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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEditionEdina_Feb20154801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424 952-927-8861 mail@EdinaMN.gov www.EdinaMN.gov The City of Edina Speak Up, Edina! February 2015 Volume 2, Issue 2 Legend: Infrastructure Commercial and Mixed-Use Redevelopment Workforce Communication and Engagement Community Vision Aviation Noise Edi tion: The City’s next online discussion is now available at www.SpeakUpEdina.org. The discussion, which focuses on street lighting, is available until March 31. Public street lighting helps provide residents with a feeling of safety and security at night. However, some believe that street lighting is invasive, bothersome or wasteful. In the discussion, the City asks what residents think about the current level of street lighting, whether more or less lighting is needed and where, and what kind of lighting they prefer. The feedback gathered from the discussion will be presented to the City Council April 21. This month, the City has been gathering feedback on drive-thrus. Questions included whether residents think the City should prohibit new drive-thrus, what residents’ general opinions of drive-thrus are, what types of businesses work best with drive- thrus, and whether or not residents have any environmental or health concerns about idling cars in drive-thrus. Feedback from this discussion will be compiled and presented to the City Council March 17. To weigh in on a discussion, visit www.SpeakUpEdina.org. Residents Weigh In On Draft Wooddale/ Valley View Small Area Plan Residents say they would like to keep the retail node at Wooddale Avenue and Valley View Road and would like it enhanced with outdoor gathering spaces and easy mobility options. The City asked residents earlier this winter to weigh in on a draft small area plan for the commercial area at Wooddale Avenue and Valley View Road. The plan can be found at www.EdinaMN.gov/wvv. “Doing the small area plan is really about learning our residents’ vision for that area so that when a [redevelopment] proposal does come forward, we’re able to better evaluate the project,” said Assistant City Manager Karen Kurt. Many residents shared how they’d like to see the area evolve. “We have heard from residents that they want the space to be a place that is central to the neighborhood and where there are retail businesses that can meet their needs,” said Wooddale/Valley View Planning Team Co-Chair Arlene Forrest. “We have also heard a lot about outdoor gathering spaces, ease of walking and biking and other modes of transportation.” The plan is tentatively scheduled to be reviewed by the City Council in March. “The most important thing to remember throughout this process is why we are doing this and that is because we want to stay ahead of the curve and this area is ripe for change,” said Wooddale/Valley View Planning Team Co-Chair Susan Lee. The small area plan process began in June with a meeting that introduced the process to the area residents and businesses. A discovery workshop held in October gave residents a chance to learn about the small area planning process and share their assessment of the Wooddale/Valley View commercial area. Long-range market trends and the economics of the area as well as future land- use scenarios were discussed at a November Dream Workshop. A Progress Update meeting was held in December at the Edina Senior Center to check in on long-range scenarios and review foundational elements of the small area plan. For more information, contact Kurt at 952-826-0415 or KKurt@EdinaMN.gov. Tree Preservation Ordinance Receives Preliminary Approval With residential redevelopment not slowing down, the City has taken steps to curb the loss of its healthy tree canopy with a tree preservation ordinance, which goes into effect July 1. A new “tree preservation” ordinance applies to all demolition and building permits, including additions and accessory structures such as decks, garages and pools, and subdivision applications. To obtain a permit, the property owner is required to submit a tree inventory plan indicating where protected trees are located and each tree’s species, health, and canopy height and width. The plan must also outline how protected trees will be preserved and protected during construction; if any protected trees will be removed; and location, species and size of all replacement trees. The City did not previously have a tree preservation ordinance. The ordinance is meant to preserve and grow Edina’s tree canopy cover by protecting mature trees throughout the City. A healthy tree canopy can protect and enhance property values, give a distinct neighborhood character, improve quality of life and protect the environment. All deciduous trees at least 8 inches diameter at breast height are considered a “protected tree” except box elder, poplar, willow, silver maple, black locust, fruit tree and mulberry. Coniferous trees at least 20 feet tall are also protected. A healthy protected tree removed as part of a project requiring a demolition permit or building permit for a structural addition or an accessory structure outside of the building pad, deck or patio area, public infrastructure or utility area or within the driveway or parking area must be replaced one-to-one. A replacement tree that dies within three years of planting must be replaced. However, any healthy protected tree that is removed within a 10-foot radius of a building pad, deck or patio or within 5 feet of a parking area or driveway does not need to be replaced. Healthy protected trees removed as part of public improvements such as utilities, roadways and storm water retention areas do not need to be replaced, either. As part of the new ordinance, tree preservation will be enforced by the City’s Forester. The position may become full-time, or a second part-time position may be added. The ordinance will add an expense to a building permit and will require a longer plan review time. “We’re really focusing on [preserving trees on] existing construction sites, not on sites without any activity,” said City Council Member Kevin Staunton. “We’re trying to address those situations where it’s just as easy as not to take down a tree when you are trying to build on it. It gives people pause before they take trees out, and requires replacement for trees taken out that don’t need to.” For more information, contact the Planning Division at 952-826-0369. MAC to Present Results of Aviation Noise Monitoring to City Council The City has begun reviewing data from a summer aviation noise study. The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) conducted a baseline aviation noise survey in Edina Aug. 22 to Sept. 4, 2014. “Now that the study has been completed, it’s time for MAC and the City to talk about the results of that survey and to learn from its data,” said City Manager Scott Neal. In place of anecdotal information, Neal noted that the City now has a better understanding of what the level of aviation noise is in Edina. “[That information] will help us interact more clearly with MAC and the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) about the level of airport noise.” According to MAC’s Assistant Manager of Noise, Environment and Planning, Dana Nelson, the surveying was driven by increased noise complaints from Edina residents and the concern for potential new procedures at MSP Airport. “What we discovered during the report study is that the two Edina sites were recording aircraft noise associated with departures [primarily from] runway 30L – aircraft headed to westernly or southernly destinations [that] initiate a turn shortly after lift-off that takes them in a westward direction toward Edina,” said John Nelson, Manager of Noise, Environment and Planning for MAC. Former City Council Member Joni Bennett says that the information in the report adds to what is already known about the increases in flights due in part to abandonment of the runway use system. “It’s a piece of objective information we didn’t have before,” she said. “I hope that this adds to understanding on the Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) about the impact of aviation noise to the northwest of the airport and that planning and work going forward will take that into account.” MAC presented the results of the survey to City Council at its Feb. 3 meeting. According to City Council Member Ann Swenson, who was appointed to the “at-large city group” for this issue in January, the Council is moving forward in two ways. The first is to plan a meeting with MAC so residents will be able to ask questions directly and learn more about the issue. The second is to ensure that the City’s federal legislators know about the issues. To view the results of the study, visit www.EdinaMN.gov/Aviation-Noise. For more information, contact Swenson, 952-484-4894 or swensonann1@gmail.com. Next month, police will focus on a commonly under- enforced risk: unsafe equipment. “Keeping a vehicle properly maintained helps keep everyone traveling on our roadways safer,” said Sgt. Nate Mendel. “Inoperable head-lights, tail-lights, signal lights and horns often go unnoticed by a driver. An officer’s friendly reminder may save a life.” Each month, patrol officers focus police efforts on a specific statutory violation in order to educate the public and gain compliance. The violations the Police Department “Focus In” on have seasonal relevance, affect the quality of life in Edina or pose safety risks to residents. All statutes are enforced year-round, but additional attention is paid to the focus of the month. Education includes a warning to those who violate the statutes or codes. In extenuating circumstances, a citation may be issued. In March 2014, the Edina Police Department issued 200 verbal or written warnings to motorists whose vehicles had unsafe equipment. This year, Police have already focused on obstructed vision and failure to signal. For the following months, police will “Focus In” on failure to display headlights, bike safety, following too close, pedestrian safety, child and seatbelt safety, distracted driving, speed in school zones, night and snow parking, and the “move over” law. For more information, contact the Edina Police Department at 952-826-1610. ‘Unsafe Equipment’ is Police Focus for March February 2015 February Edina 16 Broadcast Schedule Edina City Council (shown until the next scheduled meeting) • Sundays – 3 a.m., 11 a.m. • Tuesdays – 7 p.m. (live broadcast on first and third Tuesdays of every month) • Wednesdays – 3 a.m., 11 a.m. • Saturdays – 7 p.m. Planning Commission (shown until the next scheduled meeting) • Wednesdays – 7 p.m. (live broadcast on second and fourth Wednesdays of every month) • Thursdays – 3 a.m., 11 a.m. • Fridays – 7 p.m. • Saturdays – 3 a.m., 11 a.m. Park Board (shown Feb. 10 through March 10) • Mondays - 7 p.m. • Tuesdays - 3 a.m., 11 a.m. • Thursdays - 10 p.m. • Fridays - 6 a.m., 2 p.m. Arts & Culture Commission (shown through March 26) • Sundays - 7 p.m. • Mondays - 3 a.m., 11 a.m. • Wednesdays - 10 p.m. • Thursdays - 6 a.m., 2 p.m. Energy & Environment Commission (shown March 12 through April 9) • Mondays - 10 p.m. • Tuesdays - 6 a.m., 2 p.m. • Thursdays - 7 p.m. • Fridays - 3 a.m., 11 a.m. Agenda: Edina (new episode on the 1st and 15th of each month): • Daily at 2:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 6:30 p.m. Beyond the Badge (new episode on the 1st of each month): • Daily at 2 a.m., 10 a.m., 6 p.m. Enterprise Edina (new episode on the 15th of each month): • Daily at 2:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 6:15 p.m. Rotary Club of Edina Meetings (new episode weekly): • Daily at 1 a.m., 9 a.m., 5 p.m. Programs can be watched on cable channels 16 (standard definition) or 813 (high definition). All content is also streamed online at www.EdinaMN.gov and www.youtube.com/ EdinaChannel16. Upcoming Events Monday, March 2, 7 p.m. State of the Community, Edina City Hall Edina Mayor Jim Hovland, City Manager Scott Neal and Edina Public Schools Superintendent Ric Dressen will present the 2015 “State of the Community,” where they will speak about current affairs in Edina. Tuesday, March 3, 6:30 p.m. Community Health Commission Meeting, Edina City Hall Tuesday, March 3, 7 p.m. City Council Meeting, Edina City Hall Tuesday, March 10, 7 p.m. Park Board Meeting, Edina City Hall Tuesday, March 10, 7 p.m. Heritage Preservation Board Meeting, Edina City Hall Wednesday, March 11, 7 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting, Edina City Hall Wednesday, March 11, 7 p.m. Former Public Works Site Re-Use Discovery Session, Edina Senior Center Thursday, March 12, 7 p.m. Energy & Environment Commission Meeting, Public Works & Park Maintenance Facility Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. The Author’s Studio featuring “A Festival of Crime” anthology of local crime writers, Edina Art Center Tuesday, March 17, 7 p.m. City Council Meeting, Edina City Hall Thursday, March 19, 6 p.m. Transportation Commission Meeting, Edina City Hall Tuesday, March 24, 7 p.m. Human Rights & Relations Commission Meeting, Edina City Hall Wednesday, March 25, 7 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting, Edina City Hall Thursday, March 26, 4:30 p.m. Arts & Culture Commission Meeting, Edina City Hall Beekeeping May Come To Edina Edina residents may soon be able to take up a new hobby: beekeeping. In January, the City Council gave preliminary approval to an ordinance amendment allowing beekeeping in the city. “Edina is part of the GreenSteps Cities program, which recommends beekeeping as part of the local food movement,” said Dianne Plunkett Latham, member of the Energy & Environment Commission. “Not only is it great for honey, but it also teaches kids about the environment and it will raise awareness among residents that they need to reduce pesticides and plant more flowers for pollinators – because all pollinators are in decline, not just bees.” Apiaries would be limited to two per half-acre, with a maximum of 12. A 20-foot setback from the property line would be required and apiaries in front yards would be prohibited. Notification of neighbors within 200 feet would also be required. The Council accepted the proposal on first reading, but asked supporters to return with a more detailed process for appeals. For more information, call Environmental Engineer Ross Bintner at rbintner@EdinaMN.gov or 952-903-5713. The City is considering allowing residents to keep apiaries on their property. New Program Certifies Homes as Energy Fit Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), in partnership with the Neighborhood Energy Connection (NEC), now offers a one-of-a-kind home energy certification for homeowners in the Twin Cities. Energy Fit Homes, a program that began about a year ago, is a certification program that provides a rating of basic home energy efficiency. More than 100 homes around the metro have already completed the certification that focuses on energy efficient and cost- effective upgrades. Homeowners who are interested in learning how their home stacks up against energy efficiency standards can schedule a Home Energy Squad Enhanced visit. This is the first step toward an Energy Fit Homes certificate. “The Energy & Environment Commission (EEC) wanted to bring Home Energy Squad to residents of Edina. They thought it would be a program that a lot of residents could benefit from,” explained CEE Policy and Communication Specialist Helen Booth-Tobin, who also serves on the EEC Education & Outreach Working Group. “We talk about things that residents can do to improve energy and this is one of those things that we thought residents could do to improve their energy usage.” At all visits, homes receive an Energy Fitness Score on a scale of 0 to 100 that evaluates the performance and efficiency of five main areas of the home: heating system, insulation and air sealing, ventilation and combustion safety, windows and lighting. Higher scores denote higher efficiency and scores above 95 qualify for the Energy Fit Homes certificate. The costs for Home Energy Squad visits vary, but Edina residents can expect to pay about $100. There is no additional charge to receive the certificate if your home is eligible. “The City of Edina and the EEC are excited to have such a unique certification program available to residents,” said Edina Environmental Engineer Ross Bintner, who serves as staff liaison to the EEC. “Homes that are already energy efficient can receive certification that you are doing the right thing for your budget and the environment; it also is a useful certification to have if you plan on selling your home. In addition, if you find your home cannot be certified at the time, the process provides you with energy- conservation ideas and resources to save money.” Edina resident John Engelbert certified his home of 17 years earlier this year. In addition to receiving energy- saving materials, he found the diagnostic testing to be extremely informative. “Even though I’m not planning to put my house on the market anytime soon, when I am ready to sell I see the certificate adding value and helping my house stand out to potential buyers,” said Engelbert. For more information about Energy Fit Homes and how to get your home certified, visit www.mnenergyfit.org. Vision Edina: One Step Closer to the Future The City’s long-term vision process, Vision Edina, which builds on the work undertaken years ago with Vision 20/20, is another step closer to being complete. The community is encouraged to review and comment on a draft report. “Vision Edina represents a fresh look at the future for the City of Edina, and has presented a unique opportunity for the community to come together and explore the longer-term future,” said Future iQ Partners CEO David Beurle, the consultant on the project. “The community and City of Edina stand poised before some significant choices about future trajectory and outcomes. The Vision Edina process has allowed nearly 600 stakeholders to participate in a meaningful and intelligent discussion about further options and implications.” The project began last fall with a “think-tank” workshop. Staff continued to gather feedback through December with a series of public sessions and privately hosted workshops. Approximately 600 people provided feedback through the workshops and an online survey. The information gathered was analyzed and compiled into two documents that were presented to the City Council at its Jan. 20 meeting. “There has been great community investment of time and considered thought in this endeavor and I think all involved have appreciated the complexity of trying to define a preferred future and the actions necessary to keep us moving on a pathway of continued community success,” said Mayor Jim Hovland. The Community Engagement Report outlines the entire Vision Edina process from start to finish, including background research, survey results, data analysis, characteristics, the importance of defining a vision and more. The Draft Strategic Vision and Framework Report is a summary of the draft strategic vision and framework for the City as outlined by data collected throughout the surveying process. It identifies the features important to the community and covers strategic focus areas. “It’s hard to understate how pervasive Vision Edina is going to be in Edina’s city government,” said City Manager Scott Neal. “Once the final vision work is approved by our elected officials, it’s going to influence our strategic planning, operations, budgeting, zoning and other city government policies. It’s going to fundamentally shape how we see the future of Edina.” The City will hold an open house 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, in the lobby of City Hall with the City Council to cover the different elements of the vision and to gather feedback before adopting a final vision that will help guide the City’s Comprehensive Plan and capital and operating budgets. The Draft Strategic Vision and Framework Report and Community Engagement Report are available online at www.EdinaMN.gov/vision. Join the conversation about the City’s visioning process online at www.SpeakUpEdina.org. For more information, visit www.EdinaMN.gov/vision or contact Assistant City Manager Karen Kurt at 952-826-826-0415 or send an email to kkurt@EdinaMN.gov.