Winter 2022 Life in the Prairie Newsletter

LIFE in the

PRAIRIE

WINTER 2022

Inside

Celebrating 2021

Eden Prairie City Council Mayor Ron Case Current Term 2019–2022 Previous City Council Terms 2017–2020; 2013–2016; 2009–2012; 2005–2008; 2001–2004; 1997–2000 RCase@edenprairie.org 952-949-8593

City Council Meetings Meetings typically occur the frst and third Tuesdays of each month at City Center.

SCHEDULE 5:30 p.m.

Council Workshop Heritage Rooms

6:30–6:55 p.m.

Public Open Podium Council Chambers

Council Member Mark Freiberg

Council Member PG Narayanan

Current Term 2019–2022

Current Term 2021–2024

MFreiberg@edenprairie.org 612-581-7504

Previous Term 2019–2020 PGNarayanan@edenprairie.org 952-393-3100

Call 952-949-8412 to be scheduled to speak.

7 p.m.

Council Meeting Council Chambers

HOW TO WATCH EPTV Live Cable Broadcast Comcast – SD 16, HD 813 CenturyLink – SD 235, HD 1235

Live Online edenprairie.org/CityTV facebook.com/CityOfEdenPrairie

Cable Playback Schedule edenprairie.org/EPTV

Council Member Kathy Nelson

Council Member Lisa Toomey

Current Term 2019–2022

Current Term 2021–2024

Previous Terms 2015–2018; 2011–2014; 2007–2010

LToomey@edenprairie.org 952-388-8827

KNelson@edenprairie.org 952-941-6613

2 Life in the Prairie Winter 2022

2022 City Taxes Snow Events: What You Need to Know

W

hen the forecast indicates a snow accumulation of 2 inches or more, the City declares a Snow Event. When snow accumulation reaches 2 inches, a Snow Emergency is in effect; do not park on City streets until noon the next day.

Streets maintenance crews maintain safe and passable roadways throughout a Snow Event, and perform a full curbto-curb cleanup from 3 a.m.– noon, weather permitting.

edenprairie.org/Snow

T

he 2022 City budget is $55,617,390 and the property tax levy is $40,607,612, an increase of 4.7% compared to 2021. The median single-family home (MSFH) in Eden Prairie is valued at $430,400 for 2022, which represents a property value increase of 3.5%. As a result, the estimated City property tax for a MSFH in 2022 is $1,424, an increase of 6.1%.

edenprairie.org/Budget

MONTHLY HOUSEHOLD SERVICE COSTS*

CITY TAXES $111.25 Community Development Fire

OTHER ESTIMATED HOUSEHOLD SERVICES $315 Cable/Internet/Phone

Electricity/Natural Gas

Parks and Recreation Police Public Works

Trash Collection

Water/Sewer

*Based on the value of a median single-family home.

T

he City fared well through the economic uncertainty of the pandemic and emerged in 2021 as strong as ever.

Now that we’ve come to the end of this signifcant year, and as stewards of the City’s public buildings, parks, streets and much of its natural open spaces, it’s time to acknowledge and celebrate with you — the residents and taxpayers of this community — highlights of what has taken place in Eden Prairie in 2021.

The Parks and Recreation Department reengaged the community with a modifed form of several popular events, including the multiday 4th of July Hometown Celebration. Eden Prairie was also named a Sterling Tree City USA for a 37th time in recognition of the City’s dedication to our community forest.

The Fire Department continued to lead the implementation of the City’s Emergency Management Plan related to the evolving pandemic, responded to numerous medical, fre and special operations events, and issued building inspection permits for development projects valued at more than $213-million.

Signifcant progress was made on the Southwest LRT and Public Works oversaw the purchase of eight all-electric vehicles. A new 4-milliongallon Water Storage Reservoir and Pump Station became fully operational and the City began installing new water meters in homes that allow residents to track water usage via smartphone or computer.

In alignment with Eden Prairie’s Climate Action Plan goal of communitywide carbon neutrality by 2050, the Police Department began piloting a fully electric Tesla Model Y patrol vehicle. The department also fnalized a partnership with Hennepin County to add a fulltime social worker to its staff who will provide social services support to families in need.

Finally, the accomplishments we achieve would not be possible without the assistance of about 50 residents and nearly 20 high school students who volunteer to serve on the City’s six commissions. This year, commission members: Collected feedback to develop the Eden Prairie Race Equity Report, and encouraged youth to participate in the frst-ever Martin Luther King Jr. Words in Action Contest Reviewed plans for seven commercial and industrial projects and fve single-family and multifamily residential projects Collaborated on the implementation of the Climate Action Plan through the development of a public community solar garden and encouraged participation in the new organics recycling curbside service Participated in the development of the Urban Forestry Master Plan and reviewed several public art installations and locations Approved the Yorkville and Bloomington Road Preservation Plan and began to explore new use opportunities for the Dorenkemper House Collaborated with the Metropolitan Airports Commission to ensure compliance with agreedupon aircraft weight limits at Flying Cloud Airport

On behalf of your elected offcials and everyone who works for the City of Eden Prairie, thank you for allowing us the opportunity to serve you.

The Community Development Department received proposals for several new businesses and a variety of new housing options. The City Council also adopted an Inclusionary Housing Policy and Ordinance, ensuring new multifamily projects include a percentage of affordable units, thereby increasing socioeconomic equity across the City.

Sincerely,

Rick Getschow City Manager

Life in the Prairie Winter 2022 5

Police Chief Matt Sackett HONORED TO SERVE IN EDEN PRAIRIE

O

n May 29, 2021, Chief Matt Sackett took command of the Eden Prairie Police Department. He is a 19-year veteran of the department and Eden Prairie’s eighth police chief.

Sackett started his law enforcement career as an offcer with the Hopkins Police Department in 1997. Five years later, he was hired as an offcer in Eden Prairie. During his time with the EPPD, he has worked in every division of the department and served as a sergeant, lieutenant and SWAT team commander.

Sackett earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology/ criminology from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in public safety administration from St. Mary’s University.

I am humbled by the opportunity to build on the EPPD’s incredible legacy of Service Beyond Expectation. It is a privilege to lead this exceptional department and an honor to serve such an outstanding community.

- Police Chief Matt Sackett

Get Your Home Ready for Winter

S

chedule a Home Energy Squad® visit this winter to reduce your energy bills and ensure your household heating is as effcient as possible. The team will evaluate your heating system, insulation and check for air leaks.

HomeEnergySquad.net

T

he State of Minnesota also offers an Energy Assistance Program for income-qualifed households to help pay for energy and water bills, as well as the Minnesota Weatherization Program, which assists households with home improvements costs.

mn.gov/EnergyAssistance

Loans Available for Home Repairs

Z

ero-interest, deferred loans up to $15,000 are available to qualifying low and moderateincome households to maintain, repair and improve Eden Prairie homes.

Funds can be used for new roofs, siding, windows, electrical, plumbing, heating and insulation.

edenprairie.org/RehabLoans

Managing Snow and Ice at Home

S

alt used on roads and walkways pollutes local lakes, streams and wetlands, which negatively affects water quality. You can help protect Minnesota’s water resources by decreasing your salt usage.

Start by shoveling well and if you need salt, scatter it widely.

If the temperature is below 15 degrees, salt will not work so use sand instead. Finally, collect any undissolved salt for reuse.

pca.state.mn.us/Water

F

orgivable loans up to $5,000 are available to qualifying residents ages 60 or older, who are owner-occupants of homes in need of emergency repairs. Funds can be used for repairs to water heaters, furnaces and central air conditioning units, or accessibility upgrades such as grab bars and handrails.

edenprairie.org/SeniorRepair

edenprairie.org/SustainableEP Life in the Prairie Winter 2022 7

City Offers Organics Recycling Rebate

W

City of Eden Prairie 8080 Mitchell Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344-4485

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT #4190

952-949-8300 TTY: 952-949-8399

aste haulers serving Eden Prairie now offer curbside organics recycling services to most households.

RESIDENTIAL POSTAL CUSTOMER

Now is a great time to try the service, as the City is offering a rebate — up to $50 — to residents who sign up for at least one year of organics recycling through their waste haulers.

edenprairie.org/Organics

edenprairie.org

Mark Your Calendar LIFE

ONE ACTS

in the

PRAIRIE

Eden Prairie Players Present: Special Collection of One Acts 7 p.m. Feb. 11–12; 17–19 2 p.m. Feb. 20 PiM Arts High School

WINTER 2022

2-4:30 p.m. Jan. 8 Staring Lake Park

On the Cover: 4Oth Anniversary Show

Staring Lake Park Parks and Recreation Job Fair 2–7 p.m., Jan. 17 Community Center

Eden Prairie Figure Skating Club Annual Ice Show 7 p.m. March 11 5 p.m. March 12 2 p.m. March 13 Community Center

edenprairie.org/Calendar

Please consider the environment and recycle this publication.