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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEditionEdina_Oct 20144801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424 952-927-8861 mail@EdinaMN.gov www.EdinaMN.gov The City of Edina The Next Chapter for Fred Richards Park OCTOBER 2014 Volume 1, Issue 10 Legend: Infrastructure Commercial and Mixed-Use Redevelopment Workforce Communication and Engagement Community Vision Aviation Noise Edi tion: Two Council Members to be Elected in November Earlier this month, Fred Richards Golf Course closed. When “The Fred” opens again, it will be as Fred Richards Park. The new park at 7640 Parklawn Ave. could feature about 60-65 percent passive use areas and 40-45 percent active use, including about four to five acres of an athletic field space, improvements to the pond and wetland areas, a walking trail throughout the park, and a renovated clubhouse and maintenance facilities to accommodate a variety of activities. The field space will provide field access, parking and restrooms along the south side, with natural buffers like trees and other vegetation on the north side. Improving the buffering between the park and the residential areas throughout the park will help address poor drainage and grade issues, offer expanded natural areas for wildlife, provide more open lawn areas for outdoor play and preserve the park user’s sense of place and homeowners’ privacy. Trails will be incorporated throughout the park and will be complemented with promenades and boardwalks with opportunities to sit, observe, reflect and access a variety of park features such as public art, shade structures and lawn areas. In addition, repurposing the clubhouse will help create complementary outdoor spaces for a wide range of activities and groups. The vision features arbors, ornamental plantings, benches and public art, providing for appealing places to organize gatherings or spontaneously meet and socialize. The City Council approved the Park Board’s recommendations for the park concept earlier this month. The next step will be to complete a master plan for the park, including developing a final site plan, assessing feasibility of site and soils and completing bid and construction documents. Issues such as parking and picnicking and barbeque areas will be addressed during the master plan process. Approval of the conceptual park plan follows a series of public meetings and open houses led by Schoenbauer Consulting. “We received a lot of feedback from the neighbors. It was really great to see the conversation between us and the residents and also between the residents themselves,” said Parks & Recreation Director Ann Kattreh. The City also recently sent a Comprehensive Community Needs Assessment Survey to about 3,000 Edina residents. Preliminary results of the community survey support the direction of the visioning plan and seem to indicate that Fred Richards Park will be one of the most heavily used parks in Edina. The full results of the survey were discussed at a public meeting on Oct. 20. The results can also be found online at www.EdinaMN.gov/edina-resources under “Studies and Surveys.” If you are an Edina resident and a registered voter, you may vote for two City Council Members during the Municipal Election. This election will be held in conjunction with the State General Election on Nov. 4. The two Council Members will be elected to serve four-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2015 and ending Dec. 31, 2019. Seven candidates are vying for open seats in the race for Edina City Council: Thomas Bliss, Jennifer Janovy, Blake Johnson, Josh Sprague, Kevin Staunton, Keeya Steel and Bob Stewart. You will also be able to vote for federal, state and county candidates. Polling Locations During the 2014 Elections, Edina voters in three precincts will vote at a different location than they did in 2012. The following three precincts have moved polling locations: • Edina Precinct 5 now votes at Good Samaritan Church, 5730 Grove Street. Enter at the upper parking lot. Voting will be taking place in the fellowship room. This precinct voted at Highlands Elementary School previously and was moved due to construction in the summer. • Edina Precinct 10 now votes at St. Albans Church, 6716 Gleason Road. Enter the building from the door closest to the sanctuary and proceed down the hall to the fellowship hall. This precinct voted at Creek Valley Elementary School and was moved due to construction in the summer. • Edina Precinct 14 now permanently votes at Edina Community Lutheran Church, 4113 W. 54th St. Voters at this precinct will be able to park on both sides of West 54th and enter the church from the front door. There is an entrance at the lower lever with access to an elevator for voters with mobility issues. This precinct previously voted at St. Peter’s Church. • For voters in Edina Precinct 18, City staff has worked with the Edinborough Corporate Center to set aside 14 “Voter Parking Places” immediately adjacent to the east of the door voters should use to enter the polling location. Look for a large banner that reads “Vote Here Today.” Once inside Edinborough Park, voters may use either the stairs or elevator to proceed to the “Great Hall” where the voting takes place. Polling places will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Election Day at the following locations: Register to Vote You are qualified to vote in Minnesota if: • You are a U.S. citizen. • You are at least 18 years old on Election Day. • You have been a Minnesota resident for at least 20 days before Election Day. • You are registered to vote. • You have any felony conviction record discharged, expired or completed. • You are not under court-ordered guardianship where a court has revoked your voting rights. • You have not been ruled legally incompetent by a court of law. You must re-register to vote if you have moved, changed your name or have not voted within the past four years. You may register in person at Edina City Hall 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Election Day Registration Voters registering to vote on Election Day must provide proof of residence from one of the following items (stand-alone documents): • Valid Minnesota Driver’s License, Learner’s Permit or Minnesota Identification Card (or receipt) –showing current name and address in the precinct. • Tribal ID – issued by the tribal government of the tribe recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs that contains the name, address, signature and picture of the individual. • Voucher – oath of a voter registered in the precinct who can verify the registrant’s address in the precinct. A voucher may vouch for no more than eight people in each election. -Residential Facility Employee of a facility located within the precinct whose name appears on the certified list provided to the precinct from Hennepin County, may vouch for an unlimited number of residents of their facility. -A voucher form, found on the back of the Registration Application, must be signed by the person vouching for the voter and by an election judge. -A voter who is vouched for cannot vouch for another voter at this election. -Challengers cannot serve as vouchers. -Voucher must leave the polling place as soon as the vouching process is complete. • Notice of Late Registration – sent from the Hennepin County Elections Office. • Valid Registration Within Precinct – applies only if the voter has changed their name or moved within the same precinct. • Current Students – student ID plus a certified housing list from within the jurisdiction where the student is registering and voting (not applicable in Edina). Voters may also register by using a combination of one picture ID from Column 1 and one document from Column 2. PRECINCT LOCATION ADDRESS Precinct 1A Shepherd of Hills Church 500 Blake Road Precinct 1B Chapel Hills Church 6512 Vernon Ave. Precinct 2 Edina Senior Center 5280 Grandview Square Precinct 3 Edina Covenant Church 4201 W. 50th St. Precinct 4 Weber Park Shelter 4115 Grimes Ave. Precinct 5 Good Samaritan Church 5730 Grove St. Precinct 6 Countryside Elementary School 5701 Benton Ave. Precinct 7 Normandale Lutheran Church 6100 Normandale Road Precinct 8 South View Middle School 4725 South View Lane Precinct 9 Concord Elementary School 5900 Concord Ave. Precinct 10 St. Albans Episcopal Church 6716 Gleason Road Precinct 11 New City Covenant Church 6400 Tracy Ave. Precinct 12 Arneson Acres Park 4711 W. 70th St. Precinct 13 Centennial Lakes Park 7499 France Ave. S. Precinct 14 Edina Community Lutheran Church 4113 W. 54th St. Precinct 15 Valley View Middle School 6750 Valley View Road Precinct 16 Cornelia Elementary School 7000 Cornelia Drive Precinct 17 Southdale Hennepin Library 7001 York Ave. S. Precinct 18 Edinborough Park 7700 York Ave. S. Precinct 19 Calvary Lutheran Church 6817 Antrim Road COLUMN 1 Approved photo IDs must contain the voter’s name and photo. It may contain the voter’s old address, have no address or can be expired. • Driver’s license, state ID card or learner’s permit issued by any state • U.S. Military ID • Tribal ID • U.S. Passport • Minnesota university, college or technical college ID card • Minnesota high school ID card COLUMN 2 Document (paper or shown electronically) must have voter’s current name and address in the precinct. 1. Residential Lease or Rental Agreement if valid through Election Day 2. Current student fee statement 3. Bill, account or start of service statement due or dated within 30 days of the election for: • Phone (landline, cell, VOIP, etc.) • TV (cable, satellite, etc.) • Internet services • Solid waste or sewer services • Electric, gas or water • Banking or credit card • Rent or mortgage payments Absentee Voting Absentee voting is under way at Edina City Hall during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Edina City Hall will also be open for this purpose 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, and until 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3. For more information about polling locations, voter registration or absentee ballots, call Voter Registration at City Hall, 952-826-0363. OCTOBER 2014 Confluence Group to Consult on the City’s Park System Master Plan The City is currently working to develop a master plan for its park system. Confluence Group – made up of Pros Consulting, Barr Engineering, 292 Design Group and Dreambox – will lead the project as consultants, evaluating the entire park system and its assets. According to Parks & Recreation Director Ann Kattreh, this plan is expected to provide direction for the City’s park system for the next 10 to 20 years. The plan will need to be revisited regularly and updated, but will provide a solid map for the future. “The Park Board selected this company for a variety of reasons, but they really liked the tremendous experience that these companies have in master planning throughout the county,” said Kattreh. “[The Park Board] thought [Confluence] could bring a unique vision from outside the state to our park system.” The consultant has worked on more than 900 projects in over 46 states and several projects internationally in seven countries, including master planning, strategic planning, needs assessments and operations and organizational development, among others. To aid Confluence, some work has been completed. Edina’s Parks & Recreation Department recently completed a community survey to help guide the master planning process. More than 1,000 people responded to the survey. Also, Geographic Technologies Group is working to complete a GIS-based inventory of each park’s assets. “We regularly receive suggestions for park amenities from our residents and look forward to matching these requests with the overall vision that the master plan will provide,” said Assistant Parks & Recreation Director Susan Faus. A committee of Park Board members has been advising the project from the beginning and all Park Board members will join them in guiding the master planning process to its completion. The project is expected to last about one year, until the final plan is developed. Edina residents will have a chance to get involved in this project in the coming months. To stay updated on City projects, sign up to receive Parks & Recreation “City Extra” emails at www.EdinaMN.com/CityExtra. For more information, contact the Parks & Recreation Department, 962-826-0367. Veterans Memorial Under Construction in Utley Park The City of Edina will soon be home to a new memorial paying tribute to the 32 native and adopted sons of Edina who paid the ultimate price to protect our nation’s freedom. The Edina Veterans Memorial will be located in Utley Park at the corner of Wooddale Avenue and 50th Street. “For the past four years, a group of dedicated committee members have worked to make this memorial a reality. The Edina Veterans Memorial will be a place to reflect and honor all Edina residents who have served our country,” said Recreation Supervisor Kristin Aarsvold, who serves as staff liaison to the Veterans Memorial Committee. The finished memorial will rest on a V-shaped granite plaza (emblematic of “victory”) that will lead visitors to the focal point of the memorial: an eagle-and-flag sculpture. The wall below the eagle will feature the names of the 32 Edina soldiers who died in a time of war since the City’s founding. In addition, three illuminated flagpoles will be placed at the edge of the plaza, hoisted with the American flag, State flag and white-on- black Prisoner Of War flag honoring troops in captivity or missing in action. The Veterans Memorial Committee organized fundraising for the memorial and reached its goal of $450,000 through the contributions of private donors, community organizations and State grants. Over the past three years, committee members visited donors and State government leaders. Through those efforts, the Committee raised $196,380 in private cash donations, including a $100,000 contribution from Dave Frauenshuh and his family and $20,000 from the Edina Rotary Foundation. In addition, the Edina City Council approved $39,461 in City funds, the State of Minnesota issued a Legacy Fund grant in the amount of $9,900 available upon completion of the project and the State Legislature issued a general matching grant in the amount of $225,000. The Committee held a groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 19 and hopes to open the memorial by Memorial Day 2015. Over 75 residents and veterans attended the groundbreaking. “The veterans who have served in the wars are passing away at an alarming rate right now. It’s important that we get this done so we can honor the World War II and Korean veterans,” said Committee Chair Richard Olson. “When the residents see the memorial, [they will appreciate] how peaceful [it is] and how it pays tribute to the veterans. It’s going to be a moving tribute.” For more information about the project, visit www.EdinaMN.gov/veteransmemorial or contact Aarsvold at 952-826-0433 or kaarsvold@EdinaMN.gov. Give Your Feedback on Vision Edina The City’s future visioning project, Vision Edina, is in full swing. Since the two “think tank” workshops held in September, Future iQ Partners – the City’s consultant on the project – has visited Edina schools to get students’ perspective on the City’s future and released a formal report outlining four plausible scenarios as identified by workshop participants. The City will host three public workshops in November in addition to a number of private sessions for Edina groups such as the League of Women Voters, Edina Senior Center, Edina Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Edina and five neighborhood associations. “If there are 10 or more residents who are willing to come together for the workshop or share part of their meeting time, we will find a facilitator,” said Assistant City Manager Karen Kurt. During these sessions, participants can expect to work both in large groups and small as they hear about the four scenarios and provide feedback. “I was really impressed that the City put this much time and effort into this project,” said Bill Sierks, a member of the Energy & Environment Commission and workshop participant. “The really interesting part is to get into groups and try to understand the different perspectives people have and what they’re based on. You get to know other people in the community and their take on issues.” “I think it’s good for groups of different ages and demographic backgrounds to get some of their ideas and perspectives,” said Edina resident and workshop participant Connie Carrino. “Whether it’s through a neighborhood association or sports group, I would definitely encourage [getting involved]. It’s time well spent, especially if you plan on being in Edina – living here and building your family here.” “Residents should be interested, as this is an opportunity to have input into the overarching vision, which will shape the comprehensive plan and action plans,” said CEO of Future iQ David Beurle, the consultant leading the project. “The outcomes of this work will inform and help shape important future investment and policy decisions in the City, which in turn will shape the character and nature of the city, its neighborhoods and commercial areas.” “There are totally different value systems out there, but they can come together and work together,” noted Sierks. Public workshops are scheduled for Nov. 5, 6 and 19. The formal report “Vision Edina: Scenarios of the Future” and additional information on how to get involved is available online at www.EdinaMN.gov/visionedina. For more information, contact Kurt at 952-826-0415 or kkurt@EdinaMN.gov. Work on Downtown Parking Ramps Nears Completion Work on the 50th & France parking ramps is expected to be finished by the first week of November, just in time for the busy holiday shopping season. “Our customers have been very tolerant of the construction and having their support has been great,” said Kathryn Paulsrud, owner of the local boutique Bumber Shute and President of the 50th & France Business & Professional Association. “I think the [refreshed] ramps help set the tone for the area,” said Jill Gordon, who frequents the area. “They look really good.” Business owners and the City came together to fund the $5.8 million rehabilitation of the parking ramps to make them cleaner, safer, brighter and more convenient with the addition of new flooring, LED lighting, fresh paint and maintenance. A new electronic wayfinding sign system was also installed to help visitors find available parking in the three public parking ramps. Landscaping and other streetscape improvements were made. Work on the project started in June. “Edina’s downtown at 50th & France competes with many other shopping destinations throughout the metro area,” said Bill Neuendorf, the City’s Economic Development Manager. “Today’s consumer has high expectations and demands the best when choosing where to shop or have dinner. These renovations and improvements position 50th & France to remain a highly popular and attractive destination for shopping and dining in a charming neighborhood environment.” Rachel Thelemann, Executive Director of the 50th & France Business & Professional Association, is pleased with the results. “The ramps turned out very nice and the improved streetscapes are beautiful,” she said. “I want to applaud the elected officials and business owners for taking action on improving parking for 50th & France. This couldn’t have happened without their enthusiasm for the project.” An elevator will be added to the South Ramp next year. A ribbon-cutting to celebrate the improvements will be held 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 13 at the South Ramp. The public is welcome to attend. For more information, please visit www.EdinaMN.gov/50thandfrance. Edina Mayor Jim Hovland, Sen. Melisa Franzen, City Council Member Josh Sprague, Rep. Paul Rosenthal, Veterans Memorial Committee Chair Richard Olson, Rep. Ron Erhardt, Dave Frauenshuh and retired U. S. Air Force Brigadier General Denny Schulstad participated in the Veterans Memorial groundbreaking ceremony in September. Work on France Avenue Nears Completion After many months of reduced lanes and traffic cones, construction on France Avenue in Edina is mostly complete, making it easier for all street users to get up and down the corridor. “The France Avenue project has added quality pedestrian options for our shoppers and those who work at Southdale,” said Southdale Center Manager Ben Martin. “Along with the new sidewalk that has been constructed between Southdale and the One Southdale apartments, and the additional sidewalks going in on 69th Street and York Avenue, there are now many options for pedestrians to navigate the Southdale Center area.” Jay Nelson, who lives in the Edinborough condominiums, agrees. “The new sidewalk is set off France so that it doesn’t feel like you’re going to get hit,” he said. “We walk everywhere – to Target, to Southdale, to Byerly’s. The cars would always whip by. It feels much safer and comfortable now.” Work included improvements at the France Avenue intersections with 66th, 70th and 76th streets, where free-right turn lanes were removed, ADA-compliant pedestrian accommodations were made and planters and lighting added. Traffic signals were also improved with accessible pedestrian signals, countdown timers and vehicle and bike detectors. Additionally, the lanes on France Avenue were narrowed and missing sidewalk connections on the east side of the road were added, ensuring those on both sides of France have an opportunity to access one of the crossing locations. “There were a lot of elements working against pedestrians in the area before,” said City of Edina Engineering Director Chad Millner. “Now, everyone can get up and down the corridor easier, and it’s easier to cross France.” A $1.09 million federal grant paid for part of the $4.09 million project. Work should be completely finished for the season in the coming weeks. Some landscaping along the corridor will be completed in the spring. For more information, contact the City’s Engineering Department at 952-826-0371. Ph o t o b y J e n n i f e r B e n n e r o t t e