cultivating a truly inclusive environment may start with taking a close look at housing, hiring and police practices – but there are more, less obvious factors in play, too. For instance, “if you’re really trying to be a welcoming place for all people, then that extends to a person’s right to vote in a seamless and impartial manner,” she explained. Nearly every Election Day, Kingston does everything in her power to ensure an orderly election in her home jurisdiction, Edina’s Precinct 9 at Concord Elementary School. Kingston has greeted and assisted her neighbors there for nearly two decades. “I finished grad school in 2001, and started looking actively for ways to get involved with my community,” she recalled. “At some point during the following winter or spring, I received a postcard from Hennepin County. They were in need of election judges. I thought, ‘What a perfect way to get involved!’” For veteran judges like Kingston, much remains the same from election to election. However, each cycle often brings with it some tweaks to the rules and procedures issued by the Minnesota Secretary of State. By and large, Kingston feels that such changes are good; they address needless access barriers, streamline the process, or both. For example, Hennepin County’s shift from all-paper to electronic poll books has proven a gamechanger. Tablets expedite troubleshooting, especially in cases where a voter is brand new to the neighborhood. From her anecdotal experiences, Kingston finds that these residents are the ones most likely to have trouble providing paperwork confirming their Edina street address, and most likely to make their way to the wrong polling station by mistake. “You need to vote in the right place, but we want you to vote!” she said. Fortunately, issues like these can usually be straightened out in short order. “It’s a truly rewarding experience,” Kingston concluded. “Our right to vote is such a sacred thing here in the United States. As an election judge, you’re basically helping make it possible.” Requirements •At least 18 years of age or a high school student at least 17 years old •A U.S. citizen and a Minnesota resident for at least 20 days •Declare which party you are affiliated with, if any •Able to read, write and speak English understandably •Attend mandatory paid training •Must not be the spouse, parent, stepparent, child, sibling or step-sibling of any election judge serving in the same precinct or of any candidate on the ballot at that election •Must not live, either permanently or temporarily, with any candidate on the ballot at that election •Must not live with any election judge serving in the same precinct Desired Qualifications •Ability to understand and follow election laws, regulations and procedures •Ability to remain impartial •Ability to communicate clearly with voters •Physically and mentally able to perform assigned tasks •Attention to detail and general math skills •Enjoy assisting and serving diverse populations Duties of an Election Judge Include: •Set up and close down the polling place •Greet and assist voters •Register and sign in voters •Demonstrate proper method for completing a ballot •Distribute ballots to voters •Operate voting equipment •Help voters requiring assistance •Record and certify precinct results Election Judges Help People Exercise Right to Vote Kingston Views Work as ‘Giving Back to the Community’ Apply online at EdinaMN.gov/ElectionJudge or contact City Clerk Sharon Allison, SAllison@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0408. Jessi Kingston has served as an Election Judge at Precinct 9 at Concord Elementary School for almost 20 years. Photo by Suzanne Wortham-Ressemann Be An Election Judge! For the Nov. 3 General Election, the City of Edina has plenty of independent and DFL-affiliated judges. The City is accepting applications only for those affiliated with the Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis, Legal Marijuana Now and Republican parties. 6 City of Edina EdinaMN.gov BY KAITLIN GAULT Breakaway Academy is using Braemar Arena for some of its daily training, thanks to a new partnership. Under a new lease agreement approved by City Council in August, Breakaway is using two sheets of daytime ice from 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. weekdays through May 31, 2021. Braemar Arena’s third sheet of ice is reserved for City programs like Learn to Skate and other daytime uses. The Academy first approached City staff in May with the news that they were relocating students in Grades 4-8 to a facility just two miles from the arena. The private school, which offers hockey- focused athletics, had outgrown its former space and was looking to expand its offerings. “For the next four school years, Breakaway will rent the majority of our daytime ice for their daily training exercises that develop skills like skating, puck handling, passing, shooting, positional skills and game concepts,” said Braemar Arena General Manager Chad Eischens. “Daytime and afternoon ice during the school year has always been a quiet time around here, so this new partnership is a great opportunity for us to create a new revenue stream during ice time that typically goes unused.” Breakaway Academy Using Braemar Arena for Hockey-Focused Athletics New Partnership Generates Additional Revenue Eischens also said the new partnership will not conflict with programs of Edina Public Schools or the Edina Hockey Association. “We’re very excited about this partnership,” said Eischens. “This is something we’ve never done, and it really helps the City diversify operations and capture revenue from additional ice hours.” Since 2013, Breakaway Academy has offered students Grades 1-8 the chance to thrive in hockey-focused athletics. Alumni of the school have played for professional teams like the Colorado Avalanche and Philadelphia Flyers. “Breakaway Academy is very excited to skate at Braemar Arena for the on- ice training portion of our school,” said Director of Athletics Andy Brink. “Breakaway Academy prides itself on providing an elite academic and athletic experience for students looking for an active school day. We are grateful to the City of Edina and the staff at Braemar Arena for providing us with this opportunity.” For more information about the partnership, contact Eischens at 952- 833-9502 or CEischens@EdinaMN.gov. For more information about Breakaway Academy, visit BreakawayAcademy.net. UPCOMING EVENTS Noon Thursdays Free weekly children’s entertainment, Edinborough Park amphitheater, 7700 York Ave. S. Reservations are required due to capacity limits. Reservations open weekly 8 a.m. Tuesdays at Edinamn.maxgalaxy.net and will remain open until 11 a.m. Thursdays or until spots are filled. Masks are required for adults and children over the age of 5 and are recommended for children 2-5. Attendees should sit 6 feet apart from other households, sanitize hands before arriving, and stay home when sick. •Oct. 1: Kidpower with Rachael •Oct. 8: Westwood Hills Nature Center •Oct. 22: Bob the Beachcomber (Music) •Oct. 29: Brodini (Magician) Wednesday, Oct. 7, 7 p.m. City Council meeting, Virtual Monday, Oct. 12, 6:30 p.m. Community Health Commission meeting, Virtual Tuesday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m. Parks & Recreation Commission meeting, Virtual Tuesday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m. Heritage Preservation Commission meeting, Virtual Wednesday, Oct. 14, 7 p.m. Planning Commission meeting, Virtual Tuesday, Oct. 20, 7 p.m. City Council meeting, Virtual Wednesday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m. A Community Conversation on Race, Justice & Policing Join the City’s Human Rights & Relations Commission for a community conversation on this important topic. The conversation will be held using Webex software. Thursday, Oct. 22, 4:30 p.m. Arts & Culture Commission meeting, Virtual Thursday, Oct. 22, 6 p.m. Transportation Commission meeting, Virtual Tuesday, Oct. 27, 7 p.m. Human Rights & Relations Commission meeting, Virtual Wednesday, Oct. 28, 5- 7 p.m. HalloBoo Drive-Thru Breakaway Academy eighth-grade students listen to their coach during practice at Braemar Arena. The private school, which offers hockey-focused athletics, began using the arena for its daily training in September. Photo by Kaitlin Gault 7 952-927-8861 | mail@EdinaMN.gov City of Edina EdinaMN.gov The City Council set the 2021 preliminary tax levy at $41,787,871, up 5.95 percent from 2020. The proposed levy for 2021 increases the taxes for the owner of a median single-family house by 3.7 percent over that same homeowner’s taxes in 2020. Highlights of the budget include: •Establishment of a specific funding source for capital maintenance and infrastructure improvements through the City’s Capital Improvement Plan. •A new Police Officer position to respond to increased demand for public safety response while maintaining response times. •A new position in the Facilities Division to better manage approximately 80 City buildings/facilities with an estimated market value of $170 million. •Competitive employee compensation and benefits to attract and retain a skilled and high-performing workforce in order to maintain service levels that best meet the needs of the community. In preparation for the expected economic downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City earlier this year created a Budget Stabilization Fund. Initial funding for the $4.2 million Budget Stabilization Fund came from two primary sources: unassigned General Fund balance and Construction Fund reserves. These funds will be used in the future to help offset any potential budget shortfalls and to preserve future spending/service options without impacting the City’s budget. The City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2021 budget 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, and will act on the matter Dec. 1 or 15. In other business last month, the City Council: •Extended the temporary waiver of utility bill late fees through the end of the year to provide some assistance to homeowners and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. •Reviewed a sketch plan for a proposed redevelopment of the southeast corner of 70th Street and France. The developer is interested in tearing down an existing office and Council Sets 2021 Preliminary Tax Levy Budget Stabilization Fund Protects Service Levels U.S. Bank and building a new bank with drive-thru, 10-story office and retail building, 23-story residential tower and 7-story apartment building. Council Members gave non-binding feedback on the idea. To move forward, the developer must submit a formal application. The City Council will next meet 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, and Tuesday, Oct. 20. For more information, visit EdinaMN.gov. 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. Look for the budget goal icons throughout this publication to read stories about how the City is working to meet these goals. 8 BRAEMAR GOLF DOME BRAEMAR GOLF DOME BraemarGolfDome.com 952-903-5775 IS NOW OPEN! Experience the same ball-tracking technology the pros use, with new games added for the season. CITY OF EDINA 4801 WEST 50TH STREET EDINA, MN 55424 ***ECRWSS***POSTAL PATRONCAR-RT-WS PRESORT STD U.S. POSTAGEPAID TWIN CITIES MN Permit No. 3932