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Home My WebLink AboutEdition Edina Jan 2022City of Edina EdinaMN.gov 1 Deeper Shade of Green: Council Adopts Edina’s First Climate Action Plan Plan Includes 200 Actions to Be Completed Before 2030 BY JENNIFER BENNEROTTE In 2022, the City will increase its use of compost in street reconstruction projects to divert organics from landfills. A street tree guide and landscape design standards will be developed to establish a list of tree and plant species appropriate for a future local climate. The City will also join Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy program to establish and promote a residential energy efficiency and renewable energy program. Those are just three of dozens of actions the City will take this year as part of Edina’s first Climate Action Plan, approved by the City Council in December. The plan outlines strategies and actions to support achieving increased climate resilience, reductions in local greenhouse gas emissions and further advancement of the City’s sustainability goals. “The discussion of climate change has been taking place for more than three decades, but it has been in the last four or five years that we have started to see its impact firsthand. We can no longer go on pretending that the problem is happening somewhere else and that we at the local level don’t have enough power to do our part,” said Hilda Martinez, Chair of the Energy & Environment Commission. “We are at a point in time where we need to make transformative changes at all levels of society in order to avoid more severe and devastating impacts.” The plan includes 200 actions that can be taken in Edina to meet goals by 2030. The City’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals are to be compatible with the 2015 Paris Agreement. The City will target a reduction in its operations and communitywide emissions by 45 percent below 2019 levels and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Goals are arranged under the sectors of Transportation & Land Use, Water & Wastewater, Buildings & Energy, Local Food & Agriculture, Green Space & Trees, Climate Health & Safety and Climate Economy. “Approval of this plan ties past diligent work toward a healthy environment in Edina to a future where longtime community members and newcomers alike can thrive,” said Sustainability Manager Grace Hancock. “It’s been a joy to provide space for this plan to be developed in a way that is welcoming and equitable, and I’m excited to build on this strong foundation of community partnership as the City begins implementing this road map for a resilient Edina.” Development of the extensive plan took 11 months by a team of 26 people who considered feedback from almost 450 residents. For more information or to see the entire plan, visit EdinaMN.gov/Sustainability. Edition: Edina JANUARY 2022 Volume 9, Issue 1Strong FoundationCITY GOALS:Better TogetherReliable Service Livable City The Edina Climate Action Plan addresses eight sectors of greenhouse gas emissions and climate vulnerabilities through 36 strategies supported by 200 actions detailing steps to be taken during a nine-year implementation timeframe. The eight sectors are: Implementation TRANSPORTATION & LAND USE WATER & WASTEWATER LOCAL FOOD & AGRICULTURE CLIMATE HEALTH & SAFETY GREEN SPACE & TREES CLIMATE ECONOMY BUILDINGS & ENERGY The Edina City Council approved Edina’s first Climate Action Plan at its meeting Dec. 7. Members of the Energy & Environment Commission and Climate Action Plan Team celebrated with a banner at the meeting. (Photo by Jennifer Bennerotte) 22 BY THE NUMBERS Auto Theft Prevention The Edina Police Department encourages residents and visitors to follow its auto theft and theft from auto prevention tips after a recent increase in these types of crimes in the community. Most of the recent cases can be considered “crimes of opportunity” and have involved unlocked vehicles, vehicles with visible valuables left inside or in homes with open garage doors. Patrols have been increased, and officers have been working overtime to deter crimes of this nature. The Police Department is requesting the community’s partnership in prevention, in hopes of further reducing criminal activity. Use the phrase “Lock Around the Clock” to remind yourself to secure your property at all hours of the day. You can also remember to “Tell TIME to avoid being a victim of a crime.” TIME is an acronym for the Police Department’s auto theft prevention tips: – COMPILED BY BRITTANY BADER BY DEBBIE TOWNSEND Long before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the Edina Education Fund (EEF) began discussing ways to boost mental health support for students. While Edina Public Schools has robust support compared to many other school districts, the number of counselors, social workers and psychologists in schools wasn’t meeting all the needs. Then came COVID. “The pandemic has taken a mental health toll on people,” said Community Health Administrator Jeff Brown. “It’s basically shined a light on the fact that mental health is important, and people need mental health resources.” Up to 70 percent of Edina Public Schools households have concerns about mental health and wellness, according to the EEF. Distance learning, isolation, virus outbreaks and even the return to classrooms have all stressed children and their families. EEF Executive Director Kathy Rendleman said a military veteran familiar with post- traumatic stress disorder framed it this way: “This pandemic is longer than the average military deployment.” To help Edina families, the City is giving $142,000 of its 2021 allotment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to the EEF’s Mental Health Campaign. “We wanted to look outside of ourselves and into the community with our ARPA funds to try to make good investments in the community itself and not just Edina Schools’ Mental Health Fund Gets Boost City Directs $142K in ARPA Funds to Help Families and School Staff 4 911 24 Memorize the four auto theft prevention tips of “TIME” to help deter criminals. The number of hours in the day that the community should “Lock Around the Clock.” Remember to call 911 to report a crime or any suspicious activity. city government,” said City Manager Scott Neal. The campaign’s goals include: •Hiring five new full-time mental health professionals to add to those already in Edina schools •Providing districtwide training so all staff can recognize and respond to students or staff suffering traumatic stress •Providing summer mental health staff so students have year-round support •Helping pay for mental health services for students who don’t have health coverage The City’s contribution, along with more than $70,000 donated from community members, has pushed the campaign beyond its pre-pandemic goal, but that was just a starting point to address the needs. The pandemic continues to take a toll on students and all staff, from teachers and administrators to bus drivers. “Just because kids are back in classes, the work isn’t done,” Rendleman said. Edinaedfund.org Send a check to Edina Education Fund, 5701 Normandale Road, Edina, MN 55424 For corporate matches, stock donations or other donation questions, contact EEF Office Manager Sue Carlson at sue.carlson@Edinaschools.org To Donate Take your keys with you Make sure you lock all windows and doors In your car, don’t leave valuables visible Even when you’re home, close garage doors T M I E Please reach out to the Edina Police Department at 952-826-1610 with any questions. To see a map of recent criminal activity, visit EdinaMN.gov/Police. 3City of Edina EdinaMN.gov 3City of Edina EdinaMN.gov City of Edina Directory City Council Jim Hovland Mayor 612-874-8551 Ron Anderson Council Member 952-833-9549 Carolyn Jackson Council Member 952-833-9547 James Pierce Council Member 952-833-9548 Kevin Staunton Council Member 612-743-7571 City Staff Scott Neal City Manager 952-826-0401 Lisa Schaefer Assistant City 952-826-0416 Manager Jennifer Communications 952-833-9520 Bennerotte Director Ryan Browning I.T. Director 952-826-0434 Kelly Curtin Human Resources 952-826-0402 Director Alisha Finance Director 952-826-0419 McAndrews Todd Milburn Police Chief 952-826-0487 Chad Millner Engineering Director 952-826-0318 Brian Olson Public Works Director 952-826-0311 Andrew Slama Fire Chief 952-826-0332 Cary Teague Community 952-826-0460 Development Director Perry Vetter Parks & 952-826-0430 Recreation Director Call 952-927-8861 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for general information. If you have a situation after hours or on weekends, but do not require immediate response from a paramedic, firefighter, police officer or Public Works crew, call the Police Department’s non- emergency number, 952-826-1610. BY DAN REISIG Over the summer, a mother reached out to Edina’s 911 emergency dispatch with concerns about her son’s mental health. Previous encounters with Police had not gone well, and she was looking for options. Instead of a potentially dangerous interaction with Police, Hennepin County Social Worker Donna Nelson accompanied an officer to get the young man the help he needed. Situations like this happen on a near- daily basis in Edina. And starting this month, Nelson will be embedded full time with the City to address community’s increasing needs. “The ultimate goal is to benefit the community and the Police Department so the Police can focus on crimes, and I can focus on the mental health and other issues as they come up,” Nelson explained. She began with the City in 2020 in a part- time role, splitting time between Edina and Richfield. As part of a county-wide expansion of services, both cities will now have a full-time person. “She has been dividing her time between two agencies. We have had great results and want to expand on that. Having one dedicated person will help us continue to build that relationship with investigators, officers and community members,” said Lt. Dan Conboy, who oversees her work with the Edina Police. Through the month of November, 241 police reports were referred to Nelson. Although she goes on ride-alongs with officers and can respond to calls in real time, most of her work comes after the fact. “A lot of my job is looking for resources for families or individuals,” she explained. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an adverse effect on social services. Much of Nelson’s work is with seniors in Edina, particularly those who are isolated in their homes. Oftentimes, calls for service from that group can be the result of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, and prove to be a false alarm. Through Nelson’s work, those situations can be properly addressed. “That’s definitely a benefit for our officers because it frees up time on their end,” Conboy said. “Now, when residents need emergency help, they have a better chance of getting it sooner, because we don’t have officers tied up on a mental health followup or something else she might be doing.” Funding for Nelson’s position continues to be split between Edina Police and Hennepin County budgets. She also works with the city’s homeless population, alongside the Fire Department and its Community Health Division. “It’s providing a resource for the community and being able to be that person who they can contact versus calling the Police,” she said. “There aren’t that many [calls for the Police to check on someone] being made anymore, because people know there’s someone there taking care of their needs.” “It’s great to have an expert in that area for some of the situations that officers have to go to, but don’t have the experience, knowledge or resources available to them to handle it appropriately,” Conboy added. “A lot of times, we have to refer people, but Donna may be able to do something instantly to get them the help that they need.” Nelson can be reached at 952-826-1654 or Donna.J.Nelson@hennepin.us. For more information on the Edina Police, visit EdinaMN.gov/Police or call 952-826-1610. Social Worker Donna Nelson Switches to Full-Time Role in Edina Hennepin County Employee Previously Split Time Between Edina and Richfield Social Worker Donna Nelson will be embedded in the Edina Police Department full time in 2022. (Photo by Dan Reisig) CELEBRATE THE SEASON AT THE WINTER ICE FESTIVAL! Sunday, Jan. 16, 1 p.m., Centennial Lakes Park Enjoy face painting, skating, ice carving and more! Skate rental and concessions will be available. 952-927-8861 | mail@EdinaMN.gov City of Edina EdinaMN.gov4 Iskaan-garee koodhkan oo ku fiiri soomaali EdinaMN.gov/SomaliEE EdinaMN.gov/SpanishEE Escanee este código para ver en español Campbell Knutson Continues to Represent the City David Kendall is City Attorney BY RICARDO ACOSTA Though he has been working in the role for more than a year, David Kendall is now officially the City Attorney for Edina. The Campbell Knutson law firm represented the City for 15 years. The previous City Attorney, Roger Knutson retired in October 2020, and Kendall, who had previous experience with the City, stepped in to continue providing services. Earlier this year, the City interviewed other law firms to decide the next City Attorney. City Manager Scott Neal had wanted to test the legal market to see who might be interested in serving the City as its attorney. After the interviews, City leadership came to the conclusion that Campbell Knutson is best suited to continue to represent the City. “I am very pleased, happy and humbled that the City decided to continue working with my law firm and me. They had a choice after Roger retired. They could have gone to someone else, but they chose to stay with us. I get to be the one to continue that work, so I’m really pleased about that. I’ve enjoyed working with everyone in the City so far, and they with me, and I’m looking forward to continuing that,” Kendall said. The City Council endorsed Neal’s selection at its Nov. 3 meeting, approving a three- year contract with Campbell Knutson. “I have some familiarity with the legal business in the city attorney community, and I told Mr. Neal about a year ago when Mr. Knutson retired that he should be well aware of what a good gig this one is and that he shouldn’t settle, and we should get the right person for the job,” said City Council Member Kevin Staunton during the meeting. “We had the good fortune of watching Mr. Kendall working for the last year and I’m happy to say that he’s gotten the right guy and he hasn’t settled, and I’m really pleased that he is working with us.” Kendall has been working as a city attorney for the last 20 years. In 2018, he began to handle litigation for the City of Edina alongside Knutson. “I like the public service aspect of it. I like the fact that when you’re working with government entities – and specifically cities – you are always kind of trying to do things for the greater good that will benefit the largest amount of people as possible,” said Kendall. “In the legal field, there’s a lot of pressure to specialize and do just one thing all day, but as a city attorney you can’t do that, and that’s the fun of it – to work on different things every day.” The City Attorney advises City staff on legal questions they may have and attends City meetings including those of the City Council and Housing & Redevelopment Authority. “I believe longevity comes into play here. The City is in a particular spot right now as we have a lot of things going on, and it’s important that we have a City Attorney who understands all of this and what we are working toward,” said City Management Fellow Risi Karim, who was also part of the selection process. For more information, visit EdinaMN.gov. City Attorney David S. Kendall (Submitted Photo) Internet Service for You Special thanks For details, to find out if you’re eligible, and to sign up, visit: To learn more, visit: *Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Equipment, installation, home drop off, taxes, and other applicable charges and fees extra, and subject to change. BetterTogetherEdina.org City of Edina QR Code here Partner logo here Using American Rescue Plan Act money, the City of Edina is sponsoring high-speed internet connections for qualifying residents. If you are eligible and approved, the Internet Essentials monthly service fee (normally $9.95 per month + tax) will be at no cost to you! You could receive a reliable home internet connection through Dec. 31, 2022! BetterTogetherEdina.org [Insert Program or Campaign name if applicable] is a partnership program between [insert city/entity name] and [insert city/entity name]. Internet Service for You Special thanks For details, to find out if you’re eligible, and to sign up, visit: To learn more, visit: *Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Equipment, installation, home drop off, taxes, and other applicable charges and fees extra, and subject to change. BetterTogetherEdina.org City of Edina QR Code here Partner logohere Using American Rescue Plan Act money, the City of Edina is sponsoring high-speed internet connections for qualifying residents. If you are eligible and approved, the Internet Essentials monthly service fee (normally $9.95 per month + tax) will be at no cost to you! You could receive a reliable home internet connection through Dec. 31, 2022! BetterTogetherEdina.org [Insert Program or Campaign name if applicable] is a partnership program between [insert city/entity name] and [insert city/entity name]. Internet Service for You Special thanks For details, to find out if you’re eligible, and to sign up, visit: To learn more, visit: *Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Equipment, installation, home drop off, taxes, and other applicable charges and fees extra, and subject to change. BetterTogetherEdina.org City of Edina QR Code here Partner logo here Using American Rescue Plan Act money, the City of Edina is sponsoring high-speed internet connections for qualifying residents. If you are eligible and approved, the Internet Essentials monthly service fee (normally $9.95 per month + tax) will be at no cost to you! You could receive a reliable home internet connection through Dec. 31, 2022! BetterTogetherEdina.org [Insert Program or Campaign name if applicable] is a partnership program between [insert city/entity name] and [insert city/entity name]. Internet Service for You Special thanks For details, to find out if you’re eligible, and to sign up, visit: To learn more, visit: *Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Equipment, installation, home drop off, taxes, and other applicable charges and fees extra, and subject to change. BetterTogetherEdina.org City of Edina QR Code here Partner logo here Using American Rescue Plan Act money, the City of Edina is sponsoring high-speed internet connections for qualifying residents. If you are eligible and approved, the Internet Essentials monthly service fee (normally $9.95 per month + tax) will be at no cost to you! You could receive a reliable home internet connection through Dec. 31, 2022! BetterTogetherEdina.org [Insert Program or Campaign name if applicable] is a partnership program between [insert city/entity name] and [insert city/entity name]. Internet Service for You Special thanks For details, to find out if you’re eligible, and to sign up, visit: To learn more, visit: *Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Equipment, installation, home drop off, taxes, and other applicable charges and fees extra, and subject to change. BetterTogetherEdina.org City of Edina QR Code here Partner logo here Using American Rescue Plan Act money, the City of Edina is sponsoring high-speed internet connections for qualifying residents. If you are eligible and approved, the Internet Essentials monthly service fee (normally $9.95 per month + tax) will be at no cost to you! You could receive a reliable home internet connection through Dec. 31, 2022! BetterTogetherEdina.org [Insert Program or Campaign name if applicable] is a partnership program between [insert city/entity name] and [insert city/entity name]. Internet Service for You Special thanks For details, to find out if you’re eligible, and to sign up, visit: To learn more, visit: *Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Equipment, installation, home drop off, taxes, and other applicable charges and fees extra, and subject to change. BetterTogetherEdina.org City of Edina QR Code here Partner logo here Using American Rescue Plan Act money, the City of Edina is sponsoring high-speed internet connections for qualifying residents. If you are eligible and approved, the Internet Essentials monthly service fee (normally $9.95 per month + tax) will be at no cost to you! You could receive a reliable home internet connection through Dec. 31, 2022! BetterTogetherEdina.org [Insert Program or Campaign name if applicable] is a partnership program between [insert city/entity name] and [insert city/entity name]. Internet Service for You Special thanks For details, to find out if you’re eligible, and to sign up, visit: To learn more, visit: *Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Equipment, installation, home drop off, taxes, and other applicable charges and fees extra, and subject to change. BetterTogetherEdina.org City of Edina QR Code here Partner logo here Using American Rescue Plan Act money, the City of Edina is sponsoring high-speed internet connections for qualifying residents. If you are eligible and approved, the Internet Essentials monthly service fee (normally $9.95 per month + tax) will be at no cost to you! You could receive a reliable home internet connection through Dec. 31, 2022! BetterTogetherEdina.org [Insert Program or Campaign name if applicable] is a partnership program between [insert city/entity name] and [insert city/entity name]. 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