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December 1999 Shore ReportDECEMBER 1999 Budget Hearing Dates, Times and Locations T THE END OF EACH CALENDAR YEAR, THE CITY, COUNTY, SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND SPECIAL TAXING DISTRICTS HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS where people can review the various budget plans for the coming year. The public is invited to gather information, ask questions, make comments and offer suggestions on each agency's budget plan. The schedule for the meetings is as follows: ® City of Shorewood December 6 at 7. 15 P.M. C 5755 Country Club Road Shorewood (612) 474 -3236 Minnetonka School District 276 December 7 at 7:00 P.M. District Service Center O 5621 Highway 101 South Minnetonka (612) 401 -5024 Con Mound Westonka District 277 November 29 at 7:30 P.M. Shirley Hills Primary School ® Media Center 2450 Wilshire Blvd. Mound 1 612) 491 -8007 Hennepin County December 2 at 5:30 P.M. V A2400 Government Center Minneapolis (612) 348 -3011 Metro Special Taxing District December 1 at 6:00 P.M. Mears Park Centre 230 Fifth St. East St. Paul (651) 602 -1738 See page 4 for more information on the City of Shorewood Financial Plans for 2000. I leaning Commission to H old Public Hearing on Chapter Housing of Comprehensive Plan T N SEPTEMBER OF THIS YEAR, following a kept low to minimize the demand for public lseries of neighborhood open house meet - utilities and services. Recognizing that very ings, the Planning Commission held a public little land remains to be developed in the city, hearing to present proposed revisions to it should come as no surprise that the Hous- „� Shorewood's Comprehensive Plan. It was ing Plan recommends that Shorewood con- noted at that time that the Housing Chapter tinue on as a "bedroom community." had not been completed and that a separate The Plan goes on to recommend that the public hearing would be held before the end issue of senior housing continue to be stud- of the year to consider housing in Shorewood. ied, and that the City's zoning requirements This hearing has now been scheduled for be refined with respect to such housing. One Tuesday, December 7, 1999 at 7:30 P.M. of the suggestions in the plan is to lower the Past planning efforts in Shorewood have allowable density for senior housing projects. focused on housing quality and maintaining Anyone having questions regarding the the character of existing neighborhoods. Housing Chapter may call the Shorewood INSIDE Residential densities have historically been Planning Department at 474 -3236. Conservation Committee 2 Y2k Checklist ......... 2 SS A EVENTS S M T W T Senior Corner ........ 3 12/6 7:15 Truth in Taxation Hearing cc i 2 3 4 Rec Recycling Reminders y g 3 i 2/7 7:00 Planning Commission Meeting Shorewood Budget .. 4 12/13 7:00 City Council Meeting 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Winter Safety 5 12/14 7:30 Park Commission Meeting 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Parks and Trails ....... 12/23 NOON CITY OFFICES CLOSE fi 19 20 21_ 22 23 24 7r 12/24 HOLIDAY —CITY OFFICES CLOSED Winter Fun......... 7 12/31 HOLIDAY —CITY OFFICES CLOSED n 26 �7 28 29 30 31 Commissions & Committees. 8 Underlining indicates cablecast of Council meetings —see schedule on page 3. Cornmun Mat ions C" T HE CITY HAS ADDED COMPONENTS TO THE CITY HALT. SIGN near Country Club Road which are posted on meeting days. The bright yellow signs are very vis- ible invitations encouraging the public to attend City Council, Planning Commission and Park Commission meetings. This is another effort to encourage citizen par- ticipation in the local government process. If you want to stay home on cold winter nights, set your VCR to tape the cablecast version of the City Coun- cil meetings and watch at your convenience. A program- ming schedule for each month is always listed in the Shore Report. (See page 3 of this issue.) The City Council wel- comes your participation and feedback! Conserva C ommittee Swing NEWLY - FORMED LAND CONSERVATION / E NVHLON- MENT COMMITTEE (LCEC) for the City of Shorewood has hit the ground running. The LCEC was created by a Shorewood City ordinance and is charged with multi- faceted duties. By ordinance adopted on June 14, 1999, the LCEC is composed of seven individuals. They are: Chair Frederic Bruno, Vice Chair Tom Schmid, Secretary Lucinda Kircher, Joel Jurgens, and Dave Gosen. Also sitting on the Committee are Paula Berndt from the Park Commission, and Donna Woodruff from the Planning Commission. The mem- bers of the LCEC are volunteers and are eager to hear from members of the community. They may be reached through City Hall at 474 -3236. The mission of the LCEC is to: Implement a process which will permanently pro- tect and increase natural open space in the City of Shorewood Serve as an educational resource to the City Coun- cil, Commissions and property owners regarding land protection options, and the benefits of a con- tinuing land conservation effort Assist, guide and coordinate environmental issues and education Since late September, the LCEC has been meeting every two weeks, and will work toward presenting a report to the City Council in June, 2000. The LCEC will continue to hold public meetings — including guest speakers —as it considers work plan items for the coming year. Some of those are: green space conservation, lawn chemical use and residential composting. If you are concerned about land conservation and environ- mental issues, please consider working with the Committee to help locally. What a great way to start the new millen- nium! Meeting days and times will be published in future newsletters. THE SHORE REPORT /DECEMBER1999 2 We're a You? HOREWOOD CITY STAFF HAS WORKED THIS PAST YEAR to investigate and fix potential problems associated with Y2k. They are confident that critical systems will continue to work into the new century. To ensure that services to you will not be interrupted, staff will be work- ing on the evening of New Year's Eve, monitoring systems as the calendar rolls over. Staff members are also working with other service pro- viders, such as the Police and Fire Departments. This month they will identify emergency locations and numbers, should an unforeseen problem occur. That information will be an- nounced in your next newsletter. Red Cross has the following suggestions on being pre- pared, as we should for any type of emergency: Supplies Keep a fresh supply of first -aid items 1� Get hard copies of prescription refills Stock a supply of fresh water, food & necessities Obtain an AM/FM battery- operated radio, flash- light and batteries for both Mechanical Equipment Assess status of home heating system V Evaluate whether or not you need to obtain an alternative heat and/or light source Assess date sensitivity of home security system and obtain keys or manual overrides for elec- tronic, card, or code locks Purchase a carbon monoxide detector if using fire- place, generator or non - electric space heater Test fire and carbon monoxide detectors Top off home- heating oil tanks in December Know how to drain water pipes V Maintain a full gas tank in your car Records and Information Keep paper copies of all financial transactions and assets Have a modest amount of cash available for a few days of incidental expenses V Know where to report emergencies and have backup emergency phone numbers The City has extra copies of the Red Cross brochures which were included with the June newsletter. For the more com- prehensive list to be sent to you, call 474 -3236. Information contained in this communication Staying relates to the City of Shorewood ' s Year 2000 9n Top efforts. The disclosure of this information is intended to serve as a Year 2000 Readiness Dis- o closure under the Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure Act, Public Law 105 -271. Early Shorewood Re Remin -ceders In Those Days Occasionally residents ask for clarification of what they can include Recorded from the memories of the first in the recycling pick -up bins. We thought it was time to publish a Mavor of the Village of Shorewood, list of the items that E -Z Recycling is currently collecting: Mr. W. Dudle Kendrick. These thoughts are from the Excelsior Township Days. ♦ Newspaper and Magazines -These two items need to be kept D URING THE 1930'S, MR. KFNDRIC;x separated and each placed in a paper bag or bundled. RFmirF,m3FRS, the "Township leaders ♦ Mixed Mail - Placed in a separate bag from newspaper or would try to take care of folks on an in- magazines. dividual basis who needed financial as- Fans (food and beverage) -Rinse out and place in paper bag. sistance. They would personally make some arrangement with the local grocery ® Glass (food and beverage) - Rinse out and place in paper bag. store if someone needed food for their + Cardboard (corrugated) - Flatten, place in paper bag or family. Later they used a service by bundle with twine. Not to exceed 3'x3'. Hennepin County which had a social worker to visit people and decide what + Plastics (only bottles with a neck) - Place in paper bag. they needed. Then the Township would help out financially, as well. Plastic bags cannot be used for bundling. Items not properly sorted The Township employed only a few will not be picked up. Also, recycling items placed in garbage "road men" and a constable. Mr. cans will not be taken as the driver will assume the contents are Kendrick received a small stipend for his for your garbage hauler. work as Township Clerk. Everybody Recycling must be curbside by 7 A.M. on recycle day. else was reimbursed only for expenses. Watch for s Mr If you have any questions you can contact either E -Z Recycling at REPORT to red what Kendrick had (651) 644 -6577 or City Hall at (612) 474 -3236. to say about the first "public works L w , a employee for the Township and the Village of Shorewood.t Senior Corner These are some of the special December events at the Southshore Center. Call 474 -7635 for more information or to make reservations. y ,... Date Event Information f December 2 Trip to Dayton's Holiday Display —The van leaves at 11:30 A.M. and the cost is $4. ` December 11 Snack with Santa —Come to the Center from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. for a visit with Santa, videos, art activities, caroling and more, all at no charge. Call in advance to Council on Cable reserve a hot dog lunch for $2.50. City Council meetings can be seen on December 13 to 16 Cookie Baking Days— Bakers are needed to fill cookie Cable Channel at the following times: orders. Call the Center to sign up for a time slot. November 22 Meeting December 16 Trip to Como Conservatory to see the pointsettia dis- Friday, December 3 at 1:30 P.M. play. The Van leaves the Center at 100) A.M. and the cost is $5. December 6 Meeting Tuesday, December 7 at 5:30 P.M. December 17 Holiday Dinner and Party at NOON. The cost of $4 in- cludes lunch, beverage and entertainment. December 13 Meeting Friday, December 17 at 1:30 P.M. The Center will be closed on Thursday and Friday, December 23 rd Tuesday, December 21 at 5:30 P.M. & 24" and December 31't for the Holidays. ,' SNORE REPORT/ DECEMBER 1 999 What are the City's revenue sources --and how does the City propose to spend funds? This is a visual description of the financial plaits for the City of Shorewood for the coming year Both the anticipated revenue and budget amounts for 2000 equal $2,907,240. The specific dollar figures are available from City Hall for public review at any time. Where do your property tax dollars go? This example illustrates how property taxes are distributed. TOTAL PROPERTY TAXES on a $200,000 home in Shorewood is $3,925 CITY OF SHOREWOOD PROPOSED 2000 GENERAL FUND REVENUES Those dollars are divided among the following four categories: Henne ^ ;^ r,,,,., +., Special Districts $266 City of $554 FA strict* 32 SERVICES PROVIDED FOR $554 • Polic6 and fire protection • Street maintenance and plowing • Parks <and trails • Building and other inspections • Other t itv services * The above figure relates to Minnetonka School District #276. Westonka School District #277 is at $1,460 and therefore the total tax bill will be less and percentages will be somewhat different. ** Includes Metropolitan Council, Watershed Districts, and other government agencies. THE SNORE REPORT/ DECEMBER1999 4 Be Prepared For Cold Temperatures, fie and Snow f I i Sand & Salt Barrels T o help keep your driveway and walkway safe, residents of Shorewood can purchase a 50 gallon barrel filled with a sand and salt mixture. The cost is $40.00 for the initial barrel and $20.00 for refills. Send a check along with your request (including your name, address and phone number) to the City of Shorewood, 5755 Country Club Rd, Shorewood MN 55331. The Public Works Department will contact you to schedule a delivery time. Snowplow Safety IkAP A to Survive Don't assume that plow drivers can see brightly colored cloth to tie on vehicle's antenna you. Their field of vision is limited. The patterned area of this diagram for help if stranded, candle, matches and a small IN indicates all of the blind spots. pencil, paper and change for phone calls. Never pass on the right. Plows are For current road conditions call the 24 -hour state - the weather pushing snow and spreading sand to that side of the road. Before You Go ... drive Snowplow operators work hard to make the City safely of Shorewood's roads as safe as possible for you. Motorists are asked to help this winter by slow - ing down, keeping a safe distance from snowplowing equipment and driving safely. park Typically plows are not called out until the end off -road of a snowfall event so driveways are not repeat- edly plowed shut. Yet, residents and businesses are asked to refrain from parking on the street after a 2" snowfall to allow snowplow operators to plow curb -to curb. plan Make sure your vehicle is prepared for Minnesota's ahead harsh winters. Test your anti - freeze, battery, brakes, exhaust and lights. Equip your vehicle with booster cables, windshield scraper, shovel, road flares, blan- kets and a winter survival kit. prepare Pack flashlights, hand/foot warmer packets, first to Survive aid supplies, high energy candy or snacks, brightly colored cloth to tie on vehicle's antenna for help if stranded, candle, matches and a small metal container to melt snow for drinking water, pencil, paper and change for phone calls. watch For current road conditions call the 24 -hour state - the weather wide recorded road condition information num- bers: 1- 800 -542 -0220 or 405 -6030. check It is recommended that all residents take the time your early in this season to check the condition of their mailbox mailbox and its supports. The City will not re- place mailboxes that are damaged from the force of the snow coming off the plow. Snowplow operators pay close attention to avoid mailboxes and other obstacles within the right of way. How- ever, in the event a plow makes contact with the mailbox or support post, the mailbox will be re- paired or replaced with a standard mailbox. The US Postmaster requires that mail -boxes be 42" from the street to the bottom of the mailbox. Residents are responsible for clearing their mail- box area of snow to insure delivery. 5 THE SHORE REPORT /DECEMBER 1 999 South Lake Skatpark Project is On a Roll REA YOUTH HAVE BEEN MEETING WITH YOUTH COALITION MEMBERS to move forward on plans for an area skatepark. They are now working on designing the park which will be a complement to other area parks such as those in Chanhassen and Chaska by having different ramps and equipment. Ramps will be de- !: signed at a maximum height of three feet. The top priority site being 1 considered at this time is the wayside area parking lot on the north side of ' Highway 7, just west of :.: the Old Market Road in- tersection. Help is needed by young and old alike with the planning, design, and also fundraising. The cities of Shorewood, Tonka Bay and Greenwood have set aside some funds and several other cities are considering financial participation in the project. These funds will need to be matched by the private sector. The Shorewood Park Foun- dation will work on private fundraising but your help is needed. Let us know how you can help by calling City Hall (474 -3236) or leave a message on the Shoreline (Extension 1), during non - office hours. Commissioner Bensman Resigns HORF,WOOD PARK COMMISSIONER, Mary Bensman has resigned from her post after seven years of service. She has served during vital times and through important issues for Shorewood's parklands. We thank Mary for the time and energy she has devoted over the years out of her sincere appreciation of our City's parks 6 and trails. THE SHORE RF_PORT / DECEMBERS 999 LRT Tram Winter Maintenance Plan —Clear Away the Snow to Clarity the New Policy S REPORTED IN THE NOVEM- BER NEWSLETTER, THE CITY'S APPLICATION TO Hennepin County for winter use of the LRT for the 1999/2000 season did not include snowmobiling. Since then, many residents have re- sponded with suggestions for how the trail should be maintained for the snow season. At their November 8 meeting, the City Council reviewed the various options and voted to di- rect staff to completely plow the LRT trail at least through Decem- ber 15 (or through the first two sig- nificant snow- falls) to initially emphasize the t, ' I change in Keep in policy. While it sn significant when when communication will not efforts are being made (includ- iminedi ing posting of signs), the ro) /ttl }b(gs Council realizes there will be areas are tl' confusion at the start. They asked the Park Commission for in- put, and plan to revisit the issue at the December 6 Council meeting. Park Commission Agrees to Total Snow Removal Idea In discussion at their November meeting, members of the Park Com- mission agreed that the City must fully plow the trail —at least mi- tially—in order to help get the mes- sage across that the trail is closed to snowmobiles. The 1999/2000 snowmobile trail maps show the LRT as open to snowmobiles through Shorewood. In fairness to well- intended and informed snowmobilers who may follow the preprinted maps, there needs to be a clear indication of the recent change. The Commissioners felt the best way to do that is to keep the trail clear of snow. Of course, all of this is assuming there will be snow in Shorewood this year. Keep in mind that if and when it snows, the trail will not be cleared immediately since roadways and parking areas are the first priority. City Council Asks for More Input and Everyone's Patience The question remains of how to handle the later part of the winter when there may be snow- mobilers heading to the lake for the first time in ii that if and first season lws< the trail and finding a snow -cov- )e cleared ered trail. In that case, it teky since seems best to keep the trail znd parking plowed until spring, how- ' first priority. ever, the City does not want to prevent skiers and snowshoers from using the LRT for the entire season. The answer is not clear at this point — and the City asks for everyone's pa- tience. The Council also asks for your input. They are still listening and considering all perspectives as they continue to work on a plan. Call City Hall, (474 -3236) with your ideas, or send e-mail to cityhall@ci.shorewood.mn.us. n" 4,zy z: ;rte qV 6 2000 D Lic ense t is time 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 pen 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. CITY OF SHOREWOOD \� DOG LICENSE APPLICATION FOR 2000 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 veterinarian. An additional kennel license is required for owners with more than 2 dogs. This can be obtained at City Hall. 1 2 3. Dog's Name:_ Age:_ Veterinarian / Clinic: Owner's Name: (Please Print or Type) Breed:__ Sex: M /F Date of Rabies Shot: Breed: Sex: M / F Date of Rabies Shot: Breed: Sex: M / F Date of Rabies Shot: Color: _Rabies Tag #: Color: _Rabies Tag #: Color: _Rabies Tag #: hone #: Home Phone: Work Phone: Address: 0 plan to contain my dog(s) on my property by: Kennel Fence Tie it up Other No Plans Total Number of Dogs in Household: X $5.00 = License Fee Total Number of Dogs in Household: X $ .50 = + Mailing Fee Total Number of Dogs in Household: X $1.00 = + Late Fee (after Jan. 31, 2000) Total Amount Due = $ THE DOG TAG SHALL BE SECURELY ATTACHED AROUND THE DOG'S NECK AT ALL TIMES DURING THE LICENSE PERIOD. EXPIRES JANUARY, 2001. Dog's Name: Age:_ Dog's Name: Age:_ Electronic Fence System _ All information collected by this agency is public pursuant to State Statute. 7FoN/, Iia Wad+;q k k FdWuld4pevak-. v L`+ 0 71tir, 04r o� Wm4rXal Food, k))If aneG�re� �Go�wer�a�iow n ol confe�� THE SOUTHSHORE COMMUNITY CENTER x 5735 Country Club Road, Shorewood Call to reserve a room for your party, large or small You'll be happy with the price. Jo Ann at (612) 541 -1019 or Joyce at (612) 4 74- 7635 It's r Fun . - - HE CrrY PLANS TO OPEN THE SKATING RINKS AS SOON AS THE WEATHER COOPERATES. That means several days of sustained below - freezing temperatures and a few other conditions which are out of our control, must occur. Signs will be posted at the three warming houses when the ice is ready for use. Badger, Manor and Cathcart parks have both free skating facilities and warming houses operated by rink atten- dants. Badger and Cathcart also have hockey boards and nets. Silverwood Park has a pond which is groomed for a free skating rink when the ice is determined to be safe. Warming House hours will be as follows: Mondays - Thursdays 3:30 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. Fridays 3:30 P.M. - 10:30 P.M. Saturdays 9:00 A.M. - 10:30 P.M. Sundays 12:00 NOON - 9:30 P.M. Winter Break (12/22 - 12/31) 9:00 A.M. - 10:30 P.M. *Dec. 24 9:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. *Dec. 25 and Jan 1 Closed *December 31 9:00 A.M. - 10:30 P.M. *Holiday hours will depend upon availability of attendants. Call City Hall for specifics (474 - 3236). Closing times may vary slightly if rink is not in use or an attendant is not available. Warming houses will be posted when closed. A Note to Parents T IS IMPORTANT to make arrangements in advance to pick up your children at the end of their skating time. The telephones in the warming houses are for emergency use only and will be locked when the attendant is outside. The 10:00 P.M. curfew for juveniles 14 years and younger will be enforced. Rink attendants are required to follow City regulations themselves, as well as to see that others do the same. We welcome any comments regarding our rink operations. ! ! ! INCOME OPPORTUNITY ! ! ! Looking for a job? Why not be a rink attendant? The season is approximately two months. Applicants must be dependable, friendly and 16 years or older. Competitive salary with an end of the season bonus to those who qualify! Apply at City Hall. + >r ♦ ♦ T HE CITY WOULD LIKE TO REMIND ALI, RESIDENTS OF THE REGULATIONS IN FORCE THROUGHOUT THE CITY. A FEW OF THE MAIN POINTS ARE LISTED HERE: ♦ Snowmobiling is allowed in designated areas from December 1 to March 31. ♦ Snowmobiles are prohibited from the LRT Trail, all City parks and wetlands. ♦ Snowmobile operation is allowed between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 10:00 P.M. Sunday - Thursday. Curfew time is extended to 11:00 P.M. Friday and Saturday nights. ♦ The speed limit within Shorewood is 10 M.P.H. ♦ Penalties for violations may include impoundment of the snowmobile, as well as a fine, especially for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offenses. ♦ Anyone born after 12/31/79 must have a Snowmobile Safety Certificate with them when driving a snowmobile in Shorewood. Youth driving a snowmobile under 14 years of age must have a Certificate and be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Questions, comments or complaints can be directed to South Lake Minnetonka Public Safety, 474 -3261, or the City of Shorewood at 474 -3236. Snowmobile Training T HE SOUTH LAKE MR14NETONKA PO- LICE DEPARTMENT is sponsoring a DNR approved snowmobile safety course. Students must be at least 12 years of age and training is required for anyone born after 12131179. It will be held at the Southshore Community Cen- ter in Shorewood on Tuesday, Novem- ber 30 and Wednesdays, December 1 and 8 from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Stu- dents taking this course will be required to demonstrate proficiency on a snow- mobile. The riding exercise date and time is to be determined. Class size is limited and pre- registra- tion is required. To register, contact the South Lake Minnetonka Public Safety Department at 474 -3261. The cost of this course is $5.00 per student. 7 THE SHORE REPORT /DECEMBER 1999 W hat's Ha ppening in the City? t >. f ........................ W W C } Map Descriptions The following item is on the December 7 Planning Commission Agenda: The Planning Commission will consider a request for a lot line rear- rangement between two lots located at 24075 and 24115 Mary Lake Trail. A public hearing is not required for this request, however, the City Council will hold a public hearing on December 13, 1999 for vacation of drainage and util- ity easements associated with the lot line rearrangements. Housing Chapter of Comprehnsive Plan to be Presented A public hearing to present the pro- posed revisons to the Housing Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan will be held on December 7 at 7:30 P.M. A S A RESIDENT OF SHOREWOOD, YOU ARE INVITED TO CONSIDER OPPORTUNITIES to offer your talents to the community. In January 2000, the City Council will be making appointments to various Committees and both Commissions. Terms of service are generally for three years and are open in each of the following: Committee or Commission Number of Openings Planning Commision 2 Park Commission 3 Land Conservation I Environment Committee 1 Lake Minnetonka Conservation District 1 Lake Minnetonka Communications Commission 1 If you would like to know more about each of these organizations —when they meet and what issues they get involved in, call City Hall at 474 -3236. To apply for a position, send a letter of interest and brief resume to City Hall. Applications will be accepted throughout December and interviews conducted in January. New terms will take effect on February 1. Annual g Lice App lication CITY Off' HOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD sz HO E OOD, MN 55331 (612)474.3236 M FAX (612)474.0128 nF Monday - Friday $.00 AAL to 4 :30 P.m. Council Members Woody Love, Mayor Kristi Stover Jahn Garfunkel Christine Liz6e Scutt Zerby Administrator James C. Hurm N ws €ester Editor: Connie Bastyr DFLIVER TO: THE SHORE DEPORT / DECEMBER 1999 BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #123 EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 y T'h,s newsletter is printed on recycied paper. �<x ®ad rs