HomeMy WebLinkAboutCitySlick_September_2013CITYSLICK p1
A newsletter for the City Council and employees of the City of Edina
by Michael McGivern, Communications Intern
“I never thought much about being a firefighter,”
said retiring Fire Chief Marty Scheerer about his
career aspirations while in high school.
Jimmy Carter, Hotel California and Farah Fawcett
were a part of daily pop culture when Scheerer
began work for the City of Edina in May of 1977.
He was a student at Edina West High School
when he began work as an Arena Supervisor at
Braemar. As the 1980s began, a family friend ap-
proached Scheerer and his brothers about vol-
unteering to be Firefighters. He gave it a go and
started his journey in May 1980.
He ended up loving it.
“I enjoyed the work and it is an opportunity to
help people every day,” said Scheerer. After com-
pleting an associate degree in Biology and a
degree in Paramedics, Scheerer was hired on as
a full-time Paramedic/Firefighter with Edina on
Sept. 19, 1989.
Scheerer moved up the ranks, becoming a Lieu-
tenant in November 1996, Captain in February
1998 and Fire Chief in January 1999.
“[Edina has] always had a very professional fire
department,” recalled Edina resident Joe Hayes,
who worked with Scheerer at Braemar Arena.
“I think [Marty] brought it up to the next level.
[Marty] brought it up to higher standards for tech-
nology and he was an ambassador in the com-
munity. He worked to keep the town safe, was
progressive on new facilities and kept things up
to date. So, I always felt money was well spent
when Marty was involved.”
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
2 Around The
Water Cooler
3 Staff Notes
4 Techy Tidbits
5 Letterbag
Edina Fire Chief Retires
9|13|2013
Retiring Fire Chief Marty Scheerer waves goodbye as he’s driven home in a fire truck at the end of his last day on the job.
Continued on Page 4
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Sept. 16, David, Fire-
Rescue & Inspections
Sept. 18, Jordan,
Communications &
Technology Services
Sept. 20, David, Fire-
Rescue & Inspections
Sept. 21, Darrell, Fire-
Rescue & Inspections
Sept. 21, Joan,
Communications &
Technology Services
Sept. 21, Jim, Fire-Rescue
& Inspections
Sept. 22, Laurie, Finance
Sept. 24, Scott,
Administration
Sept. 25, David, Edina
Liquor
Sept. 26, Joseph, Police
Sept. 28, Luke, Police
Sept. 28, Peter, Fire-
Rescue & Inspections
Sept. 29, Steve, Public
Works
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.
Communications & Technology
Services
The City-County Communications & Marketing
Association (3CMA) recently presented the City
of Edina with four awards in its national compe-
tition.
The awards were announced Sept. 5 during a
ceremony at 3CMA’s 25th-annual conference,
held in Scottsdale, Ariz. Edina Channel 16 re-
ceived a second-place Silver Circle for “Enterprise
Edina,” a monthly talk show hosted by Edina
Chamber of Commerce President Lori Syverson,
and a third-place Award of Excellence for its “It’s
Just Not The Same” commercials promoting the
amenities of the Edina Aquatic Center. The Com-
munications & Technology Services Department
received Silver Circles for the City’s recently rede-
signed website, www.EdinaMN.gov, and internal
newsletter, City Slick.
There were a few other Minnesota winners in
the national competition, including the City of
Bloomington, which won four first-place Savvy
Awards and an Award of Excellence. Bloomington
edged out Edina in the “Interview/Talk Show/
News Programming” and “Internal Newsletter”
categories for the top awards. The City of Min-
neapolis and Dakota County each won a Savvy
Award, too.
Human Resources
The dates for this year’s open enrollment have
been revised. Open enrollment will be held Oct.
31 through Nov. 21. There are no changes to the
employee meetings. Please plan on attending
one of the sessions to learn valuable information
about our benefit offerings for 2014.
Employee meetings will be held:
• 8-9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 31 at Public Works &
Park Maintenance Facility
• 3-4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31 at Edina City Hall
in the Council Chambers
• 10-11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 1 at Edina City Hall
in the Council Chambers
• 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 at Fire Station No. 1
• 2-3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 at Edina City Hall in
the Country Chambers
Police
As a part of the 2013 “Focus In” campaign, Edina
patrol officers will focus efforts on school bus
stop arm violations during the month of Sep-
tember.
With the start of the school year, more yellow
buses are back on the road. During the summer,
few commuters see school buses operating. Re-
minders at the start of the school season will
help ensure children get on and off the bus safely
for the rest of the year.
Drivers should always stop for a school bus when
the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is
extended – even on a two- or three-lane road.
If drivers intend to turn onto a street where
a school bus is stopped and the red lights are
flashing, they should remain in their original lane
until the lights are turned off and the stop arm is
withdrawn.
Failing to stop for a school bus is chargeable as a
misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor, depending
on circumstances, and is punishable by up to a
$3,000 fine and/or a one-year jail sentence.
Due to the severity of the violation, education
will include a citation to those who violate the
statutes or codes. There will be no warnings.
“Focus In” is a campaign aimed to educate the
public and gain compliance with various state
statutes and ordinances.
CITYSLICK p2
AROUND THE WATER COOLER
CAUGHT IN THE ACT
Jason Cotten attended the Minnesota Ice Arena Managers ice
painting seminar the first week in September. The instructor
announced bonus points to anyone who could verbally de-
scribe what a faceoff circle looks like. Cotton’s quick re-
sponse was “a pig’s snout.”
STAFF NOTES
The Building Inspections Division welcomed
Jessica Archer as a part-time Building In-
spector on Sept. 3. Archer most recently
has worked at Lyman Lumber as an Es-
timator/Engineered Wood Product Spe-
cialist. She also has six years of expe-
rience as a Building Inspector at the City of
Plymouth. She holds an associate degree in
Architectural Drafting and Design from Anoka
Hennepin Technical College and is currently working toward her
bachelor’s degree at the University of Minnesota – Crookston,
majoring in Business Management.
Sean Klapperick began work Sept. 3 as
Equipment Technician in the Public Works
Department. For the past two years, Klap-
perick worked at Boyer Trucks as a Service
Technician. He also worked for the City of
Edina as Seasonal Mechanic’s Assistant in
2011. Klapperick has a Medium/Heavy Truck
Technician diploma from Hennepin Technical
College.
Ensuring Correct Image Data
by Katie Bisek,
I.T. Specialist
Most everyone takes photos,
whether at work or at home.
Many times, the files are saved
to a folder and rarely looked at
again. Photo storage takes up
nearly a quarter of the data we store here in the City, so it is
very important that employees attempt to store images cor-
rectly so that they can be retrieved and used in the future.
To ensure the most reliable data for future access:
Make sure the date and time on the camera are set correctly.
How often has daylight savings time changed and the camera
is still an hour off?
Import images to a permanent location and specify any
import-wide settings that should be applied to each image.
Too often, files are imported to a generically named folder on
the desktop and are easily forgotten. Consistently, the best
storage practice is to store the files in chronological order.
Folder names that start with the year then month will forever
keep files organized. Labeling the folders as 2013_01_JAN
allows for two ways to identify when the photo was taken.
Using an underscore allows the user to focus on the important
TECHY TIDBITS
text. Within each of these dated folders should be the date
and name of the event.
Regardless of the software application, exploring the import
options and setting a few key data components will benefit
the City in the future. Import-wide metadata can include, but
is not limited to location, copyright, date taken, event name
and photographer.
Immediately review the images that were just imported and
delete anything that is blurry or not worthy of publishing for
a project. This can be one of the most important steps to en-
suring that the image collection is the best it can be.
Once the images have been narrowed down, rename the files
to something that will be identifiable in the future. Include the
date and event name.
Once the images have been finalized, it is beneficial to go
through the files once more to edit any specific metadata
that should be tied to the file. Regardless of the software ap-
plication, the metadata can include such things as names
of people in photo, comments and individual image quality
rating.
For more information, write to helpdesk@EdinaMN.gov or
leave a message at 952-903-5711.
Jeremy Lund began his career in art museums
and galleries at the Snite Museum of Art
at the University of Notre Dame. As a
graduate student, he assisted the pre-
parators at the Snite Museum in setting
up exhibitions and maintaining the per-
manent collection. During his time in Min-
neapolis, he worked with two museum
services companies before beginning his new po-
sition as Office Coordinator at the Edina Art Center. He is also a
co-operative member at Highpoint Center for Printmaking where
he exhibits artwork, teaches printmaking classes and curated an
exhibition of fine art prints from Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Lauren “Lola” Schauer joined the Edina Art
Center in May as the Customer Service Spe-
cialist. Shauer worked for the Art Center
previously. She grew up in Richfield and
graduated from Luther College with a
degree in Art Management. She has had
an array of jobs and travel experiences.
Outside of the front desk at the EAC Lola
likes to paint and draw mostly portraits.
CITYSLICK p3
THOMPSON RETIRES FROM FORCE
by Michael McGivern, Communications Intern
After nearly 27 years of service to the
Edina Police Department, Scott
Thompson retired from his role
as a Patrol Officer Sept. 3.
“Scott was an officer who
loved new challenges,”
said Edina Police Chief Jeff
Long. “Over the years, he
served on our SWAT team,
Narcotics Task Force and
Traffic Team and he volun-
teered to work as a Com-
mercial Vehicle Inspector
and worked in an un-
dercover capacity early in his
career.”
He began his career with Edina
and his first job was as a Community
Service Officer, which he began in Sep-
tember 1986. He became a full-time Patrol Officer in No-
vember 1987. He moved on to a couple of years on the Com-
mercial Crimes Unit until 1994 when he began what he feels
was his best time on the job.
“I started with the Southwest Hennepin [County] Drug Task
Force. It was the most fun and rewarding work. [The force]
broke down doors of numerous crooks and I felt a great sense
of accomplishment,” said Thompson.
In 2000, Scott began the Commercial Vehicle Task Force where
he worked closely with the Minnesota State Patrol to make
sure vehicles ranging from semi-trucks to vans were compliant
with laws. Typical checks made sure drivers had valid licenses,
vehicles met size and weight standards and had proper reg-
istration, and, most importantly, drivers were carrying what
they said they’d be carrying. After nine years in this position,
he moved back to the patrol unit where he ended his career
where it began.
“It’s been great to get back to the roots of patrol car work and
being a part of a team,” said Thompson. “When you are facing
calls of substance, you become closer to your workmates. The
people, the administration have taken great care of me. Edina’s
been a great city to work for. Edina’s unique; the [Police De-
partment] has a history of hiring from within. It’s a cliché, but
the City really is like a family.”
“Officer Thompson was someone who you could always count
on to treat people right and always had a smile,” said Long.
“His [knowledge] will be missed, yet I know he has another
whole chapter in life just waiting for him.”
After an inner-ear infection in May caused extensive damage
to Thompson’s vestibular system, his balance was severely af-
fected. Thompson has had trouble walking, especially in the
dark and on uneven surfaces like sand. He decided it was time
to move on to the next phase of life.
CITYSLICK p4
Scheerer Retires
Continuted from Page 1...
“Marty has been a leader in innovation and change in
Emergency Medical Service,” said Assistant Fire Chief Darrell
Todd, who was named Interim Fire Chief upon Scheerer’s re-
tirement. “Under his leadership, Edina was among the first
services to transmit 12-lead EKGs to hospitals. Edina was also
one of the first and one of the select few services that continues
to perform ultrasound imaging on board ambulances.”
It is the praise and acknowledgement of the high standards
Scheerer brought to the Fire Department that the former chief
loves most. “I’d say I’ve been most proud of reorganizing [the
department], restructuring [the department], improving em-
ployee satisfaction and partnering with neighboring cities –
Eden Prairie, Richfield, St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Bloomington …
it might not sound like much, but that is very important.”
“What I remember most about Marty is how incredibly calm he
is,” said former City Manager Gordon Hughes. “Regardless of
the situation, he always had that sense of calm about him.”
Current City Manager Scott Neal echoes Hughes’ sentiments.
“What’s always impressed me is Marty’s ability to be a fun-
loving guy, but knowing when and how to turn that on and turn
that off when it’s time to get down to business, and serious
business.”
So what’s next?
“I haven’t been using the word ‘retirement,’” said Scheerer. “I
have a few opportunities that might come along that may or
may not have to do with [firefighting or paramedics]. I want
to find a new career. I have a lot of outside hobbies, a cabin
up north, a private pilot’s license. I travel a lot, but I’ll do more
traveling. I have a daughter at school in Arizona. I’d like to go
down and see her more.”
“I believe his legacy will be his passion for professionalism,
customer service and always pushing himself and the organi-
zation to the next level of excellence,” said Todd.
“I like to work, be productive and take on new challenges,”
Scheerer said in his parting remarks. “I really enjoyed every
minute – the administration, the fire administration, and em-
ployees. I have nothing but good things to say about the City of
Edina.”
HUMAN RESOURCES GENERALIST JESSICA NIKUNEN: FAIR LOVER
by Michael McGivern, Communications Intern
Of the many diverse, culturally significant pastimes Minne-
sotans enjoy, fairs are high on the list of favorites. Between
the wildly popular State Fair and the hundreds of community
and city fairs, it brings together natives’ value of community
pride, unique opportunities to be a part of sights and sounds
not readily available in everyday life and a chance to celebrate
what makes our Upper Midwest location great.
Edina’s HR Generalist Jessica Nikunen is
a lover of fairs. Besides the State Fair,
she visited fairs native to her ex-
tended family in Waseca, MacLeod
and Scott counties every day they
were open this summer. Her fair-
going experiences began at a
young age.
“I grew up in Glencoe – a
farming community– and my
grandparents were active with
the (Minnesota Pork Board),” said
Nikunen. “I would go and see them
present their pigs. As I got older, my
cousin had cows and I enjoyed helping
show the cattle at the fairs.”
Nikunen said that the beauty of these festivals is the tradition
passed from one generation to the next. “I mainly go now
for the kids,” Nikunen said. “I have a 4-year-old (Phil) and a
1-year-old (Jack) and I love showing them the animals.”
When it comes to families, going to see the variety of animals
and eating corn dogs is something that will never go out of
style.
There are ripe veggies in the
garden-in-the-round in the back of
City Hall. Employees are welcome
to help themselves to some
tomatoes, peppers, basil, radishes,
lettuce and carrots!
CITYSLICK p5
Nikunen’s Top Animals to
See at the Fairs:
• Dairy Cattle
• Chickens (all kinds)
• Horses
• Pigs
Nikunen’s Top Fair Foods:
• Cheese Curds
• Malts
• Mini-Apple Pie
• Beergarita
Nikunen’s Tips for Fair
Success:
• Buy tickets ahead of time
• Get there as early as
possible
• Always take advantage of
coupon books or deals
Detective Tom McKenzie worked diligently on
a case of financial exploitation of a vulnerable
adult. The victim was a vulnerable adult and
mentally ill who was bilked out of thousands
of dollars from her sister who was trusted to
manage her finances. The victim was having
a difficult time with her finances, due to being
victimized, and was in danger of defaulting on her
mortgage and the possibility of needing to file for bankruptcy.
McKenzie did some research and found that there was a non-
profit organization (the Edina Housing Foundation) that assists
individuals with financing for homes in Edina. Working with this
organization, McKenzie was able to assist the victim with refi-
nancing her condominium and make her payments affordable.
The Foundation also provided enough funds to assist the victim
with payment of other outstanding debts she had. McKenzie
went above and beyond in this case by speaking to the victim
weekly and sometimes daily to reassure her that the case was
proceeding. Due to the victim’s mental illness, she did not
always understand that complex investigations take time. McK-
enzie’s diligence, perseverance and devotion to duty are most
heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest tra-
ditions of the Edina Police Department.
In advance of an upcoming bond issue, the
City hosted bond-rating agencies Moody’s
Investor Service and Standard & Poor’s
earlier this month. City Manager Scott
Neal gave representatives of each agency
a tour of the community, paying close at-
tention to the sites of current and planned re-
development projects. With less than 24 hours’
notice, Communications Coordinator Kaylin Martin prepared
a booklet describing each of the sites for the agencies.
Martin’s well-designed booklet showed the agencies the pro-
fessionalism of the City organization and illustrated the con-
tinued reinvestment in the community.
GEM AWARD
CLOVER AWARD
WELLNESS CORNER
LETTER BAG
Selected letters are printed
in City Slick each month
to let you know what res-
idents and businesses
think of your services.
“Be very proud of your
citizens of Edina. I
marched in the Edina
parade today with the
Metro Marines.
I saw something I don’t see in a lot of parades. When the
American flag comes by, they come to their feet, and the covers
come off. Not just one group -- all through the parade. This was
great to see. Thank you, Edina, for showing your support.”
– Proud Marine
“[The City Council’s float in the July 4 parade] was great! The
parade watchers loved it and it was perfect for this substantial
birthday year for the city. I really appreciate all the work.”
– Ann Swenson, City Council Member
“Rosemary and I live at 7501 Kellogg Ave. S. and are very pleased
how the City of Edina and Michals are handling the replacement
of the curbing and sewer system by our residence. We have
always been given the right of way and permitted to drive into
our driveway. The workers we have come in contact with are
courteous and kind. [Engineering Technician] Aaron Kuznia, we
want to thank you personally for explaining what is taking place
and the time line that is involved. You have truly been personal
and professional. You are an asset to the City of Edina.”
– Rosemary and Arthur “Bud” Janousek
CITYSLICK p6
EMPLOYEE MILESTONES
Chetwin Boom, Public Works, 5 years. (Sept. 15, 2008)
Timothy Hunter, Police, 10 years. (Sept. 29, 2003)
Thomas Rinehart, Public Works, 10 years. (Sept. 2, 2003)
Mark Spain, Public Works, 15 years. (Sept. 16, 1998)
Terry Klapperick, Public Works, 20 years. (Sept. 27, 1993)