July 2008 Shore Report
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IN THIS ISSUE
Urban Coyotes .........2
Recycling... . . . .. . . . . . . 2
Council Activities. . . . . . .3
Eurasion Miltoil. . . . . . . . . 4
Stormwater Pollution .. . 4
Questions tor City. . . . . .4
Community Events ..... 5
Utility Bill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Planning Dept. . . . . . . . . . 6
July 2008
Arsenic in Well Water
MANY MINNESOTANS are surprised to learn that they have arsenic in their drinking water. Despite
its reputation as a deadly poison, arsenic is like any toxic substance: its effects depend on
ho,w much and how long people are exposed to it.
How does arsenic get into drinking water?
A~senic is a part of the earth's crust and occurs naturally in some soil and rock. Arsenic from soil
and rock can leach into groundwater. Groundwater is the primary source of drinking water for much
of Minnesota. Almost all arsenic in drinking water is from these underground deposits of naturally
occurring arsenic. Human activities can contribute to arsenic levels in drinking water, as well as
iri soil and air. Mining and manufacturing can displace arsenic from its original location; however,
these sources are not considered a concern in Minnesota.
How can arsenic affect health?
The health effects of arsenic depend on its chemical form, how much is in the water, how much
water people drink, and for how long. In nature, pure arsenic is rare. It is usually combined with
other elements to form "compounds." Arsenic combined with compounds containing carbon is
called "organic arsenic." When arsenic combines with other elements, such as oxygen, chlorine, or
sulfur, it is called "inorganic arsenic." Arsenic in soil, rock, and water is often inorganic. Usually,
organic forms of arsenic are less harmful than inorganic forms.
Arsenic. . . continued on page 2
Return to At-Large Elections for 2008
AFTER HEARING PUBLIC COMMENT and further discussion at its meeting on June 9, the Shorewood
City Council voted to eliminate the Ward system of elections which began with the 2004
Election, and return to At-Large elections for Councilmembers. For 2008, the Mayor seat and all
Councilmember seats will be on the election ballot. Two council seats will be for 2-year terms,
and two will be for 4-year terms. The Mayor seat is a 2-year term. With At-Large elections, all
residents will vote for all Councilmembers who run for office, as well as the Mayor. The voting
precincts boundaries will remain the same, the Ward boundaries will no longer exist, and the
Precinct name will change as follows:
Ward I, Precinct I renamed Precinct I
Ward 1, Precinct 2 renamed Precinct 2
.Ward 2, Precinct I renamed Precinct 3
Ward 3, Precinct 1 renamed Precinct 4
Ward 4, Precinct 1 renamed Precinct 5
New Polling Location for Ward 2, Precinct 1 (new Precinct 3)
For the 2008 Primary and General Elections, the polling location for Ward 2, Precinct 1 (new
Precinct 3) will change from Shorewood City Hall to the Southshore Center, located at 5735
Country Club Road. All other polling locations will remain at the same location. See the map on
the reverse side of this newsletter for polling locations.
Big VValter
Featured July 11
BRING FRIENDS AND FAMILY to Eddy Station in
Freeman Park, Friday, July 11, from 6:30
- 8:30 PM for some great blues and barbeque.
This popular Music in the Park event features'
award-winning Big Walter Smith and the
Groove Merchants! Famous Dave's BBQ will be
available for sale at the event and the Concession
stand will be open for beverages and treats. Don't
forget the lawn chairs!
Elections. . . continued on page 3
Meetings and
Events
7/1 7:00 PM Planning Comm. Meeting
7/4. Holiday--Offices Closed
7/8 7:00 PM Park Comm. Meeting
7111 6:00 PM Music in the Park
7114 7:00 PM City Council Meeting
7/15 7:00 PM Planning Comm. Meeting
7118 11 :00 AM Freeman Park Program
7/18 6:00 PM Fire Dept. Dance
7/25 11 :00 AM Freeman Park Program
7/28 7:00 PM City Council Meeting
www.ci.shorewood.mn.us.
THE SHORE REPORT / JULY 2008
Coyotes in the Neighborhood
COYOTES HAVE BEEN SEEN around some
of the neighborhoods in Shorewood.
The coyote resembles a small German
shepherd with a bottle-shaped tail. It has
a shaggy, grayish coat which is white at
the throat and belly. Adult coyotes weigh
between 25-30 pounds.
In recent years, the coyote appears
to be increasing in population. Urban
coyotes have become used to the human
population, and are not afraid to come
into yards and right up to homes. If
you encounter a coyote, do not panic.
Generally making loud noises will scare
the animal away.
A few reminders to keep
coyotes at bay:
. Do not feed coyotes!
. Do not allow pets to run free. Keep
them safely confined and provide secure
nighttime housing for them. Walk your
dog on a leash and accompany your pet
outside, especially at night.
. Feed pets indoors whenever possible.
Pick up any leftovers if feeding outdoors.
Store pet feed where it is inaccessible
to wildlife.
. Coyotes are attracted by bread, table
scraps and even seed. They may also
be attracted by birds and rodents that
come to the feeders.
. Bird feeders should be positioned so
that coyotes can't get to the feed.
. Secure garbage containers and eliminate
garbage odors.
. Trim and clean, near ground level, any
shrubbery that provides hiding cover
for coyotes or prey.
. Discourage coyotes from frequenting
your area. If you start seeing coyotes
around your home or property, chase
them away by shouting or making loud
nOIses.
\1
. If you have a small pet, you should take
care to not leave the pet out alone for
long periods of time.
Although coyotes will most likely remain
in the area, following the listed tips will
discourage them and help keep them from
frequenting your property.
For more information on coyotes, go
to www.dnr.state.mn.us and enter search
word coyote.
-- Minnesota DNR
Shorewood
Recycling
D ESIDENTS OF SHOREWOOD use a two-
ft.sort system for recycled materials.
This means you can set out your recycling
container filled with mixed glass, metal
food or beverage containers, and all
plastic containers with a neck. Paper
fibers, including newsprint, office paper,
junk mail, magazines and boxboard,
should be placed in a separate paper
grocery bag.
YOUR RECYCLING MUST
BE CURBSIDE BY 7 AM!
If your recycling is not set out by 7 AM and
the driver comes by it will not be picked
up. They do make note of the address and
turn it in to the dispatch office. If you have
questions about your recycling, or would
like to report a missed pick-up, please call
Veolia at 651/459-3029.
To download a City of Shorewood
recycling brochure, go to www.
ci.shorewood. mn. us and click on
Enviornment on the left hand side, then
go to Recycling.
www.ci.shorewood.mn.us
Arsenic. . . continued from page 1
Should I test my private well for arsenic?
Yes. Arsenic over the recommended safe level has been detected in groundwater
in some private wells in Shorewood. Arsenic in water has no taste or odor, so the
only way to know if drinking water contains arsenic is to have it tested. While
private well owners are not required to test for arsenic, the MDH recommends that
every well should be tested for arsenic at least once or twice. If arsenic is detected
at levels in excess of 10 Ilg/L in water from a well used for drinking and cooking,
and if repeat sampling confirms the results, the MDH recommends that you use an
alternate source of drinking water or install a treatment system to reduce arsenic
levels in the water.
Private well owners must arrange and pay for testing their well water for arsenic,
which typically costs about $35. For a list of MDH certified Environmental Contract
Laboratories, go to www.healthstate.mn.us/divs/phl/cert/allcertlabs.html. or see the
link on the City web site.
What if there is arsenic?
There are several options if your well tests over the recommended limit for arsenic.
You can install a reverse osmosis filtration system, dig a new well; connect to City
water where available; or use bottled water. For more information on these options,
go to www.healthstate.mn.us and type well water in the search engine.
Where can I get more information or help?
If you have any questions about wells or well water quality, contact your the Well
Management Section Central Office at wells@healthstate.mn.us or by telephone
at 651/201-4600.
Minnesota Department of Health
www.healthstate.mn.us
2
Elections . . . continued from page 1
Filing to Run for City Office
City Office Filing period is August 26 - September 9
Every person who is entitled to vote in Shorewood at any election, is twenty-one (21)
years of age when assuming office, and will have been a resident in their district for
at least 30 days before the General Election, is eligible to file as a candidate for city
office. The following City offices will appear on the 2008 Ballot:
o Mayor, 2-year term, at-large (Vote for one)
o Councilmember, 2-year term, at-large (Vote for up to two)
o Councilmember, 4-year term, at-large (Vote for up to two)
Eligible individuals who reside in the City of Shorewood and wish to run for Mayor
or Councilmember must file an Affidavit of Candidacy and pay a $2 filing fee at
Shorewood City Hall. Candidates for city office may file beginning Tuesday, August
26. The closing date for city office candidate filing is at 5 PM on Tuesday, September
9, 2008. Councilmember candidates need to file for either the 2-year term or 4-year
term. If you have any questions, please contact City Hall at 952/474-3236. Filing
resources for all governmental offices are available at WWW.sos.state.mn.us.
Campaign Sign Rules
Political campaign signs shall not be located closer than ten (10) feet from any City
street surface, and shall not be placed in front of any property without the consent of
the property owner. Campaign signs must contain the name and address of person
responsible for the sign, and that person shall be responsible for its removal. Signs
are permitted from August 1 until ten days after the state general election.
Pre-Register to Vote
Eligible voters not registered to vote in Shorewood may pre-register to vote anytime,
except during the 20 days immediately preceding any regularly scheduled election. If
you are currently registered to vote, you do not need to register again unless you have
moved to a different address, changed your name, or not voted at least once within
the last four years. A voter registration application is available at City Hall and on the
City's website. Go to City Government; then go to Elections.
Voting by Absentee Ballot
Eligible Shorewood voters may vote by absentee ballot if they are unable to vote in
person on Election Day for any of the following reasons:
o Out of town
o Illness or disability
o Unable to go to the polling place due to a religious holiday or beliefs
o An election judge serving in another precinct
Absentee voters must first complete and submit an Absentee Ballot Application,
available at City Hall and on the City's website. Absentee ballots are available for 30
days prior to each election. Absentee Ballots for the September 9 Primary Election will
be available starting August 8. You may absentee vote in person at Shorewood City
. Hall during regular business hours before Election Day. Additional absentee voting
hours at City Hall will be: Saturday prior to Election Day - lOAM to 3 PM; Monday
prior to Election Day - Until 5 PM.
To absentee vote by mail: Allow at least ten mailing days for the entire process if
applying for an absentee ballot by mail. College-bound residents will want to be
especially aware of this option. To vote by mail, you may request an absentee ballot
by submitting an Absentee Ballot application, available at City Hall or on the City's
website in Elections. The Absentee Ballot Application may be mailed or faxed to City
Hall at 952/474-0128. Armed Forces residents living outside the United States may
vote by absentee ballot using the address where they last lived in Minnesota. A special
application form is required, that you may obtain from the Federal Voting website:
http://www.fVap.gov/pubs/onlinefpca.pdf, or from the voting assistance officer in your
military unit. Your parent, spouse, brother, sister or child at least 18 years of age may
also request an absentee ballot for you by completing this same form.
3
THE SHORE REPORT / JULY 2008
Councig
Activities
Since the last newsletter the
City Council:
o Received a report from the
independent CPA firm Abdo,
Eick & Meyers, LLP, on the 2007
Comprehensive Annual Financial
Report (CAFR). Council accepted
the report and recommended the
CAFR be sent to the State Auditor
for review.
o Reviewed the draft 2009 Lake
Minnetonka Conservation District
(LMCD) budget. Council agreed
that an 18.3% increase was not
acceptable, and relayed that a single
digit increase should be sought.
. Held a work session to review
the City Administrator candidate
resumes. Council selected five
candidates to interview.
o Reviewed the City Hall building
plans, specifications and estimates.
The plans and specifications, and
the advertisement for bids were later
approved. Council also authorized
a request for proposals for Owners
Representative for the project.
o Held a work session to review the
City Administrator performance
review form; discussed the issue of
arsenic in private well water; and
discussed water use restrictions.
. Discussed the proposed South Lake
Minnetonka Police Department's
Strategic Operations Plan with
Police Chief Litsey.
o Reviewed the Minnewashta School
Traffic Management Plan.
o Accepted bids and awarded contracts
for the Lift Station 16 project; the
2008 street sealcoating project; and
the 2008 street mill and overlay
project. A list of streets to be
sealcoated and for mill and overlay
are listed on the City's web site -
click on Streets and Utilities, then
on Public Streets.
www.ci.shorewood.mn.us
THE SHORE REPORT / JULY 2008
Fighting Eurasian \Natermilfoil
LAKE MINNETONKA took a giant
step toward a healthier future this
spring, thanks to the grass roots effort
spearheaded by Dick Osgood, Executive
Director of Lake Minnetonka Association,
many lake shore residents, three local city
governments, the Minnesota DNR, and the
Minnetonka Conservation District. These
diverse groups joined forces to safely and
methodically treat Phelps, Grays, and
Carmans Bays to begin elimination ofthe
persistent lake-wide problem of Eurasian
watermilfoil infestation.
The milfoil treatment was applied
in May, and is part of a five-year plan
for long-term control of milfoil in the
three bays~ This first step in the Lake
Vegetation Management Plan (available
at www.LMAssociation.org) also allows
for expansion to other areas on Lake
Minnetonka, since the three-bay treatment
covered an initial 405 acres of the 14,004
acre lake. The treatment plan follows the
2006 milfoil demonstration project which
successfully established that mil foil
could be controlled for the entire season
(with over 95% milfoil reduction) while
maintaining vigorous native plants that
are beneficial for a healthy lake.
First year funding of $175,000 for the
three-bay, five-year plan was garnered
from numerous concerned lakeshore
property owners ($96,000); the cities
of Shorewood, Mound, and Minnetrista
($24,000 combined); private contributions
to the Lake Minnetonka Conservation
District's "Save The Lake Fund" ($30,000);
and the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources ($25,000). The treatment is
expected to reduce plant interference
with recreational activities on the lake,
reduce lakeshore cleanup required, and
improve the lake's ecological health.
As the treatment plan in the' three bays
continues, subsequent funding needed
each year should decrease as the milfoil
is increasingly minimized and the areas of
infestation within the three bays decrease.
By the fifth year it is estimated that the
cost will be at a maintenance level of20%
of the first year's cost.
All 2008 participants are eagerly
anticipating what are predicted to be
significant visible results of the first year
treatment, and encourage everyone who
enjoys the recreation Lake Minnetonka
offers to notice the difference. As results
are experienced, this initial three-bay
plan can be substantially expanded to
include any other bays or lakeshore areas
where property owners desire to stop the
growth and spread of mil foil. As a known
insidious contact-spreading infestation,
mil foil in any part of the lake continues
to be a threat to every other part of the
lake.
With this year's healthy start and
additional treatments in increasingly
higher numbers of infested lake areas,
Lake Minnetonka could become milfoil-
free, using methods that have been shown
to be safe and restorative. This approach
could make the milfoil harvesters an
obsolete and unnecessary expense.
For more information, or to lend your
support to the grass roots effort to rid Lake
Minnetonka of milfoil, contact the Lake
MinnetonkaAssociation at 952/470.:4449
or email: info@LMAssociation.org.
Bob Mellett
Shorewood Resident and Friend of the Lake
Question of the Month
Q: Who do I call if I am having a wildlife problem, such as a raccoon in my
attic?
A: When residents have an issue with a domestic animal or a coyote, they should
call Animal Control at 763/525-6210. If you have an issue with another wild
animal, such as raccoons, squirrels, moles, turtles, and other such animals, you
should contact a private contractor. To find a contractor, look in the yellow
pages under Animal Control. The Minnesota DNR only handles calls about
endangered or rare species.
www.ci.shorewood.mn.us
4
\Nhen It Rains:
Stormwater
Pollution
Prevention
WHENEVER IT RAINS OR SNOWS, water
flows into our storm drain system.
This runoff affects our lakes, wetlands
and water supply. Anything that joins the
water flow on its way to the drain system
also affects our lakes, wetlands and water
supply.
Protection of our waterways is the
responsibility of everyone. Being aware
of sources of stormwater pollution is the
first step in prevention.
Tips to prevent your home from
contributing to stormwater pollution
include:
o Place litter in trash cans.
o Take household toxic fluids to hazardous
waste collection facilities. This includes
many cornmon household products. For
a list of items, go to www.pca.state.
mn.us and enter household hazardous
waste disposal guide in the search
engme.
o Dispose of pet waste in the trash and
clean up your yard regularly.
o Maintain your car and get leaks checked
immediately.
o Clean up spills of hazardous materials
with an absorbent material, such as kitty
litter, and dispose of it properly.
o Sweep up yard debris from hard
surfaces and compost the material.
o Water your lawn properly. Lawns do
not need daily watering. They benefit
from watering approximately one-inch
at a time weekly or bi-weekly. Due to
evaporation and water demand levels,
it is best to water lawns in the early
morning or evening, not mid-day.
o Use fertilizers properly on your lawn.
Too much fertilizer runs off the lawn
and turns our lakes a beautiful green!
Using common sense is often all it takes
to keep our water free from pollutants.
To find out more you can do to help
keep our water supply clean, go to www.
minnehahacreek.org and click on What
Can I Do? on the left hand side of the
page.
Fridays in Freeman Park
The following children's programs are free and
meet at the Eddy Station picnic shelter.
Friday, July 18, 11 a.m. - Minnesota Zoomobile
Program length: 45 minutes to one hour. All ages. They will bring
birds, small mammals, reptiles and bugs. Because of the animals,
the zoo asks that if you plan to have a picnic, please have it before
or after the show.
THE SHORE REPORT / JUL Y 2008
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Friday, July 25, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Nature Discovery
Join Hennepin County Master Gardener, Cheryl Hibbard, as children learn about plants through a "search and find" excur-
sion, and then use their findings to create a craft project. Please pre-register by calling City Hall, 952/474-3236.
Friday, August 8, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Garden Art
Artist Connie Oliver will work with kids ages 5-10 as they paint a flower pot and plant a plant. Please pre-register by
calling City Hall, 952/474-3236.
Friday, August 15, 10:30 - Noon - REI Peak Program
Learn how to find your way around with a map and compass, build a fire, set up a tent and campsite and protect the out-
doors while having fun. Ages 5-15 (divided into two age groups). For more details and to register call 952/474-3236.
Check the City website for added events. Concession stand will be open.
Freeman Park is located on Eureka Rd, 1.5 miles west of Highway 41 in Shorewood.
Community Events
Excelsior Library; Brodini Comedy Magic Show
Wednesday, July 9, 1 0:30 a.m~
Held at Mount Calvmy Lutheran Church, 301 COllnty Rd. 19, Excelsior
FOR KIDS IN PRESCHOOL-ENTERING GRADE 3. Magician Graylyn Morris raises
spirits and tests kids' powers of concentration as he manipulates ropes, scarves,
balls and other magician's props in a perplexing "now you see it, now you don't"
perfonnance.
Fire Department Dance
Friday, July 18; 5 pm-Midnight
JOIN YOUR FRIENDS and neighbors on Friday July 20, beginning at 5 p.m. for the
, Excelsior Fire District's Annual Fund Raising Dance at Station # I on Smithtown
Road in Shorewood. This year the dance will feature the music of Jonah and the
Whales. There will be kids activities, and pl&nty and food and drink for the entire
family! Due to limited parking, it is recommended that you take the free shuttle
busses from downtown Excelsior.
3rd Annual Tour de Tonka Bike Ride
Saturday, August 2; begins at 7:30 am
C 1I00SE FROM A 15-mile, 33-mile , or 65-mile option. The event begins at
Minnetonka High School at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 2. Same day
registration begins at 5:45 a.m. For more information, or to pre-register, go to
www.tourdetonka.org, or call Gwynn at 952/401-6842. Registration fees includes:
souvenir t-shirt, a fully supported ride and many wonderful door prizes.
Volunteers are also needed. To volunteer, call Debbie at 952/401-6800.
5
Skateboard
Camp
There is still time to sign up for the 3rd
Lair Skateboard Camp, to be held at
the South Shore Skate Park in Shorewood,
July 28-August 1,9 AM-Noon. This camp
is designed for beginner to intermediate
skaters. Experienced
instructors will help
each student learn tricks
like Olie, kickflip,
heelflip, ramp-riding,
and many more, along
with skatepark safety
and etiquette.
For a registration
form, go to www.ci.shorewood.mn.us.
or contact the City of Shorewood,
952/474-3236. Cost of the camp is $160.
Registration due July 23.
www.ci.shorewood.mn.us
CITY OF SHOREWOOD
5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
SHOREWOOD, MN 55331
(952)474.3236 FAX (952)474.0128
Monday - Friday 8 AM to 4:30 PM
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PRESORTED
STANDARD
U.s.POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT #30681
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Council Members
Christine Lizee, Mayor; Jeff Bailey; laura Turgeon; Martin Wellens; Richard Woodruff
Newsletter Editor: Julie Moore
SAVE PAPER AND MAILING COSTS!
SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHORE REPORT BY E-MAIL: CITYHALL@CI.5HOREWOOD.MN.US
City of Shorewood Precinct Map
X Polling Place
Public Safety
... Building
Night To Unite
ALTHOUGH MOST AREA residents feel
fairly safe from criminal activity,
crime does occur in this area. One way
to keep it from affecting you is to get to
know your neighbors. Minnesota's Night
To Unite (MNTU) is Tuesday, August 5,
and provides an excellent opportunity for
neighbors to become better acquainted.
There are many ways to celebrate MNTU
and to get to know your neighbors.
For ideas or more information, see the
SLMPD web site, www.southlakepd.com.
Contact Community Service Supervisor
David Hohertz at 952/474-3261 to have
SLMPD officers attend your event.
Polling Locations:
Precinct 1.-4445 Enchanted Point
Precinct 2--Minnewashta Church, 26710 West 62nd Street
Precicnt 3--5outhshore Center, 5735 Country Club Rd
Precinct 4-Excelsior United Methodist Church, 840 5tate Hwy 7
Precinct 5--Excelsior Covenant Church, 19955 Excelsior Boulevard
Planning Map
There are no public hearing items scheduled for the
Planning Commission meeting on July 1 , 2008.
Coffee VVith Mayor
Join Mayor Chris Lizee for coffee and conversation, Saturday, July 12, at the
Shorewood Caribou Coffee (H wY 7 and 41) from 8 to lOAM. Bring all of your City
questions, concerns and compliments!
New Look to Utility Bills
YOUR UTILITY BILL WILL SOON have a new look. The postcards previously used for
utility billing are being replaced with a new paper bill. Watch for it in upcoming
billings!
THE SHORE REPORT I JULY 2008