Life in the Prairie Fall 2024

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City Named TOP WORKPLACE

For the 11th year in a row, the City of Eden Prairie has been named among the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the “Star Tribune.”

City Manager Rick Getschow said the City’s core values of collaboration, innovation, integrity, performance and relationships are key to its highperforming and engaged workforce.

“I’m incredibly proud of how our employees embody the City’s values in their daily work. Their dedication and professionalism make Eden Prairie a truly special place.”

Eden Prairie’s elected officials include a Mayor and four at-large City Council members elected to serve four-year terms. Two City Council member seats are on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot.

The following residents have filed for candidacy in the City Council election:

• Mihajlo Babovic

• PG Narayanan (incumbent)

• Lisa Toomey (incumbent)

• Andrew J. Toperzer edenprairie.org/Elections

Campaign signs are allowed on private property but must be placed 12 feet or 4 paces from the road surface. Signs are not allowed on publicly owned land such as public schools or City parks.

Voting Options

There are three ways to cast your ballot in the 2024 election:

Vote Early in Person

Vote at City Center (8080 Mitchell Road) beginning Sept. 20. Direct ballot voting begins Oct. 18.

Vote Early by Mail

Apply at MNVotes.org to request a ballot by mail and track your ballot to confirm it was received. Ballots may also be dropped at City Center.

Vote in Person on Election Day

Visit the polling location for the precinct in which you live, Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

SouthWest Transit

SouthWest Transit is an award-winning transit agency serving the southwest Twin Cities area through fixed-route bus transportation, shuttle services and on-demand microtransit options. The agency is committed to serving the needs of Eden Prairie residents through transit solutions that build community and connect customers to where they want to go.

Visit their website to explore options for getting to your next stop.

SWTransit.org

Community Center Solar Project Begins Producing Energy

To support Eden Prairie’s Climate Action Plan goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and to provide residents with access to renewable energy, the City partnered with Cooperative Energy Futures (CEF) to build a roof-top solar garden at the Community Center.

Starting this fall, the approximately 125 Eden Prairie households subscribed to the solar garden will begin to see savings on their monthly energy bills.

Limited income-qualified subscription spaces remain. Submit an online form on the City’s website to determine your eligibility.

edenprairie.org/SolarGarden

Registration for fall parks and recreation programs has already begun! Enjoy an adventure-packed season of fun by registering for activities, special events and lessons for all ages.

edenprairie.org/Recreation

Fiber-Optic Cable Projects

Broadband providers are installing fiber-optic cable in neighborhoods throughout Eden Prairie to provide faster internet service to homes and businesses.

The work is not being done by the City, however the contractors have City-issued permits to install the cable in the right of way.

Learn more about the projects on the City’s website.

edenprairie.org/InfrastuctureProjects

Enter Community Photo Contest

Calling all amateur photographers! Enter your best shot in the City’s 2024 Community Photo Contest for a chance to be featured in “Life in the Prairie” and other City publications!

Photos must be taken in Eden Prairie and submitted Monday, Sept. 9–Wednesday, Sept. 25. Contest is limited to Eden Prairie residents.

Finalists will be uploaded to the City’s Facebook page where voting will take place.

Find contest guidelines and submission instructions on the City’s website.

edenprairie.org/PhotoContest

Support Your Community, Shop Eden Prairie Liquor

Over the past 10 years, $8.5-million in liquor store profits have funded capital projects such as the construction of the new Round Lake Park Building, new play equipment at several parks and trail maintenance throughout the City.

Your choice to shop Eden Prairie Liquor is an investment in our community!

edenprairie.org/EPLiquor

Fire Prevention Week

N ational Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 6–12. Explore age-appropriate lessons for your entire family on important topics such as smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, escape plans, cooking safety and more.

NFPA.org

Yard Waste Disposal

When it rains, the water washes over streets before it drains into storm sewers and eventually into local lakes and rivers. To avoid polluting waterways, it’s important to keep streets clean and dispose of yard waste properly.

Yard Waste Disposal Options

■ Most trash haulers will pick up yard waste from your curb, call your hauler to see if they offer this service

■ Compost yard waste in a bin in your backyard and use the compost as fertilizer

■ Take yard waste to Eden Prairie’s Yard Waste Site at 9811 Flying Cloud Drive, open through Sunday, Nov. 24

edenprairie.org/YardWaste

Renewable Energy Challenge

Subscribe to a renewable energy source this fall to help support Eden Prairie’s climate action goals, and for a chance to win an e-bike.

Thanks in part to a donation from Scheels, renewable energy subscribers who sign up Sept. 10–Oct. 11 will be entered to win an Electra Cruiser Go! Step-Thru Electric Bike valued at $1,200!

There are several ways to participate:

• Subscribe to a renewable energy program through your utility provider for a small additional fee

• Subscribe to a community solar garden and save 10–15% every month

• Install solar panels on your home

Learn how to subscribe to renewable energy and find challenge guidelines and instructions for entering the drawing on the City’s website.

edenprairie.org/EnergyChallenge

Recycle Your Organic

Waste

bout 25% of what we throw away is organic material such as food and food-soiled paper that could be put to better use as compost.

Waste haulers serving Eden Prairie offer curbside organics recycling services to most households. Contact your hauler to request an organics recycling cart and help reduce the amount of waste going to landfills.

edenprairie.org/Organics

edenprairie.org/SustainableEP

Save on Energy Bills

As the weather gets colder, consider a few options to conserve energy and save money.

Heating

Improve the operating efficiency of your furnace or boiler with a tune-up by a qualified technician, and change or clean furnace filters once a month.

Home

Energy Audits

Schedule a visit with the Home Energy Squad® to identify ways to improve energy efficiency at mncee.org/ Home-Energy-Squad.

Temperature

Turn down your thermostat and lower the heat setting on your water heater.

Windows and doors

Use caulking and weatherstripping to seal leaks and cut as much as 40% from your bill.

Appliances

Only run washing machines and clothes dryers with full loads and consider replacing outdated machines with highefficiency models.

Assistance

The State of Minnesota’s free Energy Assistance Program helps pay energy bills for eligible households, learn more at mn.gov/EnergyAssistance

energy.gov/EnergySaver

Mark

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