HomeMy WebLinkAboutAboutTown_2022AnnualReport_Web2022 Annual Report of the City of Edina
AboutTown
AboutTown
2022 Annual Report Circulation 25,000
Official Publication of the EdinaMN.gov City of Edina, Minnesota 4801 W. 50th St. Edina, Minnesota 55424 952-826-0359
Editor: Jennifer Bennerotte
Designer: Dan Doar
Contributing Writers: Brittany Bader, Jennifer Bennerotte, Katherine Hulbert, David Katz, Amy Kyllo, Lauren Siebenaler and Debbie Townsend
Publisher: City of Edina
Copyright 2022 by City of Edina, 4801 W. 50th St., Edina, MN 55424.
Strong FoundationCITY GOALS:Better TogetherReliable Service Livable City
Night To Unite Cover photo by Katherine Hulbert
The Edina Police and Fire departments are out in the community on the first Tuesday in August for “Night to Unite.” The annual event is designed to build neighborhood involvement by bringing first responders and communities together and draw awareness to crime prevention and local law enforcement efforts.
In 2022, Edina Police and Fire personnel visited 44 neighborhoods. One block party featured alpacas for neighborhood children to enjoy. Paramedic/Firefighter Tyler Ball, Fire Inspector Brian Hanrahan and Lt. Todd Porthan helped walk the alpacas to a fire truck to be part of a group photo during the event.
For more information on Night to Unite, visit EdinaMN.gov/NightToUnite.
On The Cover
Iskaan-garee koodhkan oo ku fiiri soomaali
Escanee este código para ver en español
Translations
Table Of Contents
A Word From The Mayor .........................................................1
June 1981 ‘Edina Tornado’ Left Path Of
Destruction – And Surprising Legacies ..............................2
It’s Not Only Neighborly, It’s The Law ................................9
New Positions Created To Better Serve Edina Residents ...11
Staff Makes Significant Progress On Key Initiatives .....14
New Fire Station 2 Project Slides Into Phase 2 ................18
Two Chiefs Share Safety Mission .......................................20
New Vehicles Change The Scope Of Public Safety ........22
Climate Actions Focus On Reducing
Building And Energy Emissions .........................................24
Affordable Housing Efforts
‘Making Dreams Come True’ ..............................................30
Cahill District Study Works To
Balance Diverse Interests, Voices .....................................34
Senior Center Celebrates 20th
Anniversary At Grandview Square ...................................36
New City Ordinance Calls For Environmentally
Friendly To-Go Food Packaging ...........................................39
Edina Voters Approve Sales Tax Referendum
To Invest $39.3 Million In Local Parks.................................42
Donors Help Grow Edina’s Greenery .................................44
The Last Word .........................................................................46
City Of Edina Facilities ...........................................................48
A Word From The Mayor
Last month, we thanked City Council Members Ron Anderson and Kevin Staunton for their years of dedicated service to our town.
Kevin ended 17 years of public service to Edina, having served three terms on the Planning Commission prior to his service on City Council. Ron served on the Board of Appeal & Equalization and one four-year term on the City Council.
Both men made a lasting impact in our community. Highlights of the past four years when they served together include:
• Leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. The City Council held virtual meetings from March 27, 2020 through June 15, 2021 and again from Jan. 19 to Feb. 15, 2022. Ron attended about a quarter of his meetings as a City Council Member from his home! Besides taking a conservative approach to in-person gatherings, the Council also made very important decisions about how to spend federal money to aid the community and supporting local health initiatives during the pandemic.
• Revitalization of 50th & France with improvements off of Market Street. The North Parking Ramp was expanded and Nolan Mains constructed with new homes, boutiques and restaurants. The City also supported Mann Theatres in renovating and reopening the historic Edina Theatre.
• Completion of the City’s initial Racial Equity Implementation Plan, based on recommendations made by a task force of residents in 2018. It is important that the City help foster a community that is welcoming to all who live, work and spend time in Edina. Though the initial plan has largely been completed, race and equity remains a top priority and is infused in all City department work plans.
• Expansion of affordable housing, with new projects approved, some opening or under construction and the growth of programs meant to help keep existing homes affordable.
• Implementation of organics recycling. Since the program launched in June 2020, more than 3,000 tons of waste have been diverted from the landfill! The City’s goal is to divert 70 percent of its organics from landfills by 2030.
• Approval of plans for the redevelopment of the former Public Works site at 5146 Eden Ave. Tentatively called “Grandview Yard,” the project will include a 6.5-story, 86-unit senior
cooperative project with underground parking; a two-story, 13,500-square-foot, 347-seat restaurant; and a public plaza or green space with pedestrian walkways that would connect to the Jerry’s parking ramp.
• Acquisition of a site for a new Fire Station 2. Design of the new facility, which should open in 2025, is underway.
• Approval of a referendum for a local option sales tax to fund improvements at Fred Richards and Braemar Park and Arena.
Years ago, William J. Bennett wrote The Book of Virtues. In that book, Bennett recognized traits of essential good character: patience, honesty, kindness, courage, integrity, humility, compassion and friendship. Couple those types of virtues with great wisdom and intellect and you have a very special human being, and that is a description of Kevin Staunton, the person I have been able to call a colleague and friend for almost two decades. Our town has been blessed to have his counsel and I have been fortunate in all my years of public service to have served with him as he has provided guidance to all of us in the most gentle of ways.
Over the years, Kevin has been one of a handful of very talented people who have served the City of Edina so very well and who have helped shape what Edina is today and will be in the future. He is a man of remarkable talents and abilities that is always thinking of what is best for our community and its residents.
Ron represents the citizen leader – someone who comes to City Hall to do the work of the public, for the good of the town, and not for personal gain. In the past four years, Ron has helped shape Edina into an ever-better community. We wish him the best and thank him for his service to our community as an elected official. I fully expect Ron to continue to serve Edina in different ways in the future.
At our first meeting of the year on Jan. 3, Kate Agnew and Julie Risser will be sworn in as the newest members of the City Council. I look forward to serving alongside them in the years to come and, of course, we wish Kevin and Ron the best in their next chapter!
Be well.
James B. Hovland Mayor
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 1
2 • ABOUT TOWN
June 1981 ‘Edina Tornado’
Left Path Of Destruction –
And Surprising Legacies
By David Katz
On the afternoon of June 14, 1981, a full house filed into the Edina Theatre to enjoy a matinee screening of the sword-and-sandals epic “Clash of the Titans.” Torn from the pages of Greek mythology, the summer tentpole had been doing a brisk business for Cinemaland, the Edina landmark’s parent company. For this unlucky crowd, however, the wrathful gods on screen paled in comparison to the titanic forces kicking up outside.
At 3:51 p.m., the intersection of 50th & France became the almost exact origin point for the most destructive tornado to hit Hennepin County in nearly two decades.
“Within a minute, one of the toniest shopping streets in the Twin Cities was under siege from breaking glass, blown trees and the shrapnel created by falling brick and metal,” wrote Minneapolis Star columnist Jim Klobuchar.
Previous Close CallsTornadoes are by no means unheard of in our area. Records suggest that the first twister to set down on platted property probably did so in 1875, when a freak storm tore through the Sly family farm in today’s Pamela Park Neighborhood. In a perfect illustration of a tornado’s capricious nature, this twister destroyed a large barn, but left the nearby farmhouse erect. Stranger still, the cow that called the barn home escaped unscathed.
Within living memory, close scrapes for Edina include a six-tornado cluster in May 1965 that devastated Fridley, Spring Lake Park and Wayzata. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, this likely ranks as the most catastrophic in Minnesota’s history.
While not its equal in terms of death or destruction, the 50th & France supercell in 1981 was surely no less scary to those who lived through it.
A Textbook TornadoIn its June 15 edition, the Minneapolis Star ran the headline: “Sunday’s twister went by the book, except for path.” Indeed, meteorologists described the Edina tornado as textbook – except for its origin in a suburban environment, which is comparatively rare.Illustration courtesy of Minneapolis StarThe tornado funnel varied in width from 2.5 city blocks to a mere 75 feet. Initially, many meteorologists suspected the June 14 supercell spawned not one but three separate tornadoes. Later analysis would prove otherwise.
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 3
A low-pressure system from the Rockies intersected with a warm front in Iowa, moving a volatile air mass into Minnesota on June 14. Early that morning, straight-line winds and golf ball-sized hail began strafing farmland between the state border and Mankato. As the front creeped north, the NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center issued a tornado watch for the Twin Cities beginning at 3:30 p.m.
Edina Police Department Officer William Barington, on patrol atop the South Parking Ramp on 51st Street, was the first to report the descent of a funnel cloud. Barely a minute after Barington called this siting into dispatch, howling winds and a chorus of exploding car windows in the nearby Lund’s parking lot heralded the coming destruction.
Down the block, exterior windows at the Edina Theatre met the same fate. Seconds later, the newborn tornado also dealt serious damage to the structure’s art deco brick façade.
A power outage stopped the cinema’s projectors and froze clocks at precisely 3:51 p.m. Frazzled employees rushed into each auditorium, asking patrons to remain in their seats until the tumult cleared 50th & France. Most movie-goers did not appreciate the severity of the situation until after the danger had passed.
Customers and staff at Brothers, an eatery at 3926 W. 50th St., had a different but equally surreal experience.
Tornadoes routinely bring with them stark differences in air pressure. In what Klobuchar termed a “freak of physics,” this lingering difference effectively suctioned
Brothers’ front door shut. While the building’s occupants weathered the storm well enough, several long minutes elapsed before employees could pry open the door and escape their shelter.
In yet another example of a twister’s unpredictable and uncanny nature, wind shear tore the heavy rooftop air conditioning compressor from another store and redeposited it – with minimal mess – onto a 50th Street parking spot.
Early Damage ReportAside from 50th & France, damage in Edina centered on the residential tract between the Edina Country Club and France Avenue. In particular, this area suffered a high rate of tree loss (which is common near the genesis point of Midwestern twisters). (continued on next page)Photo courtesy of Hennepin County LibraryOne reporter offered a ghoulish description of the uprooted
trees in and around Edina: “Exposed roots were like human
legs draped with shawls of sod.”
4 • ABOUT TOWN
Most conspicuously, forested Arden Park saw dozens of mature elms, maples and stately oaks violently uprooted. Between all parks and public boulevards, the City lost approximately 200 such specimens. Factor in trees uprooted from residential yards, and the number is closer to 600.
Extracting trees and stumps and clearing other debris cost nearly $350,000 (much of it in overtime wages, which allowed City crews to accomplish the work faster). Repairs to 50th & France would come to roughly $670,000, keeping commercial insurance adjusters busy all summer.
What’s In A Name?In a 2016 retrospective about that memorable day, historian Andy Sturdevant reflected on the various names attached to this tornado. As any Minnesotan can attest,
Minneapolis and Saint Paul are distinctly and proudly two different places. West of the Mississippi River, this storm is often remembered as the “Edina Tornado” or “Lake Harriett Tornado.” In contrast, Saint Paulites are far more likely to refer to it as the “Roseville Tornado” or “Har Mar Tornado.”
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources favors the latter, and not without reason. While the tornado originated in Edina, it dealt its greatest damage farther north and east.
Averaging about 30 mph, the June 14 storm would wreak havoc for a further 26 minutes before finally dissipating over rural Washington County.
Minneapolis And RosevilleAfter exiting 50th & France along a northeasterly path, the twister clipped Lake Harriet. Intensifying winds capsized about half of the sailboats moored on the 335-acre lake, making the area look like a hurricane-battered Caribbean port.
The storm claimed its first casualty (and the only direct one) at this time, when a shoreline tree bough fell on a 20-year-old fisherman.
It could have been much worse, hinted the Minneapolis Tribune. Near the bandshell, the popular Queen of the Lakes sightseeing boat had disembarked a full load of passengers only a minute or two before the wind picked up.
According to a report by the American Red Cross, nearly 700 houses in Minneapolis sustained damage – though only one was obliterated. Photo courtesy of Hennepin County LibraryAccording to Hennepin County Emergency Management, the “official” tally of vehicles damaged by the June 14, 1981, superstorm stands at 400. However, the same report that offers this figure cautions that “undercounting is highly likely.”
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 5
As the “east metro” names for this twister suggest, the storm saved its very worst for the city of Roseville. In a 2017 report on storm damage, Hennepin County Emergency Management placed the inflation-adjusted price tag for the events of June 14, 1981 at $124 million. It attributed a full 65 percent of that amount to cleanup and repairs in Roseville.
Single-family houses along Roselawn Avenue – one of Roseville’s major east-west axes – were reduced to foundations and open basements. Even in less hard-hit neighborhoods, yard furniture, loose building insulation and other debris obscured all property lines.
Roseville’s busy Har Mar Mall commercial district fared no better. The mall itself lost portions of its roof. In the parking lot, 150 cars sustained major damage;
some were thrown or rolled 50-100 yards. Across the street, wind-blown glass shrapnel injured several dozen shoppers at the busy Har Mar Target and an Applebaum’s supermarket. Cuts and bruises sustained at these two big-box stores accounted for more hospital-reported injuries than any other location along the tornado’s path.
Misfortune Spawns A Fortune 500Down the road, a Sound of Music retailer disgorged an estimated $200,000 worth of stereo equipment and VCRs into its parking lot and onto Snelling Avenue.
Lt. Gov. Lou Wangberg activated the National Guard to assist and patrol the Har Mar area. While a relief to Sound of Music chain owner Richard M. Schulze, who feared looters, it was obviously only a stopgap measure. What to do next?
“Customers of the store volunteered their cars and campers so we could get the equipment out of the rain and minimize our losses,” Schulze said in an interview. Fortunately, upon closer inspection, much of the most expensive merchandise remained perfectly functional.
Smelling a once-in-a-lifetime marketing opportunity, the entrepreneur brought in several mobile trailers and pivoted staff’s attention to planning a unique and splashy sale. Branded as “Tornado Madness,” the (largely outdoors) event drew bargain hunters from across the Twin Cities. Lines stretched down Snelling Avenue.
Encouraged by the flash sale, Schulze capitalized with a second summer extravaganza – this one at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds with pallets of merchandise from Sound of Music’s eight locations. Photo courtesy of Hennepin County LibraryClancy Drug Co. anchored the corner of 50th Street and
Halifax Avenue for decades. Although damaged by the
tornado, it reopened just two days later.
(continued on next page)
6 • ABOUT TOWN
Commercials touted it as “the largest stereo, TV and appliance sale in the state of Minnesota.” Jokes about a “tornado of shoppers” practically wrote themselves.
Schulze parlayed that surreal summer into a new, permanent business model: one marked by deep discounts, massive inventories and a no-frills shopping experience. Consistent with this fresh approach, Sound of Music got a complete brand overhaul in 1983.
Schulze’s would helm his Minnesota start-up, rechristened Best Buy, for three more decades.
‘Suggestions Of A Block Party’Hundreds of Edina families today are employed by Richfield-based Best Buy. Aside from that most improbable legacy, however, traces of the Edina Tornado are few and far between. In point of fact, the City and property owners successfully scrubbed most signs that same summer.
As anyone who has lived through the worst of a tornado can attest, that speedy turnaround is not something to be taken for granted.
The City of Edina had several factors working in its favor. The winter of 1980-81 had proven mercifully mild, putting the Public Works Department’s street maintenance budget on a strong footing heading into the summer.
Moreover, coincidentally, the City Council had greenlit a citywide emergency preparedness day that spring. Scheduled for April 14 – two months to the day before the twister – this cross-department training paid dividends sooner than anyone expected.
In particular, the hands-on exercises came in handy that Sunday as the Edina Police Department scrambled to block off impacted areas and reroute traffic around 50th & France. This cordon limited access to property owners, insurance adjusters and others with a legitimate reason to be there.
In a field report for the Minneapolis Star, journalist Anne Brataas tried to capture the atmosphere in the early hours of recovery. It ran the following Thursday under the complimentary headline “Cleanup in Edina has a flair all its own.”
“The air filled with the whine of power saws, the flutter of handbills offering roofing and tree-trimming services, and the sweet smell of pulp wood,” Brataas wrote. “There was a social element to it, suggestions of a block party as some residents gathered to swap tornado tales and meet new neighbors.”
Naturally, the mood could not be entirely convivial. Adding to the tornado’s direct destruction came the sobering news that a 73-year-old resident of the Indian Illustration courtesy of Minneapolis StarAs one means of signaling a
return to normalcy, the 50th &
France Business & Professional
Association invested in a slew
of cheery newspaper ads.
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 7
Hills Neighborhood had suffered a fatal heart attack while clearing branches from his yard. It was the Edina Tornado’s second and last recorded death.
Back To BusinessRemarkably, most of the 50th & France shopping district reopened for business the next afternoon.
As one means of signaling a return to normalcy, the 50th & France Business & Professional Association invested in a slew of cheery ads. Common lines included: “The tornado is a memory... Don’t let the few boarded-up windows you might see fool you – we’re all open!”
Marlin Ramler, proprietor of Clancy Drug Co. (which anchored the district for decades from a large storefront at 50th Street and Halifax Avenue), offered a pragmatic view on the lightning-fast response. “People still have to get prescriptions filled. People still get sick.”
For the proprietors of another neighborhood landmark, the historic Edina Theatre, reconstruction would require a little more forethought … and in a way, great hindsight, as well.
Restoring A Tornado-Wrecked TreasureBy complete coincidence, the City of Edina published the first edition of History and Architecture of Edina, Minnesota the same month that the Edina Tornado touched down. Researched and compiled by historian Jeffrey Hess and preservationist William W. Scott, it is one of the definitive accounts of the City’s history – a story that can be told with surprising thoroughness through an examination of Edina’s architecture.
The 3,000-pound, art moderne sign that graces the front façade of the Edina Theatre also graces the front of the book. It does so for good reason. The vertical marquee dates to the cinema’s construction in 1934 and has been a community focal point ever since.
Ironically, given the pride of place it enjoys today, the steel and fluorescent tubing sign looks as it does as a direct result of early criticism about how a gaudy marquee could mar the cityscape. In response to that pushback, theater architects Jacob Liebenberg and Seeman Kaplan retooled their original, art deco aspirations – scaling back ornamentation and orienting their masterwork skyward.
It was a deft accommodation, but one that had unexpected consequences nearly half a century later. In the early minutes of the Edina Tornado, wind sheer torqued and toppled the sign. Shredded support beams suspended it inches from the sidewalk.
(continued on next page)
Cinema architect Jacob
Liebenberg designed the art
moderne Edina Theatre in 1934.
Its vertical marquee blends
Liebenberg’s original vision
with architectural concessions
intended to appease vocal
community members.
8 • ABOUT TOWN
In the wake of the June 14 superstorm, a journalist joined cinema owner Marvin Mann as he supervised what came next. He painted the scene with as much melodrama as he could muster for the next morning’s newspaper.
“Marvin [watched] a scowling, leather-faced man with a tattoo shoot a blue torch flame into the Edina Theatre marquee and free it, bit by bit. The marquee hung down like a melted candy cane as the torch hissed orange sparks into the gray morning air.” Contractors then loaded it carefully onto a flatbed truck.
Mann was adamant about restoring and reinstating this unofficial calling card of 50th & France. While a tall order, he had at least three factors working in his favor. First, while it made for a showy spectacle, the structural
damage could have been far worse. (By contrast, the theater’s ornamental brick peak detached entirely, cannonballing into the glass façade of the Belleson’s clothier across 50th Street.)
Second, the Northwest Architectural Archives at the University of Minnesota houses Liebenberg and Kaplan’s original schematics for the marquee. This made it possible not just to reverse the tornado damage, but to walk back details that had gradually altered the sign’s aesthetic over the decades.
Last but not least, Mann found a staunch ally in Edina’s own then-Heritage Preservation Board. Acutely aware of the showpiece’s role in local history, the advisory board made sure that the Edina Theatre received a one-time ordinance variance to restore the “non-conforming signage.”
When appraising an artifact’s value, archivists and auctioneers often talk about its provenance: where it has been, and what it has been through. By this measure, it’s hard to articulate the worth of this local treasure. The Heritage Preservation Board came close to the mark in 2002, when they designated the reconstructed sign as the City’s very first official Heritage Landmark.
Primary sources referenced come from collections maintained by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Library; James K. Hosmer Special Collection at Hennepin County Library; Edina Historical Society and the Minnesota Historical Society. Photo by Minneapolis TribuneThe Edina Theatre sign, toppled by the tornado, hangs precariously over the 50th & France sidewalk before being cut free and restored.
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 9
It’s Not Only Neighborly,
It’s The Law
The Law: Sec. 8-89. – Required. Any owner of a dog over six months of age shall secure a license for such dog from the City.
Sec. 8-90. – Proof of rabies vaccination must be presented at the time of initial licensing and each subsequent license renewal.
Sec. 8-91. – Fee. Each owner of a dog shall pay the amount set forth in Section 2-724 as required for the initial licensing fee, the renewal fee, the neutered dog fee or the duplicate fee. The renewal fee shall be due on or before Jan. 1 of each year.
Sec. 8-92. – Receipts and tags. Upon payment of the license fee required by Section 2-724, the City shall deliver an original receipt to the owner and retain a duplicate of such receipt. At the time of initial licensing, the City shall also deliver a metallic tag to the owner of the dog.
(1) The owner shall cause the tag to be fastened to the collar of the dog with a permanent metal fastening in a manner so that the tag may be easily seen by the officers of the City.
(2) If a tag is lost, a duplicate tag may be issued by the City upon presentation of a receipt showing the payment of the license fee for the current year. The City shall charge a fee for each duplicate tag in the amount set forth in Section 2-724.
(3) It shall be unlawful to counterfeit or attempt to counterfeit the tag or to take from any dog such a tag legally placed upon it by its owner with the intent to place it upon another dog, or to place such tag upon another dog.
(4) The tag shall not be transferable and no refunds shall be made on any dog license fee because of leaving the City or death of dog before the expiration of the license period.
What It Means: All Edina residents who own a dog that is six months of age or older need to get a yearly license. These licenses expire on Dec. 31. If you renew your license after March 1, there will be a $10 late fee. Dog licenses cost $30 for non-fixed dogs and $20 for fixed dogs.
Learn Local Laws
Dog Licenses
File PhotoAll City of Edina dog licenses are good for the calendar year and expire on Dec. 31.
(continued on next page)
10 • ABOUT TOWN
Apply for a dog license online at EdinaMN.gov/DogLicenseForm. Or to apply in person, visit the front desk of the Edina Police Department at City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St., between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Bring proof of current rabies vaccination.
Once you pay the licensing fee, you will receive a receipt and a metal tag if you are a first-time license holder. This tag should be fastened to the dog in a visible manner. If you lose the tag, you can get a duplicate by presenting your license receipt for the current year and paying $6.
It is illegal to counterfeit tags, steal tags, remove tags or move tags from one dog to another. The tags are nontransferable and the licensing fee is nonrefundable.
For more information or to buy a dog license online, visit EdinaMN.gov/DogLicenseForm.
The Law: Sec. 26-46. - Removal of vehicles after snowfall. No person shall park or leave standing any vehicle on any street or alley in the city after a snowfall of at least 1.5 inches in depth until after the snow on the street has been removed or plowed to the curb line. Any vehicle parked or left standing on the street in violation of this section may be removed by or under the direction of any police officer or city employee.
If the vehicle is removed by or under the direction of the City, the expense may be charged against the owner of the vehicle. The removal shall not prevent prosecution of the owner for a violation of this section.
No vehicle may be parked on an Edina street, highway or alley under the following conditions:
• When 1.5 inches or more of snow has fallen, until it has been plowed to the curb line
• From 1 to 6 a.m. Nov. 1 to March 31, regardless of weather or forecast
• For six or more consecutive hours, unless otherwise signed (enforceable year-round).
What It Means: Do not park your car on the street during or after a snowstorm until the road has been plowed. Do not park your car overnight on the street between Nov. 1 and March 31. Do not park your car on the street for over six hours at any time of the day.
– Compiled by Amy Kyllo
Learn Local Laws
Winter Parking Rules
File Photo
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 11
New Positions Created To
Better Serve Edina Residents
Part of the Planning Division, Community Development Coordinator Addison Lewis works on economic development strategies and redevelopment and development activities for the City. He works closely with developers, residents and consultants.
In his first year in the position, Lewis has managed the Cahill District Study to develop a vision for that area and has assisted the Planning Commission with other projects, such as a review of accessory dwelling units and the City’s development review process.
Among other things, he has also managed the free internet program for qualifying residents made possible by American Rescue Plan Act funds, pursued grants and taken over management of leases for cell towers.
“I’m really happy to be in a role that aligns with my interests here in Edina,” Lewis said. “I enjoy working collaboratively with residents, businesses, developers and public officials with the aim of making our community stronger.”
Addison LewisFile Photo(continued on next page)
By Jennifer Bennerotte
City Manager Scott Neal created several new positions in 2022 to better serve the public and keep up with a growing demand for services. New positions include Community Development Coordinator, I.T. Network Security Analyst, Risk & Safety Coordinator and Sidewalk Inspector.
Community Development Coordinator
12 • ABOUT TOWN
Part of the Human Resources Department, new Risk & Safety Coordinator Amy Murray works to ensure the City operates with safety in mind and provides resources and assistance in many capacities. Among other responsibilities, she serves as the City’s Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA) administrator, ensuring the City is compliant with OSHA programs and guidelines; program coordinator for workers’ compensation; designated employer representative for the Department of Transportation Federal Motor Safety Carrier Act; COVID-19 Coordinator;
Americans with Disabilities Act Program Coordinator; and Safety Committee Chair.
“Amy has a big job,” said Assistant City Manager Lisa Schaefer. “In addition to employee safety, Amy is responsible for developing proactive risk management programs and effectively managing claims from the public. These claims can range from reports of ADA concerns, water/sewer backups, personal injury at a City park or recreation facility. With her expertise and enthusiasm, she is up for the challenge.”
To help address the increasing cybersecurity threats, the Information Technology Department has added a new position.
“Security is becoming more and more an area of focus for us,” said I.T. Director Ryan Browning. “There’s just so much happening right now that we need a full-time focus on it. The City Council recognized the need as well in approving this position.”
A longtime City employee of the I.T. Department, Nick Lovejoy was named to the position, a combination of network, fiber and security duties that go hand in hand.
“As technology has grown over the years, so much of it needs to be connected to the network/internet to function. To keep the City and its data secure, we have multiple networks/environments we need to maintain and keep separate,” Lovejoy said. “This new position will allow me to spend more time on security, implement tools, assess vendors, identify vulnerabilities, refine policies and get the necessary training.”
The I.T. Department also hired a fourth I.T. Specialist in 2022, Jeff Matlock.
Amy MurrayFile PhotoI.T. Network Security Analyst
Risk & Safety Coordinator
Nick LovejoyFile Photo
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 13
For more information on City of Edina jobs, visit EdinaMN.gov/jobs.
Derek LeonardFile PhotoRaised concrete, cracks, crushed paneling and pitted surfaces are just some of the things the City’s very first Sidewalk Inspector, Derek Leonard, looks for when doing a neighborhood sidewalk inspection.
His mission is to identify and fix hazards to make Edina’s sidewalks safer for everyone – whether you use sidewalks for transportation, recreation or both. This newly created position within Public Works is made possible by the Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety (PACS) Fund, funding set aside for improving and maintaining Edina’s non-motorized transportation network.
With the hiring of Leonard, the Sidewalk Inspection Program officially kicked off in May 2022 and will address problems related to aging and deteriorating sidewalks within the city.
Leonard’s primary duties include inspecting sidewalks for compliance with City Code, communicating any damage or trip hazards found to property owners and overseeing any necessary repair work. In addition, his position ensures ADA compliance of new sidewalk construction within the city and assists with snow removal and certain street projects.
Sidewalk Inspector
14 • ABOUT TOWN
Staff Makes Significant
Progress On Key Initiatives
By Debbie Townsend
The 33 projects and initiatives on the City’s 2022-23 Budget Work Plan cover everything from water and flooding to housing to quality of life. All address one or more of the City’s four pillars of ensuring a strong foundation, reliable service, a livable city and being better together.
“It is a very aggressive and ambitious plan, but we are making progress,” said Assistant City Manager Lisa Schaefer. “For most projects, we are at or ahead of where we would expect to be midway through a two-year plan.”
Residents are probably already familiar with some initiatives, such as the Morningside Flood Infrastructure Project. Weber Pond and the Lynn/Kipling basin are being expanded to hold more stormwater to prevent flooding in that section of Edina. This winter, work focuses on the ponds, but come spring, residents will start to glimpse the future of the Weber Park area.
“We’ll be planting in the spring. We’re going to restore the natural areas, the wetland edge, oak savannah and the woodland areas,” Water Resources Manager Jessica Wilson said, noting that while this is a flood prevention project, the City added natural resource restoration to address concerns and improve the area. “We are on track to be done by June.”
The benefits to prevent flooding will be immediate. It will take longer for the plants and trees to grow and for nature to fill in the areas. Wilson says it will be similar to Arden Park, where the restoration seemed rough in its
first year, but has since blossomed, creating a scenic and popular space for walking, playing, enjoying nature and family gatherings.
ARPA SpendingSome initiatives related to spending the $4.9 million the City received in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.
The iconic Edina Theatre at 50th & France is probably the most visible and well-known recipient of ARPA funding. With that assistance, the new owners remodeled
In three years, nature has already covered up much of the restoration marks at Arden Park. The expectation is the Weber Pond area will have a similar growth boom after planting commences this spring.File Photo
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 15
(continued on next page)
the 1934 theater. A stellar grand opening celebration in September unveiled an eye-popping redesign capturing elements of the 1980 Stanley Kubrick classic horror film “The Shining.” Movie-goers raved over it.
Using ARPA money, Edina is covering the cost of Internet Essentials, a Comcast program to provide low-cost, high-speed internet service to households with limited income. That makes the service free to the 248 households that participated as of Nov. 1. The program has proven to be vital to those families for schooling and jobs, so in November the City Council authorized an extension through 2025, when the last of the ARPA funding must be spent. Interested residents can learn more at BetterTogetherEdina.org.
Other funding has supported small businesses, provided food and rental assistance to those in need and improved mental health resources in schools. Roughly 70% of the first half of funding went to programs and services in the community.
“We’re really the only city that spent so much of its ARPA funding externally and didn’t just do revenue replacement internally,” Schaefer said. “The external projects where we directed ARPA money are important to the community, and we wanted to support that.”
Equity EffortsThe final report on how the City has enacted the steps of the 2018 Racial Equity Implementation Plan was completed in 2022. Rather than a separate plan, race and equity goals are now part of work plans in every department.
“We didn’t just do the initial recommendations and stop there,” Schaefer said. “We are now taking the next steps to make more of an impact.”
One way is a new tool being used when starting projects. Known as the Values Viewfinder, it has those involved step back and evaluate the project through four lenses: Race & Equity, Community Engagement, Health and Sustainability.
“It surfaces all the considerations that sometimes get overlooked in a process and calls attention to them,” said Community Engagement Manager MJ Lamon. Among the projects so far using this tool are the Strachauer Park Master Plan and planning for the new Fire Station 2.
The newly renovated Edina Theatre, with aesthetic inspiration from “The Shining,” re-opened in September 2022.Photo by Katherine Hulbert
16 • ABOUT TOWN
Transparency ToolsIn 2023, Edina residents and businesspeople won’t need to wait for this annual publication or scroll through an online PDF for updates on the Budget Work Plan. A new online dashboard will allow people to explore all the budget pillars, initiatives and projects, along with their status.
“This will help people better understand what we are working on and the progress being made,” Lamon said.
Future dashboards will focus on commonly sought data, presenting it in easy-to-understand charts, graphs and tables.
Several other Budget Work Plan initiatives covering affordable housing, Fire Station 2 and the Cahill District Plan are highlighted in other articles in this publication.
Find the entire Budget Work Plan and more information online at EdinaMN.gov/CityGoals.
Budget Pillars:
Strong Foundation
City infrastructure, facilities, technology and equipment meets community needs now and in the future.
Reliable Service
City services enhance the safety, wellbeing and quality of life experienced in Edina.
Livable City
City planning fosters healthy, connected, sustainable development that enriches the lives of current and future residents.
Better Together
City government fosters an inclusive, informed and engaged community.
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 17
Replace public safety computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and record management system
Installation and related training began in fall 2022. Systems will go online in early 2023.
Increase resources, training and coordination for responding to mental health-related calls for service
Social worker is now embedded full time with the Police Department. Training sessions for certain Fire Department personnel were held in late 2022.
Implement sustainable building policy Started in April 2022. Review of new development and redevelopment projects underway.
Execute redevelopment agreements for 5146 Eden Ave.
Long-vacant former Public Works site is being redeveloped into housing, a restaurant and public green space.
Continue efforts for Board and Commission members to better reflect diversity of Edina demographics
Interview guide created and recruitment strategies developed to improve diversity and balance including race, gender, homeowners vs. renters and neighborhoods where members live.
Quality of Life Survey Biennial statistically valid survey scheduled for 2023.
Project/Initative Progress Budget Pillar
Other Highlights Of 2022-23 Budget Work Plan
18 • ABOUT TOWN
New Fire Station 2
Project Slides Into Phase 2
By Lauren Siebenaler
A new state-of-the-art Fire Station 2 facility is on the horizon for the Edina Fire Department. 2025 has been tentatively set as the opening year of the new facility.
In 2019, Five Bugles Design completed a response time and station location study for the Edina Fire Department. The study concluded Fire Station 2, located at 7335 York Ave., is not large enough to provide the level of services needed in the southeast quadrant of the city. The southeast quadrant has consistently made up 45% of the department’s fire and EMS calls.
“Decades ago, a busy day for this fire department was two runs,” said Fire Operations Chief Pete Fisher. “When a busy day became 10 runs, we needed to add that second station. Today, it’s not uncommon for our department to respond to 24 calls for emergency service in a day.”
The new site, located at 4401 W. 76th St., was purchased in 2022. A big reason the site was selected was because of its proximity to Minnesota Highway 100 and France Avenue, which should decrease response times.
“With this location, our trucks can go north on France a lot easier since it’s wider with more lanes. We can also go west very easily to Highway 100 to get anywhere else in the city. From our standpoint of best response time to the city overall, it performed well,” said Fisher.
The three consultants that comprise the new station’s design team have been identified. Boardman Kroos and Vogel (BKV) is the architectural and engineering consultant. BKV has worked on projects such as Edina City Hall, Elk River Fire Station 3, Ramsey Fire Station 2,
and Fridley Civic Center. TEGRA Group is the owner’s representative and will coordinate the project on behalf of the City. TEGRA has extensive experience with government projects and projects with multiple stakeholders such as U.S. Bank Stadium. Kraus-Anderson will serve as construction manager, and has managed projects including Minneapolis Fire Station 1, Maplewood North Fire Station and Burnsville Fire Station.
Design of Fire Station 2, sometimes referred to as the Community Health & Safety Center, is underway. Fisher says he is most excited to implement new technology to improve firefighter safety and decrease on-the-job health risks.
“There are a lot of architectural and engineering features in fire stations now that are being built that really, in addition to being very efficient and effective as far as operations go, are also a lot healthier for our firefighters,” said Fisher. “Fires produce carcinogens which get into a firefighter’s clothes and gear. In new stations, they divide the station into zones for those contaminations. A red zone is a gear-cleaning station, a yellow zone is where the firefighters clean themselves, and then green zones are the living quarters. Even the HVAC systems are divided to make sure firefighters aren’t exposed for longer periods.
“Another feature in new fire stations is the way of alarming firefighters of a fire. Instead of a loud noise that wakes them up and causes stress, it’s ramped up lighting and ramped up alarm noise. This new technique is not as abrupt and causes less cardiac stress.”
The Fire Department’s Health Division recently moved to Fire Station 1, but will be housed at the new fire station in
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 19
the future. The Health Division previously worked out of the Police Department, which needs more space. It was a natural change for Health to move to a Fire Station, and in the new station, staff will have more space to grow health and sustainability initiatives.
“As the project goes into the design phase, we want to get an idea of what the neighborhood values in a space,” said Facilities Project Coordinator Rachel Finstad, who has led the new Fire Station 2 project. “More than anything, we want the community to feel like this is a part of their neighborhood – and feel like they can approach it, use it and that it’s a safe space for them. We want to get an idea of what their neighborhood feels like to them.”
A community meeting will be held 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Public Works & Park Maintenance Facility. The goal is to discover community-driven opportunities for programming, gather information on public space and transportation desires and use this feedback in design stages.
Following the design completion, the project will go out for public bid. A preliminary budget of $20 million has been set based off construction of similar-sized facilities, but estimates and schedules will be updated throughout design development. It is anticipated that the new fire station will be open and servicing the community by the end of 2025.
For more information on the new Fire Station 2 project, visit BetterTogetherEdina.org. For more information on the Edina Fire Department, visit EdinaMN.gov/Fire.
The Edina Fire Department has outgrown the current Fire Station 2. A new Fire Station 2 at 4401 W. 76th St. will provide faster response times in the busy southeast quadrant and quick access to main highways.File Photo
20 • ABOUT TOWN
Two Chiefs Share Safety Mission
By Lauren Siebenaler
Police Chief Todd Milburn and Fire Chief Andrew Slama stepped foot into two very different departments in 2021, yet found themselves connecting as one public safety force.
It’s been over a year since former Edina Paramedic/Firefighter Andrew Slama took the oath as Edina’s new Fire Chief and he hasn’t missed a beat. Slama had a few priorities from Day 1, starting with a lot of learning and listening. His first focus was staffing and the chain of promotions that followed down the fire administration line. There were familiar faces in the Fire Department who welcomed him with open arms, and a few new faces Slama was excited to get to know.
“There’s a lot of engagement throughout the city with residents and events. So just trying to take it all in that first year was the approach I wanted to take,” said Slama. “I tried to absorb as much of the City and the different departments and see all that I could.”
Many conversations and community engagements have taken place in his short time as Chief, including about the new Fire Station 2.
Those conversations have now led to the design phase of the project, with construction to follow. The new fire station’s estimated opening date is 2025. All of the opportunities for the new facility have the Chief excited for the future of the department and its level of service to the community. He’s also looking forward to the continued development of the department and its response to emergencies — especially in the ever-changing field of emergency response.
“Chief Milburn and I have a really close working relationship. It’s a good bond between Police and Fire,” said Slama. “That’s another thing I’m really proud of is our public safety approach. Working closely together from the top down really provides a better response.”
“Slama and I both have an eye for enhancing public safety and so we both have been able to collaborate on a number of initiatives right out of the gate,” said Milburn. “Relatively quickly, we’ve been able to gather our staff, have conversations and put some training in place.”
Fire Chief Andrew Slama (left) took his oath of office July 6, 2021, and Police Chief Todd Milburn (right) took his oath of office Aug. 16, 2021. Photo by Glenn Gray
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 21
That teamwork includes incident command situations, such as training for an active shooter in a school or handling large incidents. They have also taken time to work collaboratively with Richfield Police and Fire on a new computer-aided dispatch and records management system, getting the project to installation with the plan to go live in February. The success of their continued initiatives has trickled down and they continue to prioritize community engagement.
Milburn, who worked for the City of Brooklyn Park for 30 years before coming to Edina in August 2021, has had a few priorities of his own. His hiring prompted a trickle of promotions below him, so staffing the gaps became a priority. Edina has felt the effects of a nationwide challenge to recruit and retain quality police officers. To help address that, Milburn has been connecting with youth and people interested in law enforcement to inspire new faces to join the industry.
“We’re slowly building up our team after some retirements and movements,” said Milburn. “I anticipate by winter that we’ll be fully staffed, which is exciting for us. We’ve been blessed with promoting a number of candidates into major leadership positions within the Police Department.”
Milburn said it is important to him to be active in the interviewing process and help bring on new candidates and talent. He has also been working through the ebb and flow of the staffing shortage. Police Department staff have had to be flexible with their duties to cover all aspects of the city. His focus has been on planning and making sure everyone is well trained to execute a mission.
What is Milburn’s next mission? He will continue to focus on staffing and creating relationships with staff and community members. In addition, Milburn will focus on crime reduction strategies, specifically with catalytic converters. Edina is working on initiatives to collaborate with lawmakers to try to enhance laws and hold people accountable for those types of crimes.
“Most importantly, is our community engagement efforts,” said Milburn. “We’re going to continue and collaborate with other departments and with the community to build trust and relationships. We want to get the community to get a look at what public safety looks like behind the scenes because we want to continue to enhance community support – so the community understands exactly the services that we can provide.”
For more information on the Edina Fire and Police Departments, visit EdinaMN.gov.
22 • ABOUT TOWN
New Vehicles Change
The Scope Of Public Safety
By Lauren Siebenaler
The City of Edina public safety team is testing out new vehicle technology, setting them apart from cities in Minnesota and across the nation.
In June, the Edina Fire Department collaborated with the Minnesota Mobile Resuscitation Consortium at the University of Minnesota Medical School to assist with operations in a life-saving medical technology on wheels. The extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) truck was put into service in October after the mobile program had shown success with remote placement of ECMO in emergency departments. ECMO is defined by John Hopkins Medicine as a form of life support for people with life-threatening illness or injury that affects the function of their heart or lungs. ECMO keeps blood moving through the body and keeps blood gasses (oxygen and carbon dioxide) in balance..
“This is the first mobile ECMO vehicle in the world,” said Fire Chief Andrew Slama. “Other countries have had locations out in the field for this, but this is the first time it’s mobile on a vehicle.”
Since used on its first patient in July, the ECMO truck has had four successful cannulations, or procedures. Patients suffering cardiac arrest must be placed on an ECMO machine within an hour. Specially trained physicians and clinicians, along with the Edina Fire crew and truck, meet at the M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital parking lot to perform the procedure. Patients who are located within a half-hour of that meeting location can be treated by the ECMO truck. With the hospital there, it’s a good safety net in case the ECMO team needs help.
“The cooperation with multiple EMS agencies, fire departments, hospital systems, emergency physicians, ER nurses and interventional cardiologists is extremely unique,” said EMS Chief Ryan Quinn. “The number of people to coordinate is challenging, but necessary for this one-of-kind program to be successful.”
ECMO specialist physicians serve on call and are dispatched to M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital parking lot when the ECMO truck is activated. They handle the procedure itself inside the truck along with LifeLink, an emergency medical flight service. Edina’s Paramedics serve in a support role by providing medications, assisting with airway management and other duties. The truck is also equipped with virtual reality technology that allows physicians to observe and advise during procedures from anywhere in the world.
The world’s first mobile ECMO vehicle was brought to Edina thanks to the collaboration between the Edina Fire Department and the University of Minnesota’s Mobile Resuscitation Consortium. The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust provided primary funding.Photo by Scott Denfeld
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 23
“We are focusing on the ability to perform the ECMO procedure while mobile,” said Slama. “If we find it to be successful, then we can take it out farther and study the outcomes of this procedure when we’re getting it to people faster.”
Speaking of fast, the Edina Police Department’s new 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E is now in the department’s possession. The Mach-E is all-wheel drive and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. It has been outfitted with graphics, but is awaiting police equipment that is on back order. This compact SUV is the department’s first fully electric vehicle, and staff are excited to reduce their carbon footprint. One charge has an estimated range of 227 miles. The goal is to have them out on patrol 12 hours a day.
“This is an exciting trial for us,” said Lt. Ryan Schultz. “We’re going to be looking at the miles per charge, performance, ergonomics for the officers and how it performs in the Minnesota winter. Then, we will evaluate if these will work as a police vehicle and if we should add more of them to our fleet in the future.”
The Edina Police Department is testing another vehicle in this trial, a 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning. The electric truck was delivered in November and unlike the Mach-E, this vehicle has more accessories ready for it. The Lightning has four-wheel drive and a range of 240 miles per charge. It has 462 horsepower and is equipped with a frunk (front trunk) where officers plan to store EMS gear.
“The department is trying something new to reduce the impact our current police vehicle fleet has on the environment.” Schultz said. “We know these vehicles will reduce our carbon footprint and are hopeful they will also be great patrol vehicles. Testing the Mach E and Lightning show our commitment to the environment while also making sure they will work well as a patrol vehicle.”
Both vehicles will be cruising Edina streets on patrol in early 2023. Until then, you may see them being used as crime deterrents at various places around the city.
For more information about the Police Department, visit EdinaMN.gov/Police.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E (left) arrived in August. It awaits its back-ordered lights, but will be used in crime-deterring missions until
it’s put in service early this year. The Ford F-150 Lightning (right) arrived in November. Both all-electric vehicles will be tested out this
winter by the Edina Police Department to see how they hold up in our Minnesota winters.Photo by Lauren Siebenaler
24 • ABOUT TOWN
Climate Actions Focus
On Reducing Building
And Energy Emissions
By Brittany Bader
When you step into a more energy-efficient City building, pass an electric Police Department vehicle on the street, or see more solar panels and pollinator-friendly lawns around town, these are small glimpses of larger work being done to create a greener Edina.
After 2022, the City is over a quarter of the way to achieving its goals from the Climate Action Plan, which the City Council approved in December 2021. The plan includes more than 200 actions that can be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve environmental equity outcomes and increase community resilience to climate change by 2030. A team of 26 people developed the plan and its actions over 11 months and considered feedback from almost 450 residents.
“The City’s greenhouse gas inventory for 2019 showed emissions of 709,509 metric tons of CO2 equivalent,” said Sustainability Manager Grace Hancock. “By the completion of the Climate Action Plan in 2030, we’re aiming for a 45% reduction in that number, and by 2050, to be a net-zero emissions community. This is in line with the 2015 global Paris Agreement.”
The actions chosen for the plan are based on climate science and have been customized to Edina based on community input. They are organized under the following categories: Transportation & Land Use, Water & Wastewater, Buildings & Energy, Local Food & Agriculture, Green Space & Trees, Climate Health & Safety, Climate Economy, Cross-Cutting Actions, and Waste Management.
The focus for the year was on Buildings & Energy, an area that makes up about 56% of Edina’s overall emissions.
“The City focused on buildings in the first year because it’s our largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. We know that utility rates are rising, so it’s important the City responsibly stewards its budget by lowering City utility costs through projects that increase efficiency, while also helping residents and businesses access the benefits of energy efficient homes and buildings,” said Hancock.
Buildings & Energy
Waste Management
Transportation & Land Use
Water & Wastewater
Edina Community-Wide Emissions by Sector, 2019
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 25
(continued on next page)
Energy Retrofits at City Buildings: Completed comprehensive energy retrofits at park and utility buildings (20% energy reduction expected per building) and began retrofits at City Hall (33% energy reduction expected).
Sustainable Buildings Policy: Passed and implemented a Sustainable Buildings Policy that requires new buildings seeking City incentives, such as a planned unit development (PUD) or tax-increment financing (TIF), to follow sustainable building guidelines.
Climate Action Fund: Opened the cost-share program to the community to reimburse residents and businesses for some of the costs of energy- efficiency projects or rooftop solar installations.
Residential and Commercial Energy Assessments: • Supported 60 commercial energy assessments and approximately 160 home energy assessments through the Conservation and Sustainability Fund, which is generated by utility franchise fees.
• Amended Efficient Buildings Ordinance to require buildings 25,000 square feet or larger to report their annual water consumption in addition to energy use.
Solar Energy: • Began designing a new solar array for the City Hall rooftop that has the capacity to produce four times the electricity of the current one.
• Co-sponsored a home solar group buy program with Twin Cities Solar and had 80 households participate in workshops to learn more and take the next steps.
2022 Progress Report
The Climate Action Plan is currently in Phase 1, which lasts through 2024. Hancock says the action steps in this phase were chosen based on those with the greatest potential to reduce emissions and improve community equity and resilience to climate change.
Phase 2 will occur from 2025 through 2027, with Phase 3 following from 2028 through 2030. Along the way, the City will monitor progress through results from greenhouse gas inventories conducted every other year.
The public is encouraged to follow along with the plan’s progress through the Community Climate Action Report, which is updated as the City receives greenhouse gas inventory results. You can view the report by visiting Bit.ly/EdinaClimateActionReport.
To learn more about the Climate Action Plan or the City’s sustainability efforts, visit EdinaMN.gov/Sustainability.
Were Either In Progress or Completedof a total of 46 by 2030
Buildings & Energy
26 • ABOUT TOWN
Clothing Swap Event: Hosted the City’s first Earth Day Community Clothing Exchange in April to help keep clothes out of the landfill. About 300 community members exchanged roughly 1,500 pounds of clothing and shoes.
Organics: Piloted organics recycling at several multifamily buildings throughout the city.
Green to Go Packaging Ordinance: The ordinance went into effect July 1 and requires that most to-go food and beverage packaging in Edina transition to “Green to Go” – meaning reusable, recyclable or compostable.
Were Either In Progress or Completedof a total of 24 by 2030
Waste Management
New Flood Risk Map: Released a new flood risk map, available at EdinaMN.gov/Flooding, where residents can view exposure risk to flooding by property address.
Morningside Flood Infrastructure Project: The engineering project began in February and will make the Morningside Neighborhood more resilient to flooding after its completion in 2023. View project progress at BetterTogetherEdina.org/morningside.
Were Either In Progress or Completedof a total of 20 by 2030
Water & Wastewater
Electric Vehicle Initiatives:• Started developing an electric vehicle-ready ordinance, with new City Code recommendations expected in early 2023.
• Committed to transitioning the City’s municipal light-duty fleet to 100% electric by 2030 and medium and heavy-duty fleets by 2040.
• Installed five new electric vehicle chargers, three of which are available for public use.
Active Routes to School: In partnership with Edina Public Schools, initiated an Active Routes to School Plan to increase walking and biking to schools.
Transportation & Land Use Were Either In Progress or Completedof a total of 28 by 2030
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 27
(continued on next page)
(Note: The categories of Local Food & Agriculture, Climate Health & Safety and Climate Economy will start in later years.)
NextGen Trees Initiative: $100,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding was allocated to the NextGen Trees initiative, which will plant 1,000 trees in Edina by the end of 2023, 600 of which were planted in 2022.
Natural Areas Projects: • Completed - Melody Lake shoreline restoration and ecological quality evaluations at Braemar, Bredesen, Pamela, Yancey, Rosland and Arden parks.
• In Progress - Nine Mile Creek vegetation restoration; Lynmar Basin Stormwater Project.
• Designed - Wooddale Path landscape restoration; Morningside Flood Infrastructure Project Phase 3 landscape restoration.
Were Either In Progress or Completedof a total of 24 by 2030
Green Space & Trees
Energy & Environment Commission: Established the Energy & Environment Commission as the primary community body to support the implementation of the Climate Action Plan.
Online Community Climate Action Report: Launched a report that allows the public to follow along with the Climate Action Plan progress. It is updated as new greenhouse gas inventory results are available. View the report online at Bit.ly/EdinaClimateActionReport.
Greenhouse Gas Inventories: • Completed a biennial greenhouse gas inventory for 2021.
• Committed to adjusting the Climate Action Plan to meet 2030 goals, if needed, based on the 2025 greenhouse gas inventory results.
Were Either In Progress or Completedof a total of 14 by 2030
Cross-Cutting Actions
28 • ABOUT TOWN
Buildings & Energy• Use the Climate Action Fund to Help Make Energy Upgrades: If you plan to do an energy-efficiency, electrification or rooftop solar installation project at your home or business, you may be eligible for cost sharing from the City’s Climate Action Fund to help cover the cost of these projects, up to $1,000 and $2,000 for commercial, industrial or multifamily properties. For more information or to apply, visit EdinaMN.gov/ClimateFund.
• Schedule an Energy Assessment Visit:
° Residential: The City will help residents pay for a home energy assessment by the Home Energy Squad. An energy assessment will help identify energy deficiencies that, if addressed, could reduce energy usage and monthly bills. The City will contribute to the cost of the service based on household income. Households with an annual income of $100,000 or less will receive a free visit, and households over this amount will receive a 50% discount. To schedule your visit, visit xcelenergy.com/HomeEnergySquad.
° Businesses: The City will cover the costs for businesses subject to Edina’s Efficient Building Ordinance to receive an energy assessment.
· For buildings 25,000 square feet or larger: Contact Sustainability Manager Grace Hancock at ghancock@EdinaMN.gov to request a no-cost assessment.
· For buildings smaller than 25,000 square feet: Schedule a free assessment through the Energy Smart program at Bit.ly/EnergySmartMN.
• Consider Rooftop Solar: A federal tax credit is available for those who install solar (currently at 30%). In addition, you could receive a 4% cost share from the City or 6% if it’s a community solar garden. For more information or to apply, visit EdinaMN.gov/ClimateFund.
• Join the Green Business Recognition Program: If your business has implemented green practices, you are encouraged to apply for the Green Business Recognition Program to be recognized by the City for your sustainability efforts. For more information or to apply, visit BetterTogetherEdina.org.
Transportation & Land Use• Have One Car-Free Day Per Week: Commit to taking the bus, biking or walking one day per week. Most transportation emissions in Edina are from single car trips. The 2019 greenhouse gas inventory showed that 78% of Edinans commuted alone and only 3.3% used public transit.
• Go Electric: Consider purchasing an electric vehicle or e-bike.
Green Space and Trees• Plant or Care for a Tree: Plant a tree at your home or business to increase and improve the tree canopy. Already have a tree at home or work? Commit to watering it regularly.
• Help Protect the Bees: Participate in No Mow May in 2023 or plant pollinator friendly plants at your home or business.
Waste Management• Shop With a Reusable Bag: Consider using reusable bags for grocery trips to cut down on single-use plastic.
Climate Action And You
The average Edina resident produced 13.42 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, almost 30,000 pounds of pollution. The City’s Climate Action Plan sets a community goal to cut that number to around 7.5 metric tons per person annually. Want to reduce your carbon footprint? Sustainability Manager Grace Hancock says everyone has an important role to play in reaching Climate Action Plan goals and offers actions you can take to help reduce community-wide emissions.
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 29
Lights, Camera, Climate Action!
Organics Recycling Coordinator Twila Singh at the City’s first Earth Day Community Clothing Exchange at Braemar Arena on April 23, 2022.File photoIn 2022, about 1,200 people participated in the first year of No Mow May, which encouraged residents to protect pollinator food and habitat by avoiding mowing their yards. Shown here is the program sign in the yard of a participating property.File photoResidents of all ages helped to plant 200 trees at the City’s Arbor Day tree planting event at Rosland Park on May 6, 2022.File photoThe City Council approved the purchase of two all-electric vehicles for the Edina Police Department in 2022, a Ford Mustang Mach-E (shown here) and a Ford F-150 Lightning. The vehicles are expected to be in service in early 2023.File photo
30 • ABOUT TOWN
By Debbie Townsend
The City of Edina made significant progress on its affordable housing goals in 2022, with new projects approved, some opening or under construction and the expansion of programs meant to help keep existing homes affordable.
The need still far exceeds the number of affordable places for working families or seniors to live, but the Comprehensive Plan goal of 1,804 affordable units by 2030 looks attainable, Affordable Housing Development Manager Stephanie Hawkinson said.
In just over two years since that Comprehensive Plan goal was set, 341 affordable units have been approved, or nearly 20% of the goal.
The Sound on 76th opened in summer 2022, providing 70 affordable apartments for families, making it the largest such project in Edina in recent years. The apartments, built on the site of the former Flyte Time Studios and full of artwork to commemorate the studios’ history, were fully leased before the doors opened.
Another 40 affordable family apartments are in the works. Half will be included in Maison Green, the development on the former Perkins site. The other half are part of an apartment building going in to the South Pentagon Park area.
“Affordable housing for active seniors is where we are really seeing growth,” Hawkinson said, noting 127 units are currently under construction, making up 64% of the 2030 goal for that sector.
Cornelia View Apartments at 4040 W. 70th St. will be 100 percent affordable housing for seniors. Its 118 apartments are anticipated to open in fall 2023. “We get calls all the time for people who want to live there when it opens,” Hawkinson said.
Another nine affordable spaces are included in the 86 senior cooperative units of the Grandview Yard project, approved in October for the former Edina Public Works site at 5146 Eden Ave.
While housing for active seniors is booming, affordable places for seniors who need more help is not. “We have added zero affordable assisted living units for seniors, a housing option that was noted by the Housing Strategy Task Force in 2020,” Hawkinson said.
Home OwnershipApartments or multifamily buildings are just part of affordable housing. Getting families into affordable homes and home ownership are other aspects.
The second mortgage program Come Home 2 Edina will exceed 15 closings in 2022, more than the nine of 2021. It helps families buy homes that cost up to $500,000.
“These people are Edina workers in a day care center, restaurants, local government, social services, local schools and actively volunteer in the community,” Hawkinson said. “They are local workers who want to live here and have their children attend Edina schools.”
The increase in Come Home 2 Edina interest was fueled in part by the First-Generation Homebuyer Program. In addition to the $60,000 available through Come Home 2
Affordable Housing Efforts
‘Making Dreams Come True’
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 31
Edina, it provides a $15,000 forgivable loan to first-time homebuyers whose parents or guardians did not own their own homes.
“This program helps build generational wealth,” Hawkinson said, noting that practices such as redlining and restrictive covenants locked out previous generations of many families from home ownership.
While the numbers are small for these programs, they appear to be working. Half of all Come Home 2 Edina borrowers in 2021 and 2022 were people of color. In 2019, none were, and in 2020, that number was only 8%.
“We’ve moved the dial a little bit in affordable single-family ownership,” Hawkinson said. “It might seem small, but this is an impactful, meaningful difference for these families.”
Preserving HomesModerately priced single-family houses aren’t being built in Edina, so the only way to have them available is to preserve them.
The City approved a partnership with Homes Within Reach in late 2020, and its first two homes were acquired the next year. Under the program, single-family homes with an assessed value up to $425,000 are purchased, preventing them from being torn down and replaced with large luxury homes.
Qualified buyers – those with no more than 80% of Average Median Income – purchase the house, but the land remains in a trust to ensure the property is and remains affordable, even if the new owners later sell.
Seven houses have been purchased by families through the program so far, and three more are going through improvements before hitting the market. These are often older homes, so common improvements are new roofs and HVAC systems, insulation, new windows and any health or safety fixes, said Brenda Lano-Wolke of Homes Within Reach. An energy audit before and after the improvements tests and proves their effectiveness.
“Typically, we’re saving the homeowners anywhere from $800 to $1,200 a year in utilities by the improvements we’ve done,” Lano-Wolke said.
(continued on next page)
The Sound on 76th common areas are decorated with pointillist portraits of Black music legends, including trumpeter Louis Armstrong, that were rescued from the former Flyte Time Studios building on the site and professionally restored. Photo by Glenn Gray
32 • ABOUT TOWN
The new homeowners are a patchwork of heartwarming stories. There’s the University of Minnesota employee who was adopted from Africa as a child and lived in rental properties all her life, as had her husband. The single dad who now lives in the same neighborhood his grandmother once did. The local restaurant chef whose wife raises their small kids during his long work hours.
The very first Edina home in the program went to a young couple with two small children. “She grew up in Edina and never thought she’d be able to live here,” Lano-Wolke said. “Her kids now can go to the same school she went to.”
The program has had interest from Edina homeowners. Some participants like that it avoids the hassle of listing a home, preparing it to show and the usual sales process. Some want to preserve the character of their neighborhood or support the initiative. Most, Lano-Wolke said, simply want their longtime family home to give another family that same opportunity and enjoyment.
“Through the partnership with the City of Edina, we are making dreams come true,” Lano-Wolke said.
Home Rehab ProgramPart of the housing challenge is helping people with limited incomes keep their current homes livable, safe and economical. The Edina Deferred Home Improvement Loan program does just that, offering $2,000 to $30,000 in a 30-year deferrable loan for maintenance and energy improvements to modest homes.
As of late October, 18 homeowners had taken advantage of the loans in 2022, and 20 did the year before when the program launched. Common improvements are furnaces, windows, kitchen and bath remodels and overall energy-efficiency projects.
“Many of our applicants are seniors,” said Brenda Yaritz, Lending Manager of the Center for Energy and Environment, which administers the program for Edina and for other cities. “We also have given loans for a lot of condominiums as well as houses.”
Cornelia View Apartments, under construction at
4040 W. 70th St., will offer 118 affordable housing
units exclusively for seniors when it opens in fall 2023.Photo by Glenn Gray
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 33
Looking AheadThe City is working to inform current owners of affordable rentals about a new tax reduction program that can save them 40% on their property taxes. That program dovetails with the Resilient Homes Grants program that covers 90% of energy-efficiency improvement costs for those affordable properties.
Hawkinson also hopes more people will sign up for the deferred loans for home improvements or explore if their home is appropriate for Homes Within Reach when it comes time to sell. And she hopes to reach more people who work and volunteer in Edina yet are unaware there are programs to help them live here as well.
“People who benefit from affordable housing programs are citywide,” Hawkinson said. “The need and program participants are not just in one area of the city but are sprinkled throughout. People who benefit from these programs are someone’s neighbors.”
Learn more about these programs by visiting OpenDoorsEdina.org or contact Hawkinson at shawkinson@EdinaMN.gov or 952-833-9578.
Ten percent of the 208-unit Maison Green development
under construction near Edina City Hall will be designated
for households that earn no more than 50 percent of area
median income.Photo by Glenn Gray
34 • ABOUT TOWN
By Amy Kyllo
City leaders are working to create an innovative plan for the future of the Cahill District in southeast Edina.
The study, which has been underway since 2021, is meant to guide development and redevelopment in the area. The recommendations in the study will help City leaders make decisions about such things as density, public infrastructure, sewer (which is currently at capacity in the area) and general City investments.
The Cahill District is bounded by West 70th Street to the north, the city of Bloomington to the south, Cahill Road to the west and Minnesota Highway 100 to the east. The area was built up in the 1960s primarily as a business center. Currently, the area is predominantly zoned for commercial, industrial and office uses, with some residential as well. The area is aging, with only 33% of the buildings built since 1980 and just 8% of the buildings built since 2000. The area employs an estimated 4,469 people, contains 166 independent businesses and creates $3.15 billion in annual revenue.
According to Community Development Coordinator Addison Lewis, this study has been a long time in the making. The Cahill District was identified in the 2008 and 2018 Comprehensive Plans as an area warranting further study. The City of Edina budgeted a maximum of $75,000 to study the area and create a plan for its future. The City also received a $50,000 Hennepin County Planning Grant for the study.
The Hennepin County Planning Grant money will be focused on looking at connectivity and improvements to the transportation infrastructure and how to make the area more sustainable and resilient.
The working group, co-chaired by David Alkire and Kate Agnew, consists of 11 people who meet monthly. Alkire said one of the things he hopes the community knows about the project is the importance of making sure the final recommendations of the working group reflect the community’s voices. The working group selection process aimed to create a group with diverse voices representing many different interests for the Cahill District.
Cahill District Study Works To
Balance Diverse Interests, Voices
Edina Crossings on Industrial Boulevard was constructed in 2015, making it one of the newest buildings in the area. Two-thirds of buildings in the Cahill District are more than 40 years old.Photo by Amy Kyllo
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 35
For Alkire, a highlight of being on the working group has been seeing the willingness of Edina residents to volunteer to make a difference in their community. “It’s fantastic to live in a community like that,” he said.
The working group looks to wrap up the final recommendations for the City Council in the spring of 2023. Though the project does not have specific recommendations in place yet, residents can expect them to be based around three principles:
• Protect and grow the district’s economic impact
• Improve connectivity to and through the district
• Create gathering places and amenities that engage the broader community
Though these represent diverse interests, Alkire said that balance is what “it’s going to be all about.” Agnew appreciates the energetic participation of everyone on the working group. “Everyone is willing to offer their perspective,” she said.
The public is invited to an upcoming public workshop that will include further opportunity to participate in the Cahill District Study. Specific details to come.
For more information and to stay updated with the Cahill District Study, visit BetterTogetherEdina.org/Cahill-District-Area-Plan or contact Lewis, 952-826-0369.
The Cahill District was built up in the 1960s and is predominantly zoned for commercial, industrial and office uses, with some residential as well.File PhotoMembers of the Cahill District Study Working Group are front, from left: David Alkire, Hilda Martinez Salgado, Sarah Hu and Anne Snyder; and back: Michael Morgan, Steve Troskey, Kate Agnew, Ryan Breisach, Janet Kitui, Jamie Glover and Michael Schroeder. Not pictured are Louis DeMars and Amir Missaghi.Photo by Glenn Gray
36 • ABOUT TOWN
By Katherine Hulbert
The Edina Senior Center recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of its location at Grandview Square, but its history spans back before the day the Center opened its doors there in 2002.
In 1968, an article appeared in the Edina Sun-Current newspaper encouraging any senior interested in a senior program to come to City Hall for a meeting. A significant number of interested people showed up to talk with members of Edina’s Parks & Recreation Department as well as the Suburban Recreation Council. All heartily agreed that a senior program should be started.
Twin Cities Federal (TCF) Bank on 66th Street opened its doors to the group in 1969 and allowed seniors to congregate in its community room, where they were able to spend time visiting with one another over coffee or a game of cards. Overseen by the Parks & Recreation department, the senior program was underway.
As time went on, the space at the bank was no longer sufficient for the number of people interested in social programming for seniors. Yorktown Continental Apartments at 7151 York Ave., a complex for independent seniors, offered space on the bottom floor for an Edina Senior Center in 1972 to support the program’s growing demand.
“That space was perfect at the time. We were able to go on trips and tours, start exciting group activities such as our tap dancing and singing groups, and we had tons of great events,” said Sue Weigle, who began working as
Senior Center Director in 1978. “However, it came to a point where we realized we were becoming more geared toward the residents of the building rather than serving the whole community. So, we decided to make a change.”
In 1989, the Senior Center relocated to the third floor of the Edina Community Center. However, the space provided proved to be less than ideal. The absence of air conditioning on the top floor created an uncomfortable environment for the seniors.
Senior Center Celebrates 20th
Anniversary At Grandview Square
Left to right: The Edina Senior Center has been led by three
women over the years: Donna Tilsner (2013-2016), Sue Weigle
(1978-2013) and Nicole Gorman (2016-present). Before the
center existed, Marsha Moore was a part-time Program
Supervisor from 1970 to 1978, overseeing senior programs
for the Parks & Recreation Department. File Photo
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 37
“We were fortunate to have had some strong voices and leaders within the community who advocated for us, going to City Council meetings and really seeing to it that our seniors were being taken care of,” said Weigle. “People realized the space wasn’t what Edina seniors deserve. These were the people who had lived in and supported their City for so many years. They deserved something much better than this.”
When the City of Edina acquired a property in Grandview Square, wheels started turning to provide seniors with an improved space and experience. The City entered into an agreement with Hennepin County to construct and co-own a new building. The library was to be located on one floor and the Senior Center on the other.
The Edina Senior Center at Grandview Square opened to the public in 2002.
Weigle and everyone at the Senior Center were ecstatic to have a centralized meeting place of their own. “It was so fulfilling to have everyone’s hard work pay off and see the seniors comfortable and feeling a sense of pride in their deeper sense of community,” she said.
After many years of hard work directing the Senior Center, Weigle retired in 2013 and was succeeded by Donna Tilsner.
“It was a bit daunting to walk into a position where the person you’re replacing had done such a fabulous job and was so well loved,” Tilsner said. “But I was confident in my mission to build on everything that had been accomplished and bring the Senior Center to another level.”
The next step was to enhance accessibility and awareness of the Center.
“A lot of people were under the impression that we were a place meant only for older seniors. I wanted to spread the message that the Center is a vibrant facility that has something for everyone,” said Tilsner. “We wanted to attract younger seniors as well as the general community.”
Tilsner helped modernize the Center by putting the Senior Center newsletter The Times online, increasing the Center’s presence at community events, adding programming to accommodate and entice a variety of
(continued on next page)
A 20th anniversary celebration for the Senior Center at
Grandview Square was held Sept. 21, 2022.File Photo
38 • ABOUT TOWN
attendees, scheduling additional programming during evenings and weekends and providing rental space to community members when it was available.
“As independent adults, seniors are looking for an assortment of opportunities. It’s important to offer well-rounded programming for life needs — education, fitness, health and financial assistance, and of course, fun and games,” said Tilsner.
When Tilsner retired in 2016, Nicole Gorman stepped into the role, managing the Center and planning programs. Both previous directors have nothing but high praise for her enthusiasm and the direction she has been taking the Center.
Gorman spearheaded the celebration of the Grandview Square Senior Center’s 20th anniversary in September 2022. “It really was sublime. Everyone was so happy with the event, especially the turnout. We had pre-pandemic numbers for registrations and attendees,” she said. “The social scene and entertainment were fantastic. We’re all about strengthening community connections, which really shows in events such as this.”
Whether it’s a game of bridge, learning a new instrument or language, yoga, a day trip, or simply a place to meet with old friends and make new ones, the Senior Center emphasizes that they are there to serve the community and all are welcome to come and join the fun.
Even after retiring as director years ago, Weigle can still be found in the Center on a weekly basis, socializing with friends and dominating at Scrabble. “I’m always telling people I meet to give the Center a try. Push yourself to make the leap and I promise you will find that it’s the perfect place to be.”
Visit the Edina Senior Center at 5280 Grandview Square. For more information, visit EdinaSeniorCenter.com or contact Gorman at 952-833-9571 or ngorman@EdinaMN.gov.
City staff pose for a photo during the groundbreaking
ceremony for the Edina Senior Center at 5280
Grandview Square in 2001.File Photo
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 39
New City Ordinance Calls
For Environmentally Friendly
To-Go Food Packaging
(continued on next page)
By Brittany Bader
While takeout food is convenient, the waste generated by its packaging can be anything but for the environment. A new ordinance in Edina provides some solutions for this.
As part of the City’s Waste Management goals outlined in the Climate Action Plan, the Energy & Environment Commission developed a green-to-go packing ordinance that was approved by the City Council in November 2021 and went into effect July 1, 2022.
Primary objectives are waste reduction, particularly of single-use plastics, and to promote a reuse culture that will reduce future waste creation. By cutting down on the number of food and beverage items needing to be incinerated or put into the landfill, less greenhouse gases will be emitted.
The new ordinance requires licensed food establishments that provide to-go food packaging or utensils to switch to products that are either reusable, recyclable or compostable (see information on page 41). Additionally, the ordinance adds requirements around supplying compost and recycling receptacles in areas with customers.
The Green-to-Go ordinance helps reach the Climate Action Plan goal of by 2030 decreasing trash headed to the landfill by 5 percent person compared to 2019 levels.
You might have noticed many of your go-to places in Edina already moving away from single-use plastics, but the total change will be gradual and phased in. Organics Recycling Coordinator Twila Singh says the City does not want to add additional financial concerns in what are already challenging times for many businesses.
“We do not want businesses buying a whole new inventory of things immediately. Instead, we want to see a gradual phaseout of current product lines, replaced by items that comply with the ordinance,” said Singh. “This way, businesses are given time to adjust, and there isn’t unnecessary waste generated from unused products.”
The Health Division has started to connect with businesses about resources available through partnerships with MNimize and the City’s Green Business Recognition program and will continue to do so throughout 2023. Assistance is available in the form of grants, rebates, signs and education.
Climate Action Plan: Waste Management Strategy 1, Action 5
Eliminate petroleum-based, single-use products through phasing out the use of single-use plastics, including plastic bags, by 2025. Require food service retailers to use re-usable, biodegradable, compostable or recyclable packaging and utensils (including for takeout). Explore the feasibility of establishing a reusable takeout container service.
40 • ABOUT TOWN
The ordinance applies to City facilities and events, too. So, if you visit a City facility that serves food (like the Edina Aquatic Center or Braemar Golf Course), you should expect to receive any to-go food or beverages in reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging. As a consumer, your part will be to sort items into the proper containers at the end of your meal or snack.
“All our City-hosted events will follow this ordinance. An example of this is the upcoming Centennial Lakes Farmers Market season. All vendors will need to agree to follow it as a requirement to participate,” said Singh.
Currently, the City is not issuing fines to businesses in violation. The Health Division encourages businesses to use this time to ask questions and change over to compliant packaging that works best for them.
“The purpose of doing this is to reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill and make sure Edina is a green dining destination. Food is such an important part of our culture, so we need to be responsible with our packaging choices,” Singh emphasized.
The ordinance does have a few exceptions. For example, food and beverage service provided through patient care at hospitals and nursing homes, and food packaging pre-packaged by a manufacturer, producer or distributor are not subject to it. A full list of exclusions, exceptions and rules can be found within the ordinance.
The Green to Go Packaging Ordinance can be viewed online at Bit.ly/GreenToGoOrdinance. To learn more, contact Singh at 952-826-1657 or TSingh@EdinaMN.gov.
Keep Your Party GreenWith food, packaging, decorations and giveaways, the waste generated from parties can quickly add up! The City of Edina will help event coordinators develop waste-reduction plans, educate vendors, train volunteers and find collection options.
Organics Recycling Coordinator Twila Singh shares five ways you can help make your next celebration low or no waste:
1. Evaluate all materials that will be at the party (packaging, decorations, banners), and try to eliminate as many disposable materials as possible.
2. Make sure to use reusable, compostable or recyclable dishware.
3. Choose reusable linens, centerpieces, decorations, etc.
4. Provide condiments in bulk instead of individually wrapped servings. For example, use a squeeze container of ketchup, instead of individual packets.
5. Plan to place recycling, composting and trash receptacles together to form a waste station. This will help ensure that materials end up in the correct containers.
“We’re trying to encourage a shift to ‘reusable’ hospitality,” said Singh. “A person or an organization can contact me if they would like help from the City in developing a waste reduction plan for an upcoming party.”
View more waste reduction ideas for parties at EdinaMN.gov/KeepYourPartyGreen. Singh can be reached at 952-826-1657 or TSingh@EdinaMN.gov.
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 41
Green To Go Packaging Requirements
Cups
Cups can be reusable, recyclable or compostable.
• If using recyclable cups, this excludes black plastic, as those are not currently recyclable.
• If using compostable cups, the cups need to be labeled with at least one of the following: ◦ The words “certified compostable.”◦ The words “commercially compostable.”◦ Other language which meets American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.◦ The logo of a third-party certification or testing body indicating the cup meets standards, as approved by the City of Edina.
Exceptions: “Made from plants,” “bio-based” or “biodegradable” are not acceptable alternatives on their own.
Packages and Containers
(Including, but not limited to, plates, bowls, serving trays, to-go containers, clamshells, wrappers and lids)
Packages and containers can be reusable, recyclable or compostable.
• If using recyclable packages or containers, this excludes black plastic, as those are not currently recyclable.
Utensils
(Including, but not limited to, forks, spoons and knives)
Single-use utensils must be compostable. Otherwise, a business may choose to use reusable utensils.
Straws
Single-use straws can only be provided to customers upon request or distributed through a front-of-house straw dispenser that allows customers to self-serve.
Lids
If using single-use cups, packages or containers with lids:
• The lid needs to be in the same category of packaging. This means pairing a recyclable cup or package with a recyclable lid or a compostable cup or package with a compostable lid.
This is only a summary. For complete requirements, refer to the Green-to-Go Packaging Ordinance (Ordinance 2021-11).
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 41
42 • ABOUT TOWN
Edina Voters Approve Sales
Tax Referendum To Invest
$39.3 Million In Local Parks
Edina residents approved a half-percent sales tax referendum Tuesday, Nov. 8, that will allow the City to invest $39.3 million in major improvements at Fred Richards Park and Braemar Park and Arena.
Under the plan, Braemar and Fred Richards parks will receive a wide range of amenities and improvements, including new courts, trails, playgrounds, natural habitat restoration and more. Additionally, Braemar Area will receive critical repairs and upgrades that will help ensure that it remains fully operational and more accessible for many years to come.
The parks and arena investment plan was presented in two ballot questions. Question One requested $21.6 million to invest in a variety of updates at Braemar Park and critical repairs at Braemar Arena. Question Two sought $17.7 million to convert the shuttered Fred Richards Executive Golf Course into a multi-faceted park.
Question One was approved by 16,646 votes to 11,435 votes and Question Two was approved by 14,605 votes to 13,224 votes.
“We’re excited to move forward with these projects to provide more recreation opportunities and enhance the quality of life for Edina residents,” said City Manager Scott Neal.
The sales tax will spread the tax impact of the investment among residents and nonresidents who make purchases in Edina. Approximately 54% of the sales tax increase will be paid by nonresidents, according to a newly updated analysis by the University of Minnesota.
City leaders began gathering input from residents in 2016 regarding the needs of Fred Richards and Braemar parks. Feedback from community meetings and surveys helped shape the investment plan, and the City successfully received legislative approval in 2021 to propose a half-percent sales tax to voters to finance it.
“This is the result of lots of hard work by Edina residents to design and invest in a plan to expand and improve our parks and recreation system,” said Parks & Recreation Director Perry Vetter. “I appreciate everyone who participated in this process.”
The half-percent sales tax takes effect in 2023 and will expire in 19 years. If the bonds for the projects are paid off before then, the sales tax will expire earlier. Design work for the parks projects will begin in the coming weeks and months.
In 2023, the City plans to seek legislative approval to use the same 19-year, half-percent sales tax to fund an additional $25.3 million for the expansion of Braemar Arena. The expansion would demolish the South Rink and build two new ice rinks, resulting in four indoor rinks and one outdoor seasonal rink. The expansion would also include a safe drop-off and pick-up area, a larger lobby and more parking.
For more information, visit EdinaAtPlay.org
– Compiled by Jennifer Bennerotte
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 43
Why a local sales tax option to pay for the project?The sales tax will spread the tax impact of the project across both residents and nonresidents. Approximately 54% of a sales tax increase would be paid by nonresidents of Edina, according to a newly updated analysis by the University of Minnesota.
When does the sales tax go into effect?The half-percent sales tax will go into effect April 1, 2023.
What is subject to a local option sales tax?The local half-percent sales tax would be applied the same as the state sales tax. There are some exemptions to the sales tax, including groceries, clothing, prescription drugs and baby products.
Will the sales tax be permanent?No. The sales tax expires in 19 years. If the bonds for the parks projects are paid off before then, the sales tax expires earlier. The only way the tax could be extended or used for other projects would be if the Legislature authorized the change and Edina voters approved.
What happens next?Planning for the projects is underway.
The City plans to return to the Legislature in 2023 to ask that the local option sales tax be used to pay for an additional $25.3 million to expand Braemar Arena, which would include a fourth sheet of indoor ice. If approved by the Legislature, Edina voters would also have to approve the matter. Because the sales tax is estimated to bring in about $4 million per year, the amount of the sales tax would not increase and the City should not need to collect it for longer than 19 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Braemar Arena and Park
+ Fred Richards ProjectsLAYP
EDINA at
The east entrance of Fred Richards Park has a playground and picnic shelter. An inclusive playground will be among the many amenities added to the 43-acre park.File PhotoThe sales tax will fund Braemar Arena improvements,
including restroom and locker room upgrades and
equipment updates for better ice.File Photo
44 • ABOUT TOWN
In 2022, money for more than 100 trees was donated to the City of Edina.
Among the donors, Andy Warczak has given money dedicated to planting trees around the City twice a year for the past five years. His donation of $3,500 in the spring went toward planting 10 conifer trees at Strachauer Park. His most recent donation of $1,500 in the fall will contribute to planting additional trees at Chowen, Strachauer and York parks.
Warczak has had a passion for trees since he was a boy and has been planting them personally since he was a teenager. His desire to do it on a larger scale led him to partner with the City’s Forestry Division and donate to help plant trees in several parks in Edina.
“As a father with two young kids, I know that trees are a valuable asset that many generations can enjoy for years to come,” said Warczak. “They beautify our city, provide habitat for wildlife, reduce the effects of urban heat islands, absorb CO2 to mitigate the effects of climate change, and much more. I look forward to seeing the many trees I’ve planted mature and the community I live in enjoying them.”
One of the largest donations of the year was courtesy of Peter and Elizabeth MacDonagh, who gave the City $17,000 dedicated to purchasing new trees in addition to transplanting several of their own conifer trees from a previous property they had owned to a 0.15-acre City-owned and maintained green space across from Jerry’s Foods.
“It’s been great to see people taking an interest in trees,” said City Forester Luther Overholt. “With the impact COVID-19 had on our budget for planting new trees, I was very grateful to have so many donors come in and help out with the effort to get trees in the ground and keep our city’s tree cover moving forward.”
Dozens of others donated to the City in 2022. The reasons for donating are varied and many; each one is gratefully received by the City and has a profoundly positive impact on the community.
Those contributing $500 or more were:
• Catherine and David Taylor – $500 for the Braemar Memorial Fund
• Michael Kelly – $500 for Braemar Memorial Fund
• Tim Nord – $500 for the Braemar Memorial Fund
• Edina Crime Prevention Fund – $544 for Safety Camp
• Edina Crime Prevention Fund – $691 for Officer of the Year Award
• Edina Crime Prevention Fund – $696.77 for cellphones for Minnesota Human Trafficking Task Force
• Elliott Nickell – $700 for trees at Browndale Mill Pond
• Edina Crime Prevention Fund – $994 for Night to Unite expenses
• Edina Friends of the Library – $1,000 for Edina Senior Center 20th anniversary event
Donors Help Grow
Edina’s Greenery
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 45
• Donna Hipps – $1,050 for three crab apple trees at St. John’s Park
• Andy Warczak – $1,500 for multiple trees at Strachauer, Chowen and York parks
• N.C. Little Memorial Hospice Inc. – $1,750 for the Fire Department
• Edina Friends of the Library – $1,800 for books for Juneteenth event
• Ceil Smith – $1,850 for shuffleboard and accessories for Edina Senior Center
• Donna Hipps – $3,200 for a bench at St. John’s Park
• Jeri Albrecht – $3,200 for a bench at Centennial Lakes Park
• Jill and Steve Kahn – $3,200 for a bench at Rosland Park
• Andy Warczak – $3,500 for multiple trees at Strachauer Park
• Edina Community Members/Friends of the Miller Family (Tracy Lumpkin) – $3,550 for a bench and tree at Normandale Park
• Edina Crime Prevention Fund – $4,839 for Police foot patrol expenses
• Edina Crime Prevention Fund – $6,620 for two electric bicycles
• Crime Prevention Fund – $10,432.45 toward the Fall into the Arts Festival, benefitting Centennial Lakes Park
• Crime Prevention Fund – $10,432.45 toward the Fall into the Arts Festival, benefitting Edina Art Center
• Dixon Diebold – $15,000 for 20 conifers
• Peter and Elizabeth MacDonagh – $17,000 toward trees at Hankerson open green space
• Edina Community Foundation – $17,550.26 for Connect Card scholarship program
• Dennis W. Schulstad – $25,000 for a bronze sculpture at Centennial Lakes Park in honor of his late wife, Pam
• Pacy Erck – $30,000 for a signature clock at Braemar Golf Course
Donations to the City of Edina are tax deductible. For more information on donating to the City, contact City Clerk Sharon Allison at 952-826-0359.
– Compiled by Katherine Hulbert
Andy Warczak has given money to the City twice a year for
the past five years to plant trees. In spring 2022, his donation
paid for 10 conifer and other trees at Strachauer Park. Photo by Glenn Gray
46 • ABOUT TOWN
The Last Word
2023 is going to be a busy year of building and development in Edina. Here’s just a taste of what’s in store.
Weber Park and Weber Woods. If you live in northeast Edina or have traveled through it in 2022, you have watched what looks like a large earth-moving project gradually take shape as a large park construction project. In addition to the community-wide benefits that come with a new park, this project also had significant flood-control benefits for the adjacent neighborhoods. You will see major progress on this project in 2023.
New Fire Station 2. The City Council approved the purchase of 4401 W. 76th St. in 2022 as the site for the relocation of Fire Station 2. The site was selected because of its proximity to major road connections, which will help our Paramedic/Firefighters get to where they are needed quickly and safely. You can expect the City to complete the planning and design process for the new station in 2023 with construction to follow and anticipated completion in 2025.
Southdale Library Redevelopment. Hennepin County’s planning process for the redevelopment of the current Southdale Library building was interrupted by the pandemic, but it’s back on track and taking positive
steps forward. In 2023, the City may see a proposal for the redevelopment of the eight-acre site on York Avenue, including the construction of a new regional library on the current site.
Fred Richards Park. When Edina voters approved a new local sales tax on Nov. 8, 2022, a planning process was set into motion on a $17.7 million plan to reshape the 43-acre Fred Richards Park to better serve the long-term needs of the community. You can expect the planning and design process to be completed in 2023 and the start of construction in 2024.
Braemar Park. A major renovation of Braemar Park will also be the beneficiary of revenues generated by the new local sales tax. Improvements at Braemar Arena, Braemar Golf Course and Courtney Fields will see progress in 2023, with additional improvements coming in 2024 and 2025.
Development Continues. While the national economy is showing signs of slowing down, we just completed a record year with over $400 million of new development in 2022. This milestone included a robust combination of single-family homes and commercial construction. In 2023, you will see continued progress of new apartment developments along 78th Street on the southside of Fred Richards Park and the former Perkins restaurant site on Eden Avenue. You may see groundbreaking for new senior housing and a new restaurant at the City’s former Public Works Facility at 5146 Eden Ave. that has been vacant for nearly a decade. Groundbreaking is also anticipated at 7200-7250 France where two vacant office buildings were recently razed and removed.
2022 ANNUAL REPORT • 47
Finally, you will see the completion of the new bank at 70th Street and France Avenue and the groundbreaking of the next phase on that same site.
Infrastructure. Less visible, but no less important, will be the construction and completion of several important infrastructure projects, such as the replacement of Lift Station 6; a new pedestrian bridge over the railroad, connecting the Grandview parking ramp to Arcadia Avenue; and a new pedestrian bridge over Minnesota Highway 62 that was damaged beyond use in 2022.
Edina is surrounded on all sides by other cities. We cannot expand our geography. But we can grow and change and prepare our city for the future. The city government of Edina will be doing a lot of that in 2023 and beyond.
Scott H. NealCity Manager
07-22-2022#75372-22075
GRANDVIEW YARDRENDERINGS
Grandview Yard
5146 Eden Avenue SouthEdina, MN 55436
Grandview Yard, which will take form at the City’s former Public Works Facility at 5146 Eden Ave., is one of many exciting
development projects to look forward to in Edina.Rendering by United Properties and Jester Concepts
48 • ABOUT TOWN
City Of Edina Facilities
Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St. 952-927-8861
Edina Aquatic Center, 4300 W. 66th St. 952-833-9560
Edina Art Center, 4701 W. 64th St. 952-903-5780
Braemar Arena, 7501 Ikola Way 952-833-9500
Braemar Field, 7501 Ikola Way 952-833-9515
Braemar Golf Course, 6364 John Harris Drive 952-903-5750
Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Ave. S. 952-833-9580
Edina Liquor – 50th & France, 3943 50th St. 952-903-5720
Edina Liquor – Grandview, 5013 Vernon Ave. 952-903-5740
Edina Liquor – Southdale, 6755 York Ave. S. 952-903-5730
Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Square 952-833-9570
Edinborough Park, 7700 York Ave. S. 952-833-9540
Fire Station No. 1, 6250 Tracy Ave. 952-826-0330
Fire Station No. 2, 7335 York Ave. 952-826-0357
Public Works & Park Maintenance Facility, 952-826-0376 7450 Metro Blvd.
South Metro Public Safety Training Facility, 952-903-5700 7525 Braemar Blvd.
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 an immediate response from a Paramedic, Firefighter, Police Officer or Public Works crew, call the Police Department’s non-emergency number, 952-826-1610.
Elected Officials
City CouncilJim Hovland, Mayor, 612-874-8551Kate Agnew, Council Member, 952-833-9556Carolyn Jackson, Council Member, 952-833-9547James Pierce, Council Member, 952-833-9548Julie Risser, Council Member, 952-833-9557
City-Recognized Neighborhoods
Arden Park Elliot Rosenblum, ArdenParkNA@gmail.com
Chowen Park Bill Neuendorf, Chowenpark.edina@gmail.com
Concord Ellen Westin, EllenWestin@edinarealty.com
Creek Knoll Tim O’Neill, tim@pianobrothers.com
Lake Cornelia Nora Davis, noradavis73@gmail.com
Morningside Meriwether Felt, Meriwetherfelt@msn.com
Pamela Park Laura Bergman, laurabergman@edinarealty.com
Parkwood Knolls Kerry Kervida, parkwoodknolls@gmail.com
South Cornelia Joel Zaslofsky, team@southcornelia.org
Strachauer Park Chris Bremer, cbremer101@gmail.com
Sunnyslope Paul Porter, SunnyslopeAssoc@gmail.com
White Oaks Dayna Deutsch, wonaedina@gmail.com
In Print
The City newsletter, Edition: Edina, is mailed monthly to all Edina addresses
Emergencies
Stay informed during an emergency by signing up at EdinaMN.gov/Smart911
Online
Visit the City’s website at EdinaMN.gov
Watch
Edina TV is on Comcast Channels 16 or 813 or the EdinaTV YouTube channel
Engage
Follow projects and give feedback on BetterTogetherEdina.org
Send
Send us questions and feedback by writing to mail@EdinaMN.gov
The City knows
communications
preferences vary, so
it shares information
in a variety of ways.
Se incluyó al C
a
p
i
t
á
n
W
a
y
n
e
T
h
o
m
a
s
H
e
n
d
e
r
s
o
n
a
l
M
o
n
u
m
e
n
t
o
a
los Veteranos
d
e
E
d
i
n
a
Criteria permite e
l
h
o
n
o
r
5
0
a
ñ
o
s
d
e
s
p
u
é
s
d
e
l
a
m
u
e
r
t
e
d
e
l
i
n
f
a
n
t
e
d
e
m
a
r
i
n
a
POR KATHERINE H
U
L
B
E
R
T
Una conversación duran
t
e
e
l
d
e
s
a
y
u
n
o
a
y
u
d
ó
a impulsar el proceso d
e
h
o
n
r
a
r
a
u
n
v
e
t
e
r
a
n
o
de Edina que murió ha
c
e
m
á
s
d
e
5
0
a
ñ
o
s
.
El expiloto de la M
a
r
i
n
a
,
J
o
h
n
H
a
g
g
e
r
t
y
,
visitó Utley Park e
l
o
t
o
ñ
o
p
a
s
a
d
o
p
a
r
a
v
e
r
el Monumento a
l
o
s
V
e
t
e
r
a
n
o
s
d
e
E
d
i
n
a
y
notó que faltaba
u
n
n
o
m
b
r
e
i
m
p
o
r
t
a
n
t
e
e
n
la pared que honra a los
v
e
t
e
r
a
n
o
s
c
a
í
d
o
s
de esa ciudad: el de su
a
m
i
g
o
d
e
l
a
i
n
f
a
n
c
i
a
,
el capitán Wayne Thom
a
s
H
e
n
d
e
r
s
o
n
d
e
l
Cuerpo de Marines de
l
o
s
E
E
.
U
U
.
Haggerty se puso
e
n
c
o
n
t
a
c
t
o
c
o
n
P
a
c
y
E
r
c
k
,
residente de Edin
a
,
d
u
r
a
n
t
e
e
l
d
e
s
a
y
u
n
o
y
le contó sobre la
a
u
s
e
n
ci
a
d
e
l
n
o
m
b
r
e
d
e
su amigo. Erck l
o
r
e
f
i
r
i
ó
a
l
o
s
m
i
e
m
b
r
o
s
d
e
l
Comité de Veteranos de
E
d
i
n
a
,
B
o
b
K
o
j
e
t
i
n
y Marshall Schwartz, p
a
r
a
d
e
t
e
r
m
i
n
a
r
s
i
Henderson sería elegibl
e
p
a
r
a
a
p
a
r
e
c
e
r
e
n
e
l
Monumento a los Vet
e
r
a
n
o
s
d
e
E
d
i
n
a
.
De acuerdo con lo
s
c
r
i
t
e
r
i
o
s
d
e
l
c
o
m
i
t
é,
un miembro del
s
e
r
v
i
ci
o
G
o
l
d
S
t
a
r
q
u
e
sea elegible para
s
e
r
a
g
r
e
g
a
d
o
a
l
monumento debe:
•Haber fallecido en
a
c
c
i
ó
n
o
e
n
e
l
cumplimiento de
s
u
d
e
b
e
r
m
i
e
n
t
r
a
s
servía a nuestro
p
a
í
s
d
u
r
a
n
t
e
u
n
t
i
e
m
p
o
de guerra declarada u o
t
r
o
p
e
r
í
o
d
o
designado de conflicto
a
r
m
a
d
o
.
•Haber tenido un
v
í
n
c
ul
o
f
a
m
i
l
i
a
r
o
residencial fuerte
c
o
n
l
a
c
o
m
u
n
i
d
a
d
d
e
Edina tal como está cons
t
i
t
u
i
d
a
e
n
l
a
actualidad. Este vínculo
e
s
e
n
c
i
al
p
o
d
r
í
a
ser cualquiera de las co
n
e
x
i
o
n
e
s
fundamentales siguien
t
e
s
:
•Sus padres eran resid
e
n
t
e
s
d
e
E
d
i
n
a
cuando nació.
•Fue residente de Edin
a
d
u
r
a
n
t
e
u
n
a
parte importante de
s
u
v
i
d
a
.
•Se registró en el Serv
i
c
i
o
S
e
l
e
c
t
i
v
o
,
fue reclutado o se a
l
i
s
t
ó
m
i
e
n
t
r
a
s
era residente de Ed
i
n
a
•Entró en servicio mi
e
n
t
r
a
s
e
r
a
residente de Edina.
•Falleció o fue declar
a
d
o
m
u
e
r
t
o
mientras era reside
n
t
e
d
e
E
d
i
n
a
•Su cónyuge o al me
n
o
s
u
n
o
d
e
l
o
s
padres vivía en Edin
a
c
u
a
n
d
o
f
a
l
l
e
c
i
ó
o fue declarado m
u
e
r
t
o
.
Schwartz, miembro d
e
l
c
o
m
i
t
é
,
e
n
c
a
b
e
z
ó
la investigación sobr
e
H
e
n
d
e
r
s
o
n
p
a
r
a
determinar si podía
a
g
r
e
g
a
r
s
e
a
l
monumento. Según
s
u
i
n
v
e
s
t
i
g
a
c
i
ó
n
:
Henderson y sus padres
s
e
m
u
d
a
r
o
n
a
u
n
a
casa en Abbott Avenue
e
n
E
d
i
n
a
e
n
l
a
d
é
c
a
d
a
de 1950. Se graduó en
l
a
e
s
c
u
e
l
a
s
e
c
u
n
d
a
r
i
a
de Edina en 1959 y, m
á
s
a
d
e
l
a
n
t
e
,
e
n
l
a
Universidad de Minn
e
s
o
t
a
e
n
1
9
6
6
.
Se alistó en la Infan
t
e
r
í
a
d
e
M
a
r
i
n
a
d
e
s
p
u
é
s
d
e
graduarse. Sirvió c
o
m
o
p
i
l
o
t
o
d
e
h
e
l
i
c
ó
p
t
e
r
o
en Vietnam en 19
6
7
y
f
u
e
c
a
p
i
t
á
n
d
e
2
9
a
ñ
o
s
asignado en serv
i
c
i
o
a
c
ti
v
o
a
u
n
a
E
s
t
a
c
i
ó
n
Aérea Naval en Meridian
,
M
i
s
s
i
s
s
i
p
p
i
,
c
u
a
n
d
o
un helicóptero que vola
b
a
e
x
p
l
o
t
ó
e
n
a
b
r
i
l
de 1970. Él y los otros i
n
f
a
n
t
e
s
d
e
m
a
r
i
n
a
a
bordo murieron.
Henderson y su es
p
o
s
a
v
i
v
í
a
n
e
n
M
e
r
i
d
i
a
n
c
o
n
sus hijos pequeño
s
a
l
m
o
m
e
n
t
o
d
e
s
u
m
u
e
r
t
e
.
Sus padres todav
í
a
v
i
v
í
a
n
e
n
E
d
i
n
a
.
Henderson no murió
e
n
c
o
m
b
a
t
e
,
p
o
r
l
o
q
u
e
su nombre no aparec
e
e
n
l
o
s
M
o
n
u
m
e
n
t
o
s
a Vietnam en Washi
n
g
t
o
n
,
D
.
C
.
,
n
i
e
n
e
l
Capitolio del Estado
d
e
M
i
n
n
e
s
o
t
a
.
Sin embargo, los hechos
c
o
n
f
i
r
m
a
d
o
s
d
e
q
u
e
se graduó de la escuela
s
e
c
u
n
d
a
ri
a
d
e
E
d
i
n
a
y que sus padres vivían
e
n
E
di
n
a
a
l
m
o
m
e
n
t
o
de su muerte mientra
s
p
r
e
s
t
a
b
a
s
e
r
v
i
c
i
o
activo durante el perí
o
d
o
e
n
q
u
e
E
s
t
a
d
o
s
Unidos participó en
l
a
G
u
e
r
r
a
d
e
V
i
e
t
n
a
m
se unen para cumpl
i
r
l
o
s
c
r
i
t
e
r
i
o
s
d
e
l
c
o
m
i
t
é
para ser incluido en
e
l
M
o
n
u
m
e
n
t
o
a
l
o
s
Veteranos de Edin
a
.
El nombre de Henderso
n
f
u
e
g
r
a
b
a
d
o
e
n
el monumento el 8 de
a
g
o
s
t
o
d
e
2
0
2
2
p
o
r
Murphy Granite Carv
i
n
g
,
I
n
c
.
E
l
s
u
y
o
f
u
e
e
l
primer nombre agreg
a
d
o
al
m
o
n
u
m
e
n
t
o
desde que se inaugu
r
ó
e
n
2
0
1
5
.
“Wayne y yo fui
m
o
s
j
u
n
t
o
s
a
l
a
e
s
c
u
e
l
a
primaria y causamos bas
t
a
n
t
e
a
l
b
o
r
o
t
o
e
n
nuestros días como niñ
o
s
e
x
p
l
o
r
a
d
o
r
e
s
”
,
recordó Haggerty. “Du
r
a
n
t
e
e
l
t
i
e
m
p
o
q
u
e
sirvió como infante de
m
a
r
i
n
a
,
v
o
l
ó
u
n
helicóptero H-34 y so
b
r
e
v
i
v
i
ó
a
s
e
r
d
e
r
r
i
b
a
d
o
tres veces durante su
g
i
r
a
p
o
r
V
i
e
t
n
a
m
,
lo cual es notable. E
s
l
a
m
e
n
t
a
b
l
e
q
u
e
s
u
vida terminara ante
s
d
e
t
i
e
m
p
o
d
u
r
a
n
t
e
el accidente en el e
n
t
r
e
n
a
mi
e
n
t
o
m
i
e
n
t
r
a
s
estaba de vuelta a
c
a
s
a.
T
e
n
g
o
m
u
c
h
a
s
ganas de poder v
i
s
i
t
a
r
e
l
M
o
n
u
m
e
n
t
o
a
los Veteranos de
E
d
i
n
a
y
v
e
r
s
u
n
o
m
b
r
e
”
.
Henderson es el vete
r
a
n
o
n
ú
m
e
r
o
3
5
q
u
e
s
e
agrega al monumen
t
o
d
e
E
d
i
n
a
.
Visite el Monumento a
l
o
s
Veteranos de Edina en
U
t
l
e
y
P
a
r
k
,
4521 W. 50th. St.
El nombre del capitán W
a
y
n
e
H
e
n
d
e
r
s
o
n
s
e
g
r
a
b
ó
e
n
l
a
p
a
r
e
d
d
e
g
r
a
n
i
t
o
d
e
l
M
o
n
u
m
e
n
t
o
a
l
o
s
Veteranos de Edina y e
n
a
g
o
s
t
o
s
e
i
n
s
t
al
ó
u
n
q
u
i
o
s
c
o
d
e
i
n
f
o
r
m
a
c
i
ó
n
a
c
t
u
a
l
i
z
a
d
a
c
o
n
l
a
f
o
t
o
d
el
veterano. (Foto de Scott Denfeld
)
Ciudad de Edina EdinaMN.gov 1
NOVIEMBRE DE 2022
Volumen 9, número
1
1
Edición: Edina
Base sólida
OBJETIVOS DE LA CIUDAD:
Mejor juntos
Servicio de confianza
Ciudad habitable
Kabtan Wayne Thomas He
n
d
e
r
s
o
n
a
y
a
a
l
a
g
u
D
a
r
a
y
X
u
s
k
a
H
a
l
y
e
y
a
d
a
E
d
i
n
a
Nidaamka ayaa ogolaanaya i
n
l
a
X
u
s
o
5
0
s
a
n
o
K
a
d
d
i
b
g
e
e
r
i
d
i
i
a
s
k
a
r
i
g
i
i
M
a
a
r
i
i
n
k
a
a
h
a
a
WAXAA QORAY KATHERINE HULBERT
Wada sheekaysi dhacay xiligii quraacda
ayaa gacan ka gaystay bilaabidda hana
a
n
k
a
xusidda halyeygii ree Edina kaasoo dh
i
n
t
a
y
50 sano kahor.
Duuliyihii hore ee Ciidanka bad
d
a
H
a
g
g
e
r
t
y
ayaa soo bookhday Utley Park
j
i
i
l
a
a
l
k
i
i
l
a
s
o
o
dhaafay si uu u arko Xuska Halyeyadii Edina
wuxuuna ogaaday in magac muhiim ah uu
ka maqan yahay darbiga lagu maamusay
magacyada halyeyadii Edina ee geeriyooda
y
a
– kaasoo ah saaxiibkiisii xiligii caruurnimad
a
,
Kabtan Wayne Thomas Henderson oo ka
tirsanaa ciidamada Maariiniska Marayka
n
k
a
.
Haggerty wuxuu la xiriiray Pacy E
r
c
k
o
o
E
d
i
n
a
degen xiligii quraacda wuxuuna
u
s
h
e
e
g
a
y
maqnaanshaha magaca saaxiibk
i
i
s
.
E
r
c
k
w
a
x
a
y
u gudbisay Guddiga Halyeyada
E
d
i
n
a
e
e
k
a
l
a
ah Bob Kojetin iyo Marshall Sc
h
w
a
r
t
z
s
i
a
y
go’aan uga gaaraan in Henderson uu xaq u
leeyahay in lagu daro Xuska Halyeyadii Edina
iyo in kale. Marka la eego nidaamka guddiga, Xi
d
d
i
g
a
Dahabiga ah ee Soo shaqeeyay(Gold
S
t
a
r
Servicemember) ee xaqa u yeelanay
a
i
n
l
a
g
u
daro Xuska waa in:
•Midkood uu howlgal lagu dilo ama haddii
kale uu ku dhinto asaga oo waajibaad ku
j
i
r
a
asaga oo u shaqaynaya waddankeenna
i
n
t
a
lagu jiro dagaal la iclamaiyay ama wakh
t
i
kale oo isku horimaadyo ay jiraan.
•Waa in uu xiriir qoys iyo mid degenaansh
o
oo adag kala dhexeeyo bulshada Edina s
i
d
a
hadda sharcigu yahay. Xiriiradaan muhi
i
m
k
a
ah waxa ay noqon karaan mid kamid a
h
xiriiradaan lagama maarmaanka ah ee
soo socda: •WaalidiintIIS oo degenaa Edina markii
uu dhalanayey •Waxa uu degenaa Edina qayb weyn
oo noloshiisa kamid ah
•Wuxuu Adeegga Xulashada (Selective
Service) iska qorey, la diiwaangaliyay
ama la qoray intii uu degenaa Edina
•Waxa uu shaqada soo galey asaga oo
Edina degen •Waxa uu dhintey ama la shaaciyay in
uu dhintay asaga oo degen Edina
•Lamaanhiisa ama ugu yaraan hal qof
oo kamid ah waalidiintiisauu degenaa
Edina marka uu dhintay ama la
shaaciyay dhimashadiisa
Schwartz oo ah xubin kamid ah guddiga
ayaa horkacayay cilmibaarista ku saabsan
Henderson si loo go’aamiyo in lagu dari
karo xuska iyo in kale. Marka la eego
cilmibaaristiisa:
Henderson iyo waalidiintiisu wa
x
a
y
u
g
u
u
r
e
e
n
guri ku yaala Abbott Avenue g
u
d
a
h
a
E
d
i
n
a
sannadadii 1950yadii. Wuxuu
k
a
q
a
l
i
n
j
a
b
i
y
a
y
Dugsiga Sare ee Edina(Edina High School)
sannadkii 1959 kaddibna Jaamacadda
Minnesota 1966dii.
Wuxuu ciidanka Maariiniska qortay kaddib
qalinjabintiisii. Wuxuu ka shaqeeyay duulaan
asaga oo ahaa duuliyaha diyaarad hilikobta
r
a
h
Vietnam sanadkii 1976 wuxuuna ahaa Kab
t
a
n
29 jir ah oo loo dhiibay waajibaadka toos
k
a
a
h
ee Xarunta Cirka ee Ciidanka badda oo k
u
t
a
a
l
a
Meridian, Mississippi, markii diyaarad hi
l
i
k
o
b
t
a
r
ah oo uu duulinayay ay qaraxday Abriil
1
9
7
0
.
Asaga iyo ciidamadii kale ee Maariinka
a
h
a
a
ee la socdayba waa ay geeriyoodeen.
Henderson iyo xaaskiisu waxay
d
e
g
e
n
a
a
y
e
e
n
Meridian ayaka oo la degenaa caruurtooda
yaryar markii uu dhimanayay. Waalidiintiis
waxay wali degenaayeen Edina.
Henderson kuma uusan dhiman daga
a
l
,
s
i
d
a
adarteed magaciisa kama uusan soo
m
u
u
q
a
n
Xuskii Vietnam ee Washington, D.C.
k
a
d
h
a
c
a
y
,
ama Xarunta Gobolka Minnesota(M
i
n
n
e
s
o
t
a
S
tate Capitol).Intaa waxaa dheer, xaqiiqooyinka la hubiyay
e
e
ah in uu ka qalinjabiyay Dugsiga Sare ee Ed
i
n
a
waalidiintiisuna ay degenaayeen Edina wak
h
t
i
g
i
i
uu dhimanayay asaga oo ka shaqaynayay
waajibaad toos ah intii lagu jiray muddad
a
Maraykanku kujiray dagaalkii Vietnam w
a
x
a
y
soo galaysaa buuxinta nidaamka guddi
g
a
e
e
ku darista Xuska Halyeyada Edina.
Magaca Henderson waxaa taari
i
k
h
d
u
m
a
r
k
a
y
ahayd Agoosto 8, 2022, darbig
a
x
u
s
k
a
k
u
xardhay Murphy Granite Carvi
n
g
,
I
n
c
.
W
u
x
u
u
noqday magacii ugu horeeyay ee xuska lagu
daro ilaa iyo intii la sameeyay 2015.
“Wayne iyo anigu waxaan isla dhigan
a
y
dugsiga hoose waxaana sababnay xo
o
g
a
a
muran ah maalmaheenii Wiilasha As
k
a
r
t
a
a
h
,
”
Haggerty ayaa soo xasuustay. “Xilig
i
i
u
u
k
a
shaqaynayay ciidamada Maariiniska
,
w
a
u
x
u
u
duuliyay hilikobtar nooca H-34 ah
w
u
x
u
u
n
a
k
a
badbaaday in lasoo rido saddex je
e
r
i
n
t
i
i
u
u
kujiray duulaankiisii Vietnam, taa
s
o
o
x
a
s
u
u
s
mudan. Waa nasiib darro in nol
o
s
h
i
i
s
i
i
d
h
a
k
h
s
o
usoo dhamaatay intii lagu jiray
s
h
i
l
k
a
d
h
a
c
a
y
tababarka asaga oo wadanka
k
u
s
o
o
l
a
a
b
t
a
y
.
Waxaan sugayaa in aan soo bookhdo Xuska
Halyeeyadii Edina aana ku arko magaciisa oo
lagu daray.”Henderson waa halyeygii 35aad oo la
g
u
d
a
r
o
xuska Edina.Bookho Xuska Halyeyada Edina oo ka dha
c
a
y
a
Utley Park, 4521 W. 50th St.
Magaca Kabtan Wayne Henderson waxaa lagu xardh
a
y
d
a
r
b
i
g
a
q
a
l
i
n
k
a
a
h
e
e
X
u
s
k
a
H
a
l
y
e
e
y
a
d
a
E
d
i
n
a
m
e
e
l
y
a
r
o
o
macluumaad wax laga badalay ah oo uu ka muu
q
d
o
s
a
w
i
r
k
a
h
a
l
y
e
y
g
u
a
y
a
a
l
a
s
o
o
d
h
i
g
a
y
A
g
o
o
s
t
o
.
(Sawirka Scott Denfeld)
1
Daabacaad: Edina
NOOFAMBAR 2022
Majalada 9-aad, Qeybta 10-aad
Aasaaska XooganHIMILOOYINKA MAGAALADA
Ku wanaagsan wadajirka
Adeeg La isku halayn karo
Magaalo lagu Noolaan karo
Magaalada Edina EdinaMN.gov
Email
Sign up for City emails by topic at EdinaMN.gov/CityExtra
Text
Sign up for text notifications: Text EDINA to 844-752-1272
Like and Follow
Connect with the City on social media
Get Your City News How You Want It
Capt. Wayne Tho
m
a
s
H
e
n
d
e
r
s
o
n
A
d
d
e
d
t
o
E
d
i
n
a
V
e
t
e
r
a
n
s
M
e
m
o
r
i
a
l
Criteria Allows the
H
o
n
o
r
5
0
Y
e
a
r
s
A
f
t
e
r
M
a
r
i
n
e
’
s
D
e
a
t
h
BY KATHERINE HULBER
T
A conversation over break
f
a
s
t
h
e
l
p
e
d
kickstart the process of h
o
n
o
r
i
n
g
a
n
E
d
i
n
a
veteran who died more
t
h
a
n
5
0
y
e
a
r
s
a
g
o
.Former Navy Pilot John Hag
g
e
r
t
y
visited Utley Park last fall t
o
s
e
e
t
h
e
Edina Veterans Memorial
a
n
d
n
o
t
i
c
e
d
a
n
important name was mis
s
i
n
g
f
r
o
m
t
h
e
w
a
l
l
honoring fallen Edina ve
t
e
r
a
n
s
–
t
h
a
t
o
f
his childhood friend, C
a
p
t
.
W
a
y
n
e
T
h
o
m
a
s
Henderson of the U.S.
M
a
r
i
n
e
C
o
r
p
s
.Haggerty connected with
E
d
i
n
a
r
e
s
i
d
e
n
t
Pacy Erck over breakfast
a
n
d
t
o
l
d
h
e
r
about the absence of hi
s
f
r
i
e
n
d
’
s
n
a
m
e
.
Erck referred him to Edi
n
a
V
e
t
e
r
a
n
s
Committee members
B
o
b
K
o
j
e
t
i
n
a
n
d
Marshall Schwartz to
d
e
t
e
r
m
i
n
e
i
f
Henderson would be eligible for
t
h
e
Edina’s Veterans Memorial. According to the com
m
i
t
t
e
e
’
s
c
r
i
t
e
r
i
a
,
a
Gold Star Servicemem
b
e
r
w
h
o
i
s
e
l
i
g
i
b
l
e
to be added to the m
e
m
o
r
i
a
l
m
u
s
t
:
•Have either been killed
i
n
a
c
t
i
o
n
o
r
otherwise died in the
l
i
n
e
o
f
d
u
t
y
w
h
i
l
e
serving our country during a time
o
f
declared war or other designate
d
p
e
r
i
o
d
of armed conflict.
•Have had a strong fam
i
l
i
a
l
o
r
r
e
s
i
d
e
n
t
i
a
l
bond to the Edina co
m
m
u
n
i
t
y
a
s
i
t
i
s
presently constituted. This essent
i
a
l
linkage could be any one of the following fundamental connect
i
o
n
s
: •Their parents were res
i
d
e
n
t
s
o
f
Edina when they wer
e
b
o
r
n
•They were a resident of Edina f
o
r
a significant part of their life •They registered with Selecti
v
e
Service, were drafted or e
n
l
i
s
t
e
d
while they were a residen
t
o
f
E
d
i
n
a •They entered into duty
w
h
i
l
e
t
h
e
y
were a resident of Edi
n
a
•They died or were declared dea
d
while they were a resident of E
d
i
n
a •Their spouse or at least one
p
a
r
e
n
t
was residing in Edina when
t
h
e
y
died or were declared dea
dCommittee member Schwartz spearheaded the research on He
n
d
e
r
s
o
n
to determine if he could be add
e
d
t
o
t
h
e
memorial. According to his res
e
a
r
c
h
:Henderson and his pa
r
e
n
t
s
m
o
v
e
d
t
o
a
house on Abbott Avenue in Edina
i
n
t
h
e
1950s. He graduated from Edina
H
i
g
h
School in 1959 and subsequentl
y
t
h
e
University of Minnesota in 196
6
.
He enlisted in the Marines after
g
r
a
d
u
a
t
i
n
g
.
He served a tour as a helicopte
r
p
i
l
o
t
i
n
Vietnam in 1967 and was a 29
-
y
e
a
r
-
o
l
d
Captain assigned on active d
u
t
y
t
o
a
N
a
v
a
l
Air Station in Meridian, Missi
s
s
i
p
p
i
,
w
h
e
n
a helicopter he was flying e
x
p
l
o
d
e
d
i
n
A
p
r
i
l
1970. He and the other M
a
r
i
n
e
s
a
b
o
a
r
d
were killed. Henderson and his wife were
r
e
s
i
d
i
n
g
i
n
Meridian with their young c
h
i
l
d
r
e
n
a
t
t
h
e
time of his death. His paren
t
s
w
e
r
e
s
t
i
l
l
residing in Edina.Henderson did not die in com
b
a
t
,
s
o
h
i
s
name does not appear on the
V
i
e
t
n
a
m
Memorials in Washington, D
.
C
.
,
o
r
a
t
t
h
e
Minnesota State Capitol.Nevertheless, the confirmed fac
t
s
t
h
a
t
h
e
graduated from Edina High Sc
h
o
o
l
a
n
d
h
i
s
parents were residing in Edin
a
a
t
t
h
e
t
i
m
e
of his death while serving on
a
c
t
i
v
e
d
u
t
y
during the period the Unite
d
S
t
a
t
e
s
w
a
s
engaged in the Vietnam W
a
r
m
e
l
d
t
o
m
e
e
t
the committee’s criteria t
o
b
e
i
n
c
l
u
d
e
d
o
n
the Edina Veterans Mem
o
r
i
a
l
.
Henderson’s name was etch
e
d
o
n
t
h
e
memorial on Aug. 8, 2022,
b
y
M
u
r
p
h
y
G
r
a
n
i
t
e
Carving, Inc. His was the f
i
r
s
t
n
a
m
e
a
d
d
e
d
t
o
the memorial since it was
d
e
d
i
c
a
t
e
d
i
n
2
0
1
5
.“Wayne and I went to grade
s
c
h
o
o
l
a
n
d
caused quite a bit of ruckus i
n
o
u
r
B
o
y
Scout days,” recalled Hagg
e
r
t
y
.
“
D
u
r
i
n
g
h
i
s
time serving as a Marine, h
e
f
l
e
w
a
H
-
3
4
helicopter and survived b
e
i
n
g
s
h
o
t
d
o
w
n
three times during his to
u
r
i
n
V
i
e
t
n
a
m
,
which is remarkable. It i
s
u
n
f
o
r
t
u
n
a
t
e
t
h
a
t
his life ended prematur
e
l
y
d
u
r
i
n
g
t
h
e
accident in training w
h
i
l
e
h
e
w
a
s
b
a
c
k
home. I’m looking forward to bei
n
g
a
b
l
e
to visit the Edina Veterans Mem
o
r
i
a
l
a
n
d
seeing the addition of his name
.
”Henderson is the 35th
v
e
t
e
r
a
n
t
o
b
e
a
d
d
e
d
to Edina’s memorial.Visit the Edina Veterans M
e
m
o
r
i
a
l
a
t
Utley Park, 4521 W. 50th St.
Capt. Wayne Henderso
n
’
s
n
a
m
e
w
a
s
e
t
c
h
e
d
o
n
t
h
e
g
r
a
n
i
t
e
w
a
l
l
o
f
t
h
e
E
d
i
n
a
V
e
t
e
r
a
n
s
M
e
m
o
r
i
a
l
a
n
d
a
n
updated information kio
s
k
f
e
a
t
u
r
i
n
g
t
h
e
v
e
t
e
r
a
n
’
s
p
h
o
t
o
w
a
s
i
n
s
t
a
l
l
e
d
i
n
A
u
g
u
s
t
.
(Photo by Scott Denfeld)
City of Edina EdinaMN.gov1
Edition: Edina
NOVEMBER 2022Volume 9, Issue 11
Strong Foundation
CITY GOALS:
Better Together
Reliable Service Livable City
Fireworks begin at 10 tonight at Rosland Park!
Get information
from the City via
text notifications!?
AboutTown Magazine
City of Edina
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
EdinaMN.gov
***ECRWSS***POSTAL PATRONCAR-RT-WS
PRESORT STD
U.S. POSTAGEPAID
TWIN CITIES MN
Permit No. 3932