HomeMy WebLinkAboutEditionEdinaApril2021Edition: Edina
APRIL 2021
Volume 8, Issue 4Strong FoundationCITY GOALS:Better TogetherReliable Service Livable City
EDINA COVID-19 RESOURCE HOTLINE 952-826-0370
City of Edina EdinaMN.gov 1
BY KAITLIN GAULT
If you have found yourself at Centennial
Lakes Park in the past 30 years, there is a
good chance you’ve seen “that tall guy.”
With his big smile, warm demeanor, can-
do attitude and stature, he is hard to miss.
“That tall guy,” Tom Shirley, will retire
April 29 after spending 30 years working
for the City, most recently as the General
Manager of Centennial Lakes Park.
Born and raised in Farmington, Minnesota,
Shirley’s childhood consisted of biking,
fishing and swimming – anything the sun
touched. He attended the University of
Minnesota Duluth where he balanced
studying business administration and
exploring Lake Superior. Out of college, he
followed his passion for the outdoors to
Colorado and landed at Keystone Resort.
On July 30, 1990, he began working for
the City of Edina after moving back to
be closer to family. He was hired as the
Assistant Manager of Edinborough Park
and Centennial Lakes Park, which were
coupled for management purposes at that
time. In 1993, Shirley became the General
Manager of both and led operations
for 16 years. The operations separated
in 2006, and Shirley chose to continue
managing the facility that kept him
outside – Centennial Lakes Park.
Shirley was part of the team that created
all of the things to do in the park,
including the popular farmers market.
“Helping plan and design the entire park
and helping the master plan come to
fruition in 2000 has been a highlight,”
he said. “Working through the different
phases of the plan, building the putting
course in-house with staff and developing
amphitheater programs have all been
special.”
City of Bloomington Director of Parks and
Recreation Ann Kattreh, who worked for
the City of Edina for 27 years, has fond
memories of working with her friend Tom.
“I think my favorite thing about Tom is his
tremendous sense of humor,” she said.
“Tom also learned the hard way how to
pull utility vehicles and trucks out of a
seemingly frozen pond.”
When asked how he feels about retiring,
Shirley responded, “It’s a strange mix of
happiness, jubilation and sadness.” Those
close to him echo those feelings.
“Tom is one of the kindest bosses I have
ever worked for,” said Centennial Lakes
Park Assistant Manager Laura Fulton. “He
has always impressed me with how quickly
he can come up with solutions amicable
to all parties. Tom is always quick to lend
Longtime Park Manager Ready for A New Adventure: Retirement
After 30 Years, Tom Shirley Will Say Goodbye to Centennial Lakes
a helping hand, and we often think of him
as our fourth maintenance person because
whenever we are shorthanded, he can be
found on a piece of equipment or with a
garbage picker in his hand.”
Shirley plans to spend as much time as
possible outdoors during retirement and
already has a trip booked to the Blue
Ridge Mountains. He also plans to spend
more time at a lake home with his wife
and family.
For those grappling with not seeing “that
tall guy” around anymore, you may be in
luck.
“I’m not going that far, and I will come to
visit,” he said, “This place has been part of
me for 30 years.”
Tom Shirley says his love of the outdoors and
the people who inspired him along the way
have made his 30-year career in Edina special.
Photo by Scott Denfeld
2
City Plans New Staffing Model for Edina Fire Department
Paid-on-Call Firefighter Program to End April 30
City Added 2.6 Miles of Sidewalks, Paths in 2020
Utility Franchise Fees Will Pay for More Projects in 2021
BY JENNIFER BENNEROTTE
To maintain Edina’s excellence
in Emergency Medical Service,
the City of Edina will focus
on a new staffing model with
more Paramedic/Firefighters
for the Edina Fire Department
and discontinue its paid-on-call
firefighter program.
The Edina Fire Department’s paid-on-
call program has been in existence since
1942 when the population totaled less
than 6,000 and the community was
still developing from mostly farmland.
The demographics and needs of the
community have evolved over time, and
the operations and needs of the Fire
Department have changed dramatically.
Because the City’s reliance and need for
the paid-on-call program have greatly
diminished, City Manager Scott Neal
determined it is time for a different
staffing model.
“We thank our paid-on-call firefighters for
their dedicated service. We are at a point
where it is not sustainable in the long term
to continue the paid-on-call program,”
he said. “EMS calls have long made up
80 percent or more of our calls to the Fire
About 2.6 miles of new sidewalks and
bike paths were installed in Edina in 2020
using money collected from energy users.
Money for the City’s Pedestrian & Cyclist
Safety (PACS) Fund is generated by a
franchise fee of $1.45 per month for
residential customers of Xcel Energy and
CenterPoint Energy. There are higher
franchise fees for commercial customers.
The PACS Fund is used to improve
and maintain Edina’s sidewalks, trails,
bikeways, pedestrian crossings and related
signs and pavement markings.
Last month, Transportation Planner
Andrew Scipioni reported a summary of
2020 projects to the City Council. In all,
$1,681,625 was spent, up 53 percent
from the year before. About 1.5 miles
more of sidewalks and bike paths were
Department. The primary increase in calls
for service over the past several decades
is due to EMS calls. Paid-on-call staff are
trained as Emergency Medical Technicians,
but not paramedics. That affects their
ability to directly support our greatest
service area. We need a staffing model
that better responds to EMS growth in our
operations.”
The City of Edina’s paid-on-call program
is staffed by seven part-time employees
who solely respond to fire calls and dozens
of full-time Paramedic/Firefighters who
serve as paid-on-call staff and respond
to fire calls outside of their regular shifts.
Since paid-on-call firefighters do not
provide EMS service, residents can expect
the same level of service without the
paid-on-call program. When fires occur,
residents will be well protected by the
recent hire of more Paramedic/Firefighters
and solid mutual aid agreements with area
communities and agencies.
Neal also cited difficulty recruiting,
training and equipping paid-on-call staff
as a reason for the change in staffing
model. Nationwide, it is becoming more
difficult to recruit and train paid-on-call
Firefighters. “Paid-on-call programs work
best when the firefighters can train and
built in 2020 than 2019.
A shared-use path on Tracy Avenue from
Minnesota Highway 62 to Valley Lane was
built in 2020, as well as several sidewalks:
•Valley View Road from Moccasin
Valley Road to Mark Terrace Drive
•France Avenue from Highway 62 to
West 65th Street
•West 58th Street from Wooddale
Avenue to Xerxes Avenue
Sidewalks planned for 2021 include:
•Hansen Road from Vernon Avenue to
West 60th Street and West 56th Street
from Hansen to Normandale Road
•Beard Avenue from West 54th Street
to Minnehaha Creek
•France Avenue from West 55th Street
to West 57th Street and West 58th to
West 60th
work alongside the full-time staff,” he
said. “It is becoming more difficult to
recruit individuals who have that kind of
flexibility and time.”
The paid-on-call program will end this
month, and the City will work with the
Edina Fire Relief Association to phase
out the program by the end of the year.
Money that had been used to recruit,
train, equip and provide retirement
benefits to paid-on-call Firefighters can
support the new staffing model.
A 2019 study of the Fire Department’s
response times and locations determined
it is necessary to relocate Fire Station 2
and build a new Fire Station 3 to maintain
response times. Specifically, the study
recommended Fire Station 2 be moved
north and west of the current location
and a second Advanced Life Support crew
be stationed there. A third station in the
northeast quadrant would be needed in
5 to 10 years to respond to population
growth in that part of the city.
“As we prepare for the construction of
new Fire Stations, it’s important that we
also plan for adequate staffing,” Neal said.
For more information on the Edina Fire
Department, visit EdinaMN.gov/fire.
Other projects include shared-use paths
on Eden Avenue and McCauley Trail and
at Highlands Park, a bike boulevard on
part of West 54th Street, and pedestrian
improvements at France and West 69th
Street. In other business last month, the
City Council approved a:
•Conditional-use permit for parking
lot improvements at Shepherd of the
Hills Lutheran Church
•Application for Urban Hennepin
County Community Development
Block Grant Funds
•Three-year contract for City Manager
Scott Neal
The City Council will next meet 7 p.m.
Tuesdays April 6 and 20. For more
information, visit EdinaMN.gov.
– COMPILED BY JENNIFER BENNEROTTE
3City of Edina EdinaMN.gov
Racial Justice Becomes Focus for Edina Community Foundation
Organization Offers Ways to Invite People to Share
Experiences and Listen
BY DEBBIE TOWNSEND
In the days after George Floyd’s killing, a
few longtime friends asked Bredesen Park
resident Jasmine Brett Stringer about her
experiences with racism.
“It made me think, ‘Why haven’t I shared
my experience?’” said Stringer. Maybe
because her White friends never asked.
At the same time, a single invitation
brought together residents of the Rolling
Green Neighborhood to gather, socially
distanced, in a driveway to share their
experiences and to listen.
It’s often said to make social change,
start where you live. It’s a method the
Edina Community Foundation (ECF) has
embraced full force in recent months.
Stringer joined its Board of Directors, and
together with members Robert Blanton
and Elena Brito Sifferlin, amplified the
voices of minorities. Terrie Rose, sender
of that original Rolling Green invite,
volunteered to help. The ECF has long
supported diversity and inclusion efforts,
but now is leading with action on racial
justice.
Among the efforts so far are creating
a lending library of anti-racism books
(purchased with money from a grant
facilitated by Edina Mayor Jim Hovland),
neighborhood book discussions and a
calendar devoted exclusively to racial
justice events in the area. One of those
events is a couples’ ally workshop, hosted
by Stephanie and James Pierce, an Edina
City Council member.
One-on-one and small conversations are
still the core. Several discussions called
“Learning with Leaders” have brought
enthusiastic support from local leaders
from groups around Edina. The plan is
to expand those discussions to more
organizations and to businesses. Another
effort is to help neighborhoods replicate
the Rolling Green experience.
“Most people have small, homogenous
groups – most people look like them and
think like them,” Stringer said, urging
people to move outside their comfort
zone to hear other voices.
“It’s the willingness to come forward to
the invitation and share their stories”
that’s the key, said Rose, who says she just
invites people to the table.
Stringer, who launched #SharetheMicMN
to amplify the voices of Brown and Black
women, lauded a series of City-produced
videos called “The Stories We Share” that
does just that. The project, viewable at
BetterTogetherEdina.org, is one of many
City steps toward racial equity.
Executive Director Dick Crockett said the
ECF is uniquely situated to work with
community organizations, local businesses,
the City and residents toward the singular
goal of racial justice.
“We have a whole community to help
change,” he said.
For upcoming events, the lending
library and more information, visit
EdinaCommunityFoundation.org or call
952-300-2378.
City of Edina Goals
Strong Foundation: Maintain
physical assets and infrastructure.
Reliable Service: Maintain service
levels that best meet the needs of
the community.
Livable City: Plan for connected
and sustainable development.
Better Together: Foster an
inclusive and engaged community.
The City of Edina has four budget
goals. Look for the goal icons
throughout this publication to
read stories about how the City is
working to meet these goals.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, April 2
Good Friday, No City meetings
Sunday, April 4
Easter
Tuesday, April 6, 7 p.m.
City Council meeting
Thursday, April 8, 7:30 a.m.
Housing & Redevelopment Authority
meeting
Thursday, April 8, 7 p.m.
Energy & Environment Commission
meeting
Monday, April 12
Ramadan
Monday, April 12, 7 p.m.
Community Health Commission
meeting
Tuesday, April 13, 7 p.m.
Heritage Preservation Commission
meeting
Tuesday, April 13, 7 p.m.
Parks & Recreation Commission
meeting
Wednesday, April 14, 7 p.m.
Planning Commission meeting
Thursday, April 15, 6 p.m.
Transportation Commission meeting
Tuesday, April 20, 7 p.m.
City Council meeting
Thursday, April 22, 7:30 a.m.
Housing & Redevelopment Authority
meeting
Thursday, April 22, 4:30 p.m.
Arts & Culture Commission meeting
Tuesday, April 27, 7 p.m.
Human Rights & Relations Commission
meeting
Watch City Council, Housing &
Redevelopment Authority and Planning
Commission meetings live:
• Edina TV (Comcast Channels 813 or 16)
• Facebook.com/EdinaMN
• “Watch a Meeting” web page at
EdinaMN.gov/LiveMeetings
Watch other meetings live at youtube.com/EdinaTV.
For a complete listing of meetings and
events, visit EdinaMN.gov.
952-927-8861 | mail@EdinaMN.gov City of Edina EdinaMN.gov4
Iskaan-garee koodhkan oo ku fiiri soomaali
EdinaMN.gov/SomaliEE EdinaMN.gov/SpanishEE
Escanee este código para ver en español
BY DAN REISIG
When the first Earth Day launched in
April 1970, Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge
Over Troubled Water” ruled the Billboard
charts, a gallon of gasoline cost less than
50 cents, and the Edina Garden Council
had just started a monthly glass recycling
program in a supermarket parking lot.
More than 50 years later, the City has
maintained and expanded its commitment
to Mother Nature with sustainability as
one of its principal goals.
“The through line of commitment to
reducing waste continues from that
parking lot in 1970,” said Sustainability
Coordinator Grace Hancock. “The
same thing that drove residents to start
recycling 50 years ago is what is pushing
the organics recycling program.”
That program provides residents with
weekly curbside service for their food
scraps and other compostable waste.
“The really exciting thing about organics
recycling is that it comes back to the
community and helps us learn to live with
a changed climate,” explained Hancock.
“The compost is there to help us plant our
trees and stabilize our watershed.”
Organics Recycling Coordinator Twila
Singh championed the benefits of
compost while helping to dispel some of
the myths. “It’s all been broken down,
has no off-putting smell, helps the soil
retain water, provides nutrients and makes
higher yields when used in gardens,” she
explained.
Beyond flower beds and planting pots,
there is a further use for the “black gold.”
“In Minnesota, we have thin topsoil, so
compost is essential for growing grass –
it can serve as a potential cost-saving
alternative to traditional fertilizer without
polluting our waterways,” she said. “It’s
extremely valuable.”
In just nine months of available data, the
City has collected nearly 900 tons of
material.
“It’s important to keep in mind that we
are talking about blue whales and school
buses worth of tons, just from Edina,”
Singh said. “There’s no contribution that’s
too small. Even if you have a bread-bag
worth of organics recycling each week,
that amount contributes to our City’s
urgent fight against climate change and
not to landfill.”
Long term, Hancock highlighted three
areas where the program makes an
impact. “Organics recycling can reduce
the cost to residents for their waste, help
the City meet its greenhouse gas emission
reduction goals, and make a positive
overall impact on the environment.”
To learn more about the City’s organics
recycling program, visit EdinaMN.gov/
organics. Earth Day will be celebrated
April 22.
As Earth Day Approaches, City Commitment to
Sustainability and Organics Recycling Grows
Nearly 900 Tons of Organics Waste Collected Since June 2020
Edina’s organics recycling program launched in
spring 2020 in response to a Hennepin County
mandate. File Photo
The City of Edina and Edina Magazine invite those
who live, work or go to school in Edina to submit
their best photos that tell Edina’s story in the 18th
annual “Images of Edina” photo contest.
Free to enter, photos can be submitted online
between April 15 and June 21 at edinamag.com.
Following the entry period, readers can vote for
their favorite photos until July 20.
For a complete list of official rules, contest criteria
and to submit your photos, visit EdinaMN.gov/
PhotoContest or edinamag.com.
CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS!
CITY OF EDINA
4801 WEST 50TH STREET
EDINA, MN 55424
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