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January 2006 Shore ReportJanuary 2006 Planning /Park Commission Openings M O O r 0 �V 0 N a • w P OSITIONS ON THE Planning and Park Commissions are open for application to interested Shorewood residents through Friday, January 20, 2006, 4:30 PM. Both Commissions act as advisory boards to the City Council. The Planning Commission meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month; the Park Commission meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Additional meetings are sometimes needed. Questions about the role of a Commissioner may be answered by calling City Hall, 952/474 -3236. The Council will appoint the positions in February and terms begin March 1, 2006. If you are interested in serving a three - year term on either Commission, please submit a letter of interest and/or a resume to: Craig Dawson, City Administrator City of Shorewood 5755 Country Club Road Shorewood, MN 55331 FAX: (952) 474 -0128 E -mail: cityhall @ci.shorewood.mn.us Zu O IOWA �v K NO INSIDE Volunteer Opportunities . Ice Skating ............ . 2 Adopt -a- Hydrant ..... _: 3 Planning Notes .......... 3 Community Events...... - -4 Clear the Road .......... 4 E -mail Scam ........... 4 Senior Comer ........... 5 Christmas Tree Disposal . 5 Recycling ...............' 5 Public Hearings /Map ..... 6 Process to Resolve SLMPD Issues Approved T HE CITIES O Shorewood, Greenwood, Excelsior, and Tonka Bay jointly own the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department (SLMPD). The saga of the cities to resolve several disagreeinents going back to 2003 are well known to many. In December, the four city councils agreed to a process that it is hoped will resolve many of the issues. In the approved process, the city councils have agreed to make changes to the SLMPD 2006 Budget Approved T HE CITY COUNCIL approved the 2006 Budget and property tax levy at its December 13 meeting. The council reduced the porposed levy by $57,000, so the resulting City levy will increase 9.37 percent. Highlights ofthe proposed budget were presented in the December Shore Report. Detailed budget information is available at City Hall and on the City's website. Contact the Finance Department, 952/474 -3236, with comments or questions. Fl joint powers agreement. Provisions related to dispute resolution and withdrawal from the agreement would be added. Changes would be made to provide adjustments for inflation and contractual obligations if all four city councils could not approve the SLMPD budget by September 1 in any year. The most difficult issue over the past three years has been the share of costs that each city is required to pay. This matter would be put to a panel of three retired judges who would arbitrate the funding allocation, and whose decision would be binding. Currently, Shorewood pays 46.0% of the operating budget; Excelsior, 29.5 %; Tonka Bay, 16.0% and Greenwood, 8.5 %. Arbitration would begin on February 1, and the panel's decision would need to be rendered by July L Mee and .v ents 1/2 iiGL'sDN" -- Offices Closed . ,i Planning Commission Meeting` 7:00 r'J� a:ojric i Meeting i - 0 TC ! P -.v Parik Cornmission ,Meeting H0Lll).AY -- ces Closed t r' i~o cil meeatin� agendas sra4J bra, �.ncf on t City %rah site, THE SHORE REPORT/ JANUARY 2006 Volunteer Board Opportunities MCES Advisory Council O PEN TO MINNETONKA School District #276 residents, this council advises, promotes and supports MCES programs, services and budgets. Meetings are open to district residents. This Council meets at 7 PM the second Thursday of each month. (See http: / /Www.minnetonka.kl2.mn.usl mces/advisorycouncil.html for contact information.) LMCC Board T HE LAKE MINNETONKA Communications Commission strives to ensure appropriate cable communications standards to its cities' residents. All meetings are held the third Tuesday of the month at 5 PM, with the full committee meeting 4 times per year, and the Executive Committee meeting 8 times per year. Meetings are open to the public. (See http://Www.imec-tv.or for more information.) LMCD Board T hE LAKE MINNETONKA Conservation District Board of Directors reviews various license application requests (special events permits, multiple docks, charter boats, etc.), considers studies of lake issues, takes measures to control Eurasian Watermilfoil and other exotic species, and considers other lake - management issues. Meetings are open to the public and are at 7 PM on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. (See www.lmcd.org for more information.) Watershed District Board Position T HE MINNEHAHA Creek Watershed District is appointed by the Hennepin and Carver county boards. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. If you are interested in applying for a position on this board, please contact MCWD at 952/471 -0590, or e-mail at admin @minnehahacreek. org. (See http: / /Wtivw.minnehahacreek. orgihydro_wtrshd_info.php for more information.) Other Opportunities M ANY OPPORTUNITIES exist to volunteer on Hennepin County boards. For a complete list of available opportunities, please see the Hennepin County web site, wwwco.hennepin.mn.us, enter keyword: Advisory Boards, or contact Hennepin County at 612/348 -3081. �1 Winter Fun in Shorewood W E HAVE LOTS of snow which makes for winter fun in Shorewood parks! There is a great sledding hill at Silverwood Park (5775 Covington Road). Hockey rinks are in full swing at Badger and Cathcart parks (5745 Country Club Road and 26655 West 62nd Street); in addition, Manor (20630 Manor Road) and Silverwood parks have ice skating areas. The LRT trail is groomed and waiting for cross country skiers, who can then step off of the path into Freeman Park (25800 State Hwy 7) for a whirl around the open space. Of course there are still the playgrounds at most of the parks, waiting for the building of some snow children. 5) Since the most recent newsletter, the Council has: • Held the City's annual Truth in Taxation Public Hearing Dec. 5. • Held two work sessions regarding the City Hall building and space needs study. Council will continue discussion on City Hall space needs at its January 9 meeting. • Approved a conditional use permit for additional accessory space to construct a detached garage at 4550 Enchanted Point. • Approved a conditional use permit for fill in excess of 100 cu. yds., for the purpose of creating a level surface to build a swimming pool at 19735 Muirfield Circle. • Approved a Preliminary Plat for Apple Ridge 3rd Addition, which allows for replatting two outlots into four outlots. Three of the outlots are subject to a conservation easement. • Approved two minor subdivisions for 20520 & 20540 Excelsior Blvd., and 23975 Yellowstone Trail. Skating Fun in the City I TS TIME TO SHARPEN those skate blades and get ready to hit the ice rinks of Shorewood! The Public Works Department is ready for a few days of below - freezing temperatures so they can begin the task of preparing the Shorewood ice rinks f o r skaters. When the ice is ready, warming houses are open at Cathcart, Badger and Manor Parks. Warming House Schedule: (Rinks open in mid - December depending upon weather conditions and close in mid - February.) Monday- Friday ........3:30 PM — 9 PM Saturday ..................... 11 AM — 9 PM Sunday ......................... Noon — 9 PM Holidays .................... 10 AM — 9 PM Closing times may vary slightly if rink is not in use or an attendant is not available. Warming houses will be posted when closer Note to Parents: Please make sure that arrangements are `'�& made for picking your skater un before closinu times, as telephones are not available at the warming houses. Hennepin County has a 10 PM curfew regulation for juveniles 14 and younger. This will be enforced at the skating rinks. If you have any questions or comments regarding rink operations or maintenance, please call City Hall at 952/474 -3236. ED www ci. shorewood. mn. us THE SHORE REPORT /JANUARY 2006 Planning Commission Motes The Planning Commission recently heard a proposal for the construction of an office building at the corner of County Road 19 and Wood Duck Lane, across the street from the Shorewood Yacht Club. Currently, the Shorewood Nursery operates on that site. The proposal has at least two interesting aspects to it. First, office buildings are relatively rare in Shorewood. Residential properties dominate the city's building inventory. The few commercial districts in the city generally contain businesses providing retail services to residents. In fact, one can find office buildings in only three areas of the city: just to the west of the Shorewood Shopping Center; at Highway 7 and Chaska Road; and, to the west of Vinehill Road along Highway 7. More importantly, the site of the proposed structure is zoned Residential Commercial /Shoreland. The Residential Commercial (R -C) district is a low intensity commercial use district, designed to serve as a transition between more intensive commercial uses and residential neighborhoods. Office buildings are quite consistent with R -C zoning, as tenants typically conduct business during daytime hours, traffic is relatively light, and noise is not usually an issue. However, the Shoreland District designation of this property is problematic for this proposal. What is a Shoreland District? A zoning district is designated as Shoreland if it lies within 1000 feet of a lake greater than 10 acres in size. In those areas, considerably more stringent hardcover regulations are in effect. Hardcover consists of impermeable materials such as asphalt or concrete contained in parking lots and walkways as well as the structures that sit on a property. Storm water falling on hardcover doesn't soak into the soil where particulates can be absorbed, but instead runs off into storm sewers and surrounding properties. If the runoff receives no natural purification, reduced water quality results. This is particularly a problem the closer the hardcover is to lakes and streams where storm water runoff can quickly reach them. As a result, Shoreland Districts limit hardcover to 25% ofthe lot area. These restrictions are not often a hindrance to residences, but businesses need much more hardcover to operate economically. Outside of . the Shoreland District, businesses are allowed considerably more hardcover than are residences. The developer has proposed that the amount of hardcover allowed in the RC /Shoreland District be increased to a maximum of 7.5% (consistent with commercial properties outside of a Shoreland District). In exchange, the developer proposes a system of storm water treatment in the form of underground storage and above - ground treatment ponds. Properly designed and maintained, such systems have proved effective in other circumstances. The recent Cub development in the Shorewood Village Shopping Center has a very elaborate arrangement of underground storage and treatment tunnels. The Planning Commission requested that the developer and the city's engineering consultants provide additional information regarding the development's storm water management system. If adequate answers are provided, the proposal is likely to proceed to a more detailed site plan discussion. M Jeff Bailey Chair Planning Commission Thank You For Food and Toys T HANK YOU To everyone who donated food and toys to the ICA and Hopkins/ Minnetonka Family Resource Center toy and food drives this season. Many families had a happier holiday thanks to your generosity. Q Adopt -a- Hydrant I TS LOOKS LIKE WE are going to have winter wonderland for the holidays. It is important that you and you neighbors take care of your hydrant. Excelsior Fire District wants to remind the residents that in the event of a fire, every second counts and every moment is precious. Time should be spent fighting the fire instead of searching for a fire hydrant and then shoveling it out. It's not just the person who has the hydrant in their yard. It is the responsibility of everyone in the neighborhood to keep their fire hydrant clear. It is simple to adopt a hydrant. During the winter months the falling snow and the snowplows can bury fire hydrants. When you shovel out your driveway or shovel off your sidewalk take an extra minute to shovel out your neighborhood hydrant. A 3 -foot clear space should be maintained around the circumference of a fire hydrant. Snow is not always the only obstruction firefighters encounter when trying to find or gain access to a hydrant. Be aware of what is around your hydrant. Keep your hydrant visible, do not place holiday displays, garbage cans, or your discarded Christmas Tree around the hydrant. All year round you have to keep the hydrant free of obstructions. This includes shrubs, plants, garbage cans, debris, birdbaths, and any decorative yard ornaments. Fire spreads quickly once its starts. When the hydrant is easily visible, firefighters can get water fast, and start rescue and fight the fire instantly. S Kellie Murphy- Ringate Excelsior Fire District Don't Burn Your Tree A FTER THE HOLIDAYS, discard your tree properly (see page 5). No part of an evergreen should be burned in a fireplace. The sap can collect in your chimney and eventually start a chimney fire. Parts of the tree can travel out of the chimney and land on your roof and start your house on fire. The Excelsior Fire District responds to two to three chimney fires a year caused by burning evergreens.5 www. ci. shorewood. ma us THE SHORE REPORT /JANUARY 2006 Clear Your Street NOWPLOW DRIVERS are out in force, and although Shorewood does not have snow emergency rules, residents are encouraged to keep cars off of the road during snow falls so the snowplow can thoroughly clear the roads. It is also a good idea to set recycling and garbage bins back so they are not knocked over by the plow snow. Residents with basketball hoops and other recreational items along the roadway are also encouraged to move them for the winter months. It is difficult for plow drivers to get around this equipment, and the items can create a hazard for the driver and anyone who might be around the equipment if it happens to either get hit, or if the heavy snow pushes it over. B s E- . — i a ' T HE FBI IS WARNING the public to avoid falling victim to an ongoing mass e -mail scheme wherein computer users received unsolicited e -mails purportedly sent by the FBI. These scam a -mails tell the recipients that their internet use has been monitored by the FBI and that they have accessed illegal websites. The e -mails then direct the recipients to open an attachment and answer questions. These a -mails did NOT come from the FBI. Recipients of these or similar solicitations should know that the FBI does not engage in the practice of sending unsolicited a -mails to the public in this manner. Opening an e-mail from an unknown sender is a risky and dangerous endeavor as such attachments frequently contain viruses that can infect the recipient's computer. The FBI strongly encourages computer users not to open such attachments. The FBI takes this matter seriously and is investigating. Users receiving e -mails of this nature are encouraged to report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center via http:/ ED Minnesota Landscape Arboretum http://www.arboretum.umn.edu 3675 Arboretum Dr. (Hwy 5), Chaska 952/443 -1400 The Beauty of Bonsai January 7 - 28, Oswald Visitor Center B ONSAI Is THE ART of cultivating dwarf trees, derived from the Chinese practice of growing miniature plants and developed by the Japanese more than a thousand years ago. For this display, bonsai master Kevin Oshima will bring specimens from his own collection — some of which are 100 years old and three feet tall. Two workshops with Kevin Oshima will be held: January 7, 1 p.m. and January 28, 11 a.m. (More information on these workshops coming soon). Free with general Arboretum admission. Family Programs, Treats from the Granary Saturdays and Sundays, January 7 - February 26 12 - 3 p.m. Marion Andrus Learning Center T URN THAT CRANK AND grind your own grain! Use a hand - cranked mill to make the ingredients for a delicious, wholesome treat in our Harvest Kitchen. In January kids and their parents can make soft pretzels. Free with general Arboretum admission. The Color of Light January 10 - April 3, Reedy Gallery M ICHELE POPE MELINA'S warm, richly colored landscape paintings highlight the beauty of our environment and seek to underscore its fragility. Melina also strives to uncover the story within a still life, focusing on the relationship of light and form, all the while retaining a hint of mystery to involve the viewer. Free with general Arboretum admission. Pea Pods Preschool Wednesdays, January 11, 25 9:30 - 11 a.m., Marion Andrus Learning Center F OR CHILDREN, AGES 2 - 5 5, with an adult. Enjoy stories, crafts, a snack, planting and interactive activities to uncover the wonders of plants — all at your own pace! $9 /child (members); $11 /child (non - members); accompanying adult free. To register, call the Education Office at 952- 443 -1422. January 11 Colors, Colors, Everywhere! January 25 Pretzel Day Minnetonka - Hopkins Community Parent Fair Saturday, February 11, 2006 8:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. T HIS YEAR AT Hopkins High School! More information to come. To Council on Cable THE LAKE MINNETONKA CABLE COMMISSION (LMCQ PROVIDES LOCAL CABLE ACCESS SERVICE TO THE CITY OF SHOREWOOD. CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE BROADCAST ON CABLE CHANNEL 8. A COMPLETE LIST OF TIMES SHOREWOOD CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE BROADCAST CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.LAfCC- TV.ORG. CLICK ON CHANNEL 8. YOU MAY ALSO GET PLAYBACK TIMES BY CALLING THE LMCC OFFICE AT 9521471 -7125. Submitted courtesy of South Lake Minnetonka volunteer call 952/401 -6814. Police Department www. ci. shorewood. mn. us Great American History Theatre Chopsticks, Band -Aides and Johnny Unitas, on Thursday, January 19, 2006. Real, people, real stores, really great theatre with time for lunch on your own at the Downtown Fire Grill in St. Paul. Cost of trip includes ticket and transportation $27. Bus pick at Mound at 9 AM, Southshore at 9:15 AM. Sign -up by Friday, January 13. Medicare D Workshop Monday, January 23 at 1 Pmt at the Southshore Center. Call to reserve a spot at 952/474 -7635 AAA Driving Classes AAAis offering SeniorDriverimprovement classes, Wednesday, January 11 from 1 Pmt -5Pmt at the Southshore Center. Call 1/888- 234 -1294. Watercolor Classes Eight- week session begins Thursday, January 26 from 9 Amt -noon. Cost $80. Book Discussion Group The Southshore Book discussion group will meet Thursday, January 26 in the library at the Southshore Center at 10 Amt. January selection is The Captains Wfe by Doug Kelley. Open to the public. Cast Off Into Knitting A new knitting class for beginners begins Wednesday, February 1,1 -3 Pmt. All you need to start is a pair of #8 needles and yarn. Cost: $40 for 8 weeks. Southshore Center will he closed. Monday, January 2, and January 16; Tuesday- Wednesday January 24 -25 The Southshore Center is located at 5735 Country Club Road, Shorewood. For more information or to register for classes call (952) 474 -7635. Room rentals are available at the Southshore Community Center. Call JoAnn at 952/541 -1019. THE SHORE REPORT/ JANUARY 2006 Recycling /Environmental News Christmas Tree Disposal BF1 Christmas trees will be picked up the weeks of January 2 and January 9 on your regular pick -up day, free of charge. The trees must be clean of lights, plastic bags and any decorations and set out curbside. No flocked trees will be accepted. After the week of January 9 you must call BFI and arrange for a pick -up date, and there may be a charge. Call 952/941 -5174 for more information. Waste Management Christmas trees will be picked up the weeks of January 2 and January 16. The trees must be clean of lights, plastic bags and any decorations and set out curbside. Garland and wreaths must be free of wire backing. Flocked trees will be accepted. If you pay for compost service Christmas tree pick up is free of charge on the two pick up days listed. If you do not pay for compost service you must call Waste Management to request a tree pick -up. There will be a $5 charge per tree, garland and wreath. Call 1/800 -450 -9378 for more information or to report a missed pick -up.& "eCycling" Household Electronics ORE THAN HALF of us, according to a nationwide survey, either keep our old computers ourselves, or pass them on to friends or relatives. Nearly 10% donate them to charity and 17% keep them indefinitely. A minuscule 3.6% claim to recycle or "eCycle" their old PCs. Computer monitors and older TV picture tubes contain an average of four pounds of lead, which is known to be harmful to children. In addition to lead, electronic equipment commonly contains chromium, cadmium, mercury, beryllium, nickel, zinc, and brominated flame retardants, all materials that can cause harm to humans if released into the environment. Donate that old computer to charity If your old computer or cell phone is working, consider donating it to a school, library or nonprofit organization. Some computer ref imishers are nonprofit agencies and will even take non - working equipment. Your donation will help others and provide you with a tax break. Contact the manufacturer Some electronics manufacturers offer recycling and reuse alternatives for their products. Companies like Dell, Gateway, Hewlett- Packard and IBM provide recycling and refurbishment options for many of the computer and computer - related products they manufacture. Rules and fees vary. For more information, visit www moea.state. mn. us/plugin/sonyevents. cfm. Contact your retailer Many national retail chains offer recycling programs for broken or unwanted electronics. Some companies that offer this service include AT &T Wireless, Sprint, Verizon, Staples, and Best Buy. Another program, Call to Protect (www wirelessfoundation .org/index.cfm) collects cell phones to give to victims of domestic violence for use in an emergency. The Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance has a comprehensive Web site dedicated to helping consumers find options for old electronic gadgets and gizmos that have reached the end of their life in your home at www.moea.state.mn.us /plugira/ recyclers- household. cfm. EPA's eCycling home page: www. epa.gov/ecycling/index.htm ES 5 www. ci. shorewood. mn. us The heart of active livirs_r g ^r �s v Coundl Members Woody Love, Mayor, Christine liz6e, Ward 1; Laura Turgeon, Ward 2; Paula Callies, Ward 3; Martin Wellens, Ward 4 City Administrator: Craig Dawson ••• Newsletter Editor: Julie Moore Happening W1 P1: Ward 1, Precinct 1 W1 P9- Warri 1 Prarinrt 9 Map Descriptions The following items are on the agenda for the 01 /03/06 Planning Commission meeting: 1. A setback variance is being requested for property located at 5955 Country Club Rd. A public hearing is scheduled for 7 Piet. 2. Frostad Development Co. is requesting a Conditional Use Permit for a commercial office building at 23505 Smithtown Road (Shorewood Nursery). The developer has also requested an amendment to the Zoning Code that would allow up to 75 percent hardcover for commercial properties in the Shoreland District. This item is continued from the December 6th, 2005 meeting. 3. The minor subdivision application for 5840 Christmas Lake Road is continued from the December 6th meeting. 4. The owners of 4695 and 4725 Lagoon Drive are applying for a minor subdivision/combination (lot line rearrangement) between their properties. THE SHORE DEPORT /JANUARY 2006 This newsletter is printed on recycled paper. CITY OF SHOREWOOD PRESORTED CELEBRATING 50 YEARS • 1956 -2006 STANDARD U.S.POSTAGE PAID 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD PERMIT #30681 SHOREWOOD, MN 55331 MINNEAPOLIS, MN (952)474.3236 FAX (952)474.0128 0 ' .Monday - Friday 8 AM to 4:34 PM E 6 c E o r7 0 CIA n 3 g ^r �s v Coundl Members Woody Love, Mayor, Christine liz6e, Ward 1; Laura Turgeon, Ward 2; Paula Callies, Ward 3; Martin Wellens, Ward 4 City Administrator: Craig Dawson ••• Newsletter Editor: Julie Moore Happening W1 P1: Ward 1, Precinct 1 W1 P9- Warri 1 Prarinrt 9 Map Descriptions The following items are on the agenda for the 01 /03/06 Planning Commission meeting: 1. A setback variance is being requested for property located at 5955 Country Club Rd. A public hearing is scheduled for 7 Piet. 2. Frostad Development Co. is requesting a Conditional Use Permit for a commercial office building at 23505 Smithtown Road (Shorewood Nursery). The developer has also requested an amendment to the Zoning Code that would allow up to 75 percent hardcover for commercial properties in the Shoreland District. This item is continued from the December 6th, 2005 meeting. 3. The minor subdivision application for 5840 Christmas Lake Road is continued from the December 6th meeting. 4. The owners of 4695 and 4725 Lagoon Drive are applying for a minor subdivision/combination (lot line rearrangement) between their properties. THE SHORE DEPORT /JANUARY 2006 This newsletter is printed on recycled paper.