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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEditionEdina_January-2026_WebPlans for Braemar Arena Expansion Project Move Forward Construction of New Indoor Rink Will Begin This Summer BY STEVE PECKHAM Plans for renovations at Braemar Arena are taking a significant step forward as City officials unveil the core concept. The project includes transforming Braemar’s outdoor ice rink into a state-of-the art, fourth indoor rink that will create greater year-round scheduling flexibility and allow more spectators to enjoy the action. The existing outdoor rink floor will be used for the new indoor rink construction, saving funds for other Braemar improvements. New and updated lobby areas, ADA- compliant accessibility and critical infrastructure systems for existing rinks are also included in the project. Edina residents approved a half-cent sales and use tax to fund the $45.2 million project to modernize and expand Braemar Arena, the legendary Minnesota hub for hockey, figure skating and learn-to-skate programs that attracts more than 1 million visits a year from the United States and other countries. The expansion is expected to increase annual visits. “This is an especially complex project because Braemar Arena has rinks in various lifecycle stages, including one that opened in 1965. An immense amount of planning work was done behind the scenes to ensure this core concept design will ultimately help us build a better Braemar within our budget and also provide for a better user experience,” said Parks & Recreation Director Perry Vetter. “Now, we’re excited to dive into the detailed design phase and begin initial construction this summer.” A new central corridor leading to a new second lobby area will reduce congestion and make it easier to navigate the arena at 7501 Ikola Way. A dedicated drop-off and pick-up lane will provide safer and more efficient traffic flow. ADA-friendly team rooms and restrooms will be added as well as dedicated wheelchair viewing platforms in each rink. New water filtration, refrigeration and dehumidification systems will significantly improve ice quality, reduce maintenance issues and provide a more comfortable environment for skaters and fans. “We met with leaders from Braemar’s user groups over the past couple months to share preliminary plans,” said Jesse Buchholz, General Manager of Braemar Arena. “The dialogue has been helpful, and we’ll continue to engage our users during this next phase. We’ve got some real momentum now.” JLG Architects, a leader in ice arena design, is providing design services for the Braemar project. Construction will be led by Knutson Construction. The detailed design development phase will be completed this summer. Construction at Braemar Arena is slated to begin this summer and wrap up in the fall of 2027. Only minor construction disruptions are expected during the 2026-2027 winter season. Visit www.BetterTogetherEdina.org/Parks to follow Braemar Arena Updates and expansion news and sign up for email updates. Braemar Arena’s expansion will include a new fourth indoor rink, a central corridor leading to a second lobby area, ADA-compliant accessibility and critical infrastructure system upgrades. (Submitted Illustration) Support Braemar Arena Did you know that a portion of Edina Liquor’s profits go to Braemar Arena? Every purchase you make there helps keep Braemar a great place for kids of all ages. NEW DROP-OFF LANE NEW FOURTH INDOOR RINK NEW EXPANDED LOBBY CIRCULATION BRAEMAR FIELD SOUTH RINK EAST RINK WEST RINK RETAIL City of Edina EdinaMN.gov 1 Edition: Edina JANUARY 2026 Volume 13, Issue 1Strong FoundationCITY GOALS:Better TogetherReliable Service Livable City Chad Millner Begins as Public Works Director & City Engineer Engineering Joins the Public Works Department Jan. 1 “Beyond technical expertise, Chad is deeply committed to engaging with residents, addressing concerns and ensuring that projects and services align with the community’s needs and long-term vision. He plays a crucial role in addressing public inquiries and concerns while maintaining a calm, cool and collected demeanor,” said Assistant City Engineer Aaron Ditzler. “Throughout his tenure, Chad has had a tremendous impact on our organization’s culture,” said Neal. “He has helped lead the implementation of the City’s organizational standards and Race & Equity training, and he successfully transitioned both the Sustainability and Facilities divisions into his department.” In the year ahead, Millner looks forward to continuing the strong Public Works programs established under Olson, including mill-and-overlay and top-tier snowplowing services, while advancing projects such as the Rosland Park pedestrian bridge replacement, South Trunk Sanitary Sewer improvements in the Cahill Industrial Area and pumphouse upgrades at the Edina Aquatic Center. “I’m excited for the role. I’m looking forward to working with my new team members, learning who they are and what they do and continuing to serve the community in this new capacity,” he said. For more information on the Public Works Department, visit EdinaMN.gov/PublicWorks. BY BRITTANY BADER Longtime Engineering Director Chad Millner has been named Edina’s Public Works Director & City Engineer, following Brian Olson’s retirement as Public Works Director in December. In his new role, Millner will lead more than 70 employees in a newly combined Public Works Department. In addition to its existing Utilities, Streets and Equipment Operations divisions, the department now includes Engineering, Sustainability and Facilities. After Olson announced his retirement, City Manager Scott Neal evaluated the long-term vision for the Engineering and Public Works departments and decided to bring them together. Leading one of the City’s largest departments is no small task, but Neal says Millner is well prepared for the role. “Chad has demonstrated exceptional skill in overseeing complex projects and City-wide initiatives. Across all of this work, he has shown a deep commitment to building strong teams and delivering high-quality results for our community,” said Neal. Millner has worked for the City of Edina for almost 14 years, including the past 12 years as Engineering Director and previously as Assistant City Engineer. He and his department have overseen major infrastructure initiatives, including: •Transportation improvements in the Grandview District, including the Vernon Avenue & Highway 100 Interchange, new roundabouts on Eden Avenue and safety upgrades at West 50th Street and Grange Road •Annual neighborhood street reconstruction program •Construction of Fire Station 2 •York Avenue Trunk Sanitary Sewer Project •Morningside Flood Infrastructure Project •Lift Station 6 replacement with Public Works •Edina’s first Pedestrian & Bicycle Master Plan “I’m proud of building a very cohesive Engineering team and now I want to do that at the Public Works level with everybody,” said Millner. “Combining Engineering and Public Works creates overall efficiencies because our teams already overlap on pavement management, street maintenance and infrastructure work. We can better coordinate, budget and provide smoother operations by working together.” Millner is known for balancing technical expertise with genuine care for both the community and his staff, a strength that has earned him recognition inside and outside the organization. For 2024, he received one of the profession’s top honors when he was named Minnesota’s City Engineer of the Year. Chad Millner, who was named 2024 Minnesota City Engineer of the Year, began leading the Public Works Department at the start of the year. (Photo by Jason Heuer) UPCOMING EVENTS Thursday, Jan. 1 New Year’s Day, City offices closed Thursday, Jan. 1, 10 a.m. Edina Art Center’s Pop-Up Art Cart, Edinborough Park Friday, Jan. 2 City offices closed Sunday, Jan. 4, 6 p.m. Rockin’ Woody, Edinborough Park Tuesday, Jan. 6, 7 p.m. City Council meeting, Edina City Hall Friday, Jan. 9, 5 p.m. Movie night, “Lilo & Stitch,” Edinborough Park Sunday, Jan. 11, 6 p.m. Two Men and a Piano, Edinborough Park Saturday, Jan. 17, 9 a.m. Walk with the Mayor, TBD Sunday, Jan. 18, 6 p.m. Sam Graber Band, Edinborough Park Monday, Jan. 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day, City offices closed Monday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m. Edina Art Center’s Pop-Up Art Cart, Edinborough Park Sunday, Jan. 25, 6 p.m. First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park Watch City Council, Housing & Redevelopment Authority and Planning Commission meetings live on Edina TV (Comcast Channels 813 or 16) or online. For a complete listing of meetings and events, visit EdinaMN.gov. 2 Nicole Appelbaum started Jan. 1 as the City Prosecutor. (Photo by Jason Heuer) New City Prosecutor Values Public Service and Safety Appelbaum Will Prosecute Traffic Violations and Misdemeanor Crimes BY DEBBIE TOWNSEND Attorney Nicole Appelbaum, a partner in the Minneapolis firm Chestnut Cambronne, will serve as City Prosecutor for Edina for the next five years, replacing Patrick Leach. What does a City Prosecutor do? The City Prosecutor handles all the citations and crimes below felony level. In Edina, that’s thousands of cases per year, from parking and traffic tickets to misdemeanor thefts and shoplifting to more serious offenses such as assault or driving while intoxicated. “The vast majority of cases in the city of Edina are prosecuted by the City Prosecutor, not Hennepin County, which handles felony cases,” said Deputy Police Chief Aaron White. In addition, the position assists with code enforcement across various departments. What experience does Appelbaum have? “I have been a practicing attorney for over two decades, much of it as a prosecutor,” Appelbaum said. She currently prosecutes for the City of Hopkins and the Metropolitan Airports Commission and previously did so for Minneapolis, Golden Valley and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. “I have always gravitated toward public service and public safety. My parents were former military and so giving back to your community was always encouraged and valued in my home. I am particularly drawn to municipal prosecution because it provides an opportunity to have very direct and meaningful intervention in peoples’ lives – hopefully before their behavior reaches felony level. Municipal prosecution also tends to focus on cases that really shape how safe and orderly a city feels, and it is really energizing to have direct impact on the day-to-day safety and quality of life in the community.” How was she selected? The City received five qualified responses to its request for proposals, said White, who led the effort. Appelbaum stood out as a high-energy go-getter who had prosecutorial experience, is well versed in the courts and is excellent at training police officers on the latest legal information. The Chestnut Cambronne fee, at $24,000 per month plus costs, was within Edina’s budget, and the firm offered to keep the retainer rate the same for the entire five-year term. What most interests Appelbaum about working for Edina? “I am excited to partner with the Edina Police Department to work toward keeping Edina a safe and wonderful place to be, whether you live here or come to enjoy the great restaurants and businesses. It is always great being a part of a team that works together to achieve public safety, and Edina is lucky to have such an outstanding police department that values a collaborative and community- oriented approach as well.” Appelbaum works directly for the City and is not available for residents’ legal matters. For more information, contact White at awhite@EdinaMN.gov. - COMPILED BY EDIE WEINSTEIN BY THE NUMBERS Infrastructure in Action From maintaining hundreds of miles of streets to safeguarding the millions of gallons of water in Edina’s water towers and reservoirs, the Public Works Department and its new Engineering division take care of the infrastructure on which Edina relies. In 2025, the Department worked across the city and behind the scenes to strengthen existing infrastructure, build new structures and lay foundations for the future. For more information about the Edina Public Works Department, visit EdinaMN.gov/PublicWorks. pedestrian curb ramps replaced 51 miles of street resurfaced 4.03 traffic signal repair and upgrading projects completed 6 City facility renovation projects completed 16 miles of watermain repaired 1.9 3City of Edina EdinaMN.gov Council Approves City’s 2026 Budget General Fund Prioritizes Public Safety, Includes Six New Paramedic/Firefighters In one of its last actions of the year, the City Council approved a $63.6 million budget for 2026. The budget is 7.94% higher than the 2025 – just below the statewide average of 8%. Municipal taxes on a $500,000 home will be $134 per month, up $8.12 per month from 2025. The budget, which prioritizes public safety, includes: •New debt service addition for Fire Station 2, a new filter room at the Edina Aquatic Center and the Vernon Avenue & Highway 100 interchange •Six new Paramedic/Firefighters •Savings from transitioning Assessing Services to the County •2050 Comprehensive Plan Updates •Funding public safety partnership programs with Hennepin County, such as the Joint Community Police Partnership and the Police Department’s embedded social worker program, that were previously funded with ARPA money •Strategic capital and equipment investments, equating to nearly $1.5 million less in the capital levy than in 2025 In other business last month, the Council: •Presented a Citizens Award to Susan and James Bizal for pulling a man from a burning vehicle after an accident. •Approved the cost of emergency repairs on the South Rink at Braemar Arena. •Approved liquor licenses for a new restaurant at 50th & France, NoMa Hi Fi. The restaurant will be located at 3914 W. 50th St., under lululemon. •Approved street reconstruction projects for 2026, which includes West 72nd Street; the Prospect Knolls A, C & D Neighborhood; and Parklawn Court Neighborhood. The Council will hold a special meeting Tuesday, Jan. 6, to hear from the public about a proposed local gun ordinance. The Council’s next regular meeting will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20. For more information, visit EdinaMN.gov. – COMPILED BY JENNIFER BENNEROTTE CITY OF EDINA DIRECTORY City Council Mayor Jim Hovland 612-874-8551 Council Members Kate Agnew 952-833-9556 Carolyn Jackson 952-833-9547 James Pierce 952-833-9548 Julie Risser 952-833-9557 Executive Leadership Team City Manager Scott Neal 952-826-0401 Assistant City Manager Ari Lenz 952-826-0416 Communications Director Jennifer Bennerotte 952-833-9520 Community Development Director Cary Teague 952-826-0460 Finance Director Pa Thao 952-826-0420 Fire Chief Andrew Slama 952-826-0332 I.T. Director Ryan Browning 952-826-0434 Parks & Recreation Director Perry Vetter 952-826-0430 Police Chief Todd Milburn 952-826-0487 Public Works Director & City Engineer Chad Millner 952-826-0318 Interested in getting involved in local government? Apply for a Board or Commission before Jan. 19! Apply online at EdinaMN.gov/apply_bc. 952-927-8861 | mail@EdinaMN.govCity of Edina EdinaMN.gov4 Iskaan-garee koodhkan oo ku fiiri soomaali EdinaMN.gov/SomaliEE EdinaMN.gov/SpanishEE Escanee este código para ver en español