Among Edina Public Works Director Brian Olson’s greatest concerns these winter months is snow removal. “The public works director’s most important role during the winter snow plowing season is to make sure that Edina public works employees have the resources to provide the high-quality level of service that the residents of the community demand,” says Olson.
Olson, a 1992 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in civil science and environmental engineering, took the helm on May 29 after leaving the City of Ramsey’s public works department. He currently manages four operating divisions, approximately 50 employees and a $4.1 million budget. The Public Works Department is charged with the day-to-day operation, maintenance and long-range planning of Edina’s infrastructure.
Once the snow melts, commuters can take advantage of a new project facilitated by the Department of Public Works. In October, the city’s bicycle parking capacity in the 50th and France district increased by nearly 60 spots as 29 bike racks, each of which can hold two adult-sized bikes, were installed in seven strategic locations throughout the neighborhood. Racks were also installed at 44th and France, City Hall and the public works/park maintenance facility.
The project came to fruition with financing from a federal non-motorized transportation pilot program known as Bike Walk Twin Cities, through Transit for Livable Communities, says Olson. “Biking is another mode of transportation; any time a bike gets ridden to work, it frees up a parking space in the ramps.”
