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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
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