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October 2007 Shore Report ~ o ~ o ~ rFl THE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ;... ~ ~ ~ o ',... u ~ ~ ,.... == ~ ~ ;... ~ ,.... ~ ~ ~ .0 ;S :: ~ ~ IN THIS ISSUE Election Dates. . . . . . . . . . . 2 Dial-a-Ride . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Winter Driving. . . . . . . . . . . 2 Community Events. . . . . . . 3 Southshore Center. . . . . . . 3 Council Activities . . . . . . . . 3 Choose to Reuse Month . . 4 Haz Waste Disposal . . . . . . 4 Save Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Energy Assistance . . . . . . . 5 Deer Management. . . . . . . 5 Brain Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Planning Commission. . . . . 6 Hydrant Flushing . . . . . . . . 6 Skateboard Camp. .. Insert October 2007 Fire Prevention VVeek October 7-13 Great American Fire Drill October 7 EXCELSIOR FIRE DISTRICT will celebrate Fire Prevention Week 2007 with two major events. The first, The Great American Fire Drill, takes place on Sunday, October 7. Firefighters are asking all families within the Excelsior Fire District Community to join the rest of America to practice home fire escape plans. Go to www.nfpa.organdclickonFirePreventionWeektofindthefireescapeplan.Click and print off a grid and instructions to make your plan, then practice your plan on October 7. Bring your completed grid to the Woodmen of America booth at the EFD Fire Prevention Open House and receive a grab bag of goodies! EFD Fire Prevention Open House and Safety Fair THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11 AT 6 -8:30 PM, the fun is at Excelsior Fire District Station#l, 24100 Smithtown Road! Sparky the fire dog, the Fire Chief, and firefighters will be there to say hello and to offer many photo opportunities. New this year is a live car rollover simulator. Residents can watch what happens to passengers during a rollover accident. They will be able to see for themselves what a difference a seat belt makes. There is on-site parking for your convenience and free hot dogs, popcorn, cookies and McDonalds orange drink will be provided. For more information, contact Kellie at 965/960-1692. Talk VVith the Mayor 2nd Saturday Coffee with the Mayor JOIN MAYOR CHRIS LIZEE for coffee and conversation every second Saturday of the month at the Shorewood Caribou Coffee (Hwy 7 and 41) from 8 to lOAM. Mayor Lizee would be delighted to visit with you about what's going on in the City of Shore wood. Bring all of your City questions and comments. She's looking forward to seeing you Saturday, October 13. School District Elections November 6 THE CITY OF SHOREWOOD holds its City Election in even years; therefore there are no City offices on the Election Ballot in 2007. Both the Minnetonka School District #276 and the Westonka School District #277 will hold a General Election on November 6. For more school election information, see page 2. For additional voter information for the school district elections, contact the individual school district. Gideon Glen Grand Opening October 13 JOIN MINNEHAHA CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT (MCWD) and the City of Shorewood, lOam - noon, on Saturday, October 13, for a celebration commemorating the completion of the Gideon Glen water quality improvement and wetland restoration project. The event will include family activities, hot cider and cookies, guided nature walks, and a site dedication. Gideon Glen, located just north of the intersection of Hwy 19 and Smithtown Road, features a "grit chamber," a stormwater pond, and a restored wetland which act together to clean up runoff pollution from hard surfaces in the area, specifically H wy 19. The site includes a permanently protected two-acre tract of old-growth maple-basswood forest. The project includes trails and interpretive information about the site. The trails will give people an opportunity to have a more passive natural experience and to learn something along the way. This is the 5th event in our MCWD 40th Anniversary Event Series. You can see more anniversary information at www.minnehahacreek. org/40thanniversaryevents.php, or contact MCWD at 952/471-0590. Meetings and Events 10/2 10/8 10/9 1 0/1 3 1 0/1 6 10/22 11/4 7:00 PM Planning Comm. Meeting 7:00 PM City Council Meeting 7:30 PM Park Commission Meeting 8-10 AM Coffee w/Mayor (see pg 1) 7:00 PM Planning Comm. Meeting 7:00 PM City Council Meeting Daylight Savings Time Ends: Clocks back one hour For meeting agendas and approved meeting minutes, go to the City web site: wwwci.shorewood.mn.us. THE SHORE REPORT / OCTOBE'i LCXJ7 Important 2007 Election Dates In years where there is no City Council election, school board elections are conducted by the School District, so your voting location is different than in the City election. Please make a note of your voting location, and refer any questions to your individual school district. October 5 ~T~..;J Absentee Voting for the General Election begins \J '0 . (Absentee Vote at your School District office) J * October 1 6 Last day to pre-register for the General Election (school district offices will be opened until 5 PM; City Hall will be opened until 4:30 PM) Pre-registration eases congestion on election day, but registration with proper ID is possible on election day. See WWW.sos.state.mn.us and find Voter Registration under Quick Links. You may also contact City Hall, 952/474-3236. November 6 General Election Day District Election Information: Minnetonka School District #276 DistrictAddress: 5621 County Road 101, Minnetonka Phone number for Election Questions: 952-401-5033 Website: http://www.minnetonka.k12.mn.us/dsc/ The Minnetonka School District General Election Ballot will include: School Board Members (4 seats) Referendum Questions (2 questions) Where to Vote in the Minnetonka #276 Election: Ward 1, Precinct 1 (Spray Island); Ward 1, Precinct 2, and Ward 2 Minnewashta Elementary School Wards 3 & 4 Excelsior Elementary School Westonka School District #277 District Address: 5901 Sunnyfield Road East, Minnetrista Phone number for Election Questions: 952/491-8007 Website: http://www.westonka.k12.mn.us/ The Westonka School District General Election Ballot will include: School Board Members ( 4 seats) Referendum Question (1 question) Where to Vote in the Westonka #277 Election: Ward 1 Precinct 1 (except Spray Island) Mount Olive Lutheran Church WWWCI shorcw..Jo, r I I ~ Dial-A-Ride EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, the Lake Minnetonka area Dial-a-Ride program has a new operator, Midwest Paratransit Service, and new-fares.The service area includes Deephaven, Greenwood, Excelsior, Minnetonka, Navarre, Shorewood and Tonka Bay. Fare is $2 per one-way trip. Service hours are Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 9 PM; Saturdays, 8 AM to 4 PM. To schedule a ride, call 952/401-1749, Monday through Friday, 8 AM-5 PM, or Saturdays 8 AM-4 PM. Whenever possible, schedule rides 24-48 hours in advance. Prepare for VVinter Driving WHEN COLD WEATHER arrives, we put away the shorts and dig out the sweaters to prepare, but you must also prepare your car for winter. To help keep your car safe and running all winter, there are several things you can do before the snow flies: o Have a mechanic check the battery, antifreeze level, thermostat, heater, brakes and defroster. o Make sure you have adequate tread on your tires, or get snow tires. o Make a visual inspection of your vehicle's lights, including the hazard lights. o Begin filling your windshield wiper fluid with fluid geared for winter. o Consider getting winter wiper blades, designed for snow and ice. o Make sure to rinse your car periodically to rinse off corrosive road salt and to improve the visibility of your vehicle. o Put a snow/ice scraper in your car. Make sure your car is completely cleaned off before driving and that all windows are clear. Driving Tips for Icy Roads o Remember: bridges and overpasses freeze first. Slow down before reaching them and avoid sudden changes in speed or direction. o Accelerate, turn, and brake gently. Avoid unexpected quick movements that could easily put your car in a spin. o If you have a four- or all-wheel drive vehicle, know that the traction helps you get going from a stop, but does not benefit braking ability. Start braking early! Sfltu~h Shfltre Ska~e Park S3SS S~. Albafts ]Ja~ ltG, ShfltrewfltfltG Ilc~fltb@r 1& 6 19 9 aM .. Nfltfltft {fltfte fltr bflt~h Ga~sIl JRD LAIR WILL HOST A SKATEBOARDING CAMP FOR ALL AGES AT THE SOUTH SHORE SKATE PARK ON THRUSDAY, OCTOBER 18 AND FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19 FROM 9 AM-NOON. THE CAMP IS DESIGNED FOR BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE SKATERS. EXPEREINCED INSTURCTORS WILL HELP EACH STUDENT LEARN TRICKS LIKE OLlE, KICKFLlP, HELLFLlP, RAMP-RIDING AND MANY MORE, ALONG WITH SKATEPARK SAFETY AND SKATEPARK ETIQUETTE. BRING A SKATEBOARD AND HELMET. KNEE PADS AND ELBOW PADS ARE RECOMMENDED. IN THE EVENT OF RAIN, THE CAMP WILL TAKE PLACE AT MANOR PARK SHELTER. THIS PROGRAM IS SPONSORED BY THE CITY OF SHOREWOOD. Registration Form Mail form and check by October 11 to: Shorewood City Hall, 5755 Country Club Rd, Shorewood, 55331. Phone 952/474-3236. Student Name: Age: Address: Email Address: Parent/Guardian Name: Parent/Guardian Work # Cell #: Home #: Email Address: In Case of Emergency contact: Name Phone #: Fee: $44 per day. Make checks payable to City of Shorewood. Parent/Guardian Signature: Please return form by Thursday, October 11, 2007. CCCID]]]JJ]]lD1JIIDfiltsf IEw~]]l~ Music Association of Mtka Thursday, Oct. 4; 7 :30 pm Arts Center on 7 THE CONCERT BAND, under the direction of Dan Geldert, presents Windspiration - Music to Lift Your Spirits at the Arts Center on 7, 18285 Highway 7 (Minnetonka High School). Freewill donation at the door. Rake-A- Thon Saturday, October 27 THE ANNUAL TONKA Rake-a- Thon is scheduled for Saturday, October 27th, 2007. Teams of volunteers provide raking services to senior residents of the Minnetonka School District. To register to have your yard raked or to volunteer as an individual, family, or group, please call Katie Smith at Minnetonka Community Education and Services at 952-401-6828. Excelsior Library Bill the Juggler Saturday, Oct. 27, 2 pm BILL THE JUGGLER amazes and delights audiences by juggling things that just shouldn't be juggled - like bowling balls, rubber chickens and other odd objects! Sponsored by the Friends of the Excelsior Library. MHS Theater Blood Brothers Nov. 2-3, 9-10,16-17; 7:30 pm Nov. 11 ; 1 pm so DID y' HEAR the story of the Johnstone twins? As like each other as two new pins, of one womb born, on the self-same day, how one was kept and one given away? Enjoy this great musical by Willy Russell preformed by Minnetonka High School students. Tickets: Adults $12; Seniors and Students $10; 952/401- 5898 to reserve tickets. Southshore Center Celebrates 1 0 Years October 4 9:30-10:15 AM, Mamie Hensel, an energetic motivational speaker, will speak about the attitudes of aging.. .are we becoming old? Or, are we becoming older? Do we choose how we age? Cost: $2. 10:30-11: 15 AM, Faith Sullivan, local author and speaker, writes about women taking control of their own lives. Cape Ann and Gardenias are two of her recent books. Cost: $2. 11:45 AM-I PM, Birthday luncheon and speaker James V. Gambone, PhD. A special lunch will be served followed by James Gambone, a national speaker, writer and documentary film maker. Dr. Gambone will speak about Celebrating the Gifts of the Generations to the Community. His book, Retirement: A Guide to Mid Life and Beyond is recognized as a remarkable guide for those 50 and beyond. Cost for lunch and the speaker is $8. Grambone is available for questions until 1 :45 pm. 2-3 PM, Two popular painters will give painting demonstrations: Keith Wilcock of Keith Wilcock Galleries in Excelsior, will demonstrate painting with watercolors, and Michele Combs, an instructor at the Center, will demonstrate oil painting. Guests will be encouraged to ask questions and dialogue with the artists. 5-7 :30 PM, Annual Beer & Brats Supper for contributing members ofthe Friends. During the meal, artist Jim Hillis will do portraitures of dinner guests for $10. Following dinner, George Pillsbury will speak on History Around the Lake. Reservations and current membership in the Friends required. Cost: $7. For more information about any of these events, contact the Southshore Center at 952/474- 7635. For rental information, call 952/591-10 19. 3 THE SHORE REPORT / OCTOBER 2007 Council Activities Since the last newsletter the City Council: . Accepted a proposal for inspection of the Shady Island bridge. . Held a work session to continue review of the 2008 general fund budget; at the regular meeting, Council approved the 2008 proposed general fund budget and tax levy. . Set the Truth-in- Taxation Public Hearing date for December 3,2007. . Discussed an interim funding proposal for the Southshore Center. . Held a Work Session to discuss the City Hall building, and directed staff to distribute a request proposals for professional architectural services. . Held a meeting with the Park Commission to discuss and review the Park Commission's activities and needs. . Approved a General Fund Balance Policy. . Selected a business broker for the sale of the City's Liquor Operations. . Set October 22, 2007, as the date for the public hearing regarding the possibility of terminating the City's leasehold interests in its two liquor stores prior to the end of their terms (October 31, 2008). . Held a work session to discuss a proposed deer management program; at a Regular meeting, Council approved a deer management contract for services. . Approved a proposal for cleaning the Minnewashta water tower. . Held a work session regarding the Amlee Road, Manitou Lane, Glen Road street reconstruction project. At a regular meeting, Council accepted the feasibility report for this project and scheduled a public hearing for October 8 at 7 PM. . Approved the 2008 LMCC budget and amendments to the Joint Powers Agreement. wwwci.shorewood.mn. us THE SHORE REPORT / OCTOBER 200 7 October is "Choose To Reuse" Month in Hennepin County EVERY YEAR, 32 MILLION POUNDS of us able items are thrown away in Hennepin County. Residents can Choose to Reuse and help reduce the volume of waste thrown away by supporting businesses and organizations in C H 0 0 SET 0 our community that provide opportunities to se rent, repair, resell, consign, trade, sell bulk and exchange used goods. Residents can save money, help reduce waste, and support the local economy m 0 nth by thinking about reuse when shopping. Helping the environment has never been so much fun! In an effort to encourage more reuse, Hennepin County will host the sixth annual Choose To Reuse program. This year's program includes: . "Save Cash, Save the Planet! Get Great Stuff' Choose To Reuse Month Coupon Books. The county has partnered with 80 local retail partners with 124 locations including Brides of France, Cash N Pawn, Dave's Sport Shop, Down in the Valley, Ketter Canoeing, Lanes True Value, Magers and Quinn Booksellers, Northwestern Costume, Plato's Closet, PPL Shop, Second Debut, Silver Angel Thrift Store and the Reuse Center. Customers may pick up a "Choose To Reuse" coupon book at participating locations, Hennepin County Services Centers and Libraries, and all Three Rivers Park District locations, or download a copy at www.hennepin.us. search "Choose To Reuse Month". . Scrap Art - The County is hosting a "trash to treasure" art activity for children at five Hennepin County Libraries, showing elementary school-age children how to apply their imagination and creativity in reusing scrap material that would otherwise be thrown away. Visit www.hennepin.us. search "Choose to Reuse Month" for locations and times. Choose To Reuse Tips Hennepin County offers thefollowing tips to make the most of shopping usedfirst: l.Keep a list of the items you are looking for - as you would a grocery list, adding items as you think of them. Need a skirt to match a blouse you just bought? Broke a serving plate while doing the dishes? Looking for a CD or video? Add these items to your shopping list. 2.Know the retail price of items you are looking for to appreciate how much money you will save by shopping used first. 3.Shop thrift and used goods stores when you have time to browse. Take your time looking, if you are in a rush you can easily overlook the "find" of the day! 4. Don't forget about renting, refilling or repairing items. Renting is a great choice if you only need to use something once in a while, like tools or costumes. Refilling options are available for bulk foods and cleaners. Check out a repair shop before tossing out an item and buying new. 5. Shop frequently and visit a variety of stores. Inventory is constantly changing, and each store is unique. Make a day out of reuse shopping. Many reuse retailers are located near one another. 6. Check all items carefully and know the store's return policy. For more information on Choose To Reuse month, visit Hennepin County Environmental Services web site at www.hennepin.us key word search "Choose To Reuse Month" or call 612/348-3777. wwwd.shorewood.mn. us 4 Hazardous \Naste Collection REsIDENTs ARE also able to use one of the two permanent Hennepin County Household Hazardous Waste drop-off sites: 8100 Jefferson Hwy, Brooklyn Park 1400 W 96th St., Bloomington For hours, possible fees, and directions, go to www.hennepin.us and enter keyword "drop off facilities", or call 612/348-3777. For a complete list of items that should not be put in your garbage, check the "Trouble for the Garbage" section at www. greenguardian.com, or contact Hennepin County at 612/348-3777. Save Energy WITH COLD WEATHER arriving and energy prices increasing, home owners and renters are looking for ways to keep energy costs down while remaining comfortable during the cold months. To help stretch your energy dollars: . Warm air rises, so use registers to direct warm airflow across the floor. . Close vents and doors in unused rooms. . Keep hot and cold air registers free of dust and do not block with carpet or furniture. . Turn the thermostat down at night. Purchase a programmable thermostat so you can have temperatures automatically go down and night and back up in the morning. Energy Assistance Helps With Bills ALTHOUGH WE'VE HAD some mild temperatures lately, ifit is a typical Minnesota winter, we have plenty of cold days ahead. With rising fuel costs, this can make it very difficult for some families to make ends meet while trying to keep their homes warm The Energy Assistance Program can help you pay energy costs--such as a heating bill--between October I and September 30 each year. If you qualify, you could receive a grant to cover some of your energy expenses. Additionally, if you receive Energy Assistance, you may qualify for weatherization services. These services can improve your home's energy efficiency and lower your energy bill. Furnace repair or replacement assistance is also available. For more information contact a Rehab Specialist at 952/933-9639, extension 210. Both homeowners and renters may be eligible for assistance. Renters that don't pay their heat may also be eligible for energy assistance. Energy Assistance is given as a grant, not a loan, and therefore does not need to be repaid. Eligibility for Energy Assistance is calculated by looking at gross income (your income before taxes and other deductions) for a three-month period. Your income must be at or below the following guidelines: EAP 2008 Income Eligibility Family Size" Max 3-mos Income 1 $5,030 2 $6~78 3 $8,126 4 $9~74 5 $11~22 6 $12,770 7 $1 3,060 8 $13,350 .. $290 for each additional family member 9-13. Over 14 contact CAPSH. To apply for assistance, an application must be completed. The application can be downloaded from www.capsh.org/energyassistance.html or by contacting CAPSH 9 AM - 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday at 952/930-3541. Your Opinion Counts Public input sought for human services plan HENNEPIN COUNTY RESIDENTS are invited to review and comment on the proposed "2008-2009 Hennepin County Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)/Children and Community Services Act (CCSA) Consolidated Fund Biennial Service Agreement." The deadline to respond is Oct. 12. To view the plan and to give your input, go to the Hennepin County web site, www.hennepin.us; click on the link provided. If you have questions, please contact the Human Services and Public Health Department at 612/348-4111. Deer Management THE DEER POPULATION in the South Lake area has been growing steadily, and the City Council has responded to requests from residents throughout Shorewood to manage the number of deer. This fall, the City of Shorewood is contracting with Metro Bowhunters Resource Board (MBRB) for deer management services during October and November. Archers certified as "sharpshooters" will remove deer from specified public and private properties that have been approved by the City. Archers will be in Shorewood the second and fourth weekends in October and the third and fourth November. It is important to note that Shorewood is not opening a deer season or authorizing hunting within City limits. Hunting in Shorewood without City authorization is illegal. Residents with questions or concerns may contact City Hall at 952/474-3236 during regular business hours, or the SLMPD at 9- 1-1 outside of regular business hours. MBRB will select archers from its current members for the 2007 program in Shorewood. Residents interested in participating in future deer removal activities should contact the MBRB at www.strictlybowhunting.com. c THE SHORE REPORT / OCTOBER 2007 How Safe Is Your Brain? AT WHAT AGE IS YOUR brain safe from a brain injury? There is no age limit. Yet many adults choose not to wear a bike helmet, and many parents who would not dream by letting their young children ride a bike without a helmet, do not require helmet use of older children. According to the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota, 88% of bike-related brain injuries could be prevented through the simple act of wearing a helmet. Bicycle crash statistics from the Brain Injury Association include: . More kids ages five to 14 go to the hospital emergency departments with injuries related to biking than with any other sport. . Each year, about 567,000 people go to hospital emergency departments with bicycle-related injuries; about 350,000 of those injured are children under 15. Ofthose children, about 130,000 sustain brain injuries. . In Minnesota, approximately 13 percent of TEl-related injuries are caused by bicycle crashes in children ages five to 14. . When worn properly, bike helmets can reduce the risk of brain injury by 88 percent. . The average bicycle injury in Minnesota costs $49,000, including hospital~zation, loss of productivity, and pain and suffering. . According to a recent study, only 8. percent of Minnesotans wear a bicycle helmet consistently. Other sports which commonly risk brain injury include: roller, in-line and ice skating; motocross and ATV riding; go- karting; moped or powered scooter riding; horseback riding; wall climbing; baseball, softball, t-ball, football and lacrosse; skiing and snowboarding, and sledding. Different sports require different helmets. For a list of helmets broken down by activity, stop by City Hall for a brochure, go to WWW.cpsc. gov!cpscpub/pubs/349.pdf, or download a copy of the brochure from the City web site, www.ci.shorewood.mn.us. wwwd.shorewood.mn. us VI ::l c: VI ... E ::l X c: Ql -g E '" o'ci~ ~ 0 M e 0 I o ~ '<t .L: Ql r-- II! ... '<t 0........ .~ ~ ~ ~ .0 e. @-ti' ]iro.c .Iii ~ ..t .g .13 ~ ~ Ql ... .i1j .S ::l E "ai 0,,,, ... W 0 .Iii .L: :> Ul 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 .... PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #30681 MINNEAPOLIS, MN Council Members Christine Lizee, Mayor; Richard Woodruff, Ward 1; Laura Turgeon, Ward 2; Paula Callies, Ward 3; Martin Wellens, Ward 4 City Administrator: Craig Dawson'" Newsletter Editor: Julie Moore SAVE PAPER AND MAILING COSTS! SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHORE REPORT BY E-MAIL: CITYHALL@CI.SHOREWOOD.MN.US City of Shorewood Ward Map W1 P1 : Ward 1, Precinct 1 W1 P2: Ward 1, Precinct 2 W2P1 : Ward 2, Precinct 1 W3P1 : Ward 3, Precinct 1 W4P1: Ward 4, Precinct 1 X Polling Place *~=ore Center Public Safety ... Building Planning Map The following public hearings are scheduled for the October 2 Planning Commission meeting: o 7:00 P.M. The Shorewood Yacht Club at 600 West Lake Street is requesting a text amendment of the L-R, Lakeshore-Recreational, District and their conditional use permit in regard to boat storage. f) 7:15 P.M. The Shorewood Village Shopping Center at 23600 State Highway 7 is requesting an amendment of their conditional use permit for revisions to their multiple signage plan. ~ 7:30 P.M. The owners of20050 Excelsior Blvd. are requesting approval ofa conditional use permit to allow over 1200 sq. ft. of accessory space in an underground garage. 49 7:45 P.M. A amendment to the C-l, General Commercial, zoning district text will be considered. Planning Commission meetings are held in the City Council Chambers in Shorewood City Hall. THE SHORE REPORT I OCTOBER 2007 Hydrant Flushing in October THE ANNUAL FALL HYDRANT FLUSHING will begin in early October. Some temporary browning of the water often occurs during flushing. When you notice this, avoid washing light colors of clothes until you notice your water is clear. For an estimated schedule of when flushing will take place in your neighborhood, visit the City web site, www.ci.shorewood.mn.us.