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December 2003 Shore ReportDECEMBER 2003 • • INSIDE F., S P so Fa a 9 Park/Trail News ............. 2 Foundation Update ......... 2 Planning Notes ............. B Council Activities ......... . 3 Senior Corner .............. . 4 Public Safety Facility About Complete HE LONG AWAITED COMPLETION of the new Public Safety Facility on Smithtown Road in Shorewood is finally in sight! The building will house both the Excelsior Fire District and the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department headquarters. The Fire Department expects to begin its relocation into the new facility around December 15; the police department will follow in early January. Both departments expect to be working completely from the new facility by the end of January. The Public Safety Facility had a groundbreaking event in November of 2002. The project is a joint effort of the five member cities of the EFD and the four member cities of the SLMPD. A second facility to serve the east side of the Excelsior Fire District is currently under construction in Deephaven.M Planning /Park Commission Openings P OSITIONS ON THE Planning and Park r Commissions are open for application to interested Shorewood residents through Monday, January 5. Both Commissions act as advisoryboards 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 Help Wanted Rink Supervisors Needed T HE CITY IS ACCEPTING applications for two part-time Rink Supervisors for the upcoming ice skating season. The season generally runs from mid - December to mid - February, and the City operates three warming houses and four ice rinks. The Rink Supervisor is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the work of rink attendants. For more information, or for an application, call City Hall at (952) 474 -3236. Application deadline is Monday, December 8. C Recycling News ............. 4 2004 City Budget ........... 5 Food/Toy Drive ............. 6 SEE PAGE 2 FOR INFORMATION ON ICE answered by calling City Hall, (952) 474- 3236. The Council will appoint residents to the positions in January. If you are interested in serving a three -year term on either Commission, please submit a letter of interest and/or a brief 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 lJ Upcoming -Meetings tc e 12/1 7:00 Citv Councit,Truth -!n taxation 1. >i2 7:00 Giant °ilia Cor imissiorl Moetino 12 1 1 8 7.00 City Council,Trtith -in iaxatior; (if continued) _ i % h 7: 1 0 Dark r omrr issior Meeting 1'/ 16 /:J0 Planning Commission Meeting 1 %1 4 Ciiv fail C ?rises at Noon Q /2 12/26 Hol1day,.Ci!y Hall Closed i t s I lo kday, City Hall Closed' See pct.2 for Council Cable Schedule. Meeting) AVim tes onC. ALJE'.ndad are avaikible on the. City vf'eb site otter then u e cipprovocl. vwww.ci.shorewood..mo.us. Community Events......... 6 SKATING RINK AND WARMING HOUSE Public Hearings /Map........ 6 HOURS. What's Happening in the City? Public Safety AL Building Site CB *City Hall/ v Southshore Center Or Current Resident CB= Crescent Beach Map Descriptions The following item is on the December 2 Planning Commission Agenda: I . Capestone Builders is requesting approval of Development Stage Plans (pre- liminary plat) for a Planned Unit Development proposal to build 11 twin -homes (22 dwelling units) on property located at 20775 Manor Road and adjacent parcels (Carmichiel Auto Salvage property). This project was reviewed at a public hearing in February of 2003 and received concept approval. A public hearing is schedule for 7:00 PM. Community Events SIN DNR Approved Youth - Operator Snowmobile Safety Course. T HE SOUTH LAKE MINNETONKA Police Department and the South Tonka Snowmobile Club are offering a youth- operator Snowmobile Safety Course on Saturday, December 6, 8 AM to 4 PM, at the South Shore Senior Center in Shorewood. The class is for ages 12 -18; cost is $5 for residents, $10 for non - residents. The snowmobile -riding practical exam portion is on Sunday, December 7. Time and location to be announced. Pre - registration is required. Contact SLMPD at (952) 474 -3261 to register. PRESORTED STANDARD U.S.POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #128 EXCEi_SiOR, MN 55331 Toy and Food Drive T HE CITY OF SHOREWOOD is participating in a Toy Drive for the upcoming holiday season. This year, the City will deliver those donated items to the Hopkins- Minnetonka Family Resource Center, which serves residents of the local area. The Family Resource Center will deliver any extra items to the Toys for Tots, which provides statewide distribution of toys. Toys may be dropped off at Shorewood City Hall through Monday, December 8. The City will also serve as a drop -off for the local area Food Shelf. Non- perishable food items may be dropped off at City Hall. Drop off your food items by Monday, December 15.& THE SHORE REPORT / DECEMBER 2003 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD S OREWOOD, Mai 55331 6 c (952)474.3236 FAX (9 52)474.0°128 o m Monday s Friday 8 AM to 4 :30 Pr,4 O m a s ` °u r ry V a+ Council Members Woody Love, Mayor John Garfunkel N Christine Liz& W as LauraTurgeon `M Scott Zerby o E 2. City Administrator: Crain Dawson j Newsletter Editor:Juiie Moore This newsletter is printed on recycled paper. What's Happening in the City? Public Safety AL Building Site CB *City Hall/ v Southshore Center Or Current Resident CB= Crescent Beach Map Descriptions The following item is on the December 2 Planning Commission Agenda: I . Capestone Builders is requesting approval of Development Stage Plans (pre- liminary plat) for a Planned Unit Development proposal to build 11 twin -homes (22 dwelling units) on property located at 20775 Manor Road and adjacent parcels (Carmichiel Auto Salvage property). This project was reviewed at a public hearing in February of 2003 and received concept approval. A public hearing is schedule for 7:00 PM. Community Events SIN DNR Approved Youth - Operator Snowmobile Safety Course. T HE SOUTH LAKE MINNETONKA Police Department and the South Tonka Snowmobile Club are offering a youth- operator Snowmobile Safety Course on Saturday, December 6, 8 AM to 4 PM, at the South Shore Senior Center in Shorewood. The class is for ages 12 -18; cost is $5 for residents, $10 for non - residents. The snowmobile -riding practical exam portion is on Sunday, December 7. Time and location to be announced. Pre - registration is required. Contact SLMPD at (952) 474 -3261 to register. PRESORTED STANDARD U.S.POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #128 EXCEi_SiOR, MN 55331 Toy and Food Drive T HE CITY OF SHOREWOOD is participating in a Toy Drive for the upcoming holiday season. This year, the City will deliver those donated items to the Hopkins- Minnetonka Family Resource Center, which serves residents of the local area. The Family Resource Center will deliver any extra items to the Toys for Tots, which provides statewide distribution of toys. Toys may be dropped off at Shorewood City Hall through Monday, December 8. The City will also serve as a drop -off for the local area Food Shelf. Non- perishable food items may be dropped off at City Hall. Drop off your food items by Monday, December 15.& THE SHORE REPORT / DECEMBER 2003 THE SHORE REPORT DECEMBER 2003 Park /Trail Talk A S WE MOVE INTO THE winter months, Shorewood's parks get a respite from the intensive use of the warmer months, and those who enjoy a more solitary outdoor experience can take advantage of the changing seasons. Even as winter moves in there is activity in the parks. The long anticipated closure of the Hwy. 7 exit into Freeman Park has been completed. The parking lot on the south end of the park has graded and edged with new sod. The walking path along the east side of the Babe Ruth field has been paved. Concrete wheel stops will be installed as the final step. In addition, preliminary grading has occurred around the outer perimeter of Freeman Park to complete an asphalt trail loop within the park. Paving will occur in Spring 2004. Meanwhile, indoors, the Park Commission has approved a final draft of the City's tournament policy which guides the use of park facilities for organized events. The Commission has also renewed its commitment to explore a first annual "community event" in Badger Park, and working with the SouthShore Center. At its November meeting, the Commission discussed development of a concept for "drainage gardens" in Freeman Park. This project is in very preliminary concept stages and, ifimplemented, will Council on Cable City Council meetings are broadcast on Cable Channel 8 at: November 24 Meeting TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2 AT 9:30 PM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4 AT 9:30 AM December 8 Meeting WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10 AT 5:30 PM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12 AT 1:30 PM P)ESDAY, DECEMBER 16 AT 9:00 AM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18 AT 9:30 PM MONDAY, DECEMBER 22 AT 5:30 PM WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24 AT 1:30 PM TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30 AT 9:30 PM fulfill several needs. Practically, it will provide important stormwater retention, and aesthetically, it will be an attractive natural amenity for both human and wildlife enjoyment. An added bonus would be the removal of a significant amount of buckthorn from some areas of Freeman Park. In buckthorn news, Shorewood neighbors have begun to take it very seriously ... and the word is spreading! In the Teal Circle neighborhood alone six homeowners have cleared their properties of the noxious visitor. Two adjoining property owners. on Glen Road have also caught the fever. Even after the cold spell and dry summer, Shorewood's parks are looking beautiful. This would not happen without the dedication of our public works crew who truly care about these important facilities. The Park Commission thanks them for their hard work and the extra effort they make. Finally, anyone who has been to the Freeman Park north entrance lately, may notice a new wildlife species. Public Works employee, Terry (Red) Tower, is quite handy with a chain saw in his spare time, and he couldn't resist the stump of a downed ash tree. The waving bear is in its first stages of carving and the reports are that it will be completed next spring.M1 Pat Arnst, Chair Park Commission Foundation Update W E ARE FACING A NEW era of defining what constitutes a "park." No longer seen as simply grass and trees, parks provide a multitude of benefits to their users. In the past, parks brought an element of the country into the city. They provided relief from overcrowded housing conditions and congestion. They later evolved into recreation centers and facilities. These park functions all continue to have value today. Parks, however, have begun to playa more integrated role in our urban environments. Parks provide formal and informal gathering places for building a community. They help to positively influence property values. They give city dwellers a place to connect to the natural world and they make our urban areas more inviting for living, working, and relaxing. Parks and recreation revitalize the city and enrich the lives of city residents and the community as a whole. The parks offer opportunities to improve fitness, social, and competitive skills through exercise and sports, to stimulate the mind through education and cultural experiences, and to inspire FOUNDATION Continued on page 4 On the Ice... I T E S 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 for skaters. Once the ice is ready, warming houses will open at Cathcart, Badger and Manor Parks. Hours will be: Monday — Friday 3:30 -9 PM Saturday 11 AM -9 PM Sunday 12 PM -9 PM Closing times may vary slightly if the rink is not in use or an attendant is not available. Warming houses will be posted when closed.E) www.ci.Shorewood.mn.us 2 THE SHoRE REPoRT /December 2003 W X H W iL 0 cc a H T City of Shorewood 2004 City Budget Parks ', Public works 6% Police and fire protec- 2o�io a tion remains our top pri- ority. Demands for these W V W to Q m cc 0 U . services are increasing. About 2/5 of city taxes Police & Fire are allocated to public 40% safety. x. l Public Works are an- Other other high priority. One - 34% fifth of your City prop- erty tax dollar pays for maintenance, plowing and reconstruction. Parks, trails and open space account for another 6% of City property taxes. Most park programs are fee - supported. Many services, like water and sewer utilities, are supported by user fees and other resources. X CITY OF SHOREWOOD Shorewood IF Q Y 23% YOU HAVE ANY Community Room, District Service Center Schools 5755 Country Club Road QUESTIONS ABOUT THE Metro Districts Q 35% Minnetonka, MN 55345 Q } � (952) 401 -5024 W PROPOSED BUDGET OR W I HENNEPIN COUNTY Other Other ABOUT YOUR PROPERTY CL Q TAXES, PLEASE CON- 0 TACT THE FINANCE a Q Hennepin DEPARTMENT AT (952) J County 474 -3236. J 35% 0 0 Less than one-fourth of your property tax dollar goes to the City of * o Shorewood Thursday, December 4, 5:30 PM F Commissionioners' Board Room W A -2400 Govemement Center V Minneapolis, MN 55438 Q (612) 348 -5433 D m YOUR INPUT ON OUR BU Tuesday, December 2, 7:30 PM Community Room, Educational Service Center 5901 Sunnyfield Rd. E Minnetrista, MN 55364 (952) 491 -8021 DGETS IS WELCOMED AND APPRECIATED! Proposed Property Tax Notice Y ou should have received a notice from Hennepin County about the property taxes your school district, county and city can collect in 2004. Your actual taxes may be lower than the proposed tax on your notice. These are the maximum taxes that can be levied. Your actual tax statement will arrive in the spring. Sample Proposed 2004 CITY OF SHOREWOOD MINNETONKA SCHOOL DISTRICT #276 For the median Shorewood Home Monday, December 1 7 PM Tuesday, December 2 7 PM County City Council Chambers Community Room, District Service Center Z 5755 Country Club Road 5621 Co. Rd. 101 S Metro Districts Shorewood, MN 55331 Minnetonka, MN 55345 Q (952) 474 -3236 (952) 401 -5024 W $4,304 I HENNEPIN COUNTY WESTONKA PUBLIC SCHOOLS Thursday, December 4, 5:30 PM F Commissionioners' Board Room W A -2400 Govemement Center V Minneapolis, MN 55438 Q (612) 348 -5433 D m YOUR INPUT ON OUR BU Tuesday, December 2, 7:30 PM Community Room, Educational Service Center 5901 Sunnyfield Rd. E Minnetrista, MN 55364 (952) 491 -8021 DGETS IS WELCOMED AND APPRECIATED! Proposed Property Tax Notice Y ou should have received a notice from Hennepin County about the property taxes your school district, county and city can collect in 2004. Your actual taxes may be lower than the proposed tax on your notice. These are the maximum taxes that can be levied. Your actual tax statement will arrive in the spring. Sample Proposed 2004 Property Tax For the median Shorewood Home ($326,000) County $1,528 City 970 School 1,502 Metro Districts 111 Other Districts 132 Solid Waste Fee 61 Total $4,304 Water Rate Changes T he Shorewood City Council is considering a water rate increase for 2004 as part of a gradual increase over a three -year period. The base rate for water in 2004 would change from $25 to $30 for the first 10,000 gallons of usage. The rate for 10,000 - 50,000 gallons usage would increase from $1.95 to $2.95 per thousand gallons. For usage greater than 50,000 gallons per quarter, the rate would change from $2.75 to $3.75 per thousand. The quarterly cost for an average household that uses 30,000 gallons would be about $89. Please contact the Finance Department at (952) 474 -3236 if you have questions about the proposed rate change. 5 www.ci.shorewood.mn.us Planning Commission Notes A T LONG LAST, the County Road 19 Corridor project involving the redesign of the infamous County Road 19 and Smithtown Road intersection appears to be moving toward implementation. Reconfiguration of the intersection will begin early next year and take over two years to complete. At a recent meeting, the Planning Commission discussed how the area surrounding the intersection is likely to develop. In general, the Commission believes that as the northerly entry to the City, the Corridor should enhance the identity of Shorewood as well as the South Lake Minnetonka area. Any redevelopment should upgrade and improve the safety, convenience, and aesthetics of the area. The Commission organized its discussion in the context of the City's Comprehensive Plan, which is the blueprint for the development of the City. The Comprehensive Plan is divided into five sections: Natural Resources, Land Use, Transportation, Community Facilities, and Housing. All except Housing are directly relevant to the County Road 19 Corridor. Natural Resources The most prominent natural resource in the area is Gideon Glen, the large area of old growth forest and wetlands directly west of the Tonka Village Shopping Center. Protection of the existing forest along with restoration of the wetlands is a top priority. A filtration field and a pond to treat storm water runoff from surrounding properties will be constructed. In addition, to provide residents with access to the property, a trainoardwalk into the site is planned. Land Use (north of the shopping center) is likely to be redeveloped in the foreseeable future. The Commission would like to consider rezoning the site as "mixed use," which would allow for a combination of multi - family housing and commercial development. The American Legion property just west of the intersection now is home to the Legion Club building and a gas station. A redevelopment of this property might find the Club building redesigned and some type of retail /food establishment replacing the gas station. Although Shorewood has no control over the property, the Tonka Village Shopping Center is under new ownership and likely to be redesigned. At least on the Shorewood side of the intersection, the Commission would like to see landscaping improvements around commercial properties and City- owned spaces within the intersection. Transportation The intersection realignment, of course, is central to the Corridor project. The redesign of the intersection calls for a continuous curve for County Road 19, with a stoplight located at the Smithtown Road intersection. Right and left turn lanes will help speed and direct traffic. Cut - through traffic down Country Club Lane will be discouraged through a series of required turns. The Commission also discussed the enhancement of bicycle /pedestrian circulation in the area. Community Facilities The Public Safety facility is scheduled to open shortly. The Corridor will be designed to handle public safety traffic to and from the facility. The Commission also discussed corrections of drainage problems in the area and the "undergrounding" of unsightly power lanes along the Corridor.& There are many land use issues along the County Road 19 Corridor. For example, the Xcel Energy property Jeff Bailey, Chair Planning Commission 0 THE SHORE REPORTIDECEMBER 2003 Council Activities Since the last newsletter the Council: • Congratulated staff on the opening of the City's Shorewood Village Liquor Store. Reviewed a proposal presented by the City ofExcelsior to address the budget and its approach to making additional contributions and identifying reductions in expenses pertaining to the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department Budget for 2004. • Reviewed the proposed Water and Debt Service, Sanitary Sewer, Recycling, Stormwater Management, and Liquor Operations Budgets for the Year 2004. • Held a Work Session Meeting regarding recodification of the City's Zoning Code. • Accepted the Revised Design Proposal for Streetscape plans as part of the County Road 19 Realignment Project. • Approved an annual resolution setting delinquent utility charges and other charges and fees to be certified to the County as a levy on property taxes. • Approved a Resolution Declaring Public Purpose for the property located at 6030 and 6040 Lake Linden Drive for the pedestrian trail in that area • Adopted the Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan for managing stormwater runoff within the City. • Held a Public Hearing regarding a request for public right -of -way vacations along Wedgewood Drive. • Heard a report from Shorewood's Lake Minnetonka Conservation District Representative Tom Skramstad, regarding recent activities of the LMCD. www.ci.shorewood.mn.us THE SHORE REPORT /December 2003 Recycling News SuperValu Launches Plastic Bag Recycling Program T WIN CITIES CUB FOODS, Lunds, Byerly's, Kowalski's Markets and Hennepin county Recycling Centers NOW accept plastic bags for "It's in the Bag" Recycling Program. "It's in the Bag" is a new plastic bag - recycling program announced Tuesday October 28, 2003. In collaboration with program partners Minnesota Waste Wise, Merrick, Inc., Trex Company, Hennepin County and Twin Cities' retailers, the recycling program will serve as an efficient means for consumers to recycle plastic bags. "It's in the Bag" is an example of private industry working with the public sector to develop long -term, viable solutions to public concerns. Recycling collection points will be at all Twin Cities Cub Foods, Lunds, Byerly's and Kowalski's Markets, as well as Hennepin County's Bloomington and Brooklyn Park recycling centers. Merrick will pick up, transport and bale the plastic bags. Trex Company will recycle the bags for use in the manufacture of decking and railing materials for homes. In addition to program partners, several organizations have lent financial support. Additional funders include: the American Plastics Council, GreenGuardian.com, Minnesota Grocers' Education Foundation, Pioneer Press, Star Tribune and Target Corp. The plastic bag - recycling program was revamped and re- launched after an eight -month hiatus. Minnesota Waste Wise estimates a half - million pounds of plastic will be collected annually in the Twin Cities through the "It's in the Bag" program. N e. n E co " C o rner Turn Holiday Blues into Holiday Joy Through Exercise, Restful Sleep and a Positive Attitude Take some time for yourself during this season and attend this special event at the SouthShore Center on Tuesday, December 9 at 12.-45 to 2:15 PM. There will be short presentations on each of the topics, followed by tea, chocolates and treats. The cost is $2. Register by calling the Center. AAA Senior Driving Class A 4 -hour senior driving class will be offered on Thursday, December H from 9 AM tO 1 PM. To register call AAA toll free at 1- 888 - 234 -1294. Snacks with Santa Party Come for a free visit with Santa on Saturday, December 13 between H AM and I PM. There will be a magic show by Nathan Stockwell at 11:30 AM. If you would like to buy a lunch, please make your reservation by Thursday, December 11. Lunch includes a hot dog, chips, cookie and a drink for $2.50. Holiday Cookies Be sure to place your orders for holiday cookies. The cookies are baked with love and butter by the Southshore Cookie Bakers. The cost is $5 per dozen. Holiday Meal The special holiday dinner will be on Friday, December 19 at 12 noon. There will be entertainment by Bob Yzermans. The cost is $4 and reservations are needed by Tuesday, December 16 The Southshore Center is located at 5735 Country Club Road, Shorewood. The office is open daily from 8:30 AM to 4 Pm.. For more or to register for classesi call (952) 474 -7635. Holiday Schedule Due to the holidays, the following changes will be made to the Island recycling schedule: December 26 January 2 No changes will be made to the Mainland schedule. 5 FOUNDATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 civic pride through community -based activities, citywide celebrations, and volunteer operations. There is a growing recognition across the U.S. of the link between attractive public lands, such as national and city parks, and the well -being of the communities that provide access to them. Parks are not islands unto themselves, they are living breathing parts of our communities. One of the key challenges on the horizon is bringing improvements to our parks with no contributing dollars from area cities. The Shorewood Parks Foundation is an organization within the City devoted to the economic sustainability of our parks. Typically, parks are supported, in part, with fees paid in connection with land development. In cities such as Shorewood, where land is already at or close to being fully developed, that source of funding is not available. However, the need for park maintenance and improvements continues. Through activities such as the recent Art for the Parks event and the Buy a Brick program, the Parks Foundation is helping to address these needs. If you would like more information or have comments, please contactthe Shorewood Parks Foundation at (952) 843 -0502 or infb@shorewoodparks.org.& Shorewood Parks Foundation www.ci.shorewood.mn.us 4 T IS TMIE TO RENEW your dog's license for the upcoming year. The City of Shorewood requires all dogs kept in the City, and over the age of six months, to be licensed and registered, including those allowed by special permit. For your convenience, the application form is provided below, or come in and apply in person at City Hall on weekdays from 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. if you have questions, call the City at (952) 474 -3236. CITY OF SHOREWOOD DOG LINCENSE APPLICATION FOR 2004 INSTRUCTIONS: For each dog, mail or bring in the Rabies Certificate, the completed Application Form and the Total Amount Due to the City of Shorewood, 5755 Country Club Road, Shorewood, MN 55331.A license tag will not be issued without a printed copy of the current rabies vaccination from your vetrinarian. An additional kennel license is required for owners with more than 2 dogs. This can be obtained at City Hail. (Please Print orType) 1. Dog's Name: Breed: Color: Age: Sex: M / F Date of Rabies Shot: Date Due: _Rabies Tag #: 2. Dog's Name: Breed: Color: Age: Sex: M / F Date of Rabies Shot: Date Due: Rabies Tag #: 3. Dog's Name: Breed: Color: Age: Sex: M / F Date of Rabies Shot: Date Due: Rabies Tag #: Veterinarian / Clinic: Phone #: Owner's Name: Home Phone: Work Ph Address: I plan to contain my dog(s) on my property by: Kennel Fence Electronic Fence System Tie it up No Plans Total Number of Dogs in Household: X $10.00 = Total Number of Dogs in Household: _X $ .55 = Total Number of Dogs in Household:___ X $ 5.00 = Lost Tag: X $ 1.00 = Total Amount Due= $ (License, Mailing a Late Fees) THE DOG TAG SHALL BE SECURELY ATTACHED AROUND THE DOG'S NECK AT ALL TIMES DURING THE LICENSE PERIOD. Expires December 31, 2004. o r Office Use Qnly 1. City Tag it -_ Rabies Certificate Issued thy: _ 2. CityTag #- _.-- - - - - -- Y % N Date: - -- - - - — 3. City Tag # _ — — Receipt #: -- -- — Other License Fee Mailing Fee to Fee (after Jan. 31, 2004) All information collected by this agency is public pursuant to State Statute.