Life in the Prairie Winter 2023 Issue

Eden Prairie City Council

Mayor Ron Case

Re-elected to New Term 2023–2026

Previous City Council Terms 2019–2022; 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 first and third Tuesdays of each month at City Center. edenprairie.org/Calendar

SCHEDULE

5:30 p.m. City Council Workshop Heritage Rooms

6:30–6:55 p.m. Public Open Podium Council Chambers Call 952-949-8412 to be scheduled to speak.

7 p.m. City Council Meeting Council Chambers

HOW TO WATCH

EPTV Live Cable Broadcast Comcast – SD 16, HD 813

Cable Playback Schedule edenprairie.org/EPTV

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

Council Member

Mark Freiberg

Re-elected to New Term 2023–2026

Previous City Council Terms 2019–2022

Current Term 2021–2024 Previous Term 2019–2020 PGNarayanan@edenprairie.org 952-393-3100

MFreiberg@edenprairie.org 612-581-7504 Council

Council Member

Kathy Nelson

Re-elected to New Term 2023–2026

Previous Terms

2019–2022; 2015–2018; 2011–2014; 2007–2010

KNelson@edenprairie.org 952-941-6613

2023 City Taxes

The 2023 City budget is $57,395,407 and the property tax levy is $42,432,263, an increase of 4.5% compared to 2022. The value of single-family homes in Eden Prairie increased by a historic 19.2% — a trend which took place across the metro — bringing the value of a median single-family home (MSFH) in Eden Prairie to $513,200. The estimated City property tax for a MSFH in 2023 is $1,524, an increase of 7%.

City taxes account for about one-fourth (26%) of property taxes in Eden Prairie, the remainder is comprised of taxes for the school district (35%), the county (31%) and other jurisdictions (8%).

Snow Events: What You Need to Know

When the forecast indicates a snow accumulation of 2 inches or more, the City prepares for a Snow Emergency. 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 curb-tocurb cleanup from 3 a.m.–noon, weather permitting. edenprairie.org/Snow

Celebrating

As we near the end of another significant 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 2022.

Several community events, including Arts in the Park, 4th of July Hometown Celebration and Harvest to Halloween, set new attendance records as residents were excited to get back together. The Parks and Recreation Department also led a project to enhance Riley Lake Park with new and accessible playground equipment, improved seating areas and additional walking paths.

The Fire Department responded to numerous medical, fire and special operations events, conducted over 4,000 fire and life safety inspections, and issued building inspection permits for development projects valued at more than $200-million

For the first time in the City’s history, single-family households in Eden Prairie were able to participate in curbside organics collection. The Public Works Department also oversaw the full reconstruction of Duck Lake Road and installed new water meters in half of the City’s homes that will allow residents to track their water usage via smartphone or computer.

To increase meaningful engagement, the Police Department created a new community liaison officer position to serve as a connection to the senior community and to foster relationships with local organizations and residents. The department also introduced a Neighborhood Police Officer program designed to help officers and residents get to know each other and make it easier to solve neighborhood issues.

The Community Development Department received proposals for several new multi-family apartment projects in 2022, which will add approximately 660 residential units — 170 of which are classified as affordable to the City. The department also oversaw the implementation of several recommendations in the City’s Race Equity Report, which outlines strategies to make Eden Prairie a more equitable and inclusive community.

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 advisory commissions. This year, commission members:

Provided support for the annual PeopleFest! Party and collaborated with City staff to finalize and present the Race Equity Report to the City Council

Reviewed plans for three multi-family residential projects and one industrial project, in addition to several land-use applications

Organized the City’s first electric vehicle ride-and-drive event and launched a new online tool to help homeowners adopt sustainable practices

Provided feedback on the design of the new Round Lake Park building (coming in 2023) and helped identify ways to make events and activities more accessible and inclusive

Resumed the annual Heritage Preservation Award program and recommended building improvements for the Birch Wood Cabin at Camp Eden Wood

Collaborated with the Metropolitan Airports Commission to address noise concerns and ensure compliance with agreed-upon aircraft weight limits at Flying Cloud Airport

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

Sincerely,

Rick Getschow City Manager

Loans Available for Home Purchases and Repairs

Zero-interest, deferred loans up to $15,000 are available to qualifying first-time homebuyers purchasing a home in Eden Prairie.

edenprairie.org/Homebuyer

Forgivable 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

Zero-interest, deferred loans up to $20,000 are available to qualifying low and moderate-income 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

Explore a variety of part-time and full-time opportunities and learn why the City of Eden Prairie has been named a “Top Workplace” by the StarTribune for nine years in a row.

edenprairie.org/Employment

Save on Energy Bills

Heating — get your furnace or boiler tuned by a qualified technician to improve operating efficiency, 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 efficiency.

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 energy bill.

Appliances — only run washing machines and clothes dryers with full loads, and consider replacing outdated machines with high-efficiency models. energy.gov/EnergySaver

Holiday Light Recycling

edenprairie.org/

Reduce Salt Use this Winter

Salt used on roads and walkways pollutes local lakes, streams and wetlands, which negatively affects water quality. You can help protect Eden Prairie’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 and store it in an air-tight container for re-use. pca.state.mn.us/Water

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

Eden Prairie Figure Skating Club Annual Ice Show 5 p.m. March 11