April 1999 Shore ReportWanted!
W ith the official arrival of spring,
many of us are thinking about
flowers and gardens. This year, the City
will kick -off it's first annual Adopt -a-
Garden program.The program asks for
volunteers to donate their time and tal-
ent to adopt the flower garden areas to
be designated and prepared in our parks
and near City Hall..
Adoption responsibilities include
planting, weeding, litter pick -up and a
little TLC. Weekly care needs to be
given to the adopted area after planting.
If you enjoy the outdoors and would like
to join the group of volunteers to
beautify our city, please call City Hall
(474 -3236) for more information.
S 1ki T W l" F S
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Q 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 2.0 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30
Board of
Review
Reminder
B y now you have received your
property valuation notice via
the mail. If you have any questions
about the information contained on
that notice, or do not agree with the
valuation of your property, be sure
to contact the City Assessor imme-
diately at (612) 249 -4640.
If you are not satisfied following
discussion with the assessor, you
may appeal to the Local Board of
Review scheduled for:
Monday, April 19,1999
7:00 P.M.
Shorewood City Hall
Appeals are heard
on a first -come, first- served basis.
April
• y
D uring April the Shorewood City
Council will be working on a
number of issues of general interest to
all Shorewood residents:
♦ They will be working along with
the Planning Commission on preparing
for May neighborhood meetings and a
public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan
update. (See separate article on page 8.)
♦ The Council will also be
considering ways to implement
recommendations of the Land Con-
servation Committee on methods to
encourage the setting aside of land as
open space.
♦ They are scheduled to consider
the preliminary plats and development
stage plans of Shorewood Ponds, the
senior housing development east of
Freeman Park. This will depend upon
the Planning Commission's review
which is being completed in early April.
(See Public Hearing article on page 8.)
T he City is making arrangements for the annual Spring Clean -up Day
in May. The date is set for May 22 and will again include the option to drop off
usable household items for Goodwill Industries. Details will be printed in the May
issue of the Citizen Informer. In the meantime, it's Springtime —time to start cleaning!
APRIL EVENTS
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
4/6
7:00
Planning Comm. Mtg
4/12
7:00
City Council Meeting
4/13
7:30
Park Comm. Mtg.
4/19
7:00
Board of Review
4/20
7:00
Planning Comm. Mtg
4/26
7:00
City Council Meeting
Staying on Top of Y2K ....................
2
WebNews ........ ...............................
2
Firearms Safety Class ....................
2
Southshore Center News ...............
3
Lawn Care & Lake Care ..............
4 -5
Trails Update ... ...............................
6
Arbor Day Celebration ....................
6
Liquor Operations Job Opening .....
7
Street News ..... ...............................
7
Comprehensive Plan Meetings ......
8
Underlining indicates cablecast of Council meetings - see schedule on page 2.
Communications Corner January 1 —the Mother
of all other's Days!
S ome Shorewood residents may have wondered about
recent "mysteries" related to the phone system at City
ON
Hall. In fact, we heard from many of you about them!
During the first week in March the City's voice mails stem
h' Y
ceased to operate, which is very unfortunate considering how
much we all rely on this piece of technology. The system was repaired with a
refurbished component, that not known to us, was not entirely erased prior to
installation. Following that episode, we had the major snow storm of the season,
and many people calling the City Hall were greeted with strange and unfamiliar
voices at the other end.
The system has been repaired completely now. But please let us know if
you experience any unusual events related to the voice mail system. All incoming
calls are important and we want to make sure that everyone is heard.
Council
o n Cable
Electrani Speaking
A fter nearly three years on the World
Wide Web, the City has finally
decided to obtain its own domain name.
Our new address will be:
City Council meetings can be seen on
Cable Channel 8 at the following times:
March 29 Meeting
Tuesday, April 6 at 1:30 P.M.
April 12 Meeting
Wednesday, April 14 at 5:30 P.M.
Tuesday, April 20 at 1:30 P.M.
April 26 Meeting
Wednesday, April 28 at 5:30 P.M.
s .
a t h e RC 0
T he Excelsior/Lake Minnetonka His-
torical Society is seeking volunteers
to help in late April with a good, old -
fashioned "roof- razing - raising" effort to
replace the 'deteriorating roof on the
Museum (former train depot). The
Society is planning various fund - raisers
to help recover the costs of this
improvement. Persons willing to donate
either time, talent or financial help are
urged to contact Marlyn Thomson,
President of the Society at 474 -4693.
ci.shorewood.mmus
and our new e-mail address will be:
cityhafl@ci.shorewood.mn.us
Much of the new Web site is in place
and we anticipate the move of our en-
tire site some time during the month of
April. Anew Internet provider will also
be hosting the site, which may eliminate
some of the problems you may have had
in contacting us via e-mail. Until fur-
ther notice, you can continue to access
the City at the old site address. Keep
watching for new developments!
City Code is On Line!
Internet users now have access to the
Shorewood Municipal Code on the
City's Web site! A link is provided on
the HomePage for each access.
L ast month we reported that utility
companies are well on their way to
being 100% compliant regarding Year
2000 issues. With that said, the phone
companies have expressed concern that
the lines will become very jammed at
the stroke of midnight on December 31,
1999 because everyone will be trying to
call other family members, friends and
relatives to wish them a happy New
Year. They have indicated this may
cause a delay in service, during which
the caller will not hear anything. The
caller is urged to be patient and not hang
up to redial as this only increases the
traffic on the lines.
While this might seem to be a great
inconvenience, most frustration can be
minimized by planning to:
0 Call at another time, perhaps the
next day;
0 Spend the evening with those
whom you might wish to extend a
greeting: and
0 Be patient and ride out the wait.
Information contained in this
communication relates to the City of
Shorewood's Year 2000 efforts. The
disclosure of this information is intended
to serve as a Year 2000 Readiness
Disclosure under the Year 2000
Information and Readiness Disclosure Act,
Public Law 105 -271.
Staying on Top
of Year
2000
Firearms Safety Class Offered in April
T he South Lake Minnetonka Public Safety Department is sponsoring a DNR-
approved firearms safety course. It will be held on Tuesday and Thursday
evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 P.m. starting April 20. The final class will consist of a
practical exam and will be held on Saturday, May 9 at the Minnetonka Sportsman's
Club in Mound.
The classroom portion of the course will take place at the Southshore Center,
5735 Country Club Road. Interested parties must first come to the police depart-
ment at 810 Excelsior Blvd., Excelsior for advance registration. The fee for this
course is $5.00 and class size is limited. Participants must be 12 years or older.
Questions can be directed to the police department at 474 -3261.
Citizen Informer/ April 1999 2
Eafly Shl.orewood Southshore Center Recycling Nees
Available for Rend
Minnetonka Reminiscences
by George Day (1845 -1937)
Reprinted courtesy of the Excelsior -Lake
Minnetonka Historical Society
Ginseng Helped Out in Early Days.
E lsewhere I have mentioned the
scarcity of money in pioneer days,
but in 1859 a man by the name of
Chilton came to Wayzata and com-
menced buying ginseng or "sang" as we
called it. He paid 6 cents a pound for it
green. The woods were full of it, and
everybody, men, women and children,
went into the "sang" business. It was
the only way we had of getting money.
It is amusing to think of the small price
paid in those days. Four pounds of green
"sang" makes one of dry, and dry "sang"
is now worth $6.00 a pound.
J.H. Clark was Chilton's agent in
Excelsior and when he got a boat load
he rowed across the lake to Wayzata and
delivered it.
In the [1.8]50's Minneapolis was
nothing but a struggling village, and St.
Anthony was the town that did the busi-
ness. The settlers around the lake did
not visit that emporium of trade except
when grim necessity demanded it; then
they generally walked, or if a team was
required, oxen were used and it took two
long days to make the round trip! Think
of it, you people who own cottages on
the lake and do business in the city. If
the train is a few minutes late you are
chock full of indignation and roast the
railroad company for their inefficient
and slovenly train service.
But the old days are gone, and with
them some of our liberties. Among oth-
ers, I remember that we boys used to
resort to some retired spot on the lake
shore (and most spots were retired in
those days) and go in swimming. We
did not call it bathing then. Clad in the
scanty raiment of shirt and overalls, it
did not take us long to shed those useful
garments, and then unhampered by bath-
ing suits we went in swimming; that
was some fun.
I s there a wedding reception, open
house or anniversary party in your
future? If you are planning an event and
looking for a place to hold it, consider call-
ing 541 -1019 to set up a time to visit the
Center or to get more information about
this wonderful facility in our community.
Attic Sale
April 28 - May 1
Antiques, vintage clothing, crafts,
collectibles, quality household items,
"treasured stuff"
Advance Public Preview / Sale
Admission $10 per adult
Wednesday, April 28, 6 - 8:30 P.M.
General Public Sale - Free Admission
Thursday, April 29, 9:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Friday, April 30, 9:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Saturday, May 1, 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
The Southshore Center
Proceeds benefit the Southshore Center.
Call 474 -7635 for more information.
Donations are accepted through April 28.
A recent letter from a Shorewood
resident to the editor in d local
newspaper encouraged higher participa=
tion in Shorewood's recycling program
and the City agrees that it would be great
to see more households become in-
volved. Anyone needing information
about recycling is invited to call City
Hall (474 -3236) for details about get-
ting started.
Shorewood,with 50% of households
recycling, is typical of other similar -sized
municipalities in Hennepin County. Let's
strive for a higher level in 1999!
Earth Day 1999
Earth Day is April 22 and is dedi-
cated to reminding Americans about the
importance of protecting our environ-
ment. For our part, the City of
Shorewood would like to encourage in-
dividuals, families, neighborhoods and
organizations to adopt a roadside area
or park to clean on Saturday, April 24.
The City will provide the bags and then
offer pick -up of the litter - filled bags.
Call City Hall (474 -3236) for details and
to sign up for an area.
April Events at Southshore Center • 474 -7635
• Roy Hanson, music and history educator, will present a program on the
"Complete Story of Judy Garland" on Friday, April 23 at 12:45 p.m. The
presentation will explore her superstardom and her tragic life. Call the Center
to register. Cost is $1.00
• Celebrate spring by attending Sunshine Day at the Southshore Center on
Friday, April 2 at NOON. The event includes a special lunch menu and musical .
entertainment by the Minnetonka Senior Chorale. People with March and
April birthdays will also be honored at this event. The cost is $4.00 and reser-
vations can be made by calling the Center.
• AAA is offering Driver Improvement Classes at the Southshore Center in
April and May. Preregistration is required and can be done by calling AAA
toll free at 1- 888 - 234 -1294.
• Tickets are available at the Center for a Pork Chop Dinner to be served on
Sunday, April 11 from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. The cost for the meal is $6.00 for
adults and $4.00 for children age 10 and under. Proceeds will help to fund
programs, Center activities and supplies. Craft items and recycled cards will
also be sold at the event. Van transportation will be available by calling the
Center. Tickets will also be sold at the door on the day of the event.
• Browse, enjoy and invest in antiques, vintage clothing, crafts, collectibles,
quality household items, & "treasured stuff' at the Attic Sale, April 28 -May 1.
• New sessions begin in April for TV Chi Chih and Easy Does it Exercise.
Call the Center for dates and times.
Citizen Informer/ April 1999
v ur Shorewood Lawn
The Care and Feeding ot o
I _ , is spring lawn care season approaches, it's an important time to remember lake care as well. Algae and noxious weeds
thrive on your lawn's leftovers —so overfeeding, especially with the nutrient phosphorus, is harmful to our lakes and streams.
Also, improper application of lawn care products such as leaving spills on the driveway and street —or applying products just
before a hard rain, must be avoided to keep unwanted materials from entering the water supply.
In your spring yard clean -up and lawn care
activities please avoid sweeping sand, leaves,
twigs, animal waste and lawn care chemicals
into the street. These materials also contain
phosphorus and will wash into storm drains and
travel directly to streams, ponds and lakes.
What if you don't live near a lake?
Runoff of excess lawn care products occurs
as a result of rain and lawn sprinkling.
Residue is washed over land and/or through
storm sewers to streams, lakes and rivers. We
all have a responsibility to do our part.
Sometimes zero is a good thing.
Think of those numbers on the fertilizer bag
as the Nutrition Facts for your lawn's diet.
Just as you look for the lowest value in areas
such as fat grams or calories on your food
labels, your target number for that middle
digit on the fertilizer label is "0," indicating
no addition of phosphorus.
Make a change
at the "grass roots" level.
Some retailers and lawn service providers
already offer zero - phosphorus fertilizers. The
more they hear from consumers requesting these
products, the sooner they will work to meet the
demand for a healthier approach to lawn care.
Ask for it. They will make it available.
1111�,11��N�Na��a�l���l���
,
This number refers
to nitrogen which is
the ingredient that
makes grass green
and thick. Over -
application of
nitrogen is not
beneficial to your
lawn or the
environment.
(Example of the nutrition labels ott all fertilizer begs)
-N
In Minnesota, soil is rich in this
naturally occurring element,
phosphorus. Excess goes down the
drain and to lakes and streams. This
is where you want to see a "zero
Potass is added
to strengthen the
turf, giving it resil-
ience to fight disease,
drought, and every-
day wear and tear. A
soil test can deter-
mine the level of
potassium your lawn
really needs.
The two outer figures are for demonstration purposes and may not represent the best balance for your lawn's needs.
Talk with your ,supplier.
al feed the
L�
w
�.,. 0 r Y CO U r C 0 1 v t: � n1 a ,�
IIIIIIq 1111!1111 11111 111 R _
If phosphorus poses a threat to lakes and wetlands,
why is it in fertilizers in the first place?
In some parts of the country, soils need additional phosphorus
to sustain healthy plant development - but that is not true for
most of Minnesota. According to studies by Hennepin Parks,
the soil in much of our county has high to very high levels of
phosphorus. Unfortunately, the fertilizer companies do not
customize their products by region. A soil test will determine
your yard's specific nutritional needs, so you can avoid
unnecessary feeding of your lawn and the spaces beyond.
Why is this information provided by the City and
what is its interest in fertilizer and my lawn?
The City of Shorewood, along with local watershed districts and
the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) are
promoting the use of phosphorus -free fertilizer to protect the health
and beauty of our wetlands, ponds, lakes and streams. They are
important resources to preserve for the future of our community.
How can I learn more about healthy lawn management?
Material is available from many sources on the importance of
how and when to apply lawn care products, as well as other
techniques to reduce the need for fertilizers. For a free lawn
care guide and fact sheet, call the Department of Agriculture at
651- 297 -7279. If you have lawn or garden questions, call the
Master Gardener Hotline through the U of M at 612- 374 -8433.
Soil test kits are available by calling 612- 374 -8400. And the
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District offers information on all
of these topics by calling 612 -471 -0590.
We called retailers within our local area and found some who carry low phosphorus fertilizers.
Though we cannot offer an inclusive listing, the following suppliers have told us that they will stock
phosphorus -free fertilizers:
Excelsior Ace Hardware - Excelsior
200 Water Street - 474 -6814
Shorewood Nursery - Shorewood
23505 Smithtown Road - 474 -2637
Garden Patch - Excelsior
County Road 19 - 474 -1551
Shorewood True Value - Shorewood
Shorewood Village Center - 474 -2571
A simple phone survey also revealed that most lawn service companies either offer application of
phosphorus -free fertilizers as an option or automatically use only phosphorus -free products. It is still a
good idea to let your provider know that this is what you want for your lawn and the environment.
Little things . ton can do will help a lot. As you work to make your lawn gree ,
lease hell) to keep our lakes blue.
This is a publication of the City of Shorewood -1999
s
A ) ghborhood involvement is key to successful
p n ' So it is with the process being used to consider
'Is. iscussions have raised many good ideas according
to the Park Commission and the City Council. As the process
moves forward, both the Commission and Council invite
additional comments.
Recent Community Involvement
About 150 people attended the trails open house held at
the Southshore Center February 23rd. Park
Commissioners and City Council Members
participated with residents in a thorough
discussion. More than 100 comment sheets
were submitted noting support for trails,
concerns about particular locations, and
alternative ideas.
A group of Howards Point neighbors
petitioned against a trail at the Park
Commission's regular meeting on March
9th. Commissioners agreed to schedule a
"neighborhood walk" this summer when the
meeting. These areas are planned for neighborhood and Park
Commission walks during the next few months:
• Smithtown Road starting at the Victoria border,
ending at the LRT
Saturday, April 10, 9:00 - 11:00 A.M. (April 24, rain date)
Coffee and cookies will be served at Minnewashta School
from 11:00 to 12:00 NOON.
• Vine Hill Road at its intersection with
Kingswood Terrace to its intersection with
Manchester Street and Covington Road,
Vine Hill to Silverwood Park
Tuesday, April 20, 6:00 - 8:00 P.M.
(April 27, rain date)
SS The Commission
continues to invite
comments and
participation on the
evolving trail review
process Y'
neighbors can present the issues unique to the area. (Later
Edgewood and Grant Lorenz were determined to be included
in the tour.)
At the same meeting, a neighborhood group requested
that the first trail go along their property. Petitioners along
the south side of Smithtown Road, west of Strawberry Lane
cited issues of safety, access to school and traffic as the
reasons they hoped for trails or sidewalks.
Upcoming Community Involvement
Park Commissioners hope to walk in many neighborhoods
and learn about residents' concerns and ideas. Four walks have
been proposed and other walks can be scheduled. Call the
City offices for more information, or attend a Park Commission
The Shorewood Parks Foundation, which acts
to , promote the preservation, protection,
improvement, establishment and enlargement of
parks, trails, bikeways and open space generally
for the benefit of the residents of the City of
Shorewood," is seeking two volunteers to serve
in At Large positions for three -year terms.
Appointments are made by the City Council and
the Foundation meets approximately every
quarter. If you would like to be considered,
please submit a letter of interest to the City Hall,
5755 Country Club Road as soon as possible.
Citizen Informer/ April 1999
• Howards Point, Edgewood, Grant
Lorenz area (not yet scheduled)
• Shady Island, Enchanted Island
(not yet scheduled)
Point of Clarification
Some trail locations are on long -term hold.
These include segments of Mill Street, Galpin Lake Road,
St. Alban's Bay Road, Yellowstone and Smithtown Road east
of the LRT. Although.included on early concept maps, these
locations have become a low priority because of the many
obstacles they present.
Keep in Touch
The Commission continues to invite comments and
participation on the evolving trail review process. Park
Commission meetings are held on the second and fourth
Tuesdays of the month at 7:30 P.M. in the City Hall Council
Chambers. The public is always welcome. Check the
Informer and the website (www.state.net/shorewood) for
reports and meeting minutes.
T he City of Shorewood will officially observ(
Arbor Day on Saturday, May 1 by plantii
tree at Manor Park. This is the day that is set a____
to recognize the importance of trees as a vital part of the charac-
ter, health and beauty of our City. The loss of hundreds of our
beautiful and aged trees in the summer storms of 1998 was an
unfortunate way for many of us to realize the value of trees in
enhancing our lives and our properties.
In the City Council's annual proclamation, residents are urged
to plant a tree each year to help ensure the future of our natural
resources. The National Arbor Day Foundation has published an
informative bulletin called "How to Select and Plant a Tree." For
a free copy, stop by City Hall or call 474 -3236. Tree care packets
with general tree information are also available at City Hall.
0
Early Shorewood
Minnetonka Reminiscences
by George Day (1845 -1937)
Reprinted courtesy of the Excelsior -Lake
Minnetonka Historical Society
Ginseng Helped Out in Early Days.
E lsewhere I have mentioned the
scarcity of money in pioneer days,
but in 1859 a man by the name of
Chilton came to Wayzata and com-
menced buying ginseng or "sang" as we
called it. He paid 6 cents a pound for it
green. The woods were full of it, and
everybody, men, women and children,
went into the "sang" business. It was
the only way we had of getting money.
It is amusing to think of the small price
paid in those days. Four pounds of green
"sang" makes one of dry, and dry "sang"
is now worth $6.00 a pound.
J.H. Clark was Chilton's agent in
Excelsior and when he got a boat load
he rowed across the lake to Wayzata and
delivered it.
In the [18]50's Minneapolis was
nothing but a struggling village, and St.
Anthony was the town that did the busi-
ness. The settlers around the lake did
not visit that emporium of trade except
when grim necessity demanded it; then
they generally walked, or if a team was
required, oxen were used and it took two
long days to make the round trip! Think
of it, you people who own cottages on
the lake and do business in the city. If
the train is a few minutes late you are
chock full of indignation and roast the
railroad company for their inefficient
and slovenly train service.
But the old days are gone, and with
them some of our liberties. Among oth-
ers, I remember that we boys used to
resort to some retired spot on the lake
shore (and most spots were retired in
those days) and go in swimming. We
did not call it bathing then. Clad in the
scanty raiment of shirt and overalls, it
did not take us long to shed those useful
gannents, and then unhampered by bath-
ing suits we went in swimming; that
was some fun.
Southshore Center
Available for Rent
I s there a wedding reception, open
house or anniversary party in your
future? If you are planning an event and
looking for a place to hold it, consider call-
ing 541 -1019 to set up a time to visit the
Center or to get more information about
this wonderful facility in our community.
At Sale
Anr28 - Mav 1
Antiques, vintage clothing, crafts,
collectibles, quality household items,
"treasured stuff"
Advance Public Preview / Sale
Admission $10 per adult
Wednesday, April 28, 6 - 8:30 P.M.
General Public Sale - Free Admission
Thursday, April 29, 9:00 A.M. - 6 :00 P.M.
Friday, April 30, 9:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Saturday, May 1, 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
The Southshore Center
Proceeds benefit the Southshore Center.
Call 474 -7635 for more information.
Donations are accepted through April 28.
W
A recent letter from a Shorewood
resident to the editor in a local
newspaper encouraged higher participa-
tion in Shorewood's recycling program
and the City agrees that it would be great
to see more households become in-
volved. Anyone needing information
about recycling is invited to call City
Hall (474 -3236) for details about get-
ting started.
Shorewood,with 50% of households
recycling, is typical of other similar -sized
municipalities in Hennepin County. Let's
strive for a higher level in 1999!
Earth Day 1999
Earth Day is April 22 and is dedi-
cated to reminding Americans about the
importance of protecting our environ-
ment. For our part, the City of
Shorewood would like to encourage in-
dividuals, families, neighborhoods and
organizations to adopt a roadside area
or park to clean on Saturday, 'April 24.
The City will provide the bags and then
offer pick -up of the litter - filled bags.
Call City Hall (474 -3236) for details and
to sign up for an area.
Senior Corner
April Events at Southshore Center • 474 -7635
• Roy Hanson, music and history educator, will present a program on the
"Complete Story of Judy Garland" on Friday, April 23 at 12:45 p.m. The
presentation will explore her superstardom and her tragic life. Call the Center
to register. Cost is $1.00
• Celebrate spring by attending Sunshine Day at the Southshore Center on
Friday, April 2 at NOON. The event includes a special lunch menu and musical .
entertainment by the Minnetonka Senior Chorale. People with March and
April birthdays will also be honored at this event. The cost is $4.00 and reser-
vations can be made by calling the Center.
• AAA is offering Driver Improvement Classes at the Southshore Center in
April and May. Preregistration is required and can be done by calling AAA
toll free at 1- 888 - 234 -1294.
• Tickets are available at the Center for a Pork Chop Dinner to be served on
Sunday, April 11 from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. The cost for the meal is $6.00 for
adults and $4.00 for children age 10 and under. Proceeds will help to fund
programs, Center activities and supplies. Craft items and recycled cards will
also be sold at the event. Van transportation will be available by calling the
Center. Tickets will also be sold at the door on the day of the event.
• Browse, enjoy and invest in antiques, vintage clothing, crafts, collectibles,
quality household items, & "treasured stuff" at the Attic Sale, April 28 -May 1.
• New sessions begin in April for Tai Chi Chih and Easy Does it Exercise.
Call the Center for dates and times.
3
Citizen Informer/ April 1999
; yvyy
an
• Howards Point, Edgewood, Grant
Lorenz area (not yet scheduled)
• Shady Island, Enchanted Island
(not yet scheduled)
Point of Clarification
Some trail locations are on long -term hold.
These include segments of Mill Street, Galpin Lake Road,
St. Alban's Bay Road, Yellowstone and Smithtown Road east
of the LRT. Although.included on early concept maps, these
locations have become a low priority because of the many
obstacles they present.
Keep in Touch
The Commission continues to invite comments and
participation on the evolving trail review process. Park
Commission meetings are held on the second and fourth
Tuesdays of the month at 7:30 P.M. in the City Hall Council
Chambers. The public is always welcome. Check the
Informer and the website (www.state.net/shorewood) for
reports and meeting minutes.
T he City of Shorewood will officially observ(
Arbor Day on Saturday, May 1 by plantii
tree at Manor Park. This is the day that is set a____
to recognize the importance of trees as a vital part of the charac-
ter, health and beauty of our City. The loss of hundreds of our
beautiful and aged trees in the summer storms of 1998 was an
unfortunate way for many of us to realize the value of trees in
enhancing our lives and our properties.
In the City Council's annual proclamation, residents are urged
to plant a tree each year to help ensure the future of our natural
resources. The National Arbor Day Foundation has published an
informative bulletin called "How to Select and Plant a Tree." For
a free copy, stop by City Hall or call 474 -3236. Tree care packets
with general tree information are also available at City Hall.
0
Early Shorewood
Minnetonka Reminiscences
by George Day (1845 -1937)
Reprinted courtesy of the Excelsior -Lake
Minnetonka Historical Society
Ginseng Helped Out in Early Days.
E lsewhere I have mentioned the
scarcity of money in pioneer days,
but in 1859 a man by the name of
Chilton came to Wayzata and com-
menced buying ginseng or "sang" as we
called it. He paid 6 cents a pound for it
green. The woods were full of it, and
everybody, men, women and children,
went into the "sang" business. It was
the only way we had of getting money.
It is amusing to think of the small price
paid in those days. Four pounds of green
"sang" makes one of dry, and dry "sang"
is now worth $6.00 a pound.
J.H. Clark was Chilton's agent in
Excelsior and when he got a boat load
he rowed across the lake to Wayzata and
delivered it.
In the [18]50's Minneapolis was
nothing but a struggling village, and St.
Anthony was the town that did the busi-
ness. The settlers around the lake did
not visit that emporium of trade except
when grim necessity demanded it; then
they generally walked, or if a team was
required, oxen were used and it took two
long days to make the round trip! Think
of it, you people who own cottages on
the lake and do business in the city. If
the train is a few minutes late you are
chock full of indignation and roast the
railroad company for their inefficient
and slovenly train service.
But the old days are gone, and with
them some of our liberties. Among oth-
ers, I remember that we boys used to
resort to some retired spot on the lake
shore (and most spots were retired in
those days) and go in swimming. We
did not call it bathing then. Clad in the
scanty raiment of shirt and overalls, it
did not take us long to shed those useful
gannents, and then unhampered by bath-
ing suits we went in swimming; that
was some fun.
Southshore Center
Available for Rent
I s there a wedding reception, open
house or anniversary party in your
future? If you are planning an event and
looking for a place to hold it, consider call-
ing 541 -1019 to set up a time to visit the
Center or to get more information about
this wonderful facility in our community.
At Sale
Anr28 - Mav 1
Antiques, vintage clothing, crafts,
collectibles, quality household items,
"treasured stuff"
Advance Public Preview / Sale
Admission $10 per adult
Wednesday, April 28, 6 - 8:30 P.M.
General Public Sale - Free Admission
Thursday, April 29, 9:00 A.M. - 6 :00 P.M.
Friday, April 30, 9:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Saturday, May 1, 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
The Southshore Center
Proceeds benefit the Southshore Center.
Call 474 -7635 for more information.
Donations are accepted through April 28.
W
A recent letter from a Shorewood
resident to the editor in a local
newspaper encouraged higher participa-
tion in Shorewood's recycling program
and the City agrees that it would be great
to see more households become in-
volved. Anyone needing information
about recycling is invited to call City
Hall (474 -3236) for details about get-
ting started.
Shorewood,with 50% of households
recycling, is typical of other similar -sized
municipalities in Hennepin County. Let's
strive for a higher level in 1999!
Earth Day 1999
Earth Day is April 22 and is dedi-
cated to reminding Americans about the
importance of protecting our environ-
ment. For our part, the City of
Shorewood would like to encourage in-
dividuals, families, neighborhoods and
organizations to adopt a roadside area
or park to clean on Saturday, 'April 24.
The City will provide the bags and then
offer pick -up of the litter - filled bags.
Call City Hall (474 -3236) for details and
to sign up for an area.
Senior Corner
April Events at Southshore Center • 474 -7635
• Roy Hanson, music and history educator, will present a program on the
"Complete Story of Judy Garland" on Friday, April 23 at 12:45 p.m. The
presentation will explore her superstardom and her tragic life. Call the Center
to register. Cost is $1.00
• Celebrate spring by attending Sunshine Day at the Southshore Center on
Friday, April 2 at NOON. The event includes a special lunch menu and musical .
entertainment by the Minnetonka Senior Chorale. People with March and
April birthdays will also be honored at this event. The cost is $4.00 and reser-
vations can be made by calling the Center.
• AAA is offering Driver Improvement Classes at the Southshore Center in
April and May. Preregistration is required and can be done by calling AAA
toll free at 1- 888 - 234 -1294.
• Tickets are available at the Center for a Pork Chop Dinner to be served on
Sunday, April 11 from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. The cost for the meal is $6.00 for
adults and $4.00 for children age 10 and under. Proceeds will help to fund
programs, Center activities and supplies. Craft items and recycled cards will
also be sold at the event. Van transportation will be available by calling the
Center. Tickets will also be sold at the door on the day of the event.
• Browse, enjoy and invest in antiques, vintage clothing, crafts, collectibles,
quality household items, & "treasured stuff" at the Attic Sale, April 28 -May 1.
• New sessions begin in April for Tai Chi Chih and Easy Does it Exercise.
Call the Center for dates and times.
3
Citizen Informer/ April 1999
N eighborhood involvement is key to successful
p rm So it is with the process being used to consider
'ls. iscussions have raised many good ideas according
to the Park Commission and the City Council. As the process
moves forward, both the Commission and Council invite
additional comments.
Recent Community Involvement
About 150 people attended the trails open house held at
the Southshore Center February 23rd. Park
Commissioners and City Council Members
participated with residents in a thorough
discussion.. More than 100 comment sheets
were submitted noting support for trails,
concerns about particular locations, and
alternative ideas.
A group of Howards Point neighbors
petitioned against a trail at the Park
Commission's regular meeting on March
9th. Commissioners agreed to schedule a
"neighborhood walk" this summer when the
/ f
meeting. These areas are planned for neighborhood and Park
Commission walks during the next few months:
• Smithtown Road starting at the Victoria border,
ending at the LRT
Saturday, April 10, 9:00 - 11:00 A.M. (April 24, rain date)
Coffee and cookies will be served at Minnewashta School
from 11:00 to 12:00 NOON.
Commission
• Vine Hill Road at its intersection with
Kingswood Terrace to its intersection with
Manchester Street and Covington Road,
Vine Hill to Silverwood Park
Tuesday, April 20, 6:00 - 8:00 P.M.
(April 27, rain date)
• Howards Point, Edgewood, Grant
Lorenz area (not yet scheduled)
Shady Island, Enchanted Island
(not yet scheduled)
Point of Clarification
continues to invite
comments and
participation on the
evolving trail review
YY
neighbors can present the issues unique to the area. (Later
Edgewood and Grant Lorenz were determined to be included
in the tour.)
At the same meeting, a neighborhood group requested
that the first trail go along their property. Petitioners along
the south side of Smithtown Road, west of Strawberry Lane
cited issues of safety, access to school and traffic as the
reasons they hoped for trails or sidewalks.
Upcoming Community Involvement
Park Commissioners hope to walk in many neighborhoods
and learn about residents' concerns and ideas. Four walks have
been proposed and other walks can be scheduled. Call the
City offices for more information, or attend a Park Commission
Park Foundati Openings
The Shorewood Parks Foundation, which acts
to "...promote the preservation, protection,
improvement, establishment and enlargement of
parks, trails, bikeways and open space generally
for the benefit of the residents of the City of
Shorewood," is seeking two volunteers to serve
in At Large positions for three -year terms.
Appointments are made by the City Council and
the Foundation meets approximately every
quarter. If you would like to be considered,
please submit a letter of interest to the City Hall,
5755 Country Club Road as soon as possible.
B Some trail locations are on long -term hold.
These include segments of Mill Street, Galpin Lake Road,
St. Alban's Bay Road, Yellowstone and Smithtown Road east
of the LRT. Although.included on early concept maps, these
locations have become a low priority because of the many
obstacles they present.
Keep in Touch
The Commission continues to invite comments and
participation on the evolving trail review process. Park
Commission meetings are held on the second and fourth
Tuesdays of the month at 7:30 P.M. in the City Hall Council
Chambers. The public is always welcome. Check the
Informer and the website (www.state.net/shorewood) for
reports and meeting minutes.
Plant a Tree This Spring
he City of Shorewood will officially observe
Arbor Day on Saturday, May 1 by planting a
tree at Manor Park. This is the day that is set aside to recognize the importance of trees as a vital part of the charac-
ter, health and beauty of our City. The loss of hundreds of our
beautiful and aged trees in the summer storms of 1998 was an
unfortunate way for many of us to realize the value of trees in
enhancing our lives and our properties.
In the City Council's annual proclamation, residents are urged
to plant a tree each year to help ensure the future of our natural
resources. The National Arbor Day Foundation has published an
informative bulletin called "How to Select and Plant a Tree." For
a free copy, stop by City Hall or call 474 -3236. Tree care packets
with general tree information are also available at City Hall.
Citizen Informer/ April 1999 6
Ski m
4'.//.l %.
N eighborhood involvement is key to successful
p rm So it is with the process being used to consider
'ls. iscussions have raised many good ideas according
to the Park Commission and the City Council. As the process
moves forward, both the Commission and Council invite
additional comments.
Recent Community Involvement
About 150 people attended the trails open house held at
the Southshore Center February 23rd. Park
Commissioners and City Council Members
participated with residents in a thorough
discussion.. More than 100 comment sheets
were submitted noting support for trails,
concerns about particular locations, and
alternative ideas.
A group of Howards Point neighbors
petitioned against a trail at the Park
Commission's regular meeting on March
9th. Commissioners agreed to schedule a
"neighborhood walk" this summer when the
/ f
meeting. These areas are planned for neighborhood and Park
Commission walks during the next few months:
• Smithtown Road starting at the Victoria border,
ending at the LRT
Saturday, April 10, 9:00 - 11:00 A.M. (April 24, rain date)
Coffee and cookies will be served at Minnewashta School
from 11:00 to 12:00 NOON.
Commission
• Vine Hill Road at its intersection with
Kingswood Terrace to its intersection with
Manchester Street and Covington Road,
Vine Hill to Silverwood Park
Tuesday, April 20, 6:00 - 8:00 P.M.
(April 27, rain date)
• Howards Point, Edgewood, Grant
Lorenz area (not yet scheduled)
Shady Island, Enchanted Island
(not yet scheduled)
Point of Clarification
continues to invite
comments and
participation on the
evolving trail review
YY
neighbors can present the issues unique to the area. (Later
Edgewood and Grant Lorenz were determined to be included
in the tour.)
At the same meeting, a neighborhood group requested
that the first trail go along their property. Petitioners along
the south side of Smithtown Road, west of Strawberry Lane
cited issues of safety, access to school and traffic as the
reasons they hoped for trails or sidewalks.
Upcoming Community Involvement
Park Commissioners hope to walk in many neighborhoods
and learn about residents' concerns and ideas. Four walks have
been proposed and other walks can be scheduled. Call the
City offices for more information, or attend a Park Commission
Park Foundati Openings
The Shorewood Parks Foundation, which acts
to "...promote the preservation, protection,
improvement, establishment and enlargement of
parks, trails, bikeways and open space generally
for the benefit of the residents of the City of
Shorewood," is seeking two volunteers to serve
in At Large positions for three -year terms.
Appointments are made by the City Council and
the Foundation meets approximately every
quarter. If you would like to be considered,
please submit a letter of interest to the City Hall,
5755 Country Club Road as soon as possible.
B Some trail locations are on long -term hold.
These include segments of Mill Street, Galpin Lake Road,
St. Alban's Bay Road, Yellowstone and Smithtown Road east
of the LRT. Although.included on early concept maps, these
locations have become a low priority because of the many
obstacles they present.
Keep in Touch
The Commission continues to invite comments and
participation on the evolving trail review process. Park
Commission meetings are held on the second and fourth
Tuesdays of the month at 7:30 P.M. in the City Hall Council
Chambers. The public is always welcome. Check the
Informer and the website (www.state.net/shorewood) for
reports and meeting minutes.
Plant a Tree This Spring
he City of Shorewood will officially observe
Arbor Day on Saturday, May 1 by planting a
tree at Manor Park. This is the day that is set aside to recognize the importance of trees as a vital part of the charac-
ter, health and beauty of our City. The loss of hundreds of our
beautiful and aged trees in the summer storms of 1998 was an
unfortunate way for many of us to realize the value of trees in
enhancing our lives and our properties.
In the City Council's annual proclamation, residents are urged
to plant a tree each year to help ensure the future of our natural
resources. The National Arbor Day Foundation has published an
informative bulletin called "How to Select and Plant a Tree." For
a free copy, stop by City Hall or call 474 -3236. Tree care packets
with general tree information are also available at City Hall.
Citizen Informer/ April 1999 6
Plan is Selected for
County Road 19
Intersection
O n March 4 the City of Shorewood
held a public information meeting
to review the options for improvements
to the County Road 19 / Smithtown inter-
section. Based on Council and citizen
feedback, alternative three (shown
below) is the preferred design. This plan
is being forwarded to Hennepin County
for preliminary design. The County will
give the City opportunity to provide
input through the process.
This alternative improves overall
safety and operations of the intersection
during peak traffic times. It also
minimizes cut - through traffic through
local neighborhoods to Highway 7. A
stop light will be included as part of the
improvement. The plan will also require
the removal or relocation of the Tonka
Bay Liquor Store. Construction is
tentatively scheduled for the year 2000.
Watch for updates.
Watermain Flushing
Dates
C rews from Munitech, the City's
utility system service, will be
performing their yearly spring
watermain flushing during the
following time frames:
Amesbury & Woodhaven April 5 - 9
Waterford S. E. Area April 12 - 23
Boulder Bridge, Shorewood Oaks &
Badger well areas April 26 - May 7
Dates may vary due to weather. This
process causes household water to
become discolored for a short time.
Residents should avoid doing laundry
of light colored items for a day or so
until the water looks clear again.
I Road Reminder I
I Weight restrictions for local
I streets remain in effect
through the month of April. I
I Questions can be answered by
I calling City Hall at 474 -3236. I
T he City of Shorewood is accepting
applications for the position of full -
time Liquor Operations Manager. The
position is responsible for the operation
of the City's off -sale liquor stores.
Requirements include compre-
hensive knowledge of small business
retail operation, including customer
service, computerized database
management, marketing, budgeting and
accounting, personnel and training; and
a Bachelors Degree in a related field or
four years of experience as a liquor store
manager. The position reports to the
City Administrator and the City Council
Liquor Committee.
Application forms may be obtained
at Shorewood City Hall, 5755 Country
Club Road, (474 -3236) between 8:30 A.M.
and 5:00 P.M. or on the Web site:
www.state.net /shorewood. The com-
pleted application must be received
at City Hall by 5:00 P.M., Thursday,
April 15, 1999.
Equal Opportunity Employer
7 Citizen Informer/ April 1999
What's Happening in the City?
The following item is on the April 6
Planning Commission Agenda:
X Eagle Crest Northwest is request-
ing preliminary plat approval of
"Shorewood Ponds" which is a 62 -unit
senior - family housing development on
approximately 14 acres of property
located at 25600 State Highway 7 and
6140 Eureka Road.
The housing style would consist of
one -level townhouse buildings with 4
units per building. Plans are available
for review at City Hall. A public hearing
will be held at 7:00 P.M. or as soon
thereafter as possible.
1 Street sweeping will begin
after the first of May, when
weight restrictions are lifted.
x�
,
10^
Me °'i5
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Z W
;N ,
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as
Meetings Scheduled
0 ver the past two years, the Shorewood Planning Commission has been re-
viewing the Shorewood Comprehensive Plan in an attempt to update the Plan
prior to submitting it to the Metropolitan Council for its review. A series of neigh-
borhood meetings will be conducted in May to present potential revisions to the
1995 Comprehensive Plan.
The Comprehensive Plan serves as the guide for all of the physical develop-
ment aspects of the city. The Plan addresses environmental concerns in the Natu-
ral Resources chapter. How, and to what extent land is used is covered in the Land
Use chapter. The Transportation chapter covers the various modes of moving people
and goods within and through the community. Public utilities such as sanitary
sewer, water and storm sewer are addressed in the Community Facilities chapter,
as well as parks and recreational open space. Consistent with legal requirements,
a new chapter on housing will also be included in the Comprehensive Plan.
Neighborhood meetings are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, May 5,
Thursday, May 6, and Thursday, May 13. The meetings will be in an open house
format between the hours of 4:30 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. at the Shorewood City Offices.
The open houses are quite informal and, in addition to providing residents some
flexibility in scheduling their visits, they allow residents to meet in small groups, or
even one on one, with staff, Planning Commissioners and City Council members.
More information about the Comprehensive Plan and the neighborhood meetings
will be included in the May issue of the newsletter. We hope you will be able to attend!
CITE` OF SHOREW001)
5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
SORE' OOD, MN 55331
(512)474.3236 FAX 474.0128
E -mail: cityhaII @shorewood.state.net
DELIVER TO:
City of Shorewood
Council Members
Woody Love, Mayor
Kristi Stover
John Garfunkel
Christine Lizde
Scott Zerby
Administrator
James C. Hurm
Newsletter Editor: Connie Bastyr
Citizen Informer/ April 1999
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