2025 League Awards: Your City’s Chance to Shine

Earn props from your city’s residents and peers across the state, an attractive desk plaque, a check for $1,000, and a video that showcases your outstanding accomplishment to share far and wide.

Nominate your city for the League’s 2025 City of Excellence Awards through April 21 to win all of that and more! Winners will be announced publicly at the League’s Annual Conference in Duluth, June 25-27. Winners will be recognized throughout the year with a League-produced video — premiering at the Annual Conference and shared on social media — a feature article in this magazine, and potential coverage in local media.

Outstanding individuals will also receive plaudits through the League’s C.C. Ludwig Award, James F. Miller Leadership Award, and Emerging Leaders Award recognition. The three awards recognize outstanding work among elected and appointed officials and are the most prestigious awards for city leaders presented by the League. Winners of individual awards are first recognized publicly at the League’s Annual Conference, as well. Please note that current members of the League’s Board of Directors and the League Insurance Trust’s Board of Trustees are not eligible for nomination of these individual awards.

Paper copies of nomination forms will not be mailed to League members via USPS this year. Nomination materials for all League awards can be found at lmc.org/awards.

How to Prepare for and Respond to Spring Flooding

Spring brings warmer weather and longer days, but it also increases the risk of flooding due to heavy rains and rapidly melting snow. Flooding can cause significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, so it’s essential to be prepared and know how to respond effectively.

Preparation is key

Cities should maintain up-to-date flood emergency response plans, accounting for changes in infrastructure, drainage, and land use. Regularly review and update these plans, ensuring employees are familiar with their responsibilities. Tools like the National Weather Service’s real-time river data and resources from FloodSmart.gov can help assess risks and plan effectively. Consider storing critical documents above flood-prone areas, updating contact lists, and securing essential equipment.

Safety during flooding

Floodwaters are deceptively dangerous — just 6 inches can cause a car to lose control, while 2 feet can carry most vehicles away. Never walk or drive through flooded areas, especially at night. Floodwaters may contain hazardous debris, bacteria, or downed power lines. Always follow evacuation orders and safety signs. If sandbagging, use proper lifting techniques, wear protective gear, and stay hydrated. Avoid working if you have medical conditions that could be aggravated.

After the flood

As floodwaters recede, prioritize safety. Avoid contaminated water, inspect structures for damage, and document losses for insurance claims. Use protective equipment during cleanup and dispose of items exposed to floodwater. Drink only verified safe water, and practice hygiene to prevent illness. Stay vigilant, stay safe, and stay prepared.

For more flood-related information and resources, visit bit.ly/PipelineBlog-floods.

Elm Creek Restoration Project Wins Environmental Project of the Year

The City of Champlin’s Elm Creek Restoration and Dam Rehabilitation project was recognized with the prestigious Environmental Project of the Year award at the 2024 American Public Works Association (APWA) Conference.

This innovative initiative restored Elm Creek’s ecosystem, rehabilitated the dam for enhanced flood control, and showcased Champlin’s dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Spanning 14 years and five phases, the $18.1 million project began with reconstructing the Elm Creek Dam, followed by the restoration of Mill Pond and Elm Creek itself.

Key achievements include the creation of in-lake habitat features, such as spawning beds and rock riffles, during Mill Pond’s restoration. Shorelines were stabilized with native vegetation to combat erosion, while stream restoration phases incorporated features like riffles and boulder clusters to support aquatic life. Efforts also included a turtle monitoring plan to protect the Blanding’s turtle, a sensitive local species.

With sediment removal restoring aquatic depths and strategic floodplain reconnections, the project balances ecological integrity with urban development needs, setting a benchmark for restoration and community resilience.

Burnsville Launches State’s First In-Field Blood Transfusion Program

Burnsville emergency responders have become the first in Minnesota to administer whole blood transfusions at accident and trauma scenes. The program aims to address critical delays in treating severe blood loss, where ground ambulance rides to trauma centers can take 20 to 45 minutes.

Equipped with portable coolers to store and warm blood, Burnsville Fire/EMS teams can now transfuse Low Titer O+ Whole Blood en route, significantly improving survival rates. Unlike saline, which only stabilizes patients temporarily, whole blood restores lost red cells, plasma, and platelets, essential for clotting and oxygen delivery.

The initiative, developed in partnership with Memorial Blood Centers, ensures no blood goes to waste. Unused units are returned within seven days for hospital use. Firefighter/paramedics underwent extensive training to meet blood bank standards on wheels.

Inspired by successful programs in other cities, Burnsville anticipates one to two transfusions monthly, offering a life-saving option for the 10% of calls involving critical trauma injuries. The program reflects the department’s commitment to improving outcomes through innovation and collaboration.

Community members are encouraged to support the program by donating blood, especially during winter shortages.