HomeMy WebLinkAboutEditionEdinaAug2018Fire Department Hiring
Paramedic/Firefighters
Opportunities Include Ability to Serve on
Structural Collapse Team
The City of Edina is preparing to hire new Paramedics/
Firefighters in the coming months. As staff retire and additional
Fire Department support is needed for a growing community,
Edina is looking to fill some upcoming openings quickly.
“The population of the 16- to 29-year-old applicant pool
has shrunk and people are not going into those positions, plus colleges have found that their
enrollment is going down significantly,” said Staffing & Training Specialist Terri Wilson in the
City’s Human Resources Department. “We’re a great city to work for. Edina full-time employees
are offered competitive pay, a cafeteria insurance plan and, of course, retirement options through
the Public Employees Retirement Association of Minnesota (PERA).”
The Edina Fire Department is unique because it serves as the Advanced Life Support ambulance
provider for the City. As a result, firefighters are also required to have paramedic training. This
often complicates matters for interested firefighters, but Assistant Chief of Operations Jeff Siems
says the City is willing to help bridge that gap.
“Our minimum role experience is to be a paramedic, but we will assist with firefighting training
as needed. Roughly 80 percent of the role entails the EMS side of the position, so that’s our
priority,” he said. “We provide opportunities that very few other communities can offer, such
as the ability to serve on the statewide Structural Collapse Team. I think that really sets us apart;
we’re really well-respected by our peers in both the firefighting and medical aspects.”
There are 19 Paramedic/Firefighters in the Edina Fire
Department. The department’s structure also allows staff
to experience a variety of duties. According to Siems, the
days are never the same.
“We’re big enough to be small and we’re small enough
to be big. If you’re in a big city, you might get stuck
doing this one thing for the next 15 years. We do a little
bit of everything,” he said.
EMTs and firefighters in the United States are responding
to fewer fire calls, but the number of emergency calls
aren’t going down. The number of calls received by
the Edina Fire Department in 2017 rose by about 400
compared to 2016. Fire departments are involved in a variety of emergency calls, including car
crashes, water rescues, medical calls, states of emergency or other crises.
“I like that I show up to work and I get to help people no matter what. This is such a privilege;
we get asked into complete strangers’ lives and, without knowing who we are, they trust their
loved ones to us. We see everything from the birth of a child to a person’s last breath; we’re part
of all those intimacies that are associated with life,” said Siems.
Minimum qualifications for the role include a high school diploma, EMT-Paramedic certification
and a Class B commercial driver’s license. Well-suited candidates for this role should be highly
adaptable and independent workers. Well-suited candidates for this role should be highly
adaptable, independent and culturally competent.
In support of the City’s race and equity initiative, the Human Resources Department is recruiting
to better reach a diverse audience. Paramedic/Firefighter applications will be accepted through the
month of August, and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply online at EdinaMN.gov/Jobs.
In addition to the full-time Paramedic/Firefighter role, the City is always hiring for several other
part-time roles, including Edina Liquor clerks and maintenance positions at Edinborough Park and
Braemar Arena. These roles are year round, part time and are well suited to individuals who need
a flexible work schedule.
The City of Edina values a culturally diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from women
and minorities. For more information, contact Wilson at 952-826-0406 or twilson@EdinaMN.gov.
Edition: Edina
AUGUST 2018
Volume 5, Issue 8
New City Mobile App
Available to Download
‘Edina 311’ Makes Reporting a Problem Easier
The City launched a new Android and iPhone mobile app
called “Edina 311” to make reporting concerns or problems
around Edina easier. The new app replaces “Edina To Go”
and provides new reporting tools to community members
and better communication between City staff and Edina
311 users.
“For people submitting a concern, you’ll be able to easily
find if your concern has already been reported,” said
Communications Coordinator Krystal Caron. “I’m also looking
forward to the improved communication that our City staff
will have with those people reporting their concerns. We heard
from users that there often was a communication breakdown
with our previous app, so that issue has been resolved.”
Edina 311 was developed by See, Click, Fix, a government
mobile application developer. See, Click, Fix has also produced
apps for nearby communities, including Eden Prairie, Richfield
and Minneapolis. Based on previous use of Edina To Go, City
staff expect about 600
issues a year to be reported
through Edina 311.
“Having a tool like this
really helps us address
problems in the community
much quicker and
puts the power in our
residents’ hands to send
us their concerns.” said
Tom Swenson, Assistant
Director of Parks & Natural
Resources. “A good
example is when there is a
tree limb across a walking
trail. Our staff doesn’t drive
the whole trail every single
day, but residents find it when they’re using the park and they
can give us immediate feedback so we can solve the problem
much quicker.”
“We spend a lot of time making sure that our platform is
the easiest to use and the friendliest to use across a diverse
population,” said See, Click, Fix Director of Customer Success
Cari Tate. “The City of Edina joining the See, Click, Fix family
further communicates the City’s commitment to transparency
and customer service for the community.”
Users of the City’s previous app, Edina To Go, should uninstall
the app. Users should delete Edina To Go from their mobile
devices and search for “Edina 311” in the Google Play Store or
App Store to install.
The new app will be specifically for reporting problems or
concerns found throughout the city. Edina To Go previously
provided additional information and links, but those tools were
not used as frequently since the Edina website, EdinaMN.gov,
is now mobile-friendly.
“We really wanted to build an app that did one thing
extremely well and focus on that, rather than trying to check
several boxes and not excelling in any one area. Edina 311 is an
easy-to-use reporting tool – it does what it’s designed to do
very well,” said Caron.
For more information, visit EdinaMN.gov/ReportProblem or contact
Caron at kcaron@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0347.
Photo by Tiffany Bushland
4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424 | 952-927-8861 | mail@EdinaMN.govCity of Edina EdinaMN.gov
Fitness in the Parks
Stretch yourself this summer with a free yoga class outdoors at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13,
at Arneson Acres Park, 4711 W. 70th St. Bring a yoga mat or beach towel for this final
Fitness in the Parks event, taught by Core Power Yoga. Look for free Fitness on the Field
events at Braemar Field starting Nov. 16.
• ‘
‘We provide
opportunities that
very few other
communities can
offer, such as the
ability to serve on the
state-wide Structural
Collapse Team.’
PRIMARY
AUG. 14
The Primary Election will be held Tuesday, Aug. 14. Polls
are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit pollfinder.sos.state.
mn.us to find your polling location and precinct.
Note that voting locations for three precincts
have changed since the last election:
Precinct 8 – South View Middle School Gymnasium
Precinct 15 – Church of St. Patrick Mahon Center
Precinct 16 – Cornelia Elementary School Gymnasium,
entered through different door
For more information, call 952-927-8861 or
visit EdinaMN.gov/Administration.
Where you live
Where you care
Submit and track requests
Follow request in your community
Stay updated on local information and events
The app is free to download.
With Edina 311, residents can report and track
the progress of a variety of issues, including
potholes, traffic concerns, animal control
issues and more.
Edition: Edi na AUGUST 2018
4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424 | 952-927-8861 | mail@EdinaMN.govCity of Edina EdinaMN.gov
Upcoming Events
Recurring Events:
Concert in the Park, Centennial Lakes Park
7 p.m. Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Performance in the Park, Centennial Lakes Park
Noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays
Farmers Market, Centennial Lakes Park
3-7 p.m. Thursdays
Movies in the Park, Centennial Lakes Park
Sunset, Thursdays
Date Night, Braemar Golf Course
4 p.m. Fridays
Tuesday, Aug. 7, 5-9 p.m.
Night to Unite, your neighborhood or block party
Wednesday, Aug. 8, 7 p.m.
City Council Meeting, Edina City Hall
Sunday, Aug. 12, 6-9 p.m.
Torchlight and Lighthouse Night, Centennial Lakes Park
Monday, Aug. 13, 7-8 p.m.
Fitness in the Parks – Yoga, Arneson Acres Park
Wednesday, Aug. 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Walk with the Mayor, Fred Richards Park
Saturday, Aug. 18, 8:45-10:45 p.m.
Nite Glow Golf, Braemar Golf Course
Sunday, Aug. 19, 8 p.m.
Aquatic Center closes for season
Tuesday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m.
City Council Meeting, Edina City Hall
For a complete listing of meetings and events, visit EdinaMN.gov.
Edina Fall Into The Arts
Festival Set For Sept. 8-9
Art Fair Winds Along Paths of
Centennial Lakes Park
The Edina Fall Into The Arts Festival will be back at
Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Ave. S., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, and 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9.
About 230 artists from a variety of mediums will display and sell their works along the paved
paths. Artwork will include two-dimensional work, clay, fiber, fine crafts, glass, jewelry, mixed
media, photography, sculpture, wearable art and wood. Festival goers can also check out
various sponsor booths and enjoy eats from many food vendors.
The Festival is hosted and organized by the Edina Crime Prevention Fund with the help of the
Edina Art Center and Centennial Lakes Park staff. All of the proceeds are divided amongst the
nonprofit and two City facilities. Last year, the event raised nearly $13,000 each for the Art
Center and Centennial Lakes Park.
“Quality of life has always been a very strong attribute of our Edina community, and one of
the key components of our quality of life has been the overall of safety of our neighborhoods,
parks and business districts. The Edina Crime Prevention Fund plays a key role in enhancing
Edina’s safety by supporting many innovative Edina Police Department programs that would
not have otherwise been possible through normal City budgets,” said Dennis Maetzold,
Treasurer of the Edina Crime Prevention Fund. “Funding for the Crime Prevention Fund comes
from various sources, but one of the key sources has been the Edina Fall into the Arts Festival,
which was originally formed by former City Manager Ken Rosland to not only provide another
wonderful venue for the arts in our community, but also to benefit the Crime Prevention Fund
financially.”
Since the Fund began in 1970, it’s been a significant contributor to many Edina Police
Department programs. Some of these programs include the K-9 unit and retirement fund,
prescription drug disposal program, Edina/Eden Prairie Explorer Post 925, Junior Police,
motorcycle unit, Night to Unite, bicycle and foot patrol, Citizens’ Academy, “Beyond the
Badge” TV show and rewards for crime tips.
“Our officers really enjoy getting to meet and talk with residents and Crime Prevention Fund
Board members at the Fall Into The Arts Festival,” said Edina Police Chief Dave Nelson. “It’s
humbling to see all the support from the community.”
Stop by the Edina Crime Prevention Fund booth during the Festival for a chance to win an
Edina Police vintage-inspired pedal car, visit with the officers and even get a chance to shake
paws with one of the K-9s!
For more information on the Festival, visit edinafallintothearts.com.
Council Appoints Primary
Election Judges
Nearly 150 to Work Polls Aug. 14
Nearly 150 residents will serve as election and absentee judges
during the Tuesday, Aug. 14, State Primary Election. The Edina
City Council approved a resolution with the slate of judges at
its meeting July 17.
City Clerk Debra Mangen plans to place five or six people in
each of the City’s 20 polling locations at the Primary, plus
run an Absentee Ballot Board. A party balance is maintained
in each precinct and on the Absentee Board as required by
State law. Alternates will be trained in case others cannot
serve.
Absentee voting for the Primary has been open since June
29 and the pre-registration deadline was July 24. Polls will be
open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Election Day. This year, there are three
changes to precincts:
• Voters in Precinct 8 will vote in a different part of South
View Middle School, 4725 South View Lane. This year,
they will vote in the school’s gymnasium on the west
side of the building instead of the City Gym.
• Voters in Precinct 15 will vote at the Church of
St. Patrick Mahon Center, 6820 St. Patrick’s Lane.
• Voters in Precinct 16 should enter Cornelia Elementary
School, 7000 Cornelia Drive, from the southwest
corner and enter the new gymnasium.
In other business at its July 17 meeting, the Council:
• Directed staff to move forward with developing a
plan for the curbside collection of organic waste from
residential properties and add it to the next bidding
process for recycling.
• Approved liquor licenses for Red River Kitchen’s new
restaurant at Braemar Golf Course.
• Granted Life Time Fitness a conditional-use permit for
rooftop dining on the building under construction at
250 Southdale Center, the former site of JC Penney.
The rooftop restaurant, with hours limited to 7 a.m. to
10 p.m., would be used by athletic club members and
guests, so no additional traffic or parking is expected
to be generated from it.
• Directed City staff to begin broadcasting meetings of
the Housing & Redevelopment Authority. The meetings
will be broadcast live and replayed at 7 p.m. Sundays,
3 and 11 a.m. Mondays, 7 p.m. Thursdays and 3 and
11 a.m. Fridays.
The City Council will next meet Aug. 8 and 21. For more information
or agendas, visit EdinaMN.gov.
Youth were
enrolled in the
summer programs
this year.
3,003
49
Adult softball
teams play each
week at Van
Valkenburg
Park.
BY THE NUMBERS
Edina Parks & Recreation
Edina Parks & Recreation holds various programs and events for
toddlers and seniors and every age in between! Registration for
fall and winter Parks & Recreation programs begins Monday,
Aug. 20, for residents and Monday, Aug. 27, for non-residents.
Registration takes place online at EdinaParks.com.
Playground staff lead the kids
in the ever-popular summer
Playgrounds program.
58
A variety of artists and food vendors will sell their goods along the winding paths of Centennial Lakes Park at the Edina Fall
Into The Arts Festival. File Photo