Democrats from around Eden Prairie and Southern Minnetonka will gather on Tuesday, Feb. 2, for the DFL Party’s biennial precinct caucuses. The Senate District 42 DFL caucuses will be held at a new location this year, Eden Prairie’s Central Middle School at 8025 School Road.

Senate District 42 Republicans have scheduled the 2010 Precinct Caucus for Feb. 2 at Eden Prairie High School. A preliminary program for all precincts starts at 6:15 p.m.

Individual Precinct Caucuses start at 7 p.m. Attendees are asked to arrive at 6 p.m.

By Leah Shaffer

Last year’s contentious budgeting year at the State Capitol is likely to extend into another round as the legislative session starts up Feb. 4. Though a bonding bill will be at the top of the agenda, so will budget cuts.

The November economic forecast from Minnesota Management and Budget estimated a projected $1.2 billion shortfall for 2010-2011, and the February financial forecast is unlikely to get sunnier.
The common concern among all three EP Legislators was how to tackle the deficit.

The Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce has scheduled the annual State of the City event for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, in the Garden Room at Eden Prairie City Center, 8080 Mitchell Road.

“Every January we provide our members with an opportunity to hear an update on the state of the city of Eden Prairie,” according to a news release. “Join us to hear from Chamber President Pat MulQueeny, Superintendent of Eden Prairie Schools Melissa Krull and City Manager Scott Neal.

The cost to attend is $25 for chamber members and their guests or $40 for non-members.

Eden Prairie resident among the activists

By Forrest Adams

Sheltered from the cold last Wednesday, roughly 150 Twin Cities activists marched through the downtown Minneapolis skyway singing “Peace, Salaam, Shalom” in a show of support for the Palestinian people.

Among the activists was Jeff Strate, an Eden Prairie resident.

A Precinct Caucus Preview event is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, at the Eden Prairie Library, 479 Prairie Center Drive. The meeting, sponsored by Democrats in Senate District 42, will familiarize interested residents with the role of the precinct caucus in endorsing party candidates and determining the party platform. “It’s an opportunity to learn how to become involved in this important selection process and if they should so choose to take an active part in party work,” according to a news release.

Even with the cuts and a referendum, the district’s fund balance is projected to be at zero for the 2012-2013 school year

By Karla Wennerstrom

Discussions of a referendum for fall 2010 are expected to start in January, Superintendent Melissa Krull told the Eden Prairie School Board Tuesday.

Executive Director of Business Services Patricia Magnuson announced a list of possible cuts at the School Board meeting.

Tuesday, the Eden Prairie City Council approved a 2010 budget and levy that should translate to a small decrease in the city portion of taxes for most property owners in Eden Prairie.

The move essentially freezes current spending and service levels for one year, though one council member was concerned that the budget thaw could get messy in 2011. Council member Ron Case was the sole no vote on the budget.

He voiced concerns that the proposed budget would deplete the city’s reserve fund and necessitate larger tax increases in future years.

The extended 5,000-foot south parallel runway at Flying Cloud Airport reopened today.

“Improvements to Flying Cloud Airport represent an important investment in the future of the region,” said MAC Chairman Jack Lanners in a news release. “A 5,000-foot runway designed for today’s business jets together with a new building area make Flying Cloud Airport a strong selling point in attracting businesses to the region and retaining those already here. These improvements help send a message that this is a great area in which to conduct business and create jobs.”

Progress on the $11.5 million Pioneer Trail (County Road 1) project is expected to result in road closures and detours this month as Hennepin County works to reroute traffic onto the newly paved lanes for the winter season. Plans along the route are subject to change. Drivers are advised to proceed with caution over the next few weeks as there will be more areas with uneven pavement and gravel.

Click here for more information from the city of Eden Prairie:
http://www.edenprairie.org/vCurrent/live/article.asp?r=6712

Click here for more information from Hennepin County: