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November 2006 Shore Report ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ c; 'C ~ ~~ ~ o~ ~ uQ\ ~ ~ . -s ~ == ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ a... ~ ~ ~ ,.,.. 0 ~ 0,,- ~ ..... ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~~ -s rJJ =: ~ THE ~ INSIDE Elections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 FoodfToy Collection . . . . . . 2 Southshore Rental. . . . . . . 2 Planning Notes. . . . . . . . . . 3 Council Activities . . . . . . . . 3 Thanks ..... . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Help Wanted. . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Art for the Parks. . . . . . . . . 4 PetstWildlife . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Stormwater. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Community Events. . . . . . . 5 Senior Corner. . . . . . . . . . . 5 Planning Public Hearing. . . 6 November 2006 Election 2006 Vote on November 7 ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, November 7. You may vote between 7 AM and 8 PM at your polling site. The following are the polling sites in the City of Shorewood. If you do not know your polling site, you may call the City or search" Where to Vote" on Hennepin County's web site, www. hennepin. us. Your ward and precinct is also listed on this newsletter mailing label. Polling Locations: Ward 1, Precinct 1 Residence at 4445 Enchanted Point Ward 1, Precinct 2 Minnewashta Church, 26710 W. 62nd St. Ward 2, Precinct 1 Shorewood City Hall, 5755 Country Club Rd Ward 3, Precinct 1 Excel. United Methodist Church, 840 Hwy 7 Ward 4, Precinct 1 Excel. Covenant Church, 19955 Excel. Blvd. Election Questions? Contact City Hall: Telephone - (952) 474-3236 The Shoreline - (24-hour message center) (952) 474-3236,ext. 1 Fax - (952) 474-0128 " E;m~~I- cityhal/@ci.shorewood.mn.us Questions will be answered during normal business hours (8 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-- Friday). Sample ballots forthe November election are posted in City Hall and on the City's web site, wwwci.shorewood.mn.us. City of Shorewood Offices on the Ballot THE FOLLOWING CANDIDATES have filed for municipal office and will appear on the November 7 General Election ballot. Residents will vote for the Council Member in their ward. The Mayor seat is elected City-wide, and will appear on the ballot in every ward. If you do not know which ward you live in, call City Hall at 952/474-3236, or search" Where to Vote" in Hennepin County's website www.hennepin.us. Your ward and precinct is also listed on this newsletter mailing label. Mayor (Two-year term): Pat Arnst, Christine Lizee, Larry Opfer Council Member - Ward 1 (four-year term): Jerry L. Brecke, Dick Woodruff Council Member - Ward 3 (four-year term): Paula A. Callies Reminder: Councilmembers for Wards 2 and 4 are not up for election in 2006. Transportation Amendment MINNESOTA VOTERS will have the opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment which will dedicate all of the revenue from the existing motor vehicle sales tax to highway and transit improvements (currently 54% is used for transportation purposes). This is a redirection of funds, not a tax increase. For complete information on the amendment, go to the Secretary of State web site, wWW.sos. state. mn. us, and click on proposed amendment information. An amendment to the constitution in the state of Minnesota requires a majority vote of all people voting; therefore, voters who leave this question blank rather than marking their ballot yes or no will register a no vote. Meetings and Events 11/4 9AM-5PM Art for the Parks 11/4 10AM-3PM Absentee Vote: City Hall 11/6 8 AM-S PM Absentee Vote: City hall 11/7 7 AM-8PM General Election 11/10 CITY OFFICES CLOSED: Holiday 11/10 5:30-8 PM Wine Taste: SouthShore Ctr 11/13 7:00 PM City Council Meeting 11/14 7:00 PM Planning Comm. Meeting 11/14 7:00 PM Park Commission Meeting 11/21 7:00 PM Planning Comm. Meeting 11/23-24 CITY OFFICES CLOSED: Holiday 11/27 7:00 PM City Council Meeting W\I\NI.ci.shorewood.mn. US. THE SHORE REPORT / NOVEMBER 2006 Election Day Registration IF YOU ARE NOT PRE-REGISTERED to vote, you may register on election day with one of the following identifications: . A valid MN driver's license or Leamer's Permit or MN 10 card or receipt for either which shows your current name and current address; . A Tribal ID card containing the name, address in the precinct, signature and picture of individual; . Current students may provide a dated Student 10 with a valid address in the precinct or dated registration card with a valid address in the precinct or dated fee statement with a valid address in the precinct; . A Notice of Late Registration received from your City Clerk; . A Voucher - oath of a pre-registered voter who registers on election day with one of the above identifications; . One of the following documents that contains your name and photo: a MN driver's license, MN 10 card, U.S. military 10, U.S. Passport, Tribal 10, or a student 10 card from a MN college; AND a current bill (either electric, gas, phone, cell phone, cable TV, sewer, water, or solid waste services) with a due date within 30 days of the election. The bill must contain your name and current address. Voting By Absentee Ballot ELIGIBLE SHOREWOOD VOTERS may vote by absentee ballot if they are not able to vote in person on Election Day for any of the following reasons: . Out of town; . Illness or disability; . Unable to go to the polling place due to a religious holiday or beliefs; . Serving as an election judge in another precinct. Absentee Ballots for the November 7 General Election are available. You may absentee vote in-person or by mail. Absentee vote in-person at Shorewood City Hall during regular business hours before Election Day. You must complete an Absentee Ballot Application form, available at City Hall. Additional absentee voting hours at City Hall will be: . Saturday, November 4: lOAM to 3 PM . Monday, November 6: 8 AM to 5 PM To vote absentee by mail, submit an Absentee Ballot Application form now. This form is available at City Hall and on the City's Website at www.ci.shorewood.mn.us. The completed Absentee Ballot Application form may be mailed or faxed to the City at 952/474-0128. Allow enough time to complete the entire process by mail. College students should be especially aware of this option. Sources for Candidate Information VOTERS CAN FIND INFORMATION about candidates in local newspapers, on the Secretary of State's Website at WWW.sos.state.mn.us; and the Minnesota League of Women Voters (LWV) website at www.lwvmn.org. The LWV also sponsors non- partisan candidate forums and debates. For more information, contact the League of Women Voters at (651) 224-5445 or check their web site. Candidate information can also be found at Minnesota e-Democracy, a non-profit, non-partisan organization, www. e-democracy.org. Each political party has a web site with candidate information. The web sites for the "major status" parties in Minnesota are: Democratic-Farmer-Labor - www.djl.org; Independence Party - www.mnip.org; Republican Party - www.mngop.com. Go to the City's web site, www.ci.shorewood.mn.us. 2006 Elections, for links to these candidate information web sites and more election information. wwwci.shorewood.mn. us 2 Holiday Food and Toy Collection THE CITY OF SHOREWOOD is a drop- off site for toys to be given to the Hopkins Minnetonka Family Resource Center. The Toy Chest Drive provides toys to low income children up to age 18. Items for teens are especially needed each year. Volunteers for sorting, counting and assisting with distribution are also needed. For information on volunteering, call the Resource Center at 952/988-5350. Toys may be dropped off at City Hall during business hours through Friday, December 8. The City will also serve as a drop- off site for the ICA Food Shelf. Non- perishable food items may be dropped off at City Hall through Friday, December 8, and will be delivered to the ICAFood Shel f. If you would prefer to make a cash donation, contact the leA at 952/938- 0729. For more information on Hopkins Minnetonka Family Resource Center, go to www.hopkinsfamilyresourcecenter. com; for additional ICA information, go to www. icafoodshelf. org. Southshore Center Rental SOUTHSHORE CENTER, located at 5735 Country Club Road (next to Badger Park) is available to rent for business functions, team parties, neighborhood and community meetings and celebrations, plus any other events requiring space for up to 200 guests! The Southshore Center has kitchen facilities, a dining room, conference room and activity room. Most community functions are well suited for this facility, and the convenience of location cannot be beat! For complete information on facility rental, to arrange a tour, or to make a reservation, go to the Southshore Center web site, http://www.southshore-center. org, or contact the Southshore Center by phone at 952/474-7635. Planning Commiss,on Notes Alternative Heat Sources IN THIS TIME ?f high~r energy prIces, It is not surprising that homeowners are seeking cheaper alternatives to natural gas heating. Indoor fireplaces that burn wood (and sometimes other materials such as corn) for heat are now seen more frequently. The Planning Commission has recently become involved in the issue of alternative heating sources when it was asked by the City Council to develop policies for the City related to outdoor wood boilers (OWB). Outdoor Wood Boilers As the name indicates, an OWB is a furnace or stove located outside of a home and designed to burn wood as the primary fuel source. The unit consists of a large firebox encased in a water jacket, surrounded by insulation. The design is simple. Fire heats the water in a reservoir. That hot water is then transported through underground pipes to heat the home and/or provide hot water to a residence. On the surface, an OWB would appear to be merely an indoor fireplace moved outside. An important difference, however, lies in the intensity of the fire. Indoor fireplaces used for interior heating are designed to burn hot, a feature that tends to keep emissions relatively low. These units have become increasingly sophisticated over the years. Modern indoor fireplaces may store the heat in insulated tanks of water for later use. More importantly, these stoves will have mechanisms to provide catalytic or secondary combustion, thus producing lowering emissions levels. (All new indoor wood stoves require EPA certification and pollution controls.) OWBs, on the other hand, are actually designed to bum cooler and slower. In this way, they maximize the amount of heat transferred from fire to water per unit of wood used. The unintended result of this slow, lower temperature fire is that OWBs generate considerably more smoke and creosote than do modern indoor wood burning stoves. Moreover, through thermostatic settings, OWBs damp the fire when heat isn't required, yet ensure that the fire doesn't die out (it smolders), so that it can be reinvigorated when needed. This dampening process increases emissions of fine particulate matter known to cause health problems. Further, standard OWBs do not come with catalytic or secondary burning systems. In addition, OWBs are designed to be used year-round, unlike most indoor wood stoves, thus increasing the time over which emissions are released. Lastly, the large fireboxes of OWBs present the possibility of owners burning inappropriate materials, such as household garbage. Commission Concerns The concern in an urban setting is that if a number of homes began to use OWBs, then the level of particulate and toxic emissions could become great enough to cause a health threat. In its review, the Commission examined studies conducted by various states and municipalities. It also reviewed the industry's standards for use. The Commission concluded that the potential problems related to widespread use of OWBs were great enough to warrant significant restrictions on their operation. Specifically, the Commission recommended stringent standards for OWBs in terms of distances from surrounding properties (at least 200 feet), heights of chimneys (at least 20 feet), months of operation (winter heating season only) and compliance with manufacturers' operation guidelines (in particular, types of wood that can be burned). Jeff Baile); Chair Planning Commission 3 THE SHOI?E REPORT / NOVEMBER 2006 Council Activities Since the last newsletter the City Council: . Approved the 2007 Proposed Budget and set the Truth-in-Taxation Public Hearing date for Monday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. . Approved an Ordinance regulating the use of Outdoor Wood Burning furnaces. Existing units will be "grandfathered in" subject to compliance with EPA and MPCA standards, and with limits on months of operation. · Approved an Anonymous Complaint Policy, which requires a complainant to provide his or her identity and contact information. A complainant's identity and contact information is kept confidential. . Rescinded the award of contract for the Woodhaven Well/Chanhassen Interconnection project, as the contractor did not meet the contractual obligations. The project will be re-bid in the spring. . Repealed traffic restrictions on Broms Boulevard at Old Market Road as the restrictions were not effective and caused disruption in reasonable traffic patterns. . Held a work sessions to review employee policies, including changes to the sick leave/severance policy; .a1so reviewed a proposed 2006 water revenue bond sale, and a request for deer removal at the Minnetonka Country Club. Council on Cable THE LAKE MINNETONKA COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (LMCC) PROVIDES LOCAL CABLE ACCESS SERVICE TO THE CITY OF SHORE WOOD. CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE BROADCAST ON CABLE CHANNEL 8. A COMPLETE LIST OF TIMES SHOREWOOD CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE BROADCAST CAN BE FOUND AT IVWW.J.A1CC- TV.OIIG. CLICK ON CHANNEL 8. You MAY ALSO GET PLAYBACK TIMES BY CALLING THE LMCC OFFICE AT 952/471- 7125. COUNClL MEETINGS MAY ALSO BE VIEWED ANY TIME AT WWW.LMCC-TV.OIIG VIA VIDEO STREAMING ON THE WEB. www.d.shorewood.mn.us THE SHORE REPORT / NOVEMBER 2006 Pets an.d \Nildlife ONE OF THE ADVANTAGES of living in Shorewood is the beautiful natural space we enjoy. Along with the woods and wetlands comes the wildlife, particularly the deer. But with increased development in and around our city comes the loss of habitat, forcing the herd into our yards and parks in search of food and shelter. The most obvious issue with sharing space with the deer is their feeding in our gardens and on our landscape plantings. But many of us have companion animals and have become aware of growing health issues that affect our animal friends. Most are aware of Lyme Disease. Caused by the bite of the deer tick, it can go undiagnosed for years, causing long- term joint problems that resemble severe arthritis. Many dog owners have their dogs vaccinated against Lyme disease. Deer also harbor the heartworm parasite and, while most people provide their dogs with heartworm medication, many veterinarians now recommend medication for cats as well. What you may not have heard of is Leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by leptospires. It can affect humans as well as animals. The disease is spread from the urine and feces of infected animals. It can live for weeks in the soil and grass. It is contagious and can be passed across species. Many veterinarians never see a single case of leptospirosis in their entire career but when my dog was diagnosed with "Iepto" my veterinarian told me they were seeing cases on a regular basis. Dog parks and wooded areas is where most patients were contracting it. In addition to deer, raccoons, skunks and opossums can also carry the bacteria. Caught early, it can be cured and there is a vaccination. Many of my coworkers who hunt with their dogs also have them vaccinated against this parasite, their vets also seeing an increase in this problem. Pet owners should talk with their veterinarian about the need of a vaccination for their pets and have them vaccinated accordingly. Sue Davis, Park Commissioner wwwci.shorewood.mn.us Art For the Parks Nov. 4 FINE ART AND BEAUTIFUL desi!,rned and created items will be the order of the day at Minnetonka High School on Saturday, November 4, from 9 AM to 5 PM. It's the fifth-annual "Art for the Parks" benefit sale, a day-long affair featuring original mixed-media fine arts and fine crafts by over 150 well-known artists from around the five-state area. While browsing, guests will enjoy musical entertainment throughout the day. The list of performers is headed by singer/songwriter Michael Monroe, whose original music has been captivating audiences and earning him honors for three decades. He will be perfonning from 10 AM to 3 PM. There will be drawings for door prizes, refreshments and much more. Proceeds from the event will go to the Shorewood Parks Foundation which, along with Minnetonka Community Education and Services, is sponsoring this fifth- annual pre- holiday festival of the arts. This event is held to benefit the enhancement of the City's parks -- making, and keeping, the City's natural beauty accessible to all. Prize drawings featuring donations by numerous area businesses and organizations. Minnetonka High School is located on the south side of Highway 7, just west ofHwy. 101 in Minnetonka. For jilrther information. call 952/843-0502. or on- line at info@shorewoodparks.org. ~.IiT ~ PARK;r rl NE ARTS! (ftAfTS$HOW Help VVanted: Rink Supervisor and Attendants THE CITY OF SHOREWOOD is accepting applications for a part-time Rinks Supervisor and Rink Attendants. The Supervisor position is open to people 19 years of age and older. The Supervisor is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the work of Rink Attendants. Attendant positions are open to people 16 years of age and older and offers flexible hours in the afternoons, on weekends, and during winter break. The season generally runs mid-December through mid-February. For an application, call or stop by City Hall. Application deadline is December 1. Thank You, Gardeners! THE BEAUTIFUL GARDENS planted by the signs at City Hall and Shorewood parks are the responsibility of a few very talented gardeners who volunteer their time and skill to further beautify our community. The City would like to thank these volunteers for all of their efforts, including not only the design and planting of the gardens, but also for hauling water, weeding, and continued maintenance of the project! City Hall - South Shore Gardeners Freeman Park Entrance off Eureka - Diane Agnew Southshore Center - Karen & Dale Newberg Manor Park - South Shore Gardeners Cathcart Park - Lucinda Kircher & Lance Detrude Recycling Changes BECAUSE OF THE Thanksgiving holiday, Island residents will recycle on Friday, November 24 rather than on November 23. There is no change for Mainland residents. 4 Community Events Wine Tasting at the Center Friday, Nov. 10; 5:30-8 pm THERE WILL BE plenty of wines to , I. sample, appetizers to ~~ ~. eat and opportunities " for you to win a variety of raffle prizes from area businesses. Cost: $20 at the door.Co- sponsored by the Shorewood Liquor Stores. Drowning in Paperwork and Junk Mail? COME" TO RECYCLE DAY at the Southshore Center on Wednesday, November 15, at I p.m. Sheila Dingel from Successful Simplicity will give tips on how to organize your bills, home office, and get rid of your junk mail. The program includes refreshments and a chance to win a raffle prize of a paper shredder. There is no cost but participants must register by calling the Southshore Center, 952/474-7635. This program is made possible by the "Make a Difference Grant sponsored by Southshore Center, Hennepin County Environmental Services, and Community Power Partners on Waste Education and Reduction. Wrap It Up Saturday, December 9 COMMUNITY "WRAPPING IT UP" Holiday Party at the Southshore Center. Here is an opportuntity for the children of the community to come to the Center and pick out a present for their parents, recieive a muslin gift bag to decorate and reuse for years to come. Call the Southshore Center to reserve a spot, 952/474-7635. This event is possible through a grant/rom the Hennepin County Environmental Services and Community Power: Partners on Waste Education and Reduction. Save the Date: Jan. 20, 2007 South Lake Snow Day WATCH THE NEWSLETTER for more information on the South Lake Snow Day, January 20, 2007, hosted by the cities of Shorewood and Excelsior! A sample of activities include: Curling demonstrations, sleigh rides, search and rescue dog demonstrations, a community bonfire and free skating. Activities will take place in Freeman Park, Badger Park or in Excelsior. Area restaurants and merchants will also be hosting special events and activities so mark your calendar and get ready to have some winter fun! Speak Out About Stormwater THE MINNEHAHA CREEK WATERSHED District (MCWD) invites your comments on its latest Comprehensive Water Resources Management Plan before November 21, 2006. The Plan, which will guide the District's activities for the next 10 years, identifies activities and sets the stage for future rule revisions to help manage the lakes, streams and wetlands in the 181 square miles that drain into Minnehaha Creek, Lake Minnetonka and the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes. MCWD's 2007 Water Resources Management Plan is based on more than five years of extensive scientific study and incorporates goals established in more than 100 meetings with residents and others interested in the waters of the District. The proposed Plan emphasizes cooperation between the District and local governments, and focuses on a more localized approach to managing storm water than in the past. "We have learned how important it is to keep rain where it falls," said Mike Wyatt, District Planner. "We'll encourage features like rain gardens to help clean stormwater and absorb it into the earth where it can recharge groundwater aquifers and maintain historical stream flows." The MCWD Plan includes chapters for each of the 11 sub-watersheds in the District. Residents and officials may comment on the entire Plan or, if they choose, limit their review and comments to portions of the Plan specific to their neighborhoods. The plan, along with an electronic comment form, is available at www.minnehahacreek.org or by calling MCWD at 952/471-0590. 5 THE SHORE REPORT / NOVEMBER 2006 Senior Corner For more information on Senior Events, or to get a complete list of November events, please contact the South shore Center at 952/474-7635. Aging Skin Wednesday, Nov. 8 JOIN LUANNE CARNEY, RN from Excelsior Health Care Center, who will speak on "Aging Skin". Come and learn how to care for aging skin. This is a wonderful education presentation that you don't want to miss! No cost. Thanksgiving Lunch TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14. Includes a program by Full Bloom "Thanks Mrs. Hale" - the woman behind the Holiday. Cost for lunch and program $6. Holiday Boutique & Bake Sale THURSDAY, Nov. 16 and Friday, Nov 17; 9AM to 3PM. Stop by the center and pick up home made bake goods for Thanksgiving and holiday gifts! Medicare D Program gUESTIONS ABOUT your enrollment in the Medicare D Program. Join us on Fri y, November 17, 1 PM. No cost. Trip to Body World Monday, Nov. 27 LAST CHANCE TO SEE one of the most talked about exhibits to hit Minnesota The exhibit features about 200 authentic human specimens at the Science Museum of Minnesota Cost: $32 includes tickets, bus and a box lunch. Bus Pick up Mound: 10:30 AM; Bus Pick up Southshore: 10:45 AM; Show begins at noon. Bus pick-up at museum: 2:15 PM. Sweepstakes BUy ONE OF 52 SWEEPSTAKES tickets to help support the Southshore Center. There are 52-weekly drawings of $100 and 4 quarterly drawings of $250 each. Tickets are $52 each. wwwci.shorewood.mn.us ~.. 'L---- r \..--., .. 1~~W1P2y---. ~ .\-.. .... K"J '\ Sm Iown (.......- / YJ) -<' .. .?.(. ~. -1 L I C... ~ 'I \ 1 1 C. ,,"' Planning Commission Public Hearings The following items are on the Planning Commission Agenda for the November 14, 2006 meeting: 1. The property owners at 26355 Oak Ridge Circle have requested approval of a conditional use permit for fill in excess of 100 cubic yards for soils correction necessary to construct an inground swimming pool. A public hearing is scheduled for 7 PM. 2. The property owner of 6030 Mill Street is requesting approval of a conditional use permit to allow accessory space in excess of 1200 square feet for a bi-level attached garage. A public hearing is scheduled for 7: 10 PM. 3. The owners of 6155 Murray Court are requesting approval of a conditional use permit to allow accessory space in excess of 1200 square feet in order to construct a detached garage on the property. A public hearing is scheduled for 7 :20 PM. 4. The property owners of 5490 Vine Hill Road are requesting approval of a conditional use permit to allow accessory space in excess of 1200 square feet for construction of a new home containing a bi-level attached garage. A public hearing is scheduled for 7:30 PM. 5. The owner of 6140 Pleasant Avenue is requesting approval of a conditional use permit to allow accessory space in excess of 1200 square feet for construction of a new home with attached garage space in addition to an existing barn on the property. A public hearing is scheduled for 7:40 PM. III .... ::I C III ~ E ::I C Q) ,.; ..0 0 E 0 'ti M ~ CIl 0 M Q) 0 I ... <t 0 ~ ,... .J: ~ <t II! 'u 0 ~ .J: I "'! In C1' 'u ...... ~ ;.:... "ai III Iii ... .J: .-:: .J: I III ><t .0 ~CIl Q) 0...... ~ Ql ... 'iij .5 ::I E (ij 0 I ... ... w 0 'Vi .c ::> III CITY OF SHORE WOOD CELEBRATING 50 YEARS · 1956-2006 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 City Administrator: Craig Dawson'" Newsletter Editor: Julie Moore SAVE PAPER AND MAIUNG COSTS! SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHORE REPORT BY E-MAIL: CITYHALL@C1.SHOREWOOD.MN.US W1 P1 : Ward 1, Prednct 1 W1 P2: Ward 1, Prednct 2 W2P1 : Ward 2, Prednct 1 W3P1 : Ward 3, Prednct 1 W4P1 : Ward 4, Prednct 1 City of Shorewood Ward Map X Polling PIa", PlJbIk: Safety .... Building ~~t~~re Center i THE SHORE REPORT / NOVEMBER 2006