August 2003 Shore ReportAUGUST 2003
Moody's Upgrades City's Bond Rating
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52
Senior Corner .............
Recycling News ....
early Shorewood...........
ommunity Events.......... 3`
Council Activities ........... 3
Help Wanted ................ 3.
Public Hearings /Map........ 4
M OODY 9 S INVESTORS SERVICE, a bond
rating agency, recently notified the
City of Shorewood that it upgraded the City's
bond rating from Al to Aa3, in conjunction
with the City's recent Water Revenue Bond
Refunding. This is very good news for the
City, because the municipal bond rating is
similar to a corporate or individual credit
rating. The high rating is a measure of the
quality of the City's financial position. This
translates into interest savings because bond
buyers are willing to earn lower interest as
a trade -off for secure debt. This insures
that Shorewood's debt service costs will
remain as low as possible. As an example,
the City's interest costs for the Water Bond
Moody's said the upgrade and the Aa3
rating "reflects the City's mature economy
with affluent wealth levels and healthy tax
base growth; strong financial operations
characterized by healthy reserve levels;
and manageable debt burden." Moody's
believes the City "will maintain its stable
financial operations due to a history of
conservative budgeting and lack of reliance
on state aids; and expects the debt burden to
remain manageable given expected on -going
tax base growth and limited capital needs."
The City's excellent bond rating is a
message to businesses and individuals that
Shorewood is a financially health community
and that its financial future is strong.&
Refunding were lower due to the upgraded
credit rating.
Shorewood Water Report Update
T HE RECENTLY PUBLISHED Shorewood
water report indicated some level of
concern in the amount of lead and copper
found in Shorewood's public drinking
water. When further investigating the cause
of higher than desired amounts of lead and
copper in the water, it was found that the
homes being spot tested which were built
prior to 1977, were testing high, but the
homes built after that year were not. After a
Smithtown Road
Construction
HE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT covering
Smithtown Road is still in phase one
of a three -phase project. Although the City
is aware that this project is inconvenient
to residents living directly within the
construction area, construction crews are
trying to complete the project as quickly as
possible so project is inconvenient to residents
living directly within the construction area,
construction crews are trying to complete the
project as quickly as possible so that life from
our car can get back to normal.
Phase 2 will begin this month and will
Smithtown Road
Continued on page 3
retesting of the water, it has been determined
that the public water supplied by Shorewood
meets all state requirements and is not high
in any other contaminants.
The problem lies in the plumbing used in
homes built before 1977. These homes have
lead soldering in the copper pipes that can
be released into the water over time. If your
home is of this era and you would like to test
your homes water for lead, testing kits are
available at most home improvement centers
and hardware stores.
If you have any questions about the water
in Shorewood, please contact the City of
Shorewood at (952) 474 - 3236.E
Upcomi City
Meetings and Events
8 National Night Out
8/5 7:00 Planning Corninission Meeting
1 7:00 p=ity COLIM Meeting
8r l9 7 :00 Planning Commission hiMeetiny
8125 7:00 City Council Mk eting /EGA
9/i HOLDAY- -City Offices Closed
O/4 Niamiand Recy( lihc; pick -up
yi5 Island Recycling pick -up
See pg.3 for Council Cable Schedule
Meeting Mirvites and AyIndus are avwladla often
they ores n pprovecf on the City We b site,
THE SHORE REPORT /August 2003
Recycling News
Recycling your used motor oil is easy!
R ECYCLING YOUR OIL helps the
environment, saves energy and
protects our drinking water. Used motor
oil from a single oil change can ruin a
million gallons of fresh water —a year's
supply for 50 people. Used motor oil
is insoluble, persistent and can contain
toxic chemicals and heavy metals. It's
slow to degrade. It sticks to everything
from beach sand to bird feathers. Used
motor oil is a major source of oil
contamination of waterways and can
result in pollution of drinking water
sources.
On average, about four million people
reuse motor oil as a lubricant for other
equipment or take it to a recycling
facility. Recycled used motor oil can
be re- refined into new oil, processed
into fuel oils and used as raw materials
for the petroleum industry. One gallon
of used motor oil provides the same 2.5
quarts of lubricating oil as 42 gallons of
crude oil.
Become part of the solution and
recycle your used motor oil. If all
the oil from American do- it- yourself
oil changers were recycled, it would
be enough motor oil for more than 50
million cars. Imagine how much foreign
oil that would eliminate. Used motor oil
from cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles,
farm equipment and lawn mowers can
be recycled and re- refined. Take your
used motor oil to the nearest used oil
collection center, such as a service
station, lube center or automotive
store. To find used oil collection centers
in your area, call 1- 800 - CLEANUP or
visit www.cleanup.org.
For more information on managing
used motor oil, visit the EPA Web
site at http://www.epa.govlepaoswerl
hazwaste/usedo it /index. htm. 0
Call the Southshore Senior Center at (952) 474 -7635 to register or
for information:
August 4,12:45 PM, Grandparent /Grandchild Day and Ice Cream Social, Bring
your grandchild, great- grandchild, or neighbor kid to the Southshore Center
Ice Cream Social! There will be entertainment by James Gerholdt and his
Remarkable Reptiles Exhibit. This program will entertain as he shares the
wonders of the reptile world. Cost for ice cream social and program is $1.
Please make reservations by August 1. A hot dog lunch will be served at noon
for an additional cost of $2.75.
August 15, 1 -5 PM, Senior Driving Class, AAA will offer a senior driver
improvement class. This is a 4 -hour refresher class and participants would
have needed to take the 8 -hour class at a previous time. To pre- register call
toll -free 1- 888 - 234 -1294.
August 22, NOON, Southshore Picnic, Let's hope for good weather as we gather
for a Senior's Picnic at Manor Park in Shorewood. Cost is $4 per person and
includes fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans, watermelon and lemonade.
Please make reservations by August 20.
The Southshore Center is located at 5735 Country Club Road, Shorewood. The office is
open daily from 8:30 AM to 4 Pm. Noon lunches are served on Monday, Tuesday and Friday.
A complete list ofsenior activities is in the Southshore Times newsletter. For information
on programs, transportation, and senior issues, or to be added to the newsletter mailing
list, call (952) 474 -7635.
Recycling Schedule
D UE TO THE LABOR DAY Holiday on
Monday, September 1, recycling
pick -for mainland residents will be on
Thursday, September 4; Island resident
recycling pick -up will be Friday,
September 5. rj
Early
Shorewood
The Edgewood Hotel
Information from Lake Minnetonka's
Historic Hotels by Ellen Wilson Meyer.
N THE LATE 18005 AND EARLY
1900s there were numerous hotels
and boarding houses around Lake
Minnetonka. One family's venture
gives us the history of the Birch Bluff
and Edgewood Road names.
John Mann was a well known
businessman in the Excelsior area in the
late 1800s. He purchased 400 acres of
land at $4 an acre from a family who had
been frightened into leaving due to an
Indian uprising. Mann named this area
Birch Bluff. In 1862 he built a boarding
house called the Upper Lake House.
In 1877, John Mann sold the
Inn to W.A. Sampson. Sampson,
a businessman from Minneapolis,
renamed the boarding house Rustic
Home. In 1901 Sampson moved the
building farther down Edgewood Road
toward Howard's Point and changed
the name to Edgewood Hotel. Five
years later, the hotel was sold to
John Christian. The Edgewood Hotel
advertised rates at $2 per day, or $7-
$8 per week. You could walk from the
train or take the free bus that served all
trains.
Over the years part of the boarding
house was torn down to convert the
house into a single - family dwelling.
Lumber from the torn down section
was used to build cabins on the lake.
Since that time, a new home has been
constructed on the property and the
Edgewood Hotel is another mark in
Shorewood's history.lj
www.ci.shorewood.mn.us 2
THE SHORE REPORT /AUGUST 2003
PT Office Help
Smithtown Road
Continued from page I
Council
affect the area from Cathcart Road to
Eurekea Road. Residents within the
construction zone will be notified by
direct mail. This mail piece will give
them contact information and specific
construction information.
If you have any questions about the
Smithtown Road project, please contact
City Hall at (952) 474 -3236. Watch the
City Web site, www ci.shorewood mn. us,
for periodic updates.
Community Events
Excelsior Library
Bruce the Big Guy
Tuesday, August S, 2 PM
ROFESSIONAL ENTOMOLOGIST
Bruce Giebink presents lively,
entertaining, hands -on program
featuring insects and arthropods. Held in
Luther Hall at Mount Calvary Lutheran
Church, 301 County Rd 19, Excelsior.
Schiffelly Puppets
Wednesday, August 13,
10 :30 & 11:30 AM
OIN THE FUN AS THE Schiffelly Puppets
stage "The Wonderfully Wacky
Wizard of Oz," a parody of L. Frank
Baum's classic tale. Q
Christmas Lake: An Album
Saturday, August 16, 1 :30 pm
AKE A PHOTOGRAPHIC tour through
time and the seasons with
Christmas Lake and album editor
Maureen Bruce.0
Council on Cable
City Council meetings are broadcast
on Cable Channel 8 at:
July 28 Meeting
MONDAY, AUGUST 4 AT 5:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6 AT 1:30 PM
August 11 Meeting
TUESDAY, AUGUST 12 AT 9:30 PM
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14 AT 9:30 AM
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20 AT 5:30 PM
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22 AT 1:30 PM
August 25 Meeting
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26 AT 9:30 AM
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 9:30 PM
Excelsior's Sesquicentennial
August 16 -17
EVERAL EVENTS ARE planned to
celebrate the City of Excelsior's
150th anniversary of its settlement. The
festivities include a parade, a historical
pageant, band concerts, ice cream social,
a human chess game, antique vehicle
displays, historical demonstrations,
children's crafts and games, a Venetian
boat parade, a cupcake /book walk,
a historical site tour, an old- timers
reunion and many other activities. For
a complete schedule, visit the Web site
www. excelsiorl50th.com, or call (952)
474 -5233. This event is sponsored by the
Excelsior -Lake Minnetonka Historical
Society. M
Three Rivers Park District
Grand Opening: Gale Woods Farm
Saturday, August 9
C ELEBRATE THE OPENING of the
Park District's contemporary
educational farm! Activities from 10 AM
to 3 pm include horse -drawn hay rides,
barn tours, kids games, sheep herding
dog demonstrations and much more!
There is also a 5K run for ages 10 +,
a 1K fun run for ages 3 -9 (registration
at 8 AM, races at 8:30 AM and 9:15 AM
consecutively), pick- and -pay garden
produce (10 -11 AM) and the park
dedication and bird release (11 AM). For
more information, contact Three Rivers
Park District, (763) 559 -6700. C
3
Activities
Since the last newsletter, the
City Council:
• Received the Certificate ofAchieve-
ment for Excellence in Financial
Reporting Awarded by the Govern-
ment Finance Officers Association
for its 2002 Comprehensive Annual
Financial Report. This award is
presented to only 2% of all munici-
palities nationwide and recognizes
outstanding achievement in financial
reporting!
• Heard a report from the City's and
consultant regarding the results of
a sale of the 2003 General Obliga-
tion Refunding Bond Sale for 1995
Water Revenue Bonds. As part of
this sale, Moody's Investors Services
had upgraded the City's Bond rating
from Al to Aa3. Congratulations
City of Shorewood!
• Heard a report by the Director of
Transportation for Hennepin County
regarding the County Road 19 Inter-
section Project
• Heard a report on the City's Dog
Owner Education Plan established
by the Park Commission to encour-
age clean -up of dog waste along the
LRT and other city walkways.
• Adopted Resolution Stating the
City's intent not to "opt -out" of
Metropolitan Council Transit Ser-
vices system.
• Accepted a bid from Midwest
Asphalt, Inc., for the Smithtown
Road Pavement Rehabilitation
Project scheduled for this construc-
tion season.
• Approved the 2004 Budget of the
Lake Minnetonka Conservation
District.&
Park /Trail Talk
Crescent Beach Closes
T HE SUMMER SWIMMING season is
quickly coming to an end! Crescent
Beach will close on Sunday, August 24
for the 2003 season.N
www.ci.shorewood.mn.us
T HE CITY OF SHOREWOOD is in need
of an individual who can be on -call
for occasional
office front -desk
receptionist
help. To learn
.. zap ... ..
more about the
position, please
call Jean at (952)
474 -3236. E
affect the area from Cathcart Road to
Eurekea Road. Residents within the
construction zone will be notified by
direct mail. This mail piece will give
them contact information and specific
construction information.
If you have any questions about the
Smithtown Road project, please contact
City Hall at (952) 474 -3236. Watch the
City Web site, www ci.shorewood mn. us,
for periodic updates.
Community Events
Excelsior Library
Bruce the Big Guy
Tuesday, August S, 2 PM
ROFESSIONAL ENTOMOLOGIST
Bruce Giebink presents lively,
entertaining, hands -on program
featuring insects and arthropods. Held in
Luther Hall at Mount Calvary Lutheran
Church, 301 County Rd 19, Excelsior.
Schiffelly Puppets
Wednesday, August 13,
10 :30 & 11:30 AM
OIN THE FUN AS THE Schiffelly Puppets
stage "The Wonderfully Wacky
Wizard of Oz," a parody of L. Frank
Baum's classic tale. Q
Christmas Lake: An Album
Saturday, August 16, 1 :30 pm
AKE A PHOTOGRAPHIC tour through
time and the seasons with
Christmas Lake and album editor
Maureen Bruce.0
Council on Cable
City Council meetings are broadcast
on Cable Channel 8 at:
July 28 Meeting
MONDAY, AUGUST 4 AT 5:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6 AT 1:30 PM
August 11 Meeting
TUESDAY, AUGUST 12 AT 9:30 PM
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14 AT 9:30 AM
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20 AT 5:30 PM
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22 AT 1:30 PM
August 25 Meeting
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26 AT 9:30 AM
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 9:30 PM
Excelsior's Sesquicentennial
August 16 -17
EVERAL EVENTS ARE planned to
celebrate the City of Excelsior's
150th anniversary of its settlement. The
festivities include a parade, a historical
pageant, band concerts, ice cream social,
a human chess game, antique vehicle
displays, historical demonstrations,
children's crafts and games, a Venetian
boat parade, a cupcake /book walk,
a historical site tour, an old- timers
reunion and many other activities. For
a complete schedule, visit the Web site
www. excelsiorl50th.com, or call (952)
474 -5233. This event is sponsored by the
Excelsior -Lake Minnetonka Historical
Society. M
Three Rivers Park District
Grand Opening: Gale Woods Farm
Saturday, August 9
C ELEBRATE THE OPENING of the
Park District's contemporary
educational farm! Activities from 10 AM
to 3 pm include horse -drawn hay rides,
barn tours, kids games, sheep herding
dog demonstrations and much more!
There is also a 5K run for ages 10 +,
a 1K fun run for ages 3 -9 (registration
at 8 AM, races at 8:30 AM and 9:15 AM
consecutively), pick- and -pay garden
produce (10 -11 AM) and the park
dedication and bird release (11 AM). For
more information, contact Three Rivers
Park District, (763) 559 -6700. C
3
Activities
Since the last newsletter, the
City Council:
• Received the Certificate ofAchieve-
ment for Excellence in Financial
Reporting Awarded by the Govern-
ment Finance Officers Association
for its 2002 Comprehensive Annual
Financial Report. This award is
presented to only 2% of all munici-
palities nationwide and recognizes
outstanding achievement in financial
reporting!
• Heard a report from the City's and
consultant regarding the results of
a sale of the 2003 General Obliga-
tion Refunding Bond Sale for 1995
Water Revenue Bonds. As part of
this sale, Moody's Investors Services
had upgraded the City's Bond rating
from Al to Aa3. Congratulations
City of Shorewood!
• Heard a report by the Director of
Transportation for Hennepin County
regarding the County Road 19 Inter-
section Project
• Heard a report on the City's Dog
Owner Education Plan established
by the Park Commission to encour-
age clean -up of dog waste along the
LRT and other city walkways.
• Adopted Resolution Stating the
City's intent not to "opt -out" of
Metropolitan Council Transit Ser-
vices system.
• Accepted a bid from Midwest
Asphalt, Inc., for the Smithtown
Road Pavement Rehabilitation
Project scheduled for this construc-
tion season.
• Approved the 2004 Budget of the
Lake Minnetonka Conservation
District.&
Park /Trail Talk
Crescent Beach Closes
T HE SUMMER SWIMMING season is
quickly coming to an end! Crescent
Beach will close on Sunday, August 24
for the 2003 season.N
www.ci.shorewood.mn.us
Or Current Resident
PRESORTED
STANDARD
U.S.POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT #128
EXCELSIOR,MN 55331
What "s Happening in the City?
3
Public Safety CB= Crescent Beach
Building Site
*City Hall/ .. 2
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Map Descriptions
The following items are on the August 5 Planning Commission Agenda:
1.The property owners at 5695 Christmas Lake Point are requesting approval of a setback variance which
would allow them to add a second story to the house. A public hearing is scheduled for 7:00 P.M.
2.The property owner at 5320 Shady Hills Circle is applying for a Special Home Occupation permit to
conduct a music instruction business out of the home. A public hearing will be held at 7:15 P.M.
3.A public hearing will be held at 7:30 P.M. to consider a request for a Zoning Code text amendment which
would establish a new conditional use in the R -C District. An amendment to the existing Conditional Use Permit
for the business located at 21195 Minnetonka Blvd. is also being requested.
4.An application to subdivide property located at 20995 Forest Drive will be considered. A public hearing
is not required.
5.A Site Plan will be reviewed for proposed remodeling and an addition to the Dimensions in Floors property
at 5660 County Road 19. A public hearing is not required.
THE SHORE REPORT /AUGUST 2003
CITY OF SHOREWOOD
5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
'-
SHOREWOOD, MN 55331
E
(952)474.3236 FAX (952)474.0128
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Monday - Friday 8 AM to 4 :30 P &i
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Council Members
Woody Love, Mayor
Johan Garfunkel
Christine Lia6e
d_aura Turgeon
Scott Zerby
G
City Administrator: Craig Dawson
V)
Newsletter Editor: Julie Moore
9
This newsletter is printed on recycled paper.
Or Current Resident
PRESORTED
STANDARD
U.S.POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT #128
EXCELSIOR,MN 55331
What "s Happening in the City?
3
Public Safety CB= Crescent Beach
Building Site
*City Hall/ .. 2
a � ('{�
"� Southshore Center z"
i y
11 41 o
z _
a
quad o 3
L Y .~-
G+ =
� O
Map Descriptions
The following items are on the August 5 Planning Commission Agenda:
1.The property owners at 5695 Christmas Lake Point are requesting approval of a setback variance which
would allow them to add a second story to the house. A public hearing is scheduled for 7:00 P.M.
2.The property owner at 5320 Shady Hills Circle is applying for a Special Home Occupation permit to
conduct a music instruction business out of the home. A public hearing will be held at 7:15 P.M.
3.A public hearing will be held at 7:30 P.M. to consider a request for a Zoning Code text amendment which
would establish a new conditional use in the R -C District. An amendment to the existing Conditional Use Permit
for the business located at 21195 Minnetonka Blvd. is also being requested.
4.An application to subdivide property located at 20995 Forest Drive will be considered. A public hearing
is not required.
5.A Site Plan will be reviewed for proposed remodeling and an addition to the Dimensions in Floors property
at 5660 County Road 19. A public hearing is not required.
THE SHORE REPORT /AUGUST 2003