City of Edina

We are honored to have welcomed three new Police Officers and two new Paramedic/Firefighters to Edina’s public safety teams! ??♂??? Edina Police celebrated the swearing in of Officers Janely Estrada, Evan Miller and Ben Anderson Tuesday, Nov. 12, and Edina Fire welcomed Paramedic/Firefighters Tommy Gonsior and Nate Hilliard at a pinning ceremony Friday, Nov. 15. ?? Get to know Janely, Evan, Ben, Tommy and Nate here: Bit.ly/4fJhI5L

We are taking a moment to celebrate Horticulturist Tim Zimmerman and his 40 years with the City of Edina. Tim’s impact on Edina can be seen in the 12 acres and 18 formal gardens of Arneson Acres Park. For decades Tim has been cultivating these gardens, including a nearly complete collection of hostas introduced by Savory Gardens and a collection of peonies with Minnesota strains. Arneson is also the only place in the state outside of the Minnesota Arboretum to see pecan trees that bear nuts. A centerpiece of accomplishment at Arneson Acres is Tim’s creation of a Minnesota hybridizer showcase of daylilies that is unique in Minnesota. The North Star Lily Society’s “Minnesota Hybridizers’ Lily Garden” was dedicated in 2007 and is distinguished being registered with the Royal Horticultural Society in Great Britain. Tim also has worked with an army of staff, volunteers and gardening groups over his career, spreading his knowledge and enlisting theirs to beautify Edina. You can see Tim’s work in a visit to Arneson Acres, 4711 W. 70th St. (Spring and summer are fabulous times to visit, but the park has year-round interest.) To Tim, we say congratulations and thank you.

Congratulations to Deputy City Clerk Kari Sinning, who was recently named a Values VIP by the City Manager! Kari organized a simulated election at Valley View Middle School, helping the school decide how parent-teacher organization funds should be distributed. ???? To include young voices in the decision-making process, Principal Patrick Bass encouraged students, faculty and caregivers/parents to participate in the election. Looking for at least 600 voters, three projects were presented as potential avenues for the PTO funds: a courtyard refresh to utilize the space as teaching grounds, revitalization of the workout room or renovation of the interior aesthetics. Taking inspiration from standard election processes, voters were required to check in to verify eligibility and obtain a receipt for their ballot from an election judge. Students participated not only as voters, but leaders from the school body acted in election positions, taking receipts and numbering them consecutively to keep track of how many votes had been cast. ? “I loved working with the students. I like teaching students about the positions that are actually in a polling place,” she said. “If I can, I want to do it again.” In all, 680 ballots were cast. In this election, the majority voted for the interior hallways to be renovated. ? “We hope to continue this new partnership with the City of Edina, Kari and the elections team going forward,” Bass said. According to the caregivers/parents, the voting process felt very similar to what they experience in real life during election season. There even were "I Voted" stickers to increase authenticity. Thank you, Kari, for teaching Edina students about voter engagement and awareness! ?? Fun Fact: She worked on five actual elections this year, too! Edina Public Schools | #TeamEdina #EdinaMN #EdinaGov #ValuesVIP #Schools #Government

Edina-based Accredited Investors Wealth Management? is more than a financial advisor group, it's a team of long-range strategists committed to safeguarding our natural resources. ?? The group’s commitment to sustainability includes actions like installing a rooftop solar array, adding EV charging ports, landscaping with native plants and even partnering with the University of Minnesota at one point to host two honeybee apiaries on-site. Managing partner Becky Krieger says that this holistic attitude toward the future has defined Accredited since co-founders Ross Levin and Wil Heupel first opened the doors in 1987. “Sustainability as a thread permeates everything we do here,” she said. In recognition of the company’s spirited efforts, the Edina Energy & Environment Commission awarded the company a gold-level certification through its Green Business Recognition Program. ???? To learn more about this Green Business, that’s also been named a Hometown Hero, visit: EdinaMN.gov/HometownHeroes #EdinaMN #EdinaGov #GreenBusiness #HometownHero #Sustainability

?? Milestone Moment: Celebrating Solvei Wilmot's 40th Work Anniversary Environmental Health Specialist & Recycling Coordinator ?? Forty years is more than just a milestone; it’s a testament to Solvei’s lifelong commitment to serving the Edina community. Please join us in congratulating her on her anniversary and thanking her for her incredible dedication to making Edina a better place! Starting in the Parks & Recreation Department in 1984 and leading public health initiatives since 1997, here’s a look at some work highlights and fun memories from her remarkable four-decade career so far: Work Highlights: - Having a part in the history of City parks and facilities like Fred Richards Golf Course, Edinborough, Centennial Lakes, and the Edina Art Center by processing requests for bids and proposals.? - Being an early champion of organics recycling in Edina. - Leading the growth of Edina’s recycling program, evolving from small 18-gallon collection bins in the beginning to today’s standard 95-gallon curbside carts. ???? - Everyday ensuring public health and safety by overseeing local code enforcement of property maintenance, outdoor storage, hoarded homes and unsanitary homes. She has been involved with Minnesota’s State Swimming Pools Rules Advisory Committee and was part of the passage of the Abigail Taylor Pool Safety Act. Fun Memories: - In her early Parks & Rec days, using an IBM Selectric typewriter to process sports and activity registrations. - Witnessing the arrival of Edina’s first HP computers in the mid-1980s. - Running production cameras during the early days of Edina’s public access cable TV show. - Helping build Edina's 1988 Centennial ice castle, earning her the Mayor’s Community Involvement Award. She worked as one of the "block sliders," helping move ice blocks cut from Lake Cornelia to the castle site. She also got there early in the morning to have hot chocolate, coffee and donuts ready for the volunteers. - For the grand opening of Edinborough Park, she donned a clown costume and entertained guests on the skating rink. She recalls that Parks & Rec had a special small-sized Zamboni to fit the rink. Reflecting on her career so far, Solvei shares, “The best thing to do is bloom where you are planted.” “There’s no one better than Solvei,” said Ralph Campbell, a former Edina Communications Director. “She may bloom where she’s planted, but she makes other people bloom where they are planted, too.” ?? Thank you, Solvei, for all you’ve done and continue to do! #TeamEdina #EdinaMN #EdinaGov #Anniversary #MilestoneMoment?

How do you like us now? City of Edina employees ditched their Edina green today for purple and gold and will be cheering loud during tonight's primetime game for the Minnesota Vikings! #Skol! #MinnesotaVikings #EdinaMN #EdinaGov

Team building FORE days! ???♂????? Earlier this month, City employees spent a sunny fall afternoon golfing and socializing at Braemar Golf Course with pizza, cornhole and prizes. Thanks to the Wellness Committee for making this fun annual Employee Golf Event happen!

Property & Evidence Specialist Krystal Ludgate was recently named a Values VIP by the City Manager for working hard to create positivity and support her coworkers. Ludgate knows a thing or two about being on the front lines in support of first responders. As a previous 911 Dispatcher for 20 years, she knows how intense and difficult the job can be and believes the public underestimates the distress of being the first point of contact in an emergency. Nominated for her positive spirit and mindset, Ludgate stepped into the Peer Support Team Member role in 2019. Members of the Peer Support Team provide confidential peer-to-peer mentoring for staff members who are experiencing difficulties because of the high stress of the job. Now, as a Property & Evidence Specialist, Ludgate has poured time into other aspects of her passions. A visual storyteller, Ludgate shares the best parts of working in public safety through a department newsletter. Ludgate’s Car-to-Car newsletter launched earlier this year, covering positive news, wellness and Edina-related topics for the Police Department. As of September 2024, three issues have been distributed on a quarterly basis. Car-to-Car is also distributed throughout the departments trafficked hotspots and via an internal peer support website and app. Her goal is to keep the issues positive, light and informative. “During a peer support meeting, she brought up wanting to bring some positivity to the Police Department” said Sgt. Emily Jepson, who nominated her for a Values VIP award for creating the newsletter. “She’s always been a person who’s available.” “I know I can’t fix everything, and I can’t perfect everything, but I want to make it as positive as I can for people,” said Ludgate. Ludgate is always ready to offer the necessary support and is a comforting presence amidst the job’s unpredictability. Her ability to navigate and alleviate distress makes her an invaluable asset to the team. Congratulations, Krystal!

Congratulations to Tom Swenson, whose years of experience and excellent troubleshooting skills averted potential damage at the Braemar Golf Dome. When a power line failure cut electricity to the building, a backup system came on but then mysteriously shut down. In Swenson’s 29 years full time with Edina, he’s worked at various jobs, including with Braemar Golf Course and currently serves as Assistant Director - Parks & Natural Resources. He dropped by on his day off to see if he could help. “I had enough experience from the past to troubleshoot what was wrong and make it work again,” Swenson said. The fix prevented any deflation that might have damaged the dome. For his service that went above and beyond, Swenson has been named a Values VIP by the City Manager.

The City of Edina celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in October. #NDEAM is held to commemorate the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy. One such City employee is Lisa Sta. Maria, a 19-year employee of the Communications Department. Thanks for your service, Lisa! ????