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Home My WebLink AboutEditionEdinaJuly2021POPULAR ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT PAGE 4 Edition: Edina JULY 2021 Volume 8, Issue 7Strong FoundationCITY GOALS:Better TogetherReliable Service Livable City City of Edina EdinaMN.gov 1 Slama’s Journey To Edina Comes Full Circle Former Edina Paramedic/Firefighter Returns as Fire Chief BY DAN REISIG Andrew Slama’s first day of work in Edina concluded with a traffic jam at the intersection of Minnesota Highways 62 and 100. He was headed in the wrong direction, and the brakes in his pickup truck had just given out. He had just moved north and was on his way home from his first day as a carpenter with MA Peterson Designbuild. At that moment on a summer afternoon 14 years ago, he would have given just about anything to be transported back to the small town of Winnebago, Minnesota. “If someone would have pulled up and said, ‘I’ll give you money to go back home’, I would have hopped down and left my truck right there,” Slama explained. Instead, he stayed put in the Twin Cities. He decided to pursue his passion as a firefighter, rising through the ranks in Edina and Savage, the latter where he left his post as Fire Chief to come home to the former. Slama begins work as Edina’s eighth Fire Chief Tuesday, July 6, succeeding Tom Schmitz. “I feel fortunate to have Chief Slama join our Fire Department,” said City Manager Scott Neal. “His previous experience at Edina Fire combined with his Chief experience at Savage Fire gives him valuable perspective to lead our department into the future.” Slama has been a member of the Minnesota fire service since 2004, working as a paramedic/firefighter in those two cities along with Mankato and the Mdewakanton Reservation in Prior Lake. He has ascended through the ranks through his career, serving as Captain, Deputy Chief, Fire Marshal and Chief. “Culture” is an important word in Slama’s vocabulary. He takes great pride in the culture he established in Savage and looks forward to both the challenge and opportunity of maintaining and improving that of the Edina Fire Department. “I think the culture that I try to create is of inclusivity where everyone has a voice and everyone can be a part of it,” he said. “And I really believe in educating our entire staff in the ‘why’ behind decisions. I think that helps the entire team carry out the mission that we’re trying to achieve.” It helps that there is familiarity with Edina. Slama served as a Paramedic/Firefighter in the city for five years, getting to know the community while growing his skill set and experience. While he returns for the first time since 2018, he has stayed close with the staff. “I know the city, I know the community and I know many of the people,” Slama said. “It’s a little bit of an advantage of knowing the cast and the characters.” One of the characters who Slama recalls fondly from his time in Edina is recently retired Administrative Assistant Ruth Schmoll, who Slama jokingly called “the real fire chief.” Schmoll, who spent 45 years in the department before retiring in 2020, heaped praise on the City for its choice. “There’s a reason why the City did a nationwide search for a new fire chief and ended up choosing ‘one of our own,’” Schmoll said. “Andrew is truly an amazing individual. He has the ability to maintain a calm, unassuming presence while still being strong and commanding.” Slama has plenty on his plate when he gets started on July 6, including several hires at the top of the department to replace retired staff. Long term, he hopes to plant the seeds for broader recruitment pools in the fire service, including reaching out to the school districts to educate young kids about career possibilities. “I want to be proactive, not reactive, in terms of diversifying our department, even if it’s a 10-year solution to our current situation,” Slama said. Slama compares his new department to that of a professional sports team. “It’s the culture within an organization that splits the difference between the good and the great,” he said. “Edina Fire has been always an outstanding organization and now I have this opportunity to come back and quarterback that culture. I want Edina Fire to always be the leader in the fire service – it has the people, the equipment, the community.” For more information on the Edina Fire Department, visit EdinaMN.gov/Fire. Fire Chief Andrew Slama begins his second stint with the City, after serving as a Paramedic/Firefighter from 2013 to 2018. (Photo by Dan Reisig) 2 Last Chance for Property Owners to Save Ash Trees from Invasive Pest City Forester Will Inspect a Tree and Recommend Treatment or Removal BY DEBBIE TOWNSEND This summer is probably the last chance for people to save any untreated ash trees on their Edina properties. The emerald ash borer, an invasive pest, has continued its march through the city as it makes its way across the country, infesting and killing nearly every ash tree in its wake. Many ash trees are already past the point of saving, City Forester Luther Overholt said. “I’m finding ones where if people don’t take it down immediately, it could fall into their driveway or house,” he said. Any untreated trees should be inspected right away. Treatment must be done regularly throughout the tree’s life. Before the emerald ash borer began wiping out trees, Edina had an estimated 50,000 ash trees, the vast majority on private property. Some property owners are opting to plant a new, different type of tree nearby and take down their current ash tree. Overholt and the City’s Park Maintenance staff have been planting many replacement trees of hardier varieties in City parks since before the pest was discovered in Edina in 2018. About 800 ash trees live in the City’s parks, mowed areas and open spaces. Ash trees in highly visible and accessible locations on City property are being treated against emerald ash borer to keep them alive. Visit EdinaMN.gov/AshTreeMap to see a map of recorded ash trees in Edina along with treatment status. If you have an ash tree in your yard, Park Maintenance tree experts will examine it for free. Then either Overholt or his assistant will recommend treatment or require removal. Property owners must arrange the treatment or removal on their own. If owners fail to remove an untreated, infected ash tree, Park Maintenance will have it cut down, per the City’s Diseased Tree Ordinance, and bill the property owner for the work. Learn more about emerald ash borer at bit.ly/UMEashborer. To request Overholt inspect an ash tree, contact him at LOverholt@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0308. BY THE NUMBERS Summer Fun in Edina Parks The City of Edina has 44 parks ready to be explored and enjoyed by Edina residents of all ages! While winter in Edina is all about ice skating, the summer is all about playing in parks and enjoying the green spaces across the city. Visit EdinaParks.com to find a park, trail or other summer-fun amenity near you! Combined number of tennis and pickleball courts 31 29.65 – COMPILED BY KAITLIN GAULT 1 Disc golf course14 Park shelters26 Playgrounds53 Athletic fieldsMiles of trails City Forester Luther Overholt shows the tag on an ash tree that indicates it’s being treated to save it from the invasive emerald ash borer. (Photo by Scott Denfeld) 3City of Edina EdinaMN.gov UPCOMING EVENTS Recurring Events: Children’s Entertainment, Centennial Lakes Park 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Concerts in the Park, Centennial Lakes Park 7 p.m. Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays Farmers Market, Centennial Lakes Park 3-7 p.m. Thursdays Movies in the Park, Centennial Lakes Park Sunset, Thursdays Performance on the Plaza (P.O.P.), Nolan Mains Plaza 4-7 p.m. Fridays Saturday, July 3, 10 a.m. Independence Day Parade, begins behind Edina City Hall, 4801 West 50th St. Sunday, July 4, 8:30 p.m. First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Rosland Park Note: Due to a COVID-19-related shortage of fireworks, there will not be fireworks after the concert this year. Monday, July 5 City offices closed Tuesday, July 20, Eid al Adha No City meetings Wednesday, July 21, 7 p.m. City Council meeting, Edina City Hall, Council Chambers Thursday, July 29, 7-8:30 p.m. Days Of Remembrance, Edina City Hall For a complete listing of meetings and events, visit EdinaMN.gov. 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 Watch other meetings live at youtube.com/EdinaTV. The Farmers Market is back at Centennial Lakes Park for the 2021 season! Stop by Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. to pick up farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and enjoy the beauty of the park. (File Photo) BY KAITLIN GAULT Fresh air and farm-picked fruits and vegetables, all in a scenic backdrop. The Centennial Lakes Farmers Market returns for the 2021 season ready to brighten up Thursday afternoons in Edina. The market, open from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays until Sept. 30 at 7499 France Ave. S., offers a variety of produce and locally made items. First started in 2010, the Centennial Lakes Farmers Market has grown to attract around 1,800 weekly attendees who purchase directly from local farmers, growers and producers. Last year, the market moved to the parking lot of Rosland Park to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and allow for social distancing. Centennial Lakes Park Assistant Manager Laura Fulton is excited the market is back “home.” “The Centennial Lakes Farmers Market is one of the most scenic markets in Minnesota and we’re excited to have the market back at its normal location this year,” said Fulton. “It is held along the walkways outside of Hughes Pavilion. We usually have up to 30 vendors selling a wonderful variety of homemade and locally grown products.” This year’s vendors include Bee Happy Honey, Chang’s Garden, Great Harvest Bread Company, Groveland Confections, Healthy Greens, Muddy Tiger Indian Street Food, Peter’s Pumpkins & Carmen’s Corn, Picha Farms, The Kraut Guy, Untiedt’s Vegetable Farm and more. A unique feature of the market is the afternoon start time. By hosting it later in the day, produce is fresher. Most of the produce is picked in the morning for sale the same day. It doesn’t get any fresher than same-day farm to table. Products vary weekly, but visitors can anticipate items such as apples, beans, beef, breads, cheeses, confections, eggs, fruit, honey, jams, jerky, melons, pears, peppers, pork, potatoes, salsas, strawberries and sweet corn. The market has more to offer than good- to-the-last bite food. Live music and family- friendly activities are also available. “All of our usual park amenities are open during the market,” Fulton said. “This includes paddle boats, lawn games, the putting course, Scottish links and more.” A new feature this year will be a weekly City-sponsored organics recycling table. The City’s Organics Recycling Coordinator, Twila Singh, and members of the Energy & Environment Commission will be at the table to share organics recycling tips and tricks and give away supplies to help those interested in getting started. Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation Tracy Petersen hopes the community enjoys having the market back at Centennial Lakes just as much as staff will. “It will be fun and exciting to bring the market back to Centennial Lakes where market visitors can check out their favorite vendors, eat, socialize and enjoy a walk around the lake or experience the other amenities of the park,” she said. Market customers and vendors are also able to give back to the community. Fresh produce is donated to Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP) at each market. Shoppers can buy a little extra and put it in the donation bin for VEAP. For more information, visit CentennialLakesPark.com or contact Fulton at LFulton@EdinaMN.gov or 952-833-9582. Centennial Lakes Farmers Market Offers Fresh Fun for All Mark Your Calendar for Thursdays at the Park 4 POPULAR ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT 2020 City of Edina Directory City Council Mayor Jim Hovland – 612-874-8550 Council Members Ron Anderson – 952-833-9549 Carolyn Jackson – 952-833-9547 James Pierce – 952-833-9548 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 Andrew Slama – 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 Interim Police Chief Jeff Elasky – 952-826-1610 Public Works Director Brian Olson – 952-826-0311 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, 2020 CAFR and is consistent with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. For a complete review of the City’s financial position for 2020, consult the CAFR, available at EdinaMN.gov/Finance. BY DEBBIE TOWNSEND Prudent planning, smart investing and Edina’s desirability as a place to live and work helped the City weather the economic storm that came with the COVID-19 pandemic. When the coronavirus began to shut down regular life, Finance Director Don Uram wasn’t sure what to expect. The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Security (CARES) Act didn’t originally include money to help municipalities. Uram felt confident the City’s tax base, primarily based on property values, would minimize economic fallout. Still, he recommended trimming expenses, following through on City Manager Scott Neal’s idea to create a Budget Stabilization Fund. “We never expected to receive CARES money, so we planned as if we wouldn’t,” Uram said. While communities that relied heavily on tourism or retail/commercial found themselves in fiscal trouble, Edina’s tax base actually grew. Property values rose, most of them 1 to 5 percent, with only commercial properties dipping, according to the 2021 Assessment Report. The community’s desirability kept property values strong and helped spur building projects, which also brought in license and permit revenue well above expectations. Uram’s investment strategy added another $450,000 above budget. “As always, Don exceeded expectations in investment income,” said Assistant Finance Director Kyle Sawyer. COVID-19-forced shutdowns of facilities such as Braemar Arena and Edinborough Park cut expenses, but also revenues. Staff still had maintenance to conduct, and they worked on facility and program changes to offer activities as soon as regulations allowed. Edina Liquor stores had to close to visitors, but home delivery rose exponentially, bringing in money. The $2 million trimmed from the General Fund budget kept non-COVID-19 expenses flat. The unexpected CARES money covered all COVID-19-related expenses. The Budget Stabilization Fund, created from General Fund surpluses from previous years and money originally intended for projects that could be postponed or revised, ended up never being needed – at least not yet. “It will provide flexibility and opportunities for special initiatives or in case of another situation like the pandemic,” Uram said. Learn more about the City’s budget at EdinaMN.gov/Finance. Careful Planning Helps City Avoid Financial Hit from COVID-19 Strategy Included Cuts, Investments and Creation of Stabilization Fund Budget Stabilization Fund Sources 2019 Surplus, $1,361,429 Capital Projects*, $917,392 2016 Surplus*, $1,429,131 2017 Surplus*, $619,771 *Funds transferred from Construction Fund General Fund Expenses Millions- $5 $20 $35 $15 $30 $45 $50 $10 $25 $40 2016 20182017 2019 2020 Expenses CARES Expenses 5City of Edina EdinaMN.gov ANNUAL REPORT BY DEBBIE TOWNSEND The first year of Edina residents recycling banana peels, plate scrapings and pizza delivery boxes has shown tangible results. About 90 tons of organics – the weight equivalent of 45 grand pianos or 12,000 bowling balls – are being recycled into compost every month. That compost is already returning to Edina to benefit yards and gardens. Compost giveaways to residents were held in spring and early summer, and additional events will occur later in the year. “This is 100 percent recycled product from your food scraps,” said Organics Recycling Coordinator Twila Singh. And that’s with just a 30 percent participation rate, which was the City’s goal for the first year of the program. Aluminum, paper and glass recycling started much the same way decades ago, and Singh hopes it won’t take nearly as long for organics to hit the same 90 percent participation. If nothing else, people should look at the cost savings, Singh said. Trash pickup will increase, especially with landfill space becoming a premium. Residents can recycle all the organics they want for $5.50 a month, reducing the size and expense of their trash bin. Knowing what can and can’t go in the organics bin also is important: Clean organics keep the costs down. The initial hesitation at recycling organics is slowly fading. Every week, people call Singh asking for a cart they originally rejected, often after seeing how easily neighbors have adopted the practice. “We’ve had a couple of housing associations/apartment complexes that weren’t part of the initial program but have voluntarily chosen to try this for their residents, and this is a shift in the right direction,” Singh said. Organics Recycling Marks Successful First Year More Than 1,000 Tons of Food Scraps Have Been Turned into Useful Compost Edina residents pick up free bags of compost, created from curbside organics recycling, during a May 28 giveaway. (Photo by Twila Singh) BY DAN REISIG It wasn’t your imagination – there was more construction than ever in Edina during the year 2020. Despite the pandemic, the City of Edina set a record for building permits issued in a calendar year. A total of 4,135 building permits were given out, comprising a total valuation of $357,710,785 – a jump of nearly 68 percent from the prior year. “That total includes roofs, siding, windows, additions, finishing basements – almost anything anybody does in a house for the most part,” said Chief Building Official David Fisher. “There were people wanting to do improvements in their homes, because they had the time and they were at home more. Additionally, we had a ton of roof repairs because of hail.” 2020’s totals represented growth from the previous high in 2018. That year saw the same number of total building permits issued as 2019 – 2,168 – but with significantly higher valuation in the multi- family and commercial/industrial spaces. All told, last year saw a 4 percent jump from the more than $344 million valuation in 2018. A closer look at the numbers from 2020 reveals a heavy weight toward existing home construction and renovation. Of the more than 4,000 total permits, 91.2 percent were for improvements at single- family homes, representing a valuation of nearly $144 million. A total of 76 new single-family homes were built last year, marking $52.7 million in value, while 110 multifamily permits were issued for a combined value of nearly $127 million. Commercial/industrial permits represented just 6 percent of total permits, but 24 percent of the total valuation. Building permit numbers show no signs of slowing down in 2021. For more information, visit EdinaMN.gov/ BuildingInspections or call 952-826-0372. Building Permits Soar to Record Highs Despite Pandemic More than 4,000 Permits Issued in 2020 Permit Valuation (millions)# of Inspections/permits (thousands)-0 50 2 100 4 300 12 150 6 350 14 200 8 400 16 18 250 10 Historical Building Permit Valuations 2008 2012 201620102014 201820092013201720112015 2019 2020 Commercial Property Single-Family Residence Multi-Family Residence # of Building Inspections # of Building Permits For those still hesitant, Singh says to start small or assign the task to children, who then learn first-hand about the entire cycle of organics along with a little economics. “Organics recycling is the low-hanging fruit. It’s the easiest thing we can do at a residential and commercial level to better manage our waste,” Singh said. Learn more about organics recycling at EdinaMN.gov/organics. 6 ANNUAL REPORT BY KAITLIN GAULT Like most businesses operating during the COVID-19 pandemic, Edina Liquor adapted to serve its customers, resulting in record-breaking delivery numbers no one anticipated. Edina Liquor first added delivery into its operations May 1, 2019, with slow but steady growth. After six months, the new service was going strong with 10-15 daily delivery orders. “Coming out of the fourth quarter in 2019, we saw some significant delivery growth – especially in the holiday months,” said Edina Liquor General Manager Josh Furbish. “When we came into January of 2020, that was the first indication that delivery service was starting to grow, and January 2020 was stronger than ever.” Little did Furbish know, their delivery business was about to boom. In March 2020, rumors began to swirl that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz would soon issue a stay-at-home order to slow the spread of COVID-19. While some fled to the grocery store, others fled to Edina Liquor. “A week before Walz’s order, there was a spike in both delivery and retail sales, but then after the order was issued, we were running at volumes like the holidays,” said Furbish. “We went from 10 to 15 delivery orders a day to 20 to 40 a day as people prepared to shelter in place.” On March 17, the City suspended its retail operations indefinitely. Although Edina Liquor’s physical doors were closed, Furbish knew they needed to continue to serve the community while keeping staff and customers safe. That is when things got really busy. “Once we switched to delivery only and customers were being told to stay home, our delivery orders skyrocketed!” Furbish said. “It went from the already high 20 to 40 daily orders to 150, then 200, then 350 and we peaked at 465 orders in a single day right around the middle of April.” The average in-store order in 2020 came to $34.14. The average delivery total was $82.85. Edina Liquor had one driver and one vehicle as orders for delivery poured in. Furbish needed to adapt quickly to provide the high level of customer service customers were used to. He also wanted to do everything possible to keep his retail staff working. “When the spike in deliveries started, our strategy was to get bodies driving,” he said. “Traditional retail staff transitioned into driving delivery orders, which helped us meet demand and keep those people in their jobs. We also had retail workers and staff from Edinborough Park and Park Maintenance supporting deliveries by packing orders. I’m very proud that we didn’t furlough any employees during the pandemic and we were able to employ staff from other departments. We have our customers to thank for that!” Furbish got creative internally by reaching out to other departments to borrow vehicles. Throughout the year, they used four Toyota Priuses from the Building Inspections Division and a Toyota RAV4 from the Engineering Department. In total, 10 vehicles were running routes to handle delivery volumes. Target delivery time was two hours from the time an order was placed to libation in hand. Retail operations resumed as usual in September 2020. Total revenue from delivery in 2020 was an impressive $2.2 million. In the six months delivery was offered in 2019, revenue from delivery was $80,000. Furbish is anticipating doing $1 million to $2 million in deliveries in 2021 now that retail operations have reopened. In-store retail operations in 2020 saw revenue of $9.9 million, a significant drop from the $13.5 million it typically hits. Edina Liquor’s total revenue from 2020 was $12.1 million, down from the projected $13.9 million due to retail operations being closed part of the year. Despite a slight loss in total revenue, Edina Liquor was still able to support City enterprise facilities and community programs. “In Edina, liquor profits are used to fund the City’s recreation facilities, including Braemar Arena, Edina Art Center and others,” said Assistant City Manager Lisa Schaefer. “During COVID-19 closures, this funding became even more critical for those facilities. Liquor staff made it look easy, but their success was a result of sound strategy, hard work and the ability to quickly overhaul their operations. They partnered with other City departments to ensure safe and efficient services whether that be in-person or delivery.” Furbish is confident the revenue cushion missed out on in 2020 will be made back this year and the lessons learned will help them make future decisions. As of May 2021, revenue for both retail and delivery operations hit $5.2 million. At the same time in 2020, it was at $4 million and 2019 at $4.7 million. “We returned the cars we were using from other departments and have been approved to purchase two electric Mitsubishi Outlanders to help support our delivery service and support the City’s carbon emission goals,” Furbish said. While revenue and supplies are critical to an overall business strategy, the customers’ experience is at the top. “Overall, feedback has been very positive. Residents reached out and thanked us for keeping them and our staff safe. It was outstanding to hear from them, especially during a difficult time.” For more information about Edina Liquor, visit EdinaLiquor.com. Edina Liquor Delivery Accelerates in 2020 Quick Thinking and Team Effort Helped Operations Adapt to High Demand Edina Liquor’s delivery service took off in 2020, generating $2.2 million in delivery sales alone. (Photo by Scott Denfeld) 7City of Edina EdinaMN.gov ANNUAL REPORT Detailed in the graphs provided are the 2020 and 2019 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 $82.2 million and $68.8 million respectively, for an overall increase in fund balance before other financing sources of $13.4 million. Expenditures came in 4 percent, or $2.5 million, lower than 2019. The decrease is attributed to decreases in general government ($3.3 million) and parks ($2.6 million), offset by an increase in public safety ($2.9 million). General government is lower because of less spent on capital outlay in 2020. Most notably, the City purchased land at 4100 W. 76th St. ($2.9 million) in 2019. The parks decrease is a combination of reduced capital spending ($1.9 million) and operating expenses ($500,000). The decrease in capital spending is attributed to less spent ($1.7 million) on Arden Park improvements in 2020 and the operating expenses decreased as a result of less programming offered due to COVID-19 restrictions. The public safety increase is due to COVID-19 expenses ($1.5 million) along with the addition of six new Fire Department positions. The COVID-19 expenses were paid for with CARES Act funding and the majority of the expenses related to the new Fire Department positions were funded through a SAFER grant. Revenues came in 20 percent, or $13.5 million, higher than 2019. The increase is attributed to increased intergovernmental ($7.5 million), taxes ($2.5 million), miscellaneous ($2.3 million), and licenses and permits ($1.3 million) revenues. The increase in intergovernmental is primarily due to CARES Act ($3.9 million) funding and more municipal state-aid street funding received in 2020, most notably for West 58th Street ($2.4 million). The increase in taxes is the result of an increased general fund operating levy that provides funding to continue existing service levels. Taxes, which are made up of property, franchise and lodging taxes, remain a heavily relied on revenue source for governmental operations, making up 52 percent of all governmental fund revenues and 62 percent of the General Fund. Miscellaneous revenue increased due to substantial affordable housing fees collected ($1.9 million) in 2020. Licenses and permits increased due to higher valued projects being completed in 2020; this category is dependent upon the number and valuation of residential/commercial projects. The charges for services, fines and forfeitures revenue categories declined in 2020, primarily due to challenges related to COVID-19. Governmental Funds Governmental Fund Expenditures 2019 2020 Difference General Government $15,171,968 $11,872,093 $3,299,875 Public Safety $25,163,672 $28,084,852 $2,921,180 Public Works $15,301,476 $15,520,402 $218,926 Parks $8,047,901 $5,490,708 $2,557,193 Debt Service $7,702,002 $7,872,730 $170,728 Totals $71,387,019 $68,840,785 2,546,234 $5 $15 $0 $10 $20 $25 $30 Public Safety ParksGeneral Government Public Works Debt ServiceMillionsGovernmental Fund Expenditures Comparison 2019 2020 2019 2020 Governmental Fund Revenues $0 $10 $20 $30 $40 Tax Incr e me nt C oll ecti o ns Special A s s ess m e nts Licens es & P er mits Interg o v er n m e nt al Charg es f or S er vic es Fines an d F orfeits Miscell a n e o us TaxesMillionsGovernmental Fund Revenues Comparison 2019 2020 Difference Taxes $39,998,919 $42,588,944 $2,590,025 Tax Increment Collections $5,447,108 $6,452,819 $1,005,711 Special Assessments $4,741,557 $4,629,551 $112,006 Licenses and Permits $5,183,754 $6,454,749 $1,270,995 Intergovernmental $3,687,620 $11,218,739 $7,531,119 Charges for Services $5,431,941 $4,968,288 $463,653 Fines and Forfeits $1,097,122 $485,472 $611,650 Miscellaneous $3,078,583 $5,384,287 $2,305,704 Totals $68,666,604 $82,182,849 $13,516,245 952-927-8861 | mail@EdinaMN.gov City of Edina EdinaMN.gov8 Iskaan-garee koodhkan oo ku fiiri soomaali EdinaMN.gov/SomaliEE EdinaMN.gov/SpanishEE Escanee este código para ver en español SUMMER CONCERTS P.O.P. AT 50TH & FRANCE! Free concerts are on the plaza at 50th & France every Friday through August. The Performances on the Plaza (P.O.P.) concert series was curated by local songwriter Katy Vernon and is sponsored by Nolan Mains, the Edina Arts & Culture Commission and Edina Liquor. Each performance features an intermission played by an Edina High School student. In case of rain, performances will move inside The Lynhall No. 3945. (Photo by Kaitlin Gault) BY DAN REISIG Federal funding under the CARES Act provided Edina a financial boost. The $3.9 million allocation was used in three main ways: providing relief directly to individuals and businesses hardest hit by the pandemic; purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies needed for first responders and those routinely interacting with the public; and outfitting City employees with equipment needed to shift to remote work. The City funds were used for emergency rental assistance through Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People as well as grants to local businesses. For rental assistance, the City was able to use $200,000 from the CARES Act to supplement existing funding and provide emergency rental assistance to 312 households in Edina. “That was money that we wanted to get out as soon as we could into the hands of small businesspeople to keep their businesses afloat or to expand them, and also to people that were at risk of losing their place to live,” said City Manager Scott Neal. A total of 52 small businesses received grants or forgivable loans from the City through the CARES Act, averaging $10,000 each and providing emergency support to help them get through a challenging economic climate. “Customer expectations changed, the supply chain changed, the ability to even open your doors for business changed, and the ability for you to get an employee to show up for work changed,” said Economic Development Manager Bill Neuendorf. “With this program, we wanted to do what we could to help businesses have some financial certainty in a year of complete uncertainty.” Neal credits the internal investments for maintaining the City’s high level of service despite an unprecedented pandemic. Items such as webcams and laptop docking stations were not previously required but became necessities for remote operations. “We also think those investments are going to pay off for us in 2021, because we are going to leave some of the online services in place. We have come to learn that residents appreciate the ability to do some simple government transactions online rather than taking time off work and coming in during business hours.” The changes and adaptations of the COVID-19 pandemic paid for by the CARES Act will continue to reap benefits. “We learned how to provide some services better, cheaper, faster than before,” Neal said. “We can aggregate a lot of those kinds of service opportunities and contain the cost of doing the business of city government, passing those savings on to our residents. We think that they will appreciate that in the long run.” For more information, visit EdinaMN.gov/ Finance or call the Finance Department at 952-826-0366. CARES Act Funding Supported Community Grants and Forgivable Loans, Rental Assistance Among Uses of Funds $3.9 Million in CARES Act Funding ((: >0 Budgeted Personnel 24% Payroll Public Health 41% Medical Expenses7% Public Health 2% PPE 3% Telework 2% Housing Support 5% Small Business Assistance 13% Economic Support3% ANNUAL REPORT 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