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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Connection 02192013Art Center Board Propos- es Name, Mission Change The Edina Art Center Board is taking a broader approach toward art and culture in the City of Edina by updating its name and mission. In a work session with the City Council, the Art Center Board recommended the Council change the Art Cen- ter Board to the Edina Arts and Culture Commission to reflect a broader scope and ambition. The Commission’s goal is to support and be a more central resource and voice for all artistic and cul- tural activities in Edina. The newly reformed commis- sion will largely focus on arts and culture in Edina as a whole, rather than the Art Center’s operations. The Commission will be modeled after other City commissions, such as the Energy and Envi- ronment Commission, serv- ing as an advisor to the City Council. The Art Center Board will bring the ordinance change to update the board’s name and mission to the Council at a meeting in March. Council Approves Demoli- tion of Former Public Works Building After sitting vacant for more than two years, the former Public Works building is be- ing torn down this spring. The site, at 5146 Eden Ave., was purchased by the City in 1963 and used as the City’s Public Works Department until 2010, when the depart- ment moved to its new loca- tion on Metro Boulevard. The $98,700 contract for demolition and disposal of the building was awarded to Minnesota-based Jay John- son Construction. As part of the agreement, the contractor will remove any hazardous materials per regulations prior to demoli- tion. The contractor intends to recycle the concrete for off- site use. Once the project is complete, the contractor will supply the City with a recy- cling report. Demolition and disposal of the building is expected to be finished by May 31. Council Awards Communi- ty Block Grant Funds The Edina City Council ap- proved $110,285 to improve housing opportunities and provide suitable living envi- ronments for those with low and moderate incomes in the form of community devel- opment block grants. Fifteen percent of the allot- ted funds are directed to the public service agencies Household and Outside Maintenance for the Elderly, Community Action Partner- ship for Suburban Hennepin and Home Line. The remain- ing 85 percent is directed to the rehabilitation of private property and West Hennepin A summary of the Feb. 19 Edina City Council meeting Feb. 22, 2013 Volume 15, Issue 4 Council Connection Upcoming meetings: Human Rights & Relations Commission, 7 p.m. Feb. 26 Planning Commission, 7 p.m. Feb. 27 City Council, 7 p.m. March 5 Park Board, 7 p.m. March 12 Heritage Preservation Board, 7 p.m. March 12 City Contacts City Manager Scott Neal 952-826-0401 Assistant City Manager Karen Kurt 952-826-0415 City Clerk Debra Mangen 952-826-0408 Edina Art Center General Manager Michael Frey 952-903-5729 Engineering Director Wayne Houle 952-826-0443 Community Development Director Cary Teague 952-826-0460 We’d like to hear from you … If you have any comments, call Communications & Technology Services Director Jennifer Bennerotte at 952-833- 9520. The text of this publication will be available online at www.EdinaMN.gov. www.EdinaMN.gov Affordable Housing Land Trust. The Community Develop- ment Block Grant program is a federal entitlement pro- gram administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Council Hears Variance Appeal, Approves Modi- fied Variance The Council approved 3-2 a modified variance request, following an appeal of the original setback variance request. Nicole Sunberg is proposing to tear down and build a new home located at 5801 Crescent Terrace. On Dec. 12, 2012 the Plan- ning Commission approved 7-1 a 25.85-foot front yard setback variance. The home’s original front yard setback is 51.9 feet. The City received an appeal of the variance on Dec. 17, 2012. The appeal was with- drawn Feb. 13 after Sunberg came to an agreement with neighbors for a modified variance request. The modified variance re- quested a 9.75-foot front yard setback instead of the original 25.85-foot setback. Council members discussed whether or not the need for a variance was self-created. The modified variance was approved.