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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCitySlick_March_2012by David Katz, Communications Intern When a parent or teacher warns a room of middle and high schoolers about the dangers of drunk driving or texting while on the road, there’s a chance they will write it off as noise. But when a city police chief takes the time out of his busy schedule to deliver that same message, they are much more likely to take the counsel to heart. Edina Police Chief Jeff Long delivered just such an impactful speech to a mixed crowd of students, parents, school district employees and elected officials at the fourth-annual Connecting With Kids Leadership Breakfast, held Thursday, Feb. 23, at the Braemar Golf Course Clubhouse. Teens made up about a quarter of the audience. While Long lectures area youth on a routine basis, what set this address apart from others before it was the setting; Long was at the breakfast to be honored as one of seven recipients of a Connecting With Kids’ 2012 Leadership Award. Each year, nominations are submitted on behalf of individuals and community organizations that contribute in some substantial way to Connecting With Kids’ primary mission: ensuring that our community is a healthy environment for children to grow and to learn. The candidate pool is whittled down to a very select group of honorees by Connecting With Kids’ Board of Directors. “We don’t have a fixed equation or set system for ranking candidates, nor do we have a quota of awards to give out,” said Heather Haen Anderson, Connecting With Kids Executive Director. “The board considers each nomination on its own merits. We appreciated Chief Long’s record of leadership in our community and the Police Department’s involvement with children.” Those interactions are many and varied. “We teach D.A.R.E. and work with the Sober Squad at Edina High School,” said Long. “In addition, the department runs the Police Explorers program, a summer park program and coordinates with the Red Cross to provide babysitting courses to youth who might not otherwise be able to afford those important classes.” The number of youth-oriented outreach programs continues to grow. In 2010, the Police Department started a safe driving program aimed at that demographic. In 2011, the department added a new initiative addressing underage drinking. Long played a key role in all of the above. “We have promoted within the organization since 1955. That tradition has created leaders, like Chief Long, who truly understand Edina,” said Training Officer Kevin Rofidal. Added Arrie Larsen Manti, Chair of the Connecting With Kids Board of Directors: “All these ‘extra’ activities show deep concern for our community, and it is appreciated by all of us who live and work in Edina. Chief Long and his officers really go above and beyond.” A newsletter for the City Council and employees of the City of Edina CITYSLICK p1 Volume 15.6 3|2|2012 INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2 Around The Water Cooler 3 Techy Tidbits 3 Where Are They Now? 4 Letter Bag March 2, Daniel, Public Works March 4, Mitzi, Community Development March 5, Brian, Fire March 7, Matthew, Public Works March 7, Travis, Public Works March 9, John, Fire March 9, John, Public Works March 10, Nate, Public Works March 12, Tom, Police March 16, Rebecca, Engineering March 17, Jeff, Engineering March 18, Peter, Braemar Arena March 20, Gary, Public Works March 20, Morgan, Police March 22, Tim, Police March 23, Tim, Park Maintenance March 29, Doug, Centennial Lakes Park March 31, Vera, Parks & Recreation Local Non-Profit Honors Police Chief Jeff Long With Leadership Award CITYSLICK p2 Communications & Technology Services Planning has begun for a Wi-Fi system in City buildings. City and LOGIS staff are working together to plan for the wireless system, which, if approved later this spring, will be built and operational before the end of the year. City Hall, Braemar Arena, Braemar Golf Course, Centennial Lakes Park, Edina Art Center, Edina Senior Center and Edinborough Park will be included in the initial plans, though the network will be expanded to other City facilities in the coming years. Planning is also under way to extend the City’s fiber network to the Aquatic Center, Arneson Acres Park Greenhouse, Edina History Museum and Edina Liquor – 50th & France. I.T. staff will be busy in the coming weeks installing a new email server; point-of-sale system, Fore! Reservations, at Braemar Golf Course; and a phone system at Braemar Arena. The main phone number at Braemar Arena will be 952-833-9500. The fax number will be 952-833-9501. Edina Liquor Edina Liquor – Southdale has been undergoing a facelift for the past several weeks and things are progressing well. We have a target date to reopen on Monday, March 12, and we look forward to getting back to doing what we do best. Our staff at York put in many hours getting the store packed up before the demolition could begin. They have also spent many hours getting things ready for the store to reopen. None of this could be accomplished without everyone pitching in and doing their part to make this project successful. Fire On Feb. 10, the Edina Fire Department responded to a call reporting a natural gas smell at Braemar Golf Dome. When Edina Fire crews arrived, they found the golf dome deflated. Upon further investigation, it was found a hole had burned in the side of the dome causing it to deflate and break away from the clubhouse. This caused gas and water lines to rupture. The hillside behind the dome was also burned. Fire investigators are still working to determine an exact cause of the fire. The Edina Fire Department is also the recipient of a $74,520 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The grant money will be used to purchase 36 sets of turnout gear which includes jacket, pants, boots, a helmet, a hood and gloves. Each set costs about $2,300. AROUND THE WATER COOLER Following is a summary of some of the projects of some departments, divisions and facilities. Other areas of the City will be featured in upcoming issues. EMPLOYEE MILESTONES Katie Bisek, Communications & Technology Services, 5 years. (March 12, 2007) Todd Halstead, Public Works, 15 years. (March 10, 1997) MY FIRST JOB Eric Pellinen What was your first job? My first real job was working at the McDonald’s in Virginia, Minn., at age 16. Do you remember how much you were paid? It was roughly $5.50 an hour. If you could do it all over again, would you still take that job? Absolutely. I actually met my wife working there and it was a great first job. What did you learn on the job that you have carried with you into your career? That work is the perfect place to meet the ladies! Seriously, though, I learned quite a bit about being given responsibility and how to work together to get things accomplished. Eric Pellinen is Manager of Edina Liquor – 50th & France. • “My First Job” is a feature of City Slick compiled by Lynette Biunno meant to give employees a glimpse of each other’s professional beginnings. CITYSLICK p3 by David Katz, Communications Intern Perhaps no one is better qualified to speak to how much the landscape of Edina has changed in the last half century than retired City Mechanic Richard “Dick” Malicki. Malicki started with the Public Works Department in 1964. “To put that in perspective, during my first year on the job, the old Public Works building on Eden Avenue was brand new. I did much of the soldering near the end of construction,” he said. At that time, Malicki was one of only four full-time mechanics on staff. Their responsibilities ranged widely based on need and seasonal conditions. “I would lay down blacktop one month and drive a snow plow the next.” Water pipe and sewer maintenance projects were also in his repertoire. “The equipment used for these sorts of projects improved lots during my years there,” Malicki noted. “Of course, the scale of projects is also usually larger these days.” Malicki retired in 1990, after 26 years with the City of Edina. Since then, he’s been more involved with the community than ever. He is an active member of the Knights of Columbus, a fraternal benefit society with a strong presence in the Twin Cities. For the past eight years, Malicki and others from his chapter have volunteered regularly at veterans’ nursing facilities, assisting residents to chapel services and other functions. In addition, he volunteers his time at Fairview Southdale Hospital, where assistance with patient mail and parcel delivery is always in demand. When not volunteering, Malicki likes to meet up regularly with other retired City employees and spend time with his wife, Claire, their two children and their four grandchildren. The Malickis are also international travelers. They have been to Japan and to a variety of European destinations, including Germany, Great Britain and the Czech Republic. But the pair still lives in Minnesota. “I’ve always thought of Edina as a unique, special place,” Malicki said. “Where Are They Now?” is a new feature meant to give employees an idea of what their former colleagues are doing in retirement. If you know of a retiree who might want to be featured in “Where Are They Now?,” call 952-833-9522. WHERE ARE THEY NOW?TECHY TIDBITS by Katie Bisek, Network Support Specialist Easy Zoom In and Zoom Out: Ever find yourself hunting for the “Zoom In” and “Zoom Out” options on a document, picture or webpage and wish there was an easier way to do it? Windows has a built- in function to do this no matter what the program. Simply hold down the “CTRL” key on your keyboard and scroll the wheel on your mouse forward or backward depending on your needs. This works for your desktop icons as well! Moving between Applications and Windows using the keyboard: On any version of Windows, you can scroll between the different applications or windows you have open without ever clicking the mouse. Hold down the “ALT” key and then press the “TAB” key and a window will appear in the middle of your screen showing you a thumbnail of each item you have open. While still holding down the “ALT” key, press the “TAB” key again and it will switch to the next window or application. Press the “TAB” key again and it will switch to the next one. Importing Holidays into your Outlook calendar: Outlook 2003 and 2007: • In Outlook, go to the “Tools” menu and choose “Options.” • In the “Options” window, click on the “Calendar Options” in the “Preferences” tab. • In the “Calendar Options” window, click on the “Add Holidays” button. • Put check marks next to the countries and/or religious holidays you wish to import and click “OK.” • You will receive a message when finished. Click “OK.” Outlook 2010: • In Outlook, go to the “File” menu and choose “Options.” • Click the “Calendar” item on the left. • Click the “Add Holidays” button and carry on as described below. • Put check marks next to the countries and/or religious holidays you wish to import and click “OK.” • You will receive a message when finished. Click “OK.” Improve your relationship with your computer, enhance productivity and smile more often! Each month, I.T. staff will highlight in “Techy Tidbits” some commonly asked technical questions they receive from staff around the City. If you have questions you’d like answered in Techy Tidbits, send an email to EDInformationTechnology@EdinaMN.gov or leave a message at 952-903-5711. CITYSLICK p4 Selected letters are printed in City Slick each month to let you know what residents and businesses think of your services. “We live on Scott Terrace in Edina, and our 5-year-old son was wondering if it would be possible to change the name of our street from ‘Scott Terrace’ to ‘Super Mario Galaxy Street.’ I told him I would ask the City whether that might be possible, and what the process would be to move forward. For my own part, I’d suggest we change the name to ‘Megalodon Shark Terrace.’ I think that really either one would really provide some additional ‘curb appeal’ to the coveted 5- to 7-year-old boy demographic. Thank you!” – Jim B-Reay “Great meeting last night, [Mayor and City Council Members]! I was impressed by the proceedings and decorum on display at all times by all members of the Council and staff. You all are a great testament to your constituents and the process by which you were elected to serve Edina. “I do not live in Edina, but I work in Edina; matters affecting the Edina community and sub-districts are very important to me. Not only am I the GM of a local business, but I also serve as a board member of the 50th & France [Business & Professional] Association. I know that I am not alone in approaching our business(es) with the idea that for any of us to prosper, we all need to prosper. “If there is ever anything that the Council needs on matters related to the restaurant business or 50th & France Association, please consider me as a resource. I am always looking for ways to help push the collective business and residential interests toward prosperity. I am also looking for more ways to get involved, so if any of you has any suggestions for me, I am all ears. “Although I recognize many of you from patronizing our establishment, please make it a point to knock on our door the next time you are in the neighborhood. I would love the opportunity to connect in person. Thank you for your time and have an outstanding day!” – Zach Saueressig, General Manager of Salut Bar Americain “Learning Exchange is grateful for the assistance we received from the Edinborough staff to arrange for the AR&LE Performers Holiday Show on Dec. 11. Adam [Proulx] was gracious and resourceful handling our questions about sound equipment, and other staff was very pleasant and helpful as well. What an admirable crew you have! “Your park and amphitheater space is beautiful, and we want to thank you for making it available to showcase the talents of our adults with disabilities. Thank you for your support to help us connect with the broader community.” – Janet B. Clarke, Learning Exchange Community Liaison LETTER BAGSTAFF NOTES Christopher Tkachuk was sworn in as the newest City of Edina Police Officer on Thursday, Feb. 23. Tkachuk is a graduate of Minnetonka High School and received a bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement from Metro State University. Prior to working for the City, he was a Supervisor of Lakewinds Natural Foods in Minnetonka. Utility Engineer Jesse Struve resigned from the City Feb. 29 to accept a position as Director of Public Works/City Engineer in Orono. Struve had worked for the City since June 2007. Susan Faus began work Feb. 13 as Senior Recreation Facility Manager, overseeing operations of Edinborough Park and the Edina Aquatic Center. During her more- than-11-year career with the Lexington, Ky., and Greater Twin Cities YMCA branches, Faus was promoted five times and has held director positions in fitness, operations and sales. Her most recent position was District Membership Sales Director at the Greater Twin Cities YMCA. She holds a bachelor’s degree in corporate and community fitness from North Dakota State University and a master’s degree in sport management from the University of Kentucky. CAUGHT IN THE ACT A small ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Jan. 9 for the new greenhouse at Arneson Acres Park. The event was hosted by the Edina Garden Council, which funded the $30,000 greenhouse. Horticulture Specialist Tim Zimmerman of the Edina Park Maintenance Division was part of the festivities. The greenhouse will be used to grow annual and perennial plants for the more than 100 gardens in the City.