April 2004 Shore ReportAPRIL 2004
Ij,TpjI7
Park News ..................
2
Community Events..........
2
Cable Schedule .............
2
Planning Commission .......
3
Building Permits ............
3:
Council Activities ...........
3
Senior Corner ...............
4
Watermain Flushing.........
4
Bicycle Laws ................
4
Living Green Expo ..........
4
Spring Clean Up ............
S
Road Restrictions ...........
6
Child Safety .................6
Property Valuation ..........
7
Fertilizer Law In Effect
G
HE MINNESOTA LEGISLATURE recently
passed a law, due in a large part to the
efforts of the City of Shorewood, that regulates
the use of phosphorus fertilizers in the metro
area. Effective January 1, 2004, the law
prohibits the use of fertilizers on lawns in the
metro area, unless a soil test shows the necessity
or in the case of a new lawn.
Residents should be cautious about any
fertilizer that ends up on hard surfaces, such
as streets and driveways. Because rain run -off
washes this fertilizer into nearby storm drains,
residents should immediately sweep or wash
any spillage into the grass and off of the hard
surfaces.
In our area, phosphorus adds to the problem
of an over - abundance of green algae found in
lakes and ponds. Besides the unsightly look of
the green scum on the water, too much algae
robs the oxygen from the water creating a
danger for fish and other water animals.
To determine whether or not your fertilizer
contains phosphorus, simply read the three
numbers on the fertilizer bag and make sure
that the center number is "0 ". This number
indicates the percentage of phosphorous in the
fertilizer.
Test Your Soil
Although most area soil is high in phosphorus,
if you have had a problem with thin or light
green grass in the past, you might want to
check your soil. Instructions on soil testing are
available through the University of Minnesota
Extension Service, 612/624 -2200, extension
468. Soil testing kits with instructions are
available at most lawn and garden or hardware
stores.
Severe Storm Awareness
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D URING THE MONTH OF April the State
of Minnesota recognizes Severe Storm
Awareness Week, April 19 -23. It is during
this time that all residents are encouraged to
re- educate themselves about what they should
do during severe weather.
By mid- April, we generally see the first
severe thunderstorms and tornados in the
area. The Minneapolis area is rated number
eight on the Top Twenty Tornado -Prone Cities
with populations over 100,000 in the U.S. This
means that the chances of a tornado occurring
close by are pretty high! To prepare, you should
have a safety plan for your family, similar to the
type of plan you have in case of a fire in your
home.
Board of Review
P ROPERTY OWNERS SHOULD have received
thir property valuation notices in the mail
from ennepin County. Questions you have
regarding your valuation should be directed
to the City Assessor, 952/249 -4640, or the
Hennepin County Assessor's office, 612/348-
3046. If you are not in agreement following
your discussion with the assessor, you may
appeal to the Local Board of Review, scheduled
on Monday, April 19, 7 PM at Shorewood City
Hall. E]
Where to Go
The preferred place of safety during severe
storms and tornados is in the basement away
from the west and south walls. If that's not
possible or there isn't time, you should get
to a center portion of your home away from
windows and under a stable piece of furniture.
An interior bathroom is ideal.
If you are in a car or mobile home and it is
in an area with no permanent structure, you
should get out of the vehicle/home and get
into a ditch.
Severe Storms
Continued on page 6
Upcoming City
Meefings and Events
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THE SHORE REPORT / APRit. 2004
Parks News
Annual Reminder for Shorewood Dog Owners
W ITH SPRING COMES the desire to
get outside and enjoy the fresh
air after months of being behind closed
doors and wrapped in layers of clothes!
Pets are also eager to enjoy the outdoors,
but owners must be reminded of a few
rules in Shorewood:
License Required
All dogs over the age of 6 months are
required to be licensed with the City.
Dogs must wear the license on their collar
when they are on any public properties,
including streets, trails and parks. A
license application is available on the
City web site, www ci. shorewood. mn. us,
or stop by City Hall.
Barking Dogs
Shorewood City Code prohibits owners
from letting dogs bark repeatedly over
at least a five - minute period of time with
one - minute or less lapse of time between
each animal noise, or a two- minute period
between 10 PM and 6 AM. This includes
barking of dogs from private property that
can be heard outside the premise.
Leash Law
Effective lastspring, the City ofShorewood
adopted a leash law. This requires all
dogs on public trails, sidewalks, streets,
and parks to be on a leash of 6 feet or
less at all times. Unfortunately for some
dog owners, this means that letting the
dog run loose in public parks is no longer
an option. This ordinance was enacted in
Council on Cable
City Council meetings are broadcast
on Cable Channel 8 at:
March 22 Meeting
FRIDAY, APRIL 2 AT 1:30 PM
TUESDAY, APRIL 6 AT 9 AM
THURSDAY, APRIL x AT 9:30 PM
April 12 Meeting
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14 AT 1:30 PM
TUESDAY, APRIL 20 AT 9:30 PM
THURSDAY, APRIL 22 AT 9:30 AM
April 26 Meeting
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28 AT 5:30 PM
FRIDAY, ARPIL 30 AT 1:30 PM
UPDATED SCHEDULES CAN BE POUND ON
CHANNEL 21.
an effort to allow dogs to still remain in
public parks. Many cities now prohibit
dogs from parks.
Clean Up After Your Pets
When out walking your pet, the City of
Shorewood requires that the person having
custody of the dog have a device (such as
a plastic bag) for the removal of feces in
any public location. The City has provided
garbage cans in all parks, and along the
LRT regional trail for your convenience.
It is a good idea for all dog owners to
read the complete regulations regarding
pet control in our City. For a complete
copy of the ordinance, contact City Hall,
952/474 -3236, or see the City web site,
www ci. shorewood mn. us.
Picnic Shelters Available
T HE CITY OF Shorewood has three
picnic shelters and three multi -use
buildings available for use at City parks.
The picnic shelters, located at Freeman
and Manor parks, can be reserved for a
small fee by calling City Hall. The multi-
use buildings are located at Freeman,
Manor and Badger parks. These buildings
can be reserved the same way.
For fees and additional information,
visit, wwwci.shorewood.mn.us, or call
City Hall, 952/474- 3236.tn
Other Park Amenities
A LSO USEFUL FOR summer fun are the
playgrounds at Badger, Cathcart,
Freeman, Manor and Silverwood parks,
and the skate park at South Shore
Community Park. These parks all have
picnic tables, and Cathcart, Freeman,
Manor, and Silverwood all have grills for
public use.
Music In The Park
P LANS ARE UNDERWAY for the beginning
of Shorewood's summer Music in the
Park at Freeman Park. Reserve the 2nd
Friday of June, July and August and watch
for complete information in the May Shore
Report. tS
www.ci.shorewood.mmus
Fq
Community
Events
Excelsior Library
343 Third Street, 9521847 -5450
http: / /www. hennepin.lib. mn. us
Car Repair at the Library:
Online Manuals Quick Class
Saturday, April 24, 11 AM
ID YOU KNOW THAT you can use
a comprehensive automotive
diagnostic and repair database for free
right at the library? Learn about the
ALLDATA database and other resources
available at the library.
Spring Forward
Monday, April 26, 7:30 PM
L IFT YOUR SPIRIT BY joining Gretchen
Kellogg, a local fitness guru, with
words of wisdom on Pilates, Yoga, and
other favorites. Kellogg will introduce
ways to keep joy in your heart and power
in your body. Sponsored by The Friends
of the Excelsior Library. E)
Author Ann Burckhardt
Monday, May 3, 7 :30 Pm
M EET ANN BURCKHARDT, author Of
"A Cook's Tour of Minnesota,"
who will share stories of the places that
have shaped Minnesota's food industry.
Go behind the scenes of the Pillsbury
Bakeoff, a miner's home on the Iron
Range, and a Native American PowWow.
Books will be available for purchase and
signing. What a great Mother's Day gift
idea! Sponsored by The Friends of the
Excelsior Library. M
Tax Forms and
Assistance
AVING TROUBLE locating the forms
you need this tax season? Wish
you could find a helpful tax guide or a
referral to the right tax agency branch?
Hennepin County Libraries offer tax
forms & publications and volunteers to
help you find them. They also provide tax
preparation guidebooks. Check out the
offerings at any of the Hennepin County
Library locations.
Planning Commission Notes
AST MONTH IN this
space, the Planning
Commission's completed
Shorewood's housing prices continue
to climb, putting home
ownership out of reach in
the City for an increasing
projects for 2003 were
summarized. The Commission
has recently developed a work
plan for 2004. In addition to
its normal activities associated
with reviewing requests for
subdivisions, variances, and
conditional use permits, the Commission's
2004 project list contains:
Zoning district review — the City
is divided into various residential
and commercial zoning districts.
The districts differ in terms of the
permitted and conditional uses of
property allowed in them and in terms
of minimum lot size and property
line setbacks. The Commission
will review each of the districts and
consider whether modifications to the
existing use requirements might be
appropriate.
Historic housing preservation
— Shorewood has many older homes,
dating back to turn of the twentieth
century. A holdover project from 2003,
the Commission will consider whether
some sort of zoning protections
for certain types of older homes is
warranted.
Affordable and life -cycle housing
— like many outlying suburban cities,
number of families. Whether
the City can and should do
anything material to mitigate
this situation has been
discussed before, but it is an
issue that warrants continued
consideration.
Signage ordinance — how much signage
should a business be allowed to display?
While the City wants businesses to be
able to adequately identify themselves
to customers, too many large signs are
visually unappealing to surrounding
residents. The Commission will
review existing ordinances regarding
the number and size of commercial
signage in various commercial zoning
districts.
Comments Welcomed
Your comments regarding the
Commission's 2004 work plan are
welcomed. You can email the Commission
atplanning @ci.shorewood.mn.us, or call
the Shoreline at 952/474 -3236, extension
1, 24 -hours a day. UK
Jeff Bailey
Planning Commission
THE SHORE REPORT / APRIL 2004
Co uncil A # " : "' t +� s
Since the last newsletter,
the City Council:
• Made an appointment to the Shorewood
Parks Foundation Board of Directors.
Congratulations to Don Kelly on his
re- appointment to this Board!
• Received a year -end report on the
Southshore Community Senior Center
by Joyce Flury.
Appointed Councilmember Lizee to
the Excelsior Library Committee.
Councilmember Lizee and others will
be reviewing the space needs process
and potential expansion plans for the
Excelsior Library.
• Approved expenditures for the southeast
area well.
• Approved a Request for Extension of
municipal water service to residents on
Timber Lane. A feasibility study will
now be performed.
• Heard requests from a resident along
Shorewood Lane regarding the
northeast slope of the west side of the
Public Safety Facility.
• Adopted an Ordinance amending
the Minnesota State Fire Code. The
previously -used Uniform Fire Code
was replaced with the International
Fire Code as part of the City Code.
• Approved further study of the traffic
patterns on Radisson Road. M
Building Permits Required
NOTHER BUILDING season is
approaching us, and residents have
many construction activities planned for
Shorewood, including the building of
new homes and making improvements
to existing structures. Examples of
building projects that require permits
include a structural change, windows,
re- roofing, siding, plumbing, heating,"
new additions, decks, yard sheds over
120 square foot roof area, finishing
basements, remodeling, retaining walls
over 4 feet high, pools or hot tubs over
36 inches deep or over 1500 gallons,
and construction of a fence. If you are
unsure if you need a building permit for
a project, please contact City Hall before
you start.
The purpose of a building permit is
to provide the Building and Planning
Departments with an opportunity to
inspect for safety
and compliance with
City ordinances and
building codes. This
is for your protection
and safety.
State law requires
contractors to have
a license for most
residential construction projects.
Building permit applications are
available at www. d.shorewoodmn.us or
at Shorewood City Hall between 8 AM and
4:30 PM, Monday - Friday. Please allow
7 to 10 days for a permit to be issued.
If you have any questions
you can contact Pamela Helling
or Patti Helgesen for zoning
regulations and Joe Pazandak for
building codes at 952/474 -3236,
they will be happy to assist you.C1
Wilding permit applications
re available at City Hall,
or on the City web site,
www.ci.shorewood.mn.us.
3 www.ci.shorewood.mn.us
THE SHORE REPoRTI APRIL 2004
Senior Corm r
To register for any of the following
classes, please contact the Senior
Center, 9521474 -7635.
Bunny Boutique and Bake Sale, Friday,
April 2, 9 Am-3 PM; and, Saturday, April
3, 9 Am- -NooN. Hop on over to the spring
craft and bake sale!
Attic & Cabin Sale, Preview Night:
Thursday, April 15, 6 -8:30 Pm. The
cost of the preview night is $5 per
adult, which includes appetizers and
beverages. Public Sale: Friday, April 16,
9 Am-6 Pmr, Saturday, April 17, 9 AM I PM.
An opportunity to discuss your treasures
with an antique professional on Thursday,
April 15 from 6 -8:30 PM. Charge of $5
per item. An Up North Room will feature
new and vintage cabin type furniture and
accessories. For information or to donate
an item, call 952/474 -7635.
Health Care Directive, Friday, April
23, 10:30 AM Sarah George, a licensed
social worker from Senior Community
Services, will speak on Advanced Health
Care Directives. A free copy of the official
Minnesota Health Care Directive will be
provided. No charge.
Celebrating Our Community, Monday,
April 12, Noon. Join us for lunch to
celebrate Excelsior United Methodist
Church Day. Each month a different
church is recognized. Call the Center to
make a reservation. Cost $3.
AAA Driving Class, Wednesday, April
21, 1 -5 Pm.. Cost is $18 for this 4 -hour
refresher class. Call 1- 888 - 234 -1294 to
register.
The Southshore Center is located at 5735
Country Club Road, Shorewood. The office
is open daily from 8:30 Amt to 4 PM. For
more or to register for classes call (952)
474 -7635.
Watermain Flushing in April
S PRING IS HERE AND that signals
spring cleaning for the public works
department!
Crews from the Citv Public Works
Department will flush watermains
beginning this month and will continue
until all hydrants have been flushed. Dates
are not yet established; however, residents
should be aware that the process causes
household water to become discolored
for a short time. Watch the City web site,
www.ci.shorewood.mn.us for a list of
approximate dates.
Flushing of the hydrants help release the
rust and mineral deposits which collect in
the waterpipes. Ifyou see the Public Works
Department flushing the watermains in or
around your nelgnbornood, cnecx your
water for discoloration before washing
light - colored loads of laundry. The
discolored water is unappealing, but not
harmful to drink. If you notice your water
having a rusty look, run the cold -water tap
until you notice the water running clear.
If you have any questions, please
contact City Hall, 952/474-3236.M
Living Green Expo
P LAN NOW TO ATTEND the third annual
Living Green Expo on Saturday, May
1 and Sunday, May 2 at the Minnesota
State Fair Grounds. The free event runs
from 10 AM to 6 PM both days. Parking is
free. Free Blue Sky Guides, which contain
over $5,000 in discounts for products
and services from local businesses (retail
value of $20), will be given to the first 200
attendees each day (limit one per family),
compliments of Great River Energy.
The 2004 Living Green Expo will
feature over 200 exhibitors showcasing
environmentally sound products, services
and practices. Additionally, workshops
will feature everything from how to
compost and reduce toxicity in your
home to using the latest energy- saving
technology and cooking with organic,
locally grown food. This family-
friendly event will include art displays,
children's activities, food, and musical
entertainment.
Businesses, food organizations, state
and local agencies, and environmental
groups will provide information about
new technologies, renewable resources,
products made from both recycled and
sustainable grown materials and more.
The Expo will feature sustainable
products and services created by local
companies, and will include exhibits
and workshops on transportation, home
building and remodeling, energy, yard
and garden, food and agriculture, arts
and culture, and household products and
practices.
For more information, as well as
updates on sponsors and exhibitors, visit
www livinggreenexpo.org, or call 612/
331 - 1099..0
Minnesota Bicycle Traffic Laws
D URING THE SPRING and summer
months, Shorewood motorists
must be especially careful of bicyclists
using local roads. Minnesota law gives
bicyclists the same rights and privileges
as drivers of other vehicles. Cyclists must
be familiar with and obey all traffic laws
applying to using the road.
Highlights of the law:
• Ride as close as practicable to the
right -hand curb or edge of the roadway,
except when passing, preparing for a
left turn or avoiding objects, other
vehicles or pedestrians.
Travel in the same direction as other
traffic on the roadway.
• When riding on a sidewalk or in a
crosswalk, yield the right -of -way to
pedestrians and call out to them when
preparing to pass.
• Ride no more than two abreast and do
not impede traffic.
For more information on bicycle
safety and the rules of the road, see
the Minnesota Safety Council web site,
wwwmnsafetycouncil.org, or call 651/
291- 9150.M
MN Safety Council
www.ci.shorewood.mn.us 4
Recycling News
THE SHOREREPORTIAPRIL 2004
Spring Clean -up Day - Saturday, May 22nd
Mark your calendarandthinkspring! The Annual Shorewood Spring Clea n-u p offers a combination
of curbside pick -up of yard waste, brush and small household items, plus a limited drop -off site
for appliances, furniture items, batteries and tires.
Curbside Collection Instructions
✓ Put your yard waste curbside in tied bundles and bags by 7 AM. Bags of yard
waste should not exceed 30 lbs, or they will not be picked up.
✓ Brush should be cut into four -foot lengths, bundled and tied.
✓ General household rubbish including very small furniture items may also be
placed curbside. Items must be small enough to be easily picked up by one
person.
Items not meeting the criteria will be left curbside and must be properly
disposed of by the resident.
Items NOT Accepted Curbside
✓ appliances ✓ mattresses ✓ auto batteries
✓ carpet ✓ auto tires ✓ upholstered furniture
Items NOT Accepted Curbside or at Public Works:
✓ Construction debris (lumber, blocks, cement, sheetrock, cabinets, doors, railroad
ties, etc.)
✓ Lawn Mowers or Small Engines
✓ Pressure Tanks
✓ Household Hazardous Waste
r Now .._
H Ear r Pry COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL SrmvicE s offers local collection sites in various
locations during the year.
May 1 -3
Directions; Hwy 12 to QV Rd 90, north on
City of independence
Cty Rd 90 approx . 02 of a mile to the City Hall'
City Hall Parking Lot
harking lot. Follow the signs,'
1920 Country Road 90
Independence
May 15 -17
Directions: Mtka Blvd to Williston Rd, north
Minnetonka City ',Hall
on Williston Rd to parking lot between City
Ice Arena Parking Lot
Hall and Ice Arena. Follow the signs.'
14604 Minnetonka Blvd
Minnetonka
June 12-14
Directions: Hwy 7 to WoodaleAve northwesi'
St. Louis Park Senior High School on Woodale Ave. to Dakota Ave, north or
Alternative ideas for donating
usable items:
ARC
612- 866 -8820 (Call for pick -up or drop
off sites)
SALVATION ARMY
612- 332 -5855 (Call for pick -up)
CARPET DISPOSAL
763- 441 -8300 (Call for price /info)
Other Disposal Options:
Before bringing materials to one of the
following facilities, you should call to
confirm what is currently accepted at a
given facility, whether they have a pick
up service, whether they charge to accept
materials, etc.
Wood Waste
South Metro Sort & Recycle
3230 W 130th St., Shakopee
952- 445 -5755
Dem -Con
3601 W 130th St., Shakopee
952- 445 -1848
Computers /Electronic Equipment
Abrax Systems, Inc.
6446 Flying Cloud Dr., Eden Prairie
952- 944 -9264
Computer Recyclers
Louisiana Ave. & 27th St., St. Louis Park
952- 920 -0850
Concrete & Asphalt
Midwest Asphalt
6401 Industrial Dr., Eden Prairie
952- 934 -8514
Barton Sand & Gravel Co.
7200 Hemlock Ln., Maple Grove
763- 425 -4191
Commercial Asphalt
7200 Hemlock Ln., Maple Grove
763 - 424 -5400
Disposal Options
Continued on page 6
5 www.ci.shorewood.mmus
THE SHOREREPORTIAPRIL 2004
Road Restrictions Continue
HEN TEMPERATURES BEGIN to rise
and the ice melts and the soil
beneath roads begins to thaw, roads
are extremely susceptible to expensive
damage from heavy trucks.
For this purpose, the City implements
weight restrictions for local streets
through April 30. Weight limits can
especially affect moving vans and
delivery trucks. Please inform anyone
making a delivery to or pick-up from your
address is aware of the weight restrictions
so modifications can be made.
Roads are posted with allowable weight
limits. Questions on specific streets can
be answered by calling City Hall, 952/
474 -3236, or by checking our web site,
www ci.shorewood. mn. us.S
Child Passenger Safety
T HE SouTH LAKE Minnetonka Police
Department ( SLMPD) again reminds
parents and caregivers that all children
should be secured in child safety seats,
booster seats, or seat belts every time they
ride in a car or truck. The SLMPD has
booklets available entitled `Buckle Up
Prevent Child
Abuse:
Look for Blue Ribbons
E ACH DAY, AN average of three children.
die as a result of child maltreatment.
Thousands more are abused or neglected
in some form, but it can be prevented.
The best way to prevent child abuse and
neglect is to support families and provide
parents with the skills and resources they
need. Lend a hand to families. Look for
the blue ribbons at agencies throughout
Hennepin County that signify the
locations of resources in our community.
The next time you notice a family that
needs more than you can possibly provide,
you can steer them to the specialists in
our community. We can end child abuse
in Minnesota.
To assist in bringing this important
cause to public attention, the Shorewood
City Council proclaimed April as Child
Abuse Prevention Month in the City. For
more information on child protection,
see the Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota
web site, http: / /wwwfamilysupport.org,
or contact the Hennepin County Child
Protection Screening line at 612/348 -
3552.
Kids ". The booklet is intended to help you
learn how to choose the right restraint for
your child and how to use it the right way.
It is available for free; simply stop by the
police department at 24150 Smithtown
Road in Shorewood, between the hours
of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM Monday through
Friday, and request one.
Community Service /Crime Prevention
Officer David Hohertz of the SLMPD
is a Certified Child Passenger Safety
Technician and is availableby appointment
to assist you with properly installing your
child safety seat. Call him at 952/474-
3261 to schedule an appointment. C1
David Hohertz, CSO /CPO
SLYII'D
Severe Storms
Continued from page 1
Tornado Alerts
If a tornado "watch" is issued for the
area, it means that a tornado is "possible"
and that a tornado could develop at any
time.
If a tornado "warning" is issued, it
means that a tornado has actually been
spotted, or is strongly indicated on radar,
and it is time to go to a safe shelter
immediately.
Although tornados have been typically
described as moving from southwest to
northeast, they are terribly unpredictable
and have been known to move in
any direction and to change direction
quickly. If you see a tornado, seek shelter
Disposal Options
Continued front page 5
Building Materials
The ReUse Center (The Green Institute)
2216 E Lake St, Mpls
612 - 724 -2608
Bauer Brothers Salvage
2432 2nd St. N., Mpls.
612 -521 -9492
Scrap Metal
Ledar Bros. Iron & Metal Co.
3240 Snelling Ave. S., Mpls.
612- 721 -6244
Kronick Industries Inc.
3101 Hennepin Ave. East, Mpls.
612- 331 -8080
Computers and Electronic Equipment
Recycle America Alliance-- eCycling Services
A Subsidiary of Waste Mgmt, Inc.
1800 Broadway Ave. NE, Mpls.
612 - 379 -1360
Electronic Recovery
124 -12th Ave. S, Mpls.
612 -338 -2466
For information on other hard -to-
get- rid -of items, contact City Hall,
9521474 -3236.
immediately! Even though it may be an
incredible sight, it is not worth the high
ri* to watch.
N ke sure all of your family members
are aware of what to do when they hear a
storm siien. It is also a good idea to have a
"contact" Verson outside of the immediate
area who YW all call to report your safety
in the case your family is not together.
For more information on severe storm
safety, contact the Minnesota Safety
Council, 651/291 -9150 or visit their web
site at www mnsafetycouncil. org. C.1
Minnesota Safety Council
www.ci.shorewood.mn.us 6
PROPERTY VALUATION PRIMER THE SHORT REPORT/APRIL 2004
P ROPERTY VALUATION statements are mailed in the spring to each property owner by Hennepin County. The valued
assessment on January 2 forms the basis for the following year's tax. That is, the value and classification on
January 2, 2004, is used to calculate the tax payable in 2005. You can also find the market value of your property
online at http: / /www.co.hennepin.mn.us.
How does the assessor determine market value?
MARKET VALUE = THAT PRICE THAT WOULD PREVAIL UNDER COMPETITIVE, OPEN - MARKET CONDITIONS.
State law requires that the value and classification of real estate be established as of January 2 each year.
The Assessor's office works throughout the year to estimate the market value of each property for the
following January 2.
• Views property
Approximately every fifth year, an appraiser will view the property. In addition, all new construction, alterations or
improvements will be viewed in the current year.
• Gathers information
The appraiser gathers information on all characteristics of the property that affect market value, such as size, age,
quality, basement finish and extra features, such as fireplaces, extra baths, walkouts, etc.
Estimates value
The property characteristics are entered into a computerized system. The computer aids the assessor in estimating
the property value. Information from actual sales is used to update your market value. The market value estimated
by the assessor should be at, or very close to, the amount the property would sell for if placed on the open market.
The State Board of Equalization requires the overall level of assessment to be between 90% and 105% of market
value.
Notification
A Value Notice is mailed in the spring to each property owner. The assessment on January 2 forms the basis for the
following year's tax. That is, the value and classification on January 2, 2004, is used to calculate the tax payable in
2005.
THE APPEAL PROCESS
I F YOU BELIEVE YOUR property is valued or classified incorrectly, you may appeal the value. Property owners may
appeal directly to the State Tax Court, although most choose to first appeal through the Local Board of Review.
This year, the Local Board of Review, made up of members of the Shorewood City Council, convenes in the City
Council Chambers at City Hall on April 19, at 7 PM.
If you still do not agree with the outcome of the review by the Local Board of Review, you would take your
appeal to the County Board of Equalization followed by the State Tax Court.
If you have any questions regarding this process, please call City Hall at 952/474 -3236, or contact the Hennepin
County Assessors directly at 612/348 -3046.
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What's Happening in the City?
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Council Members
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Woody Love, Mayor
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John Garfunkel
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Christine Liz6e
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Laura Turgeon
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Scott Zertsy
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City Administrator: Craig Dawson
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Newsletter Editor: Julie Moore
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What's Happening in the City?
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Map Descriptions Utility Bills Due
The following items are on the agenda for the Planning Commission Apri 3
meeting on April 6, 7 PM at City Hall:
1. The Excelsior Fire District Relief Association is requesting approval to amend the
Conditional Use Permit for the South Lake Minnetonka Public Safety Facility,
24100 Smithtown Road, to allow special events at the site. Events could include
the Annual Excelsior Fire District Dance and other fundraising activities. A public
hearing is scheduled for 7 PM.
2. The owner of 28110 Woodside Road is requesting a setback variance for an addition
to the existing home. A public hearing will be held at 7:15 Pm.
3. Development Stage Plans for the Planned Unit Development proposal to upgrade
and build office buildings at 6120 and 6140 Lake Linden Drive will be
reviewed.
4. Approval of a minor subdivision to create one additional single - family residential
lot from 21175 Minnetonka Blvd. will be considered.
5. The property owner of 21040 Ivy Lane requests approval of a side -yard setback
variance to add a deck on the back of the house. A public hearing is scheduled at
7:45 PM.
C ITY OF SHOREWOOD Utility Bills
will be mailed soon. Payments,
due April 30,
can be mailed
to City Hall,
dropped
off during
business
hours or put
in the drop
box found on
the outside of the City Hall building next
to the entrance.
Any questions about your utility
bill should be referred to the Finance
Department at City Hall, 952/474 -
3236.0
THESHORE REPORT l APRIL 2004