HomeMy WebLinkAboutCitySlick_January_2013A newsletter for the City Council and employees of the City of Edina
CITYSLICK p1
by Brady Skoglund, Communications Intern
In 1782, the American bald eagle was adopted
as the official bird emblem of the United
States of America for its majestic beauty,
great strength and long life. Last summer,
Public Works Concrete Street Supervisor John
Scheerer ensured that one of them would
grow to fulfill that destiny.
According to Scheerer, a 4-month-old eagle
was attempting to take off from the lawn of St.
Stephen’s Church at the intersection of 50th
Street and Wooddale Avenue on July 18 when
a pick-up truck came through the intersection.
As the eagle took flight, it was unable to reach
a safe height before it hit the passenger side of
the truck’s windshield and was thrown roughly
25 feet back onto the church lawn.
Scheerer said the bird then used its wingtips
to move to the curb line of 50th Street.
Scheerer, who happened to be heading
downtown that morning, took immediate
action and used his truck to block the lane of
traffic into which the eagle had crawled.
“I didn’t know the extent of the damage at
that time,” said Scheerer, who called local
Police dispatch shortly after the accident.
Within a few minutes, former Park
Maintenance Superintendent Vince Cockriel
arrived on the scene to lend assistance.
They put a coat over the bird and called
the University Of
Minnesota Raptor
Center for further
help. The
Raptor Center
rehabilitates
more than
700 sick and
injured raptors
every year.
“We knew if this thing was going to make it at
all, it would have to go to the Raptor Center,”
said Scheerer.
For three weeks after the accident, Scheerer
continually called the Raptor Center for
updates on the eagle. He learned that it
suffered two broken femurs during the
accident. The Raptor Center told Scheerer that
it would be weeks before they could determine
any major change beyond the broken legs.
In mid-September, Scheerer called and was
happy to hear that both of the bird’s legs had
healed, the eagle was eating well and the
Raptor Center had put her in a flight space to
help regain wing strength in preparation for a
release.
Scheerer was at first apprehensive about
where they would release the bird because its
nest is on the Edina Country Club property
near where it was hit.
On Dec. 29, Scheerer, his wife, Cockriel and
Raptor Center Clinic Manager Lori Arent made
the trip to the Carpenter Nature Center in
Hastings, Minn., for the release of the eagle
back into the wild after a total of 164 days.
The Hastings site was chosen because of its
partnership with the Raptor Center.
In preparation for the release, a hood that had
been placed on the eagle’s head to keep the
bird calm was removed and Scheerer, along
with about 20 other people in attendance,
began the countdown. As the group reached
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
2 Around The
Water Cooler
2 My First Job
3 Techy Tidbits
4 Staff Notes
Jan. 18, Jeffrey, Fire
Jan. 18, Diesel, Police
Jan. 20, William, Fire
Jan. 21, Nick,
Communications &
Technology Services
Jan. 21, Nicole, Police
Jan. 21, Jane,
Administration
Jan. 26, Timothy, Edina
Liquor – Grandview
Jan. 27, Michael, Public
Works
Jan. 28, Michael, Fire
Jan. 29, Amber, Police
Jan. 29, Greg,
Communications &
Technology Services
Jan. 30, Bob, Community
Development
Public Works Employee Helps Rescue Winged Friend
EMPLOYEE MILESTONES
Richard Johns,
Edinborough Park, 25
years. (Jan. 13, 1988)
Marc Limbeck, Police,
25 years. (Jan. 19, 1988)
1|18|2013
Continued on Page 3 ...
CITYSLICK p2
Communications & Technology
Services
The video production staff are wrapping up
production of the pilot episode of “Enterprise
Edina,” a new monthly program about local
businesses. Edina Chamber of Commerce
President Lori Syverson hosts the show.
The pilot episode was filmed in downtown
Edina at Mozza Mia and covers how the local
restaurant makes its
fresh mozzarella
and margherita
pizza.
Edina Liquor
Edina Liquor finished another year with a positive
increase in sales for the 15th consecutive year.
While the increase for 2012 was less than 1
percent, it is significant because at the end of
April, Edina Liquor was down $318,000 in sales
due to the Southdale store remodel. Edina Liquor
made up this deficit and was able to show an
increase in sales over 2011.
Fire
The Edina Fire Department started the year
with a house fire in northeast Edina. Shortly
after midnight on Jan. 5, fire crews were called
to a home on reports of a fire in the garage.
Preliminary investigation showed ashes from
a fireplace were improperly discarded, causing
the fire. According to Fire Marshal Jeff Siems,
ashes can retain heat for several days after
extinguishing a fire.
The Department received a $3,000 grant
from Film Tec/Dow Chemicals to purchase an
additional LUCAS device. The LUCAS is a chest
compression device that aids paramedics in
CPR by administering compressions that are
consistent in time and depth.
Firefighters recently wrapped up a study for the
Minnesota Department of Health, which required
regular blood draws from participants. The study
looks at cyanide levels in a firefighter’s blood
caused by smoke. The findings are expected
to be presented to the Edina Fire Department
and other departments that participated in the
coming weeks.
Human Resources
Employee Advisory Committee
In February, Human Resources will establish an
Employee Advisory Committee that will be used
to gather input from employees on a variety
of issues including benefits and policies. The
committee will be comprised of employees of
varying benefit coverage levels, longevity and age
from across the organization. Please stay tuned
for more information on duties of committee
members and how you can apply to join the
committee.
Employee Recognition Changes
As was previewed last fall, we will be
implementing changes to our employee
recognition policy. Beginning this year, employees
will receive their award for years of service on
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.
MY FIRST JOB
Bill Neuendorf
What was your first job? Gas station
attendant at Amoco & the Pop Shoppe in
Stevens Point, Wis.
Do you remember how much you were
paid? $3.35 per hour – no tips, no benefits, no
whining.
If you could do it all over again, would
you still take that job? Sure, I met all kinds of
people. (These were the days before “pay-at-the-pump.”) I could do
homework during slow times, earned great spending money and even
saved some for college tuition.
What did you learn on the job that you have carried with you
into your career?
1. The value of outstanding customer service – a happy customer is
a repeat customer.
2. Not everyone is a happy person (despite great customer service).
3. Some people love to complain about money, no matter the
amount.
4. Responsible employees get the best shifts, so do your best.
Economic Development Manager Bill Neuendorf began work for the
City of Edina’s Administration Department on Aug. 27. Neuendorf has
a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Marquette University and
a Master’s of Urban Planning & Policy from the University of Illinois
at Chicago. Most recently, Neuendorf held the position of Director of
Advocacy & Policy with Transit for Livable Communities and prior to that
he was the Director of Community and Economic Development for the
City of Morton Grove, Ill.
• “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.
Continued on Page 4 ...
enterprisedinad
CITYSLICK p3
Did you know it is
just as important to
drink a lot of water
and to stay hydrated
in the winter, as it is
in the summer? On
hot summer days,
water is a welcomed
sight. Just because
we don’t sweat as
much in the winter
doesn’t mean our
bodies need less
water.
Often, people don’t
drink as much water
in the winter because
cold makes them feel
less thirsty. Our bodies
are made of about 70 percent water, but just a two
percent decrease in our water volume can trigger
dizziness, fatigue and problems focusing. Drinking
adequate amounts of water helps keep your lips
moist, skin hydrated and aids in digestion.
A new addition to City Hall’s first-floor water fountain
will make staying hydrated even easier. Employees
and visitors can now easily fill up their reusable
water bottles and reduce plastic waste. Recycling
Coordinator Solvei Wilmot lead the initiative to have
a retrofitted water bottle filling station installed.
Wilmot is working with other City facilities to see
where additional filling stations might be feasible.
For more information, contact Wilmot at
952-826-0463.
A new water bottle filling
station was installed
at Edina City Hall in
January.
TECHY TIDBITS
by Jennifer Bennerotte, Communications &
Technology Services Director
For several years, staff members have used
our multi-function printers for scanning.
Under that configuration, the PDFs created by
those scanners were basic images. As a result,
those PDFs were not searchable. This created
frustration for some internal users, as well as
the public who accesses some of the City’s
PDFs online.
Together with Metro Sales, the I.T. Division recently upgraded
the software on three multi-function printers to provide for more
scanning options. The Ricoh multi-function printers at the Public
Works & Park Maintenance Facility and those found in the Copy
Rooms adjacent to the Administration Department and Building
Inspections Division at City Hall now allow users to scan to “PDF,
“Word,” “Excel” and “Form.” When you scan to “PDF,” the PDF
will now be searchable. When you scan to “Word” or “Excel,” the
document you are scanning will be converted to Word or Excel
format for you to later edit using those software programs. Using
scan to “Form” creates an editable form for the user to fill out.
Select your department and then preferred option from the “Scan”
menu on the Ricoh. All file types are saved at I:/Scanning in your
department’s subfolder.
In addition to the departments’ folders in the Scanning folder,
there is a folder labeled “OCR.” Inside, there is an “Input”
folder. If you would like to convert a file into one of the formats
described above without using a Ricoh, open “Input” and then
your department’s subfolder. Drag the file for conversion to either
“Excel,” “PDF,” “Form” or “Word.” The system will then convert
the file for you! You can find the converted file in the “Output”
file under your department subfolder at I:/Scanning. Note that the
conversion process can take several minutes. Your converted file
might not be immediately available.
Please remember to regularly clean out your Scanning folder so
as not to take up unnecessary storage space. Please contact any
member of the I.T. Division if you have questions about this new
functionality or the process.
In this feature, I.T. staff will highlight 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
HelpDesk@EdinaMN.gov or leave a message at 952-903-5711.
DRINK WATER ...ESPECIALLY DURING THE WINTER
by Jordan Gilgenbach, Communications Coordinator
the final mark of the countdown, the eagle was
released and soared proudly over the valley.
“It was a tragedy to see it hit, but a great feel-good
story to see it let loose like that,” said Scheerer. He
was fortunate to be able to respond so quickly to the
accident, which helped increase the young eagle’s
chances of survival.
“I’m just glad I was there at the time,” said Scheerer.
Local Hero
Continued from Page 1 ...
CITYSLICK p4
Around the Water Cooler
Continued from Page 2 ... STAFF NOTES
Jacob Heckert began work on Jan. 2
as a Police Officer. Heckert worked as
a Police Officer for the past seven
years for the City of Minnetrista and
prior to that as an Asset Protection
Specialist for Target Corporation.
He is a graduate of Minnesota State
University, Mankato, with a bachelor’s
degree in Law Enforcement.
Paid-on-Call Firefighter Peter Knaeble
was recently promoted to full-time
Paramedic/Firefighter. Knaeble
began working for the City in
2009. He has a bachelor’s degree
in math and computer science
from Saint John’s University and a
master’s in Special Education from the
University of St. Thomas. Knaeble worked
as a Special Education teacher for Robbinsdale Area
Schools for seven years. Most recently, he worked as a
paramedic for Hennepin County Medical Center.
their actual anniversary date. This is an award card with points
that can be used to purchase a wide variety of items from
an online catalog. In addition, we will continue to offer the
employee recognition lunch annually in the fall and publicly
recognize all full-time employees whose years of service
anniversary falls within the calendar year. Contact Human
Resources Representative Terri Wilson if you have any questions.
Police
Citizens’ Academy
Ever wonder what everyday life is like for your coworkers who
are police officers? Through lectures, demonstrations and hands-
on learning in Citizens’ Academy, you will discover the behind
the scenes world of law enforcement.
Utility Billing Supervisor Lori Lohmann and Communications
Assistant Emilie Kastner recommend the program to anyone who
has the chance to participate.
“It was a great experience to see what challenges police officers
face every day in their career,” said Lohmann, a 2011 participant.
“I appreciated the well-rounded experience I was able to
take away from Citizens’ Academy,” added Kastner, a 2012
participant. “Some of the most memorable sessions for me
included the ride-along, tour of the Hennepin County Jail, range
day and being tased. I would recommend it to anyone.”
Among other things, participants will take part in mock traffic
stops; receive presentations from the Southwest Metro Drug
Taskforce, SWAT and K-9; and learn about weapons and defensive
tactics.
The 11-week course meets Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. at either
the Edina Police Department or the South Metro Public Safety
Training Facility. The $25 course fee will be waived for City
employees. To sign up or for more information, contact Officer
Brian Hubbard at bhubbard@EdinaMN.gov. The deadline to
register is March 1.
‘Focus In’
The Edina Police Department is kicking off the New Year with a
new monthly safety initiative, “Focus In.”
Beginning this month, patrol officers will focus police efforts
each month on a specific statutory violation in order to educate
the public and gain compliance. The violations the Police
Department will “Focus In” on have seasonal relevance, affect
the quality of life in Edina or pose safety risks to residents.
Education will include a warning to those who violate the statutes
or codes. In extenuating circumstances, a citation may be issued.
The January focus is obstructed windshields. For the following
months, police will “Focus In” on failure to signal, unsafe
equipment, failure to display headlights, bike safety, curfew
violations, pedestrian safety, child and seatbelt safety, school
bus stop arm protocol, speed in school zones, night and snow
parking, and the “move over” law. All statutes will be enforced
year-round, but additional attention will be paid to the focus of
the month.
Senior Recreation Facility Manager
Susan Faus was promoted to
Assistant Parks & Recreation
Director on Jan. 14. Faus began
working for the City of Edina in
February of 2012. She has her
bachelor’s degree in Corporate and
Community Fitness from North Dakota
State University and her master’s degree in
Sport Management from the University of Kentucky.
Ann Kattreh was promoted to Parks &
Recreation Director on Dec. 28, 2012,
after the retirement of John Keprios.
Kattreh began her career with the
City of Edina in 1992 as a Special
Events Coordinator and was later
promoted to Assistant Manager and
then Manager of Edinborough Park. In
2011, Kattreh became the Assistant Parks
& Recreation Director.
Three part-time employees from the Building
Inspections Division became full-time employees on
Jan. 1. Building Inspector Tedd Nelson has been
working for the City since 2006, Michael Kuisle since
2008 and John Schweitzer since 2010.