October 2005 Shore ReportOctober 200
School Board Elections November 8
Westonka School Elections
T HE W ESTONKA SCHOOL DISTRICT will have two elections this year. The first is the November
8, 2005, general election for school board members. The second is on December 13, 2005,
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and will be a Special Bond Referendum election with two questions on the ballot. Shorewood
residents living in the Westonka School District vote at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 5218
Bartlett Blvd.
For more information on, please see the Westonka School District web site, www.westonka.
k12. mn. us. N
Minnetonka School Elections
T HE MINNETONKA S CHOOL DISTRICT will have an election for positions on its school board on
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8, 2005. Shorewood residents living in the Minnetonka Shool District in Ward
3 and 4 will vote at Excelsior Elementary School; Wards 1 and 2 will vote at Minnewashta
elementary School.
For more information on the upcoming school board election, please contact Debbie Hoffman,
Election Coordinator, at 952/401 - 5033.0
Road Construction Update
H IGHWAY 19 ROAD CONSTRUCTION continues, and motorists should be prepared for construction
related delays. The most recent delay is caused by the placement of an asphalt overlay
on Highway 19. The overlay takes approximately one week and should be completed by the
first week of October. Motorists are encouraged to avoid driving through this construction area
whenever possible, especially during peak hours. When you must drive through the construction
area, use extreme caution and drive slowly; be prepared for roadway shifts. Construction will
continue as long as weather permits.
The intersection of Smithtown Road and Highway 19 from the American Legion driveway
to Highway 19 will be closed for the first two to three weeks of October for utility upgrades.
During construction there will be no access through this portion of the intersection and motorists
should find an alternate route. e
Preliminary 2006 Budget and
Tax Levy Approved
Park News ................:f 2
Rake- a -Thon ................
2'
Buckthorn bust ............
`'5 OF O P E N I "...1 ✓�. {..ie.
Senior Corner.......
-
Fire Prevention Week........
4°
Halloween Safety .... I
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Planning Notes ......
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Council Activities ...........'S
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Community Events...
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Recycling Update ..........,
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Hydrant Flushing ...........
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Maps and Public Hearings... 6
0 N SEPTEMBER 12, THE City Council
approved a preliminary 2006 budget and
tax levy. The budget was prepared according
to the priorities and programs identified by the
Council. The proposed 2006 City levy was set
at $4,247,395 and a portion of this ($511,803) is
a special levy for Shorewood's share of the debt
service for the police and fire buildings.
The City Council will hold the Truth -In-
Taxation public hearing on Monday, December
5 at 7 PM at the Shorewood City Hall. If needed,
a continuation hearing will be held on Monday,
December 12. Residents are encouraged to
attend this meeting and to comment on the
proposed budget and tax levy.
The proposed 2006 budget is available for
review at the City office during normal business
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THE SHORE REPORT / OCTOBER 2005
Parks News
Shirley Rice Dedication at Manor Park
L ONGTIME SHOREWOOD resident,
volunteer and city employee, the late
Shirley Rice, will be commemorated with
a dedication stone and plaque installed at
Shorewood's Manor Park.
Shirley Rice was very involved in
the Shorewood community through the
League of Women Voters, the Democratic
Party, Minnetonka West Junior High,
her church, and the City of Shorewood
as Assistant Clerk and Secretary of the
Planning Commission. She inspired
Shorewood residents to visualize and
create Shorewood's future through a
series of planning forums that she led as
part of a long -term planning process for
Shorewood.
"Shirley Rice was a very special member
of the Excelsior - Deephaven League of
Women Voters (now South Tonka League
of Women Voters)," said former fellow
League member Sue Dodson. "She
exemplified the ideal League member
with her enthusiasm, inspiration, wisdom
and hard work."
After her sudden death due to a car
accident in 1977, the League of Women
Voters and the City of Shorewood
established a small garden in her honor
at Manor Park. League members donated
plants and shared maintenance of the
garden for many years. That tradition of
community spirit and volunteerism has
continued over the last five years by a
local community group. The Southshore
Gardeners have taken over the design
and maintenance of the garden, recently
adding a custom- designed bench and
birdhouse to the spot.
Shirley's family has provided continued
financial support for the garden, allowing
for many of the improvements to the
gardens. Installation of the dedication
stone and improvements will be completed
in early October. Stop on by and see what
is new at Manor Park. ZD
By Norma Marien and Judy Farniok,
Southshore Gardeners
Art for the Parks Volunteers Needed
HOREWOOD PARKs FOUNDATION is
ready for the annual Art for the Parks
fundraiser at Minnetonka High School on
Saturday, November 5. Volunteers to help
with set -up, clean -up, concessions, and
Rakers
Needed
T HE NINETEENTH ANNUAL Tonka
Rake- A -Thon is scheduled for
Wednesday, October 26 and Saturday,
October 29. 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 Annalisa at Minnetonka
Community Education and Services at
952/401 -6828.
other activities are needed on November
4 and 5. If you are able to help with any
volunteer activities, contact Shorewood
Parks Foundation, 952/843 -0502, or
info@shorewoodparks. org. U]
Thank you to our
Volunteers
T HE ADOPT -A- GARDEN volunteers once
again made Shorewood gardens
show off their summer best. They met the
challenges of road work, flooding rains, no
rain, hail, and wind without a complaint!
Thank you for all of your hard work and
dedication to this project!
City Hall —Nancy Stebbins
Freeman Park Diane Agnew
Southshore Center —
Karen and Dale Newberg
Manor Park —South Shore Gardeners
Cathcart Park —
Lucinda Kircher and Lance Detrude
Silverwood Park -Sandy Ahlstrom
Skate Park Upgrades
N EW EQUIPMENT has been installed
at Southshore Community Park,
located at 5355 St. Alban's Bay Road,
, visible from Highway 7 and Market
Road. This skate park, installed to
give local youth a local place to use
skate boards, is a great place to meet
friends and get some exercise before
the weather takes the opportunity away.
Any comments regarding the skate park
should be directed to City Hall, 952/474 -
3236.
Art for the Parks
SAT, N 0 V5 —
(Muted on
www.d.shorewood.mmus
THE SHORE REPORT I OCTOBER ZOOS
COIN THE SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION FOR THE SHOREWOOD PARKS
Buckthorn Bust
November 5
Join the Shorewood Park Commission in its fight
against Buckthorn at the first Buckthorn Bust,
Saturday, November 5, 9 AM - Noon at Freeman Park.
HE SHOREWOOD BUCKTHORN BUST will include learning to
identify buckthorn, be trained in the removal, and then
gaining some removal experience while helping get rid
of the buckthorn in Freeman Park. Plan on bringing family and
friends and spend an hour learning and helping!
To register for a 1 %Z -hour time slot, please contact City Hall,
952/474 -3236, or register on -line at www ci.shorewood.mn. us.
You will be given instructions on where to meet and what to
bring. Refreshments will be served.
The Success of Buckthorn
B uckthom is not native to Minnesota. It was brought here
as a shrub due to its fast growing and very hardy nature.
That has proven true! In fact, it is so hardy and so fast growing
that it has taken over many of our native plants. Where there is
buckthorn, there eventually will be nothing else.
Common Removal Methods
• Hand Pulling for stems V2 -inch in diameter or less
• Digging for stems 1 V2 -inch in diameter or less
• Wrenching using a weed wrench
• Cutting in combination with chemical treatment
Call City Hall, 952/474 -3236,
to register or to get more information.
FOR INFORMATION ON BUCKTHRON REMOVAL TECHNIOUES, GO TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION SERVICES WEB SITE AT:
www. EXTENSION. uMN.EDuliNFO ulENVIRONMENTIBD5 1 6.HTML w w w. c i. shore wood. m n. us
Tr!E SHORE REPORT I OCTOBER 2005
,.
A trip is being offered to attend the
Geritol Frolics, a senior musical
variety show, in Brainerd on Thursday,
October 6. The cost is $49 and includes
transportation and show ticket.
T he Southshore Center cannot keep
up with the sale of embroidered
dishtowels, so we having a "Dishtowel
Party, " to embroider towels for the Center.
It will be held on Friday, October 7, from
9 to 11 AM. Bring your thimble, needles
and scissors. Towels and embroidery floss
will be provided. Coffee and dessert will
be served.
T he Southshore Center has been
invited to have lunch at the new
Sunrise Assisted Living building in
Minnetonka on Wednesday, October
1Z Call the Southshore Center to make
a reservation. Lunch will be served at
11 :15 AM. No cost. If transportation
is needed, call Dial -A -Ride at 952/474-
7441.
T he annual Beer and Brat Party for
those who have contributed to the Be-
A- Friend annual campaign will be held
on Thursday, October 13. We are near
the fundraising goal of $10,000. Call the
Center for more information.
M eet author Marilyn Zupnik
as she discusses her new book,
Presidential Challenge, on Friday,
October 7, at 12:45 PM. The book is a
multiple- choice journey through the twists
and turns of our presidential elections
from 1789 to 2004. The program will be
entertaining and informative. Come and
test your knowledge! Cost $1.
The Southshore Center is located at 5735
Country Club Road, Shorewood. The office
is open dailyfrom8 :30AMto4rM Formore
information or to register for classes call
(952) 474 -7635.
Fire Prevention Week
October 9 -15
"Use candles with care. When you go out, blow out ".
T fUS YEAR'S Focus for Fire Prevention
Week is on candle safety. Statistics
show that candle fires are one of the few
types of home fires that have increased
dramatically over the past decade, and
two out of five home
candle fires start in
the bedroom. In e
December, the number
of monthly candle fires
nearly doubled, and the
leading source of fuel
is holiday decorations.
Open House October 13
Firefighters are ready to host the biggest
and best Fire Prevention Open House
the community has ever seen. In the new
station we have more space to add more
demonstrations and
activities. Sparky
House and the firefighters
October 13 will be ready to
greet you and are
0 pm always available for
hugs and pictures.
There is on site
F11 n
Thursday,
6 -8:3
Whether you use
candles for romantic dinners, atmosphere,
or celebrations, remember, you're dealing
with an open flame. Candles are tools for
adults and adults need to remember to use
them with the same respect they use other
manual and electrical tools.
parking for your convenience. There will
be free hot dogs, popcorn, cookies, and
McDonalds orange drink. Cold Stone
Creamery will be handing out ice cream
while supplies last. a
Kelly Murphy- Ringate,
Excelsior Fire District
Trick -or -Treat Safety
T HE Sotrrx LAKE Minnetonka Police
Department would like parents to
follow some basic precautions to keep our
trick -or- treaters safe this Halloween.
• Use non - toxic, hypoallergenic face
paint or make -up instead of masks.
Masks can make it hard for kids to see
and breathe.
• Add reflective tape to costumes. Ideally,
costumes should be light - colored.
• Costumes should be short enough so the
child won't trip. Sleeves should not be
too loose - fitting. Avoid footwear that
makes it hard to walk.
• Homemade costumes should be made
of flame - resistant fabric.
• Younger children should only go trick -
or- treating with a responsible older
person. Adolescents and teens should
travel in groups and go only to the
houses of people they know.
• Trick - or- treaters should carry
flashlights. At least one member of the
group should carry a cell phone.
www.ci.shorewood.mn.us 4
• Consider alternatives to trick -or-
treating, such as neighborhood or
school parties or a haunted -house
project.
• Teen and adult drivers wearing costumes
must be sure that the costume does not
obstruct their view. Seat belts must be
worn, even if part of the costume has
to be taken off to fasten it.
• 'Drive slowly and defensively. Don't
assume that a pedestrian, especially an
excited youngster in a costume, will
move as you expect. Keep an eye out
for trick -or- treaters darting out from
between parked cars.
• Homeowners should replace burned -out
exterior light bulbs. Lights should be
left on later than usual, perhaps even
all night. The path to your door should
be kept clear of tripping hazards such
as ladders, garden hoses, flower pots,
bicycles, and dog leashes. Sweep wet
leaves from sidewalks and steps. Keep
excitable pets away from the door. ,
Dave Hohertz,
CSO /Crime Prevention Specialist, SLMPD
The heart of acrive living
THE SHORE REPORT/ OCTOBER 2005
Planning Commission Notes
A Landscape Change May Require a Permit
M OST HOME landscaping
projects don't require a
permit from the city. In general,
property owners are given wide
freedom to design the grade and
vegetation in their yards as they
see fit. There are exceptions
however, whereby a property
owner must apply to the city to make
landscaping changes. One particular
situation that the Planning Commission
has encountered in several cases recently
involves adding large amounts of dirt fill
to a property.
To Improve Drainage
As City residents know, much of
Shorewood's developed property is
located on or near land that was once
marshy area before it was drained for
agriculture and residential use. Parts
of the City are still plagued by difficult
drainage issues. In response, some
property owners have wanted to modify
the contours of their property by bringing
in large amounts of earthen fill. While in
small amounts such projects are allowed
without notifying the City, Shorewood's
Zoning Code requires a Conditional Use
Permit to be issued whenever more than
100 cubic yards of material is brought
onto a site. How much is 100 cubic yards?
A standard dump truck will hold roughly
10 cubic yards of dirt. Thus, 100 cubic
yards equates to roughly about 10 dump
truck loads. That may seem like a large
amount of material at first glance, but for
lot sizes of a half -acre or more, a major
landscaping project could easily require
that much fill and more.
Why a Permit?
Why should the City care about whether
a property owner brings in a large amount
of fill? The answer lies with how such
an addition might affect drainage onto
other properties. Grading alterations
may cause water to shed differently
that it currently does which is often the
rationale for the property owner bringing
in the fill in the first place. The City wants
to be able to study the impact of the fill
on other properties. As a result of that
study, the City Cngineer may
recommend changes in the
way that the fill is placed in
order to avoid adverse water
runoff effects. The Conditional
Use Permit process gives the
City the opportunity before
the fact to investigate whether
such design changes are necessary and
place conditions on how the fill is situated.
It also provides nearby residents a chance
to learn about what is being proposed
before it happens.
Conditional Use Permit
A Conditional Use Permit involves an
application by the property owner to the
City, a public hearing by the Planning
Commission and ultimately action by
the City Council. Often approval for the
fill request is granted; however, it is not
unusual for the Planning Commission to
recommend that adj ustments in the original
proposal be made. Failure to follow the
Conditional Use Permit procedures can
result in the City demanding expensive
remedies, including the requirement that
the improperly placed fill be removed
entirely. Q
Jeff Bailey, Chair, Planning Commission
Since the most recent newsletter,
the City Council:
• Appointed Steven Loheit to the Park
Commission.
• Accepted plans and Specifications for
the Shirley Rice Memorial Garden at
Manor Park.
• Approved the Capital Improvement
Program for the Years 2006 -2010. This
plan outlines improvement projects
throughout the City slated for work in
the designated years.
• Approved the 2006 proposed budget
and set the Truth -in- Taxation Hearing
for December 5, 2005. The Truth -in-
Taxation Hearing allows for resident
comment on the budget and levy limit
issues associated with funding for the
upcoming year.
• Discussed proposals regarding South
Lake Minnetonka Police Department
funding and took no action on the most
recent proposal which was put forth by
the City of Excelsior..
• Adopted a Resolution accepting a
feasibility report and authorizing
plans, specifications and estimates for
interconnection of the Amesbury and
Southeast Area well systems.
Haunted History BOOseum and Ghost Trolley Rides
Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29; 5:30 -8 pm
Historical Society Museum, 305 Water Street, Excelsior
T HE EXCELSIOR -LAKE MINNETONKA Historical Society and Minnesota Transportation
Museum will present a Haunted History BOO -seum and Ghost Trolley rides, 5:30
PM — 8:00 PM, Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29. The event will be held at
the Society's Museum at 305 Water Street (next to Lyman Park), in Excelsior. This
enchanted evening is family friendly and appropriate for tricksters of all ages. The
event will include mysterious BOO -seum tours and Ghost Trolley rides, storytelling,
hot apple cider, treats, and plenty of historical spooks. Tickets are $3 for adults and $2
for children 12 and under, and will be on sale during the event. Proceeds will benefit
the Excelsior -Lake Minnetonka Historical Society.
For more information about the Society contact the Excelsior -Lake Minnetonka
Historical Society, P.O. Box 305, Excelsior, MN 55331; elmhs@stribmail.com;
952/221 -4766; or visit its web site at www elmhs. org. "
5
www.d.shorewood.mn.us
This newsletter is printed on recycled paper.
Happening
W1 P1: Ward 1, Precinct 1
W1P2:Ward 1, Precinct 2
Map Descriptions
The following items are on the Planning Commission
Agenda October 4, 2005:
1. The property owner of 4550 Enchanted Point is requesting approval of a Conditional
Use Permit to allow total accessory space over 1200 square feet in order to add a
detached garage to the property. A public hearing is scheduled for 7:00 P.M.
2. The owner of property located at 5840 Christmas Lake Road is applying for a
minor subdivision to create one additional residential lot. A public hearing is not
required.
Waste Management Recycling
W ASTE MANAGEMENT OF MINNESOTA has purchased E -Z Recycling, the company
who picked up the curbside recycling in Shorewood. Recycling will remain the
same, and residents should continue to co- mingle all glass, cans, plastics bottles with a
neck; paper and paperboard should be in a separate container or bag; cardboard should
be bundled with twine or tape in 3' X 3' or smaller bundles. If you have any recycling
questions, contact Waste Management at 1- 800 -450 -9378. ED
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
Coundl Members
Woody love, Mayor
Christine Wde, Ward 1
Laura Turgeon, Ward 2
Paula Callies, Ward 3
Martin Wellens, Ward 4
City Administrator: Craig Dawson
Newsletter Editor: Julie Moore
PRESORTED
STANDARD
U.S.POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT #30681
MINNEAPOLIS,MN
Hydrant
Flushing in
October
HE 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.
`Flushing is expected to
occur as follows:
Amsbury: October 3 -7
Woodhaven: October 11 -13
Waterford East: October 17 -25
Boulder Bridge: October 26 -31
The schedule for flushing is dependent
upon weather and other public works
emergencies. I
THE SHORE REPORT / OCTOBER 2005