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August 2004 Shore ReportINSIDE th Park News .................. 2 Council Activities ........... 3 Planning Notes ............ 3 Ward Map ........... :• 115 Voting Location Info ........ 5' Senior Corner ............... 6 Recycling /Environment ..... 6 Zebra Mussels .............. 6 National Night Out........ . 7 Community Events.......... 7 Public Hearings /Map....... , is Election 2004 Voter Registration Deadline P RE- REGISTRATION To vote must be completed by August 24 for the September 14 Primary Election. Simply stop by City Hall or the public library for a Voter's Registration Application, see your July issue of the Shore Report, or download a copy from the Minnesota Secretary of State, wwwsos.state.mn.us /election/. Individuals need to pre - register to vote if: • They have never registered to vote; • They have moved to a new address since last registered; • They changed their name; • They have not voted at least once in the last four years. August 2004 Although registration on the day of an election or at the polling place is permitted, it is quicker to be registered by the pre- registration deadline. If you have any questions or are not sure if you are registered to vote, call City Hall at (952) 474 -3236. ED For Your Calendar: Absetee Ballots Available August 13 Filing for City Office August 24— September 7 Primary Election Day September 14, 2004 General Election Day November 2, 2004 Voting by Absentee Ballot S HOREWOOD RESIDENTS MAY vote by absentee ballot if they cannot 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 religious holiday or beliefs, are an election judge serving in another precinct. Absentee ballots will be available on August 13 for the September Primary Election. Residents must complete an Absentee Ballot Application, available at City Hall or on the City web site. Absentee voting may be completed in- person at City Hall. Allow 10 days for absentee voting by mail. Call City Hall at 952/474 -3236 if you have questions. Absentee Voting ... continued on page 5 Filing to Run for City Office City Office Filing period is August 24 - September 7 T HIS IS THE FIRST YEAR that Shorewood residents will elect their Councilmembers by ward. The Mayor will continue to be elected at- large. Every person who is entitled to vote in Shorewood at any election, is twenty-one (2l ) years of age when assuming office, and will have been a resident in their district for at least 30 days before the General Election is eligible to file as a candidate for city office. The following city offices for Shorewood will be included on the November 2 General Election Ballot: • At- large, Mayor, 2 -year term • Ward 1, Councilmember, 2 -year term • Ward 2, Councilmember, 4 -year term • Ward 3, Councilmember, 2 -year term • Ward 4, Councilmember, 4 -year term Individuals who wish to run for a city office must file an Affidavit of Candidacy and pay a $2.00 filing fee at Shorewood City Hall. Candidates for city office may file beginning Tuesday, August 24. The closing date for city office candidate filing is at 5:00 rM on Tuesday, September 7, 2004. If you have questions about filing to run for municipal office, contact City Hall at 952 -474- 3236. Filing resources for all governmental offices are available on the Secretary of State's web site at wwwsos. state. mn.us. Events cif ) ,- r' "'pT .I ,ark C_umnnission Meeting E:3t h, 1/0uS:C;11ti1 park- rreonlan 7 :0;) ov Plann ommission M(N-T 3 7:Qi :ty C unc it (Meeting /cDFi Se pg. 2 for Council Cable Schedule. s (tn� iii rr s c:n w3errdas are available on the ;_ ;ry v ri t CP aft, fr zl ey are o,ppr'ovecj Wq,1�i =N.C-tSflOrc ^ .VV �.?Q`.r)ri,.tl', WWII P2 W2P1 W3P1 Map Descriptions The following items are on the Planning Commission Agenda 8/3/04: 1. A. 7:00 P.M. Public Hearing is scheduled to consider a request for a conditional use permit to allow two houses temporarily on a single lot at 20625 Garden Rd. 2. The Shorewood Village Shopping Center has applied for a Site Plan Review of potential revisions to the parking lot entry design to improve traffic circulation. Moving? R ESIDENTS wHo MOVE are reminded that they must contact City Hall, 952/474 -3236, to request a final reading of their water meter. Failure to do so could result in additional water charges following the move. ED What's Happening in the City? W1 P7: Ward 1, Precinct 1 W1 P2: Ward 1, Precinct 2 W2P1: Ward 2, Precinct 1 Ward 3, Precinct 1 4, Precinct 1 X Polling Place F4Wrd CITY OF SHOREWOOD S :. * Sou Hall/ Southshore Center 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD 51°IOREW OD, MN 55331 (952)474,3236 FAX (052)474.0128 o n Monday - Friday 8 W to 4 :30 Pei Council Members ,u Woody Love, Mayor x John Garfunkel Christine Liz6e Laura Turgeon r Scott Z( a ;= L I U City Administrator; Craig Dawson W Newsletter Editor. Julie Moore This newsletter is printed on recycled paper. WWII P2 W2P1 W3P1 Map Descriptions The following items are on the Planning Commission Agenda 8/3/04: 1. A. 7:00 P.M. Public Hearing is scheduled to consider a request for a conditional use permit to allow two houses temporarily on a single lot at 20625 Garden Rd. 2. The Shorewood Village Shopping Center has applied for a Site Plan Review of potential revisions to the parking lot entry design to improve traffic circulation. Moving? R ESIDENTS wHo MOVE are reminded that they must contact City Hall, 952/474 -3236, to request a final reading of their water meter. Failure to do so could result in additional water charges following the move. ED What's Happening in the City? W1 P7: Ward 1, Precinct 1 W1 P2: Ward 1, Precinct 2 W2P1: Ward 2, Precinct 1 Ward 3, Precinct 1 4, Precinct 1 X Polling Place F4Wrd Public Safety A Building S :. * Sou Hall/ Southshore Center Y , PRESORTED STANDARD U.S.POSTAGE PAID PERMI - I' #30681 ,MINNE.APOI_ €S, MN Recycling Schedule D UE TO THE LABOR Day Holiday on Monday, September 6, recycling pick -up for mainland residents will be Thursday, September 9; Island residents pick -up will be Friday, September 10.Z] Lost and Found I F YOU FORGET SOMETHING at one of the City parks, contact City Hall to see if it has been located. There is currently a young child's scooter /helmet that was turned in many months ago. Call City Hall at 952/474 -3236 with a description t0 claim.a THE. SHORE REPORT I AUGUST 2004 THE SHORE REPORT /AUGUST 2004 Parks News'. Park Music in the Park R ESIDENTS AND GUESTS were treated to a beautiful evening for the Music in the Park concert Friday July 9th at Freeman Park. About 200 people enjoyed picnic dinners while listening to Bluegrass tunes by the Encampment River Boys. People arrived as early as 6 PM to stake out a good spot to sit and to watch the band set up. The next Music in the Park concert is Friday August 13th from 6:30 - 8:30 PM at Eddy Station in Freeman Park. We are pleased to announce that the Paul Cherba Jazz Quartet will be playing. Cherba's group was scheduled for the first concert in June but was rained out and we are delighted that they were able to reschedule for our August concert. Paul Cherba is a Mound resident. The concession stand at Eddy Station will be open for your convenience, serving brats and hot dogs as well as pop and snacks if you don't have time to pack a picnic. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on and make it a family event. We hope to see you there next time! 'M Carver County Parks Considering Off -Leash Dog Park M ANY RESIDENTS IN Shorewood have suggested there is a need for an off -leash dog park in our area. While Shorewood has always been known for being a dog - friendly community and commissioners have often discussed options within our parks, there simply is not enough open space in any of the parks to do a proper job. At the July Park Commission meeting Lenny Schmitz, Parks Coordinator for Council on Cable City Council meetings are broadcast on Cable Channel 8 at: July 26 Meeting MONDAY, AIIG[.rST 2 AT 5:30 PM WEDNESDAY_ AUGUST 4 AT 1:30 PM August 9 Meeting TUESDAY, AUGUST 10 AT 9:30 PM THURSDAY, AtIGUST 12 AT 9:30 AM WEDNESDAY. AUGUST 18 AT 5:30 PM FRIDAY, Ailm[ST 20 AT 1:30 PM August 23 Meeting TUESDAY, AUGUST 24 AT 9:00 AM TIIURSD.AY, AUGUST 26 AT 9:30 PM MONDAY, AITGUST 30 AT 5:30 PM wwwxi.shorewood.mn.us Carver County Pa 'cs, presented a concept plan for a 15 -acre off -leash dog park at Lake Minnewashta Regional Park, located off Hwy 41 south of Hwy 7. Preliminary plans are to upgrade an area north of the main entrance and east of the nature trails currently being used as a storage area. Mr. Schmitz was soliciting community support from Shorewood, Chanhassen, Victoria, Excelsior and Chaska, noting that 75% of usage came from within a 6- Commiss of - - 1 Opening T HE CITY OF SHOREWOOD has one opening on its Park Commission. The Park Commission is an advisory board to the City Council. The Park Commission meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 PM. This is a voluntary position beginning immediately and ending January 31, 2006. If you are a resident of Shorewood interested in serving on the Park Commission, please send a letter of interest to: City of Shorewood, 5755 Country Club Rd., 55331; or send an e -mail to cityha11@ci.shorewoodmn.us ;or fax to 952/474 -0128. Interviews are typically scheduled for a Monday evening prior to the regular Council meeting. For more information, contact the City at 952/474 - 3236.E mile radius of the park. Commissioners were very excited and asked to be kept informed as the planning process moves forward. Residents can share their questions, comments and support with the Park Commission by e- mailing us via the city at cityhall @ci.shorawood.mn. us. We will in turn share your a -mails with Mr. Schmitz.M V 21 st Annual National Night I F YOU HAVE NOT YET planned your neighborhood National Night Out event, it's not too late to do something! Even encouraging neighbors to all take a walk around the neighborhood that evening at a certain time can help foster neighborly relationships. Other ideas for last minute events: • A kick -ball game or basketball shoot -off contest. • A driveway gathering for hotdogs or pizza, drinks, or just some conversation. • Meet to pick the date for the annual holiday party. Anything counts ... it's just an excuse to get neighbors together! If you have any questions about National Night Out, please contact Dave Hohertz at the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department, 952/474 -3261. M Mound National Night out Celebration for Islands 0 N 'IbEsDAY,AUGUST 3RD, Shorewood residents of the Islands who receive public safety service from the City of Mound are invited to the "21st Annual National Night Out" crime and drug prevention event. National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. From 6 - 8 PM on August 3, residents are invited to the Mound Public Safety Building located at 2415 Wilshire Blvd. Tours will be given of the new facility. Crime prevention materials will be available and McGruff will be at the facility. Police car rides will be given to the children. Hotdogs and ice cream bars will be served. Hennepin County Water Patrol will be present along with a Hennepin County K9 Officer to give a demonstration with his K9 partner. The State Patrol Helicopter may also participate in the event. A girl's and boy's bicycle will be given away along with helmets and locks. The names will be drawn after the event and the winners will be contacted by phone at a later date. If you have any questions regarding this event, please call the Mound Fire Department, 952/472 - 3555.:, Drive Safely: School Is In Session INNETONKA SCHOOLS begin the 2004 -05 school year on September 1 this year, the week before Labor Day. When school is in session, drivers are reminded that the Shorewood area has many children who are bussed to school, and drivers should drive with caution during "bus stop hours ". Drivers should be prepared to stop for children darting into the street, and should be careful about making complete stops at the stop signs around bus stops. When a bus is stopped with its red lights flashing, cars from both directions must come to a complete stop and remain stopped until the lights quit flashing. Bus drivers will turn in the license plate numbers of any cars not obeying these rules and drivers will be ticketed. The South Lake Minnetonka Police Department advises motorists to obey school zone speed limits. Officers will be out in force during the first weeks of school making sure motorists slow down. ED 7 THE SHORE REPORT /AUGUST 2004 Community Events Eco -Yard Seminars Hennepin Cnty Eco -Yard 8100 Jefferson Hwy Brooklyn Park Register for the following free classes by calling 6121348 -9266. Selecting and Using Native Plants Wednesday, August 18; 6:30 PM Earth Friendly Landscaping Design Wednesday, August 25; 6:30 PM Excelsior Library The Reading Magician Tuesday, August 3; 2 Pm Norm Barnhart presents a comedy /magic show that encourages children to read Held at Mount Calvary Church, 301 County Road 19, Excelsior. Schiffelly Puppets Wed" August 11; 10:30 & 11:30 AM ENTER LIBRARY THROUGH CITY HALL. Join the fun as the Schiffelly Puppets state, "The Slightly Silly Misadventured Adventures on Treasure Island, " a particularly practical, practiced parody of Robert Louis Stevensons classic pirate adventure "Treasure Island", with a perfect premise about a princess, some pirates, a pizza -man, and a preoccupied platypus named Rusty. Dial -A -Ride T RANSPORTATION SERVICES are available to Shorewood Residents via Dial -A- Ride, a service funded under contract with the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging, Inc. and the Metropolitan Council. Hours are 7:30 AM -3:30 Pm, Monday - Friday; 8 Am -12 Pm, Saturday and Sunday. Cost for the service is $1.50 each way for the General Public, and a suggested donation of $1 for Seniors. To request a ride, please call 952/474- 7441 Monday- Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM. www. ci.shorewood. mn. us Planning Commission Notes W ITH THE PLANNING Commission's recent recommendation to approve development of the 7 -acre parcel of land located near Noble Road and Grant Lorenz, one of the last large undivided properties in the City will in all likelihood soon be developed for single - family homes. The process by which a larger lot is split into smaller individual properties is referred to as a subdivision. The Shorewood City Code controls how that process works. Types of Subdivisions There are two types of subdivisions: a minor subdivision and a formal plat. A minor subdivision is, as the name implies, logistically simple. Under a minor subdivision, a property owner is allowed to split his /her property into two legally distinct units. As long as the two new lots meet the minimum size requirements for the zoning district in which they lie and various technical conditions are satisfied, the subdivision will generally be approved without extended discussion, and no public hearing is required. An original lot may be divided only once through the minor subdivision process. A formal plat is a much more involved operation. In this situation, the property owner is proposing to split the original lot into more than two lots. The City Code requires that the applicant provide the City with three separate illustrations of the proposed subdivision: a sketch plan, a preliminary plat, and a final plat. Planning: Plans and Plats The sketch plan is a rudimentary document showing the boundary of the property, proposed lot locations, street layouts, and significant topographical features. This document gives the City's planning staff an opportunity to get a feel for the general design of the subdivision. The preliminary plat is actually the most important document in the whole platting process. Among other features, it provides detailed information regarding the location of streets, walkways, setback areas from lot lines, utility easements, a statement of the number and use of the lots, and soil grading plans. Further, licensed professionals must provide a land survey, a tree survey and tree protection plan, a soil analysis and a soil erosion and sediment control plan, and a drainage analysis. The preliminary plat is designed to give the City's planning department, the Commission and the public the opportunity to carefully analyze and understand the scope of the project and its impact on the property and surrounding neighborhood. At the public hearing where the preliminary plat is presented, residents are able to voice their thoughts and the Commission is able to question the developer regarding issues of interest. The Commission may request that the developer make perhaps substantial modifications in the plans to resolve important concerns. The final plat incorporates any required changes to the preliminary plat and becomes a legally recordable document providing exact dimensions for lot boundaries, corner angles, streets and easements. Most final plats are accompanied by a development agreement — a contract between the developer and the City, setting forth the conditions of plat approval and establishing financial securities that ensure that the project will be developed as approved. When a formal plat is applied for, neighbors within 500 feet of the property under review are provided notices of a public hearing by the Commission to review the preliminary plat. If you have concerns about a development proposal, the hearing is your opportunity to comment and bring issues of concern to the Commission's attention.Z] Jeff Bailey, Chair Shorewood Planning Commission E THE SHORE REPORT/ AUGUST 2004 Since the most recent newsletter, the City Council: • Accepted the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Year 2003. The City received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association for this report. Congratulations to City Staff for dedication and efforts in preparing the CAFR! • Set a Public Information Meeting for the Timber Lane Watermain Project on July 21, 2004. • Heard a Report from Tom Skramstad, City Representative to the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District. • Approved the Excelsior Fire District Capital Equipment Plan. • Held discussions on the 2005 Proposed Budget for the Excelsior Fire District. • Authorized Expenditures for a Feasibility Report for the Boulder Bridge Storm water Lift Station. • Heard residents concern for high water issues in the Shorewood Oaks neighborhood and McLaine Road neighborhood. • Held discussions in a Work Session regarding storm water policies and issues. City Drainage Info Meeting R ESJDENPS ARE INVITED to attend a public information meeting regarding water drainage in their neighborhoods. The session is 5:30 - 8 PM on Wednesday, August 4. If you have questions about this meeting, please call City Hall i at 952/474 -3236. { www.ci.shorewood.mn.us Tfir SHORE REPORT /AUGUST 2004 Senior C.,olvncr lA trip to Clemens & Munsinger Gardens in St. Cloud will be offered on Wednesday, August 11. A stop for lunch (cost on your own) will be at DB Searle's. The trip cost is $12, which includes transportation and a coffee stop. Call the Center to make a reservation. A AA WILL OFFER a 4 -hour refresher Senior Driving Class on Friday, August 13 from 1 to 5 PM. To register call toll free 1- 888 - 234 -1294. OME AND MEET the Dog in the Blue Coat at the Center on Monday, August 16 at Noon. The Helping Paws Minnesota Chapter will present a demonstration of the service dogs that help further independence of individuals with physical disabilities. July and August birthdays will be celebrated. Call the Center to sign up. The lunch cost is $3. MEDICINE CABINET check up will e offered on Tuesday, August 17 between the hours of 12:30 and 1:30 PM. A pharmacist from Center Drug in Chanhassen will sit down with people one on one and go over medications. This will include both prescription and over the counter drugs. Bring your questions about drug interactions, dosages, etc. No cost. Call the Center to schedule an appointment. A THREE-HOUR CRUISE on the elegant "Paradise Lady" on the Mississippi River will be held on Thursday, September 9 from Noon to 3 PM. A riverside picnic lunch will be served during the cruise. The cost is $49, which includes the cruise, lunch, tax, gratuity and transportation. Reservations can be made by calling the Center. The Southshore Center is located at 5735 Country Club Road, Shorewood. The office is open dailyfrom 8: 30 AMto 4 Pnr For more information or to register for classes call (952) 474 -7635. T rx Recycling /Environmental News Recycle Your Technology Hardware 0 FFICE DEPOT IS TAKING unwanted PC, laptop, printer, handheld, cell phones and other qualifying products free of charge through Labor Day. Only one item per person per day may be dropped off at any Office Depot store. The items will be sent to HP for recycling. Products can be from vendors other than HP. A complete list of qualifying products is available at www. officedepot. com, or by calling 1- 800 -GO- DEPOT. Furniture TV consoles, and electric appliances will not be accepted. N Zebra Mussels Prevention T HE ZEBRA MUSSEL IS a brown and yellow fingernail -sized mussel. It is currently found in several large bodies of water in Minnesota, and the DNR and LMCD (Lake Minnetonka Conservation District) are working hard to educate the public on how to prevent the spread of the zebra mussel to other waters. To help prevent the spread of zebra mussels into our local lakes, the LMCD has adopted an ordinance for all special events on Lake Minnetonka. This ordinance requires that all boats that have been in zebra mussel infested waters 30 days prior be completely dry for five days or to have been inspected and/or washed prior to the event. "Save the Lake" funds were used to purchase a high - pressure washer that is available to the public free- of- charge. Any watercraft that might have been in infested waters should have their watercraft cleaned. The washdown station is at the Hennepin County Transportation Facility in Orono ' z ., along County Road 15, one block east of Spring Park Bay access. For more information on the facility or on the LMCD zebra mussel prevention program, please call the toll free hotline number at 1- 877 -525 -3873. For an updated list of waters currently infested with zebra mussels, please contact the DNR at 651/297 -4888, or LMCD at 952/745 -0789. M Dutch Elm Disease Management Y OU MIGHT HAVE SEEN reports about the return of Dutch Elm Disease to the metro area. Shorewood has had several reports of trees that have died from the disease. If you notice a tree in the public right -of -way that might have the disease, please notify City Hall immediately. If you notice a tree on your property with the disease, please contact an arborist as soon as possible. Early detection can help prevent a widespread epidemic that might destroy all of the Shorewood Elms! For information on Dutch Elm Disease and what to watch for, see the USDA Forest Service web site at http: / /wwwna fs fed. us /spfo /pubs /howtos /ht_ ded /ht_ded. htm for a very thorough article on the management and prevention of Dutch Elm Disease. You may contact the St. Paul Field Office at 651/649 - 5243.E www.ci.shorewood.mmus 6 THE SHORE REPORT/AUGUST 2004 City of Shorewood Ward and Precinct Map Effective September 10, 2002 Polling Site Address: Ward 1, Precinct 1 - W1 P1 - Residence, 4445 Enchanted Point Ward 1, Precinct 2 - W1 P2 - Minnewashta Church, 26710 West 62nd Street Ward 2, Precinct 1 - W2P1 - Shorewood City Hall, 5755 Country Club Road Ward 3, Precinct 1 - W3P1 - Excelsior United Methodist Church, 840 Highway 7 Ward 4, Precinct 1 - W4P1 - Excelsior Covenant Church, 19955 Excelsior Blvd. * Polling Site www.ci.shorewood. mn.us THE SHORE REPORT / AUGUST 2004 There are several ways to access City Hall to comment or ask questions related to the upcoming election: Telephone - (952) 474 -3236 The Shoreline - (24 -hour message center) (952) 474- 3236,ext.1 Fax - (952) 474 -0128 E -mail - cityhall @ci.shorewood.mn.us All questions will be answered during normal business hours (8 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday). Where To Vote A ll registered voters will receive a notice by mail of their polling site location and the name of their ward and precinct. If you have any questions about where you should vote, you may check the Secretary of State's voter web site, http: 11pollfinder.sos. state. mn.us, or call City Hall at 952/474 -3236. A larger version of this polling map is located at City Hall. The map is also available on th City web site. Absentee Voting... Continued from page 1 More on Absentee Voting I F YOU ARE IN A WEALTH cma facility, an absentee ballot can be mailed or delivered to you by an agent designated by you. Call City Hall, 952/474 -3236, for more information. If you are in the armed forces or residing outside the United States, you may vote by absentee ballot using the address where you last lived in Minnesota. A special application form is required. Hennepin County residents should contact the Hennepin County Election Division, 612/348 -5151, or contact the voting assistance officer in your military unit. Your parent, spouse, brother, sister or child at least 18 years of age may also request an absentee ballot for you by completing this same form. V] www.ci.shorewood.mn.us THE SHORE REPORTI AUGUST 2004 Senior r trip to Clemens & Munsinger Z in St. Cloud will be offered on Wednesday, August 11. A stop for lunch (cost on your own) will be at DB Searle's. The trip cost is $12, which includes transportation and a coffee stop. Call the Center to make a reservation. AA WILL OFFER a 4 -hour refresher Senior Driving Class on Friday, August 13 from 1 to 5 Pm. To register call toll free 1- 888 - 234 -1294. OME AND MEET the Dog in the Blue Coat at the Center on Monday, August 16 at Noon. The Helping Paws Minnesota Chapter will present a demonstration of the service dogs that help further independence of individuals with physical disabilities. July and August birthdays will be celebrated. Call the Center to sign up. The lunch cost is $3. MEDICINE CABINET check up will T - lbe offered on Tuesday, August 17 between the hours of 12:30 and 1:30 PM. A pharmacist from Center Drug in Chanhassen will sit down with people one on one and go over medications. This will include both prescription and over the counter drugs. Bring your questions about drug interactions, dosages, etc. No cost. Call the Center to schedule an appointment. THREE -HOUR CRUISE on the elegant "Paradise Lady" on the Mississippi River will be held on Thursday, September 9 from Noon to 3 Pm. A riverside picnic lunch will be served during the cruise. The cost is $49, which includes the cruise, lunch, tax, gratuity and transportation. Reservations can be made by calling the Center. The Southshore Center is located at 5735 Country Club Road, Shorewood. The office is open dailyfrom 8: 30 AMto 4 PM For more information or to register for classes call (952) 474 -7635. www.ci.shorewood.mn.us Recycling /Environmental News Recycle Your Technology Hardware 0 FFICE DEPOT IS TAKING unwanted PC, laptop, printer, handheld, cell phones and other qualifying products free of charge through Labor Day. Only one item per person per day may be dropped off at any Office Depot store. The items will be sent to HP for recycling. Products can be from vendors other than HP. A complete list of qualifying products is Zebra Mussels Prevention T HE ZEBRA MUSSEL Is a brown and yellow fingernail -sized mussel. It is currently found in several large bodies of water in Minnesota, and the DNR and LMCD (Lake Minnetonka Conservation District) are working hard to educate the public on how to prevent the spread of the zebra mussel to other waters. To help prevent the spread of zebra mussels into our local lakes, the LMCD has adopted an ordinance for all special events on Lake Minnetonka. This ordinance requires that all boats that have been in zebra mussel infested waters 30 days prior be completely dry for five days or to have been inspected and/or washed prior to the event. "Save the Lake" funds were used to purchase a high - pressure washer that is available to the public free- of- charge. Any watercraft that might have been in infested waters should have their watercraft cleaned. The washdown station is at the Hennepin County ! Transportation " Facility in Orono • along County Road F 15 one block east of Spring Park Bay access. For more information on the facility or on the LMCD zebra mussel prevention program, please call the toll free hotline number at 1- 877 -525 -3873. For an updated list of waters currently infested with zebra mussels, please contact the DNR at 651/297 -4888, or LMCD at 952/745 -0789. Q Dutch Elm Disease Management Y OU MIGHT HAVE SEEN reports about the return of Dutch Elm Disease to the metro area. Shorewood has had several reports of trees that have died from the disease. If you notice a tree in the public right -of -way that might have the disease, please notify City Hall immediately. If you notice a tree on your property with the disease, please contact an arborist as soon as possible. Early detection can help prevent a widespread epidemic that might destroy all of the Shorewood Elms! For information on Dutch Elm Disease and what to watch for, see the USDA Forest Service web site at http: / /www nafsfed. us /spfo /pubs /howtos /ht ded /ht_ded. htm for a very thorough article on the management and prevention of Dutch Elm Disease. You may contact the St. Paul Field Office at 651/649 -5243 6 Planning Commission Notes W ITH THE PLANNING Commission's recent recommendation to approve development of the 7 -acre parcel of land located near Noble Road and Grant Lorenz, one of the last large undivided properties in the City will in all likelihood soon be developed for single - family homes. The process by which a larger lot is split into smaller individual properties is referred to as a subdivision. The Shorewood City Code controls how that process works. Types of Subdivisions There are two types of subdivisions: a minor subdivision and a formal plat. A minor subdivision is, as the name implies, logistically simple. Under a minor subdivision, a property owner is allowed to split his/her property into two legally distinct units. As long as the two new lots meet the minimum size requirements for the zoning district in which they lie and various technical conditions are satisfied, the subdivision will generally be approved without extended discussion, and no public hearing is required. An original lot may be divided only once through the minor subdivision process. A formal plat is a much more involved operation. In this situation, the property owner is proposing to split the original lot into more than two lots. The City Code requires that the applicant provide the City with three separate illustrations of the proposed subdivision: a sketch plan, a preliminary plat, and a final plat. Planning: Plans and Plats The sketch plan is a rudimentary document showing the boundary of the property, proposed lot locations, street layouts, and significant topographical features. This document gives the City's planning staff an opportunity to get a feel for the general design of the subdivision. The preliminary plat is actually the most important document in the whole platting process. Among other features, it provides detailed information regarding the location of streets, walkways, setback areas from lot lines, utility easements, a statement of the number and use of the lots, and soil grading plans. Further, licensed professionals must provide a land survey, a tree survey and tree protection plan, a soil analysis and a soil erosion and sediment control plan, and a drainage analysis. The preliminary plat is designed to give the City's planning department, the Commission and the public the opportunity to carefully analyze and understand the scope of the project and its impact on the property and surrounding neighborhood. At the public hearing where the preliminary plat is presented, residents are able to voice their thoughts and the Commission is able to question the developer regarding issues of interest. The Commission may request that the developer make perhaps substantial modifications in the plans to resolve important concerns. The final plat incorporates any required changes to the preliminary plat and becomes a legally recordable document providing exact dimensions for lot boundaries, corner angles, streets and easements. Most final plats are accompanied by a development agreement — a contract between the developer and the City, setting forth the conditions of plat approval and establishing financial securities that ensure that the project will be developed as approved. When a formal plat is applied for, neighbors within 500 feet of the property under review are provided notices of a public hearing by the Commission to review the preliminary plat. If you have concerns about a development proposal, the hearing is your opportunity to comment and bring issues of concern to the Commission's attention.) Jeff Bailey, Chair Shorewood Planning Commission ki THE SHORE REPORT / AUGUST 2004 u ndiii tivtil:- Since the most recent newsletter, the City Council: • Accepted the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Year 2003. The City received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association for this report. Congratulations to City Staff for dedication and efforts in preparing the CAFR! • Set a Public Information Meeting for the Timber Lane Watermain Project on July 21, 2004. • Heard a Report from Tom Skramstad, City Representative to the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District. • Approved the Excelsior Fire District Capital Equipment Plan. • Held discussions on the 2005 Proposed Budget for the Excelsior Fire District. • Authorized Expenditures for a Feasibility Report for the Boulder Bridge Storm water Lift Station. • Heard residents concern for high water issues in the Shorewood Oaks neighborhood and McLaine Road neighborhood. • Held discussions in a Work Session regarding storm water policies and issues. City Drainage Info - Meeting R LSIDENTS ARE INVITED to attend a public information meeting regarding water drainage in their neighborhoods. The session is 5:30 - 8 Pm on Wednesday, August 4. If you have questions about this meeting, please call City Hall at 952/474 -3236. www.ci.shorewood.mmus