January 1999 Shore ReportMalmo
P ositions on the Planning and Park
Commissions are open to Shore-
wood residents through January 6. If
you are interested in serving a three year
term on either Commission, please
submit a letter of interest and /or a
resume to:
James C. Hurm, City Administrator
City of Shorewood
5755 Country Club Road
Shorewood, MN 55331
Both Commissions act as an advisory
board to the City Council, making
recommendations on planning and
zoning issues or park and recreational
needs of the City. The Planning
Commission meets the first and third
Tuesdays of each month, and the Park
Commission on the second Tuesday of
each month. Additional meetings are
sometimes needed. Questions about the
role of a Commissioner can be answered
by calling City Hall (474 - 3236). The
Council will appoint positions in
January
T he Winter Holiday season brings about nostalgic thoughts of sugar plums,
Rudolph, and a pond filled with kids laughing and skating on a snowy day.
This picture is still available in real life... well, maybe except for the snow part.
And now that we think about it, the skating idea doesn't look too promising either.
Due to the unusually warm weather, the City has not been able to build ice skating
or hockey rinks yet this year. Outside temperatures must reach between 0' to 10°
below zero for a period of at least eight days in order for the ground to freeze hard
enough to begin flooding. And even after flooding of rinks begins, it takes approximately
10 days of non -stop flooding and cold temperatures to obtain ice that is good for skating.
The two skating ponds in Shorewood are also behind schedule in providing
safe ice. The indicator at Manor Park that skating season has begun will be staffing
of the warming house. The City will open the warming house there as soon as the
pond can safely support skaters. At Silverwood Park, the ice should be strong
enough for skaters once City equipment has been on the pond to groom the ice. At
both ponds, periodic flooding of the ice is done to improve the skating surface.
All this information translates into a wait for skaters. We realize that the skating
season has been dramatically impacted due to the warm weather. The Department
of Public Works asks for your patience. City crews will commence. flooding just
as soon as Jack Frost provides an adequate frost layer on the ground to allow flooding
to begin. R
Men at Work
T he Department of Public Works is working throughout Shorewood to locate
the water shut -off valves in individual yards. In some cases this may involve
some minor digging if soil has accumulated over the valve. It is important that the
water valves are accessible in case of problems, especially at night or during snow
cover months. If there are questions, please call City Hall (474- 3236).
t erlining indicates cablecast of Council meetings see schedule on page 3.
City's 9 t
Approved
T he City Council approved the
proposed 1999 Budget and the Five
Year Capital Improvement Program (as
presented in last month's Citizen Informer)
at their December 14 meeting. At the
City's December 7 Budget Hearing, there
was an interesting perspective on the cost
of City services presented by Finance
Director Al Rolek. Those figures are
published here in a chart on page 2.
it l t His ; :iOC
Trail Talk ........... ............................... 2
Canvasser's License ....................... 2
Communications Corner ................. 2
Keep it Clean ... ............................... 2
Land Conservation Report ....... Insert
Early Shorewood ............................. 3
Senior Center ... ............................... 3
Tree Recycling ............................... 3
Shorewood Events Map .................. 4
Public Safety News ......................... 4
S r
r%l T
T W
W 1
1" F
F S
S j
jANUARY EVENT
1 2
2 1
1/4 6
6:00 N
New Council Sworn In
Q 3
3 4
4 5
5 6
6 7
7 8
8 9
9 1
1/5 7
7:00 P
Planning Comm. Mtg.
1/11 7
7:00 C
City Council Meeting.
Z —
10 1
1 1 1
12 1
13 1
14 1
15 1
16
1/12 7
7:30 P
Park Comm. Mtg-
4 1
17 1
18 1
19 2
20 2
21 2
22 2
23 1
1/19 7
7:00 P
Planning Comm. Mtg.
24,. 5
5 2
26 2
27 2
28 2
29.39
1/25 7
7:30 C
City Council Meeting
Underlining i
indicates cablecast o
of Council m
meetings -
- see schedule o
3.
City's 9 t
Approved
T he City Council approved the
proposed 1999 Budget and the Five
Year Capital Improvement Program (as
presented in last month's Citizen Informer)
at their December 14 meeting. At the
City's December 7 Budget Hearing, there
was an interesting perspective on the cost
of City services presented by Finance
Director Al Rolek. Those figures are
published here in a chart on page 2.
it l t His ; :iOC
Trail Talk ........... ............................... 2
Canvasser's License ....................... 2
Communications Corner ................. 2
Keep it Clean ... ............................... 2
Land Conservation Report ....... Insert
Early Shorewood ............................. 3
Senior Center ... ............................... 3
Tree Recycling ............................... 3
Shorewood Events Map .................. 4
Public Safety News ......................... 4
Trail (and Park) Talk
A t this time, when the City is inviting applicants to serve on the Planning
and Park Commissions, it might be good to mention another level of
involvement with the Commissions — COMMUNICATION. Few people are
able to make the 3 year commitment to serve as a Commissioner, but most
residents have ideas or comments regarding planning or park issues. We still
want to hear from those people, as well.
When residents attend Commission meetings, they are invited to observe
and are often asked to offer input on topics being discussed. Those who wish to
address a specific issue can be included in the meeting agenda by calling City
Hall (474 -3236) ahead of time. Your attendance at Commission meetings,
whether casual or pre- arranged, is taken as a strong form of communication
and very appreciated.
The Planning Commission meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each
month at 7:00 p.m. and the Park Commission meets on the second Tuesday of
each month at 7:30 p.m.
R ecently, a license to canvas within the City of Shorewood was issued to an
environmental group. Prior to license approval, background checks are run
on all possible people going door -to -door. A license is then issued (or denied) on
an individual basis. Whenever approached by a canvasser or solicitor, we suggest
that you ask to see their City— issued license. Door -to -door activities are restricted
to hours between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. If you have any concerns, call 911 and
provide specific information.
* Based on taxes for a $190,000 home.
A t their January 12 meeting, the Park
Commission will continue to work
on two major items.
♦ They are preparing for public
information meetings to be held in
February to solicit public input on the
work done to date: on trail goals,
objectives and policies; on their
perspective on priority trail routes;
and on ways potential trail routes will
be evaluated. They will decide how,
when and where these public
meetings will be held. They will
advise on the preparation of a special
insert for the February issue of the
Citizen Informer to prepare residents
for the informational meetings. Stay
tuned. Get involved.
♦ The Park Commission will also
continue deliberations on the design
of a picnic shelter /multi- purpose
building with indoor restroom
facilities for the softball/soccer area
of Freeman Park. The plan is for such
a building to be built in 1999.
T he new City Council will be sworn in on Monday,
January 4, 1999, 60) p.m. at Shorewood City Hall,
5755 Country Club Road. At that time, or later in the
week the Council will meet to discuss reconstituting
the Planning Corrtxnisskon to seven members, along with
other issues. They will then mWiL.111 closed session to
be briefed on le al matters. 5fi
Meeting information will be posted thre es prior
to the meetng date. Detai is will also be available by
calling City Hall (474 -3236) or by checking the City's
web site: www.state.net/shorewood.
T he City recently heard from a resident about the
problem of litter along City streets. It seems to be
time for a friendly reminder. Littering is not just a matter
of courtesy. It's against the law. Shorewood code
addresses the issue and State Law also makes littering an
enforceable offense. The anti - littering law stands in Shorewood even
though signs are not posted throughout the City stating so.
Recognizably, it is a difficult matter to enforce. This law, like
many others, relies mostly upon conscience and a sense of respect
for the community. The efforts of everyone will help to keep
Shorewood a beautiful place - and one to be proud of.
Citizen Informer! January 1999 2
AppmAnate
Product / Service
Annual Cost
Police Protection
$105
Fire Protection
$31
Street Maintenance
$25
o Snow
Removal
$9
U
Parks & Recreation
$28
Sewer
$260
Curbside Recycling
$18
Car Payment
@ $275 per month
$3,300
a
W
Newspaper Subscription
(Star Tribune)
$220
Cable Television - Expanded
Basic (No Premiums)
$303
0
Two Movie Tickets per
a Month
(no popcorn)
$120
Dinner Out for Two
W
(once per month)
$480
* Based on taxes for a $190,000 home.
A t their January 12 meeting, the Park
Commission will continue to work
on two major items.
♦ They are preparing for public
information meetings to be held in
February to solicit public input on the
work done to date: on trail goals,
objectives and policies; on their
perspective on priority trail routes;
and on ways potential trail routes will
be evaluated. They will decide how,
when and where these public
meetings will be held. They will
advise on the preparation of a special
insert for the February issue of the
Citizen Informer to prepare residents
for the informational meetings. Stay
tuned. Get involved.
♦ The Park Commission will also
continue deliberations on the design
of a picnic shelter /multi- purpose
building with indoor restroom
facilities for the softball/soccer area
of Freeman Park. The plan is for such
a building to be built in 1999.
T he new City Council will be sworn in on Monday,
January 4, 1999, 60) p.m. at Shorewood City Hall,
5755 Country Club Road. At that time, or later in the
week the Council will meet to discuss reconstituting
the Planning Corrtxnisskon to seven members, along with
other issues. They will then mWiL.111 closed session to
be briefed on le al matters. 5fi
Meeting information will be posted thre es prior
to the meetng date. Detai is will also be available by
calling City Hall (474 -3236) or by checking the City's
web site: www.state.net/shorewood.
T he City recently heard from a resident about the
problem of litter along City streets. It seems to be
time for a friendly reminder. Littering is not just a matter
of courtesy. It's against the law. Shorewood code
addresses the issue and State Law also makes littering an
enforceable offense. The anti - littering law stands in Shorewood even
though signs are not posted throughout the City stating so.
Recognizably, it is a difficult matter to enforce. This law, like
many others, relies mostly upon conscience and a sense of respect
for the community. The efforts of everyone will help to keep
Shorewood a beautiful place - and one to be proud of.
Citizen Informer! January 1999 2
Minnetonka Reminiscences
by George Day (1845 -1937)
Reprinted courtesy of the ExceLrior- -Lake
Minnetonka Historical Society
Old Names at Lake Are Recalled
H ow the names of points and islands
on the lake have changed since
early days! Spirit Knob at the entrance
to Wayzata Bay, to which the Indians
used to resort worship the Great Spirit,
was a point reaching out into the lake
with a high knob on the end covered
with trees and vines. It was a very
prominent object on the lake and one
well suited to the use to which it was
put by the Indians. What is it now? The
knob has disappeared and with it the air
of mystery and romance that used to
surround the spot.
Minnetonka with its numerous
points and bays presents a succession of
entrancing viewing - no two of them
alike but each possessing a peculiar
charm of its own. Many of the beauty
spots are still untouched by the hand of
man, but Nature with lavish generosity
has endowed these nooks and corners
with a beauty that art can scarcely
enhance. People who have visited the
different places in Europe celebrated for
their exquisite scenery and immortalized
in song and story, have declared that for
natural beauty nothing can surpass Lake
Minnetonka. This is a strong statement,
perhaps, but when one sees all of
Minnetonka one begins to appreciate its
quiet beauty.
"Old Names" will be continued in the
February issue of the Citizen Informer.
±� <� p
Council on Cable
City Council meetings can be seen on
Cable Channel 8 at the following times:
December 21 Meeting
Wednesday, December 30 at 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 5 at 1:30 p.m.
January 11 Meeting
Wednesday, January 13 at 5:30 p.m.
Friday, January 15 at 2:00 p.m.
January 25 Meeting
Wednesday, January 27 at 5:30 p.m.
w elcome to Southshore Comm-
unity Center — A place to meet
for all seasons, a place to hold your next
party, business meeting, wedding
reception, or any type of gathering. The
Center was built for the community's use.
If you have not paid a visit to the Center
we hope you will do so in the near future.
We have a number of rooms in which
to gather. The small Conference Room
accommodates 36 people with a rental
rate ranging from $40 to $75. The
Activity Room accommodates 65
people with a rental rate ranging from
$60 to $100. The Large Dining Room
accommodates 200 people at round
tables or 275 theater style seating with
the rate ranging from $100 to $400.
It is allowable to serve alcoholic
beverages at the Center. For more
information on the rental of the Southshore
Center, please call Jo Ann Kvern at
541 -1019 or Joyce Flury at 474 -7635. IN
YF
_: _
enior Cc,-
Recycling Nees
Christmas Tree Recycling
Most trash haulers will pick up
Christmas trees for their customers after
the Holidays. Call your trash company
for dates and cost information. If yours
does not provide Christmas tree pick-
up, Hennepin County will accept
Christmas trees free of charge at:
CERES TREE SITE 4
10450 81st Ave. North
Maple Grove
Hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to
3 p.m. on Saturday from January 4,1999
through January 23, 1999. You may call
425 -3577 for directions. Flocked trees will
also be accepted. They will not accept
wreaths or other decorations.
A girl's jacket was found at
Freeman Park by a Shorewood
resident on November 28. If
you are possibly missing this
jacket, (sized to fit approximate
ages 5 to 7 year -old), you may
call 401 -886 to see if it's yours.
Winter Activities and Programs
"In the Old Ways" is a discussion series which will meet on 8 Mondays at
1:00 p.m. to examine traditions and customs. It also looks at the important role of
older Americans in preserving our collective cultural heritage. There is no fee.
Bandstand America Show at Mystic Lake — Board the motor coach bus at
11:15 on Wednesday, January 13 to head for a musical review at Mystic Lake.
The cost is $8 for transportation and admission to the show. Return trip is
scheduled for 3:45 p.m. Call the Center by January 6 to reserve your spot.
Attracting Winter Songbirds to Your Yard — This is a free session to get tips
from an expert on what to feed and types of feeders to draw birds to your yard
this winter. Call to register and then come to the Center on Friday, January 15
at 12:45 p.m. Why not start out with lunch? Noon meals are served at the
Center on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Just call two days in advance to make
lunch reservations.
One -on -one Computer Training is an opportunity to have individual
instruction in general computer usage and how to use e-mail and the internet.
Times will be arranged between trainer and participant. Cost: donation. Call
the Center to schedule a time.
There are many more winter classes and services offered. Just call the Center at
474 -7635 for more information and for sign -up. Remember that you can get here
from there by calling Dial -A -Ride (474 -7441) one day in advance to schedule.
3 Citizen Informer/ January 1999
A Brief Summary of the
Land Conservation Committee Reporl
December 9
*•
any municipalities around the country have experienced rapid urban growth and
have struggled with balancing the need for development and preserving the natural
character of the community. The City of Shorewood, which is about 90%
developed, established an Ad Hoc Land Conservation Committee in early 1998 to research
options available to conserve our natural heritage.
The Committee's goal was to recommend a process to the City Council that
will permanently protect natural open space in Shorewood with voluntary
land protection mechanisms while safeguarding private property rights.
The Committee compiled information
about land with development potential in
Shorewood. The data includes acreage,
natural features, development potential,
zoning, and location relative to other open
space. A total of 97 vacant parcels and 47
occupied parcels with development potential
were inventoried.
The Committee then researched conser-
vation tools and developed methods for
conserving land in Shorewood. They
presented their findings in a report to the City
Council on December 14. This summary of
the report explains the recommendations of
the Committee in two main areas. First, it
briefly describes the key tools or programs
which are available and could be utilized
in Shorewood. The second area of
recommendations is for the planning and
administration of land conservation
opportunities. r
Creating a Working Group(s)
T he Land Conservation Committee rated the six conservation tools in terms of their ease of administration.
They recommended that working groups would develop an open space plan and then administer tasks required
for each program. Some of the tasks identified are: developing criteria, organizing meetings, creating publicity
pieces, designing educational tools, reviewing applications, etc. The first task for the working group is to educate
the public about voluntary land conservation.
Recommendations for Working Group(s)
♦ Establish a working group in the form of a steering committee, review board, or task force to
draft open space goals and objectives based on the community's vision for open space.
♦ The group should include Park and Planning Commission liaisons as well as citizens from all
four precincts.
♦ The working group should immediately begin educating the public about land conservation.
Summary Statement
The City should develop an Open Space Plan to be added to the Comprehensive Plan that includes specific open
space parcels to be protected, the conservation options to protect the parcels, and funding for protection.
The strongest tools that the City has to protect the remaining natural open space in Shorewood are
conservation easements and land acquisition.
At Their December 14, 1998 meeting, the City
Council aceelrted the Committee Report.
What's Next?
T he City Council must now determine what is to be
done with the report. Which tools are right for
Shorewood? How should the City proceed? Citizen com-
ments on the report and its recommendations will be ap-
preciated. Let the City Council know your thoughts
Thank You
The City wishes to thank the citizen
volunteers who spent many hours
researching, meeting, and producing the
report. They are:
Chairman Dean Riesen
Frank Svoboda
Fred Bruno
Copies of the full report are available at City Hall
and on the City's web site,
www.state.net/shorewood
A copy is also available at the library in Excelsior
and at local school libraries.
City of Shorewood • December 1998
II all ,►
«R' • • • • •
Tool
Conservation
Easement and Land
Donations
Description
conservation easement is a legal agreement in which landowners
voluntarily limit development on their property. Soliciting and
accepting land and easement donations meets the objectives of
assisting voluntary private land conservation and protecting land in
perpetuity without the cost of buying easements or land. Because of
the costs associated with holding land and easements, donations
should meet the City's criteria for open space parcels.
Committee Recommendation
• Accept land donations if there are few costs associated with
holding the title, the local tax base is not adversely affected, the
property has conservation value, or an easement donation is not
feasible for the landowner.
• Accept perpetual conservation easement donations on land that
meets the City's criteria for important open space.
Land Registry
Program
Special
Assessment
Program for Private
Open Space
Acquisition
Development
Rights Program
(TDR)
Purchase of
Development
Rights Program
(PDR)
Outright
Purchase
In a land registry program, landowners enroll their land with a
conservation organization and make a non - binding pledge to protect
their land. Registered landowners are recognized for their steward-
ship at a ceremony or other public event. Registry programs are an
inexpensive way to educate the public about land conservation.
This program would loan money to citizens, so they can purchase
open space in their neighborhood. Interested citizens would be
assessed for the cost of the property with some interest. Assuming
that a conservation easement is put on the land, open space would
be proteFted in perpetuity to the extent outlined in the easement
agreement. A special assessment program may be time consuming
and difficult to administer.
In a TDR program, developers can buy development credits from
people who own open space. A conservation easement is put on the
open space if the owner sells his or her development rights to a
developer. Because land with development potential is scattered
throughout the city, establishing a sending and receiving area would
be difficult, if not impossible. TDR programs are best suited for
agricultural areas that are undeveloped and under pressure to
become residential areas. TDR programs permanently protect open
space while compensating landowners who voluntarily restrict
development on their property.
In a PDR program, the City would buy conservation easements on
land that had been identified as important open space. PDR
programs permanently protect open space, however the City must
purchase conservation easements and dedicate staff time to program
administration.
Outright acquisition allows the City to determine the current and
future management of open space.
• Develop a registry program that is consistent with the City's open
space goals and financial resources.
• A special assessment program should be a low priority protection
option, but it should be employed when a group of neighbors want
to buy an open space parcel in their neighborhood and the City can
finance the purchase without compromising other City needs.
• Require a perpetual conservation easement on open space property
acquired through a special assessment program.
• A TDR program would be neither feasible nor desirable in
Shorewood.
• If the City secures a stable funding mechanism, a PDR program
would be a feasible and desirable land conservation tool in
Shorewood.
• A PDR program should be applied in a situation where the City
cannot afford to purchase an open space parcel outright or the
landowner wishes to retain ownership.
• The criteria used to select open space parcels should be developed
by citizens. (This also applies to PDR programs.)
• As land is tax forfeited, the City should consider it for purchase.
• The Open Space Plan should identify funding sources, staffing
responsibilities, and long -term land management for an acquisition
program.
• If a referendum is required, an educational campaign would be
necessary to make voters aware of the issues. Voters should have
a clear understanding that their taxes might go up and that not every
open space parcel in every neighborhood will be purchased.
• • - • • •
This is a summary of the Committees'recommendations for planning and
administration. How would such an effort be organized, planned and carried out?
The report recommendv a planning process that will develop an Open Space Plan.
he report itself represents the beginning of the planning process, and the report
should be refined to ultimately become Shorewood's Open Space Plan. The Land
Conservation Committee strongly recommends that citizens have opportunities to
contribute meaningful input in the planning and implementation of the Open Space Plan.
A visioning session will be necessary to ensure that the Plan reflects the community's
values. A working group(s) will be established that may consist of Planning and Park
Commissioners and citizens. Open space parcels in Shorewood will be prioritized for
protection. The planning process also will identify funding sources for open space
protection. Implementation includes promoting the Plan, executing protection tools,
evaluating the Plan, and educating officials and residents on an on -going basis about
Shorewood's natural resources and the land protection options available to local
governments and private individuals.
Recommendations for Plan Administration
♦ The working group(s) should have citizen representation.
♦ Citizens should have meaningful input:
• When the community develops a vision of open space in Shorewood.
• When criteria for selecting and ranking open space parcels are developed.
• In budgeting for acquisition of development rights or purchase of
property.
♦ The role of the Planning and Park Commissions should be determined by the
Commissions and the City Council.
Recommendations for Establishing a Land Conservation
Organization
♦ The City should administer land protection programs rather than establish a
new nonprofit land conservation organization for protecting land in
Shorewood.
♦ The City should partner with an existing land conservation organization if the
following circumstances arise: a quick sale, a parcel that requires intensive
management, and landowners that do not want to deal with the City.
Recommendations for Developing a Community Vision of Open
Space and Ranking Selection Criteria
♦ Hold a public meeting to develop a community vision of open space and to
develop and rank a list of criteria for prioritizing open space parcels.
♦ Invite the general public to the meeting through publicity.
♦ Send invitations for the meeting to people who have an interest in open space
issues.
Now that the Land Conservation Committee has completed their
work, who will implement their recommendations?
That is where a "Working Group" enters the scene. See the back side of this insert for
more on that, along with some final comments.
T he Land Conservation Committee rated the six conservation tools in terms of their ease of administration.
They recommended that working groups would develop an open space plan and then administer tasks required
for each program. Some of the tasks identified are: developing criteria, organizing meetings, creating publicity
pieces, designing educational tools, reviewing applications, etc. The first task for the working group is to educate
the public about voluntary land conservation.
Recommendations for Working Group(s)
♦ Establish a working group in the form of a steering committee, review board, or task force to
draft open space goals and objectives based on the community's vision for open space.
♦ The group should include Park and Planning Commission liaisons as well as citizens from all
four precincts.
♦ The working group should immediately begin educating the public about land conservation.
Summary Statement
The City should develop an Open Space Plan to be added to the Comprehensive Plan that includes specific open
space parcels to be protected, the conservation options to protect the parcels, and funding for protection.
The strongest tools that the City has to protect the remaining natural open space in Shorewood are
conservation easements and land acquisition.
At Their December 14, 1998 meeting, the City
Council accepted the Committee Report.
What's Next?
T he City Council must now determine what is to be
done with the report. Which tools are right for
Shorewood? How should the City proceed? Citizen com-
ments on the report and its recommendations will be ap-
preciated. Let the City Council know your thoughts
The City wishes to thank the citizen
volunteers who spent many hours
researching, meeting, and producing the
report. They are:
Chairman Dean Riesen
Frank Svoboda
Fred Bruno
Copies of the full report are available at City Hall
and on the City's web site,
www.state.net/shorewood
A copy is also available at the library in Excelsior
and at local school libraries.
A Brief S""ummaryr of the
Land Conservation Committee ! i 1
•s •
any municipalities around the country have experienced rapid urban growth and
have struggled with balancing the need for development and preserving the natural
character of the community. The City of Shorewood, which is about 90%
developed, established an Ad Hoc Land Conservation Committee in early 1998 to research
options available to conserve our natural heritage.
The Committee's goal was to recommend a process to the City Council that
will permanently protect natural open space in Shorewood with voluntary
land protection mechanisms while safeguarding private property rights.
First Step: Land inventory
The Committee compiled information
about land with development potential in
Shorewood. The data includes acreage,
natural features, development potential,
zoning, and location relative to other open
space. A total of 97 vacant parcels and 47
occupied parcels with development potential
were inventoried.
The Committee then researched conser-
vation tools and developed methods for
conserving land in Shorewood. They
presented their findings in a report to the City
Council on December 14. This summary of
the report explains the recommendations of
the Committee in two main areas. First, it
briefly describes the key tools or programs
which are available and could be utilized
in Shorewood. The second area of
recommendations is for the planning and
administration of land conservation
opportunities. r-
City of Shorewood • December 1998
LAKE MINNETONKA COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Vol. 7 No. 4 ■ WINTER 1998 -99 EXCELSIOR OFFICE /STUDIO: 612. 474.5539 ■ NORTH STUDIO: 612. 404 -2176
1998
COMMISSIONERS
Deephaven
Dale Moe
*Dennis Stanga, Vice Chair
Excelsior
Tom Gilman
*James R. Olds, At Large
Greenwood
Miles Canning
Karen Hessian
Independence
George Fraser
Long Lake
*James D. Benson, Secretary
Georgia Danielson
Medina
John Hamilton
Minnetonka Beach
Leonard MacKinnon
Bruce Palmer
Minnetrista
Robert Beck
Delores Jeanetta
Orono
Gabriel Jabbour
*Tim Pattrin, Chairman
St. Bonifacius
*Colleen Krisko, Treasurer
Andrew Weinzierl, Jr.
Shorewood
Jeffrey Foust
John Garfunkel
Spring Park
Tom Scanlon
Bruce Williamson
Tonka Bay
Judd Mowry
Victoria
Jerry Bohn
Woodland
*Ann Duff, At Large
Duff Elleby
* Executive Committee
1998 PRODUCTION
RECOGNITION AWARDS
Local programing success was cel-
ebrated by LMCC on October 22, 1998
at the eighth annual Production
Recognition Awards. This year's event,
hosted by Timothy J. Pattrin, LMCC
Chair, and Dennis Stanga, LMCC
Vice Chair, acknowledged the hard
work and dedication that created the
local community programs over this
past year. During the LIVE cablecast,
video clips of over twenty shows
highlighted the diverse types of activi-
ties and events that have made Chan-
nels 21 and 8 a continued success. In
addition, Special Awards were
presented to: Tami Bersie for Commu-
Tim Burke
Yet Another
Computer Show
Producer
PROGRAM
OF THE QUARTER:
YET ANOTHER
COMPUTER SHOW
Do you have questions about your
computer hardware, software, net surfing
and new technologies? Yet Another
Computer Show to the rescue.
The production of Yet Another
Computer Show, produced by Tim Burke
is the work of members of the Twin Cities
Linux Users Group. Informative, educa-
tional and entertaining, this show helps
nity Programming; Ernest Olson for
Community Programming; Tim Burke
for Educational Programming; Ryan
Kiefer for Creative Programming; and
Dan Johnson for Rookie of the Year.
All viewers are encouraged to
watch for a replay of the show on
Channel 21.
Award winners in attendance:
Tami Bersie, Richard Bopp, Tim Burke,
David Carter, Mike Fields, Michael
Ireland, Dan Johnson, Markis Kane,
Sen. Ed Oliver, Ernest Olson, Dr. Heidi
Olson, Dave Parkin, Tim Pattrin, Jim
Walters.
residents with their computers in business
or personal use. Tim said, "Let's face it,
there are many video tapes and educa-
tional classes that can help build your
knowledge, but we're really interested in
helping people. And hopefully our show is
entertaining."
Answers or insights to tracking down
and debugging computer problems are
provided by calling 474 -5539 or email at
question@ postoffice.nu. Tune into Yet
Another Computer Show on Wednes-
days at 8:00 p.m. on Community Channel
21. Thank You and Congratulations Tim!
design & graphics
for this newsletter by
474.4442
DEEPHAVEN EXCELSIOR GREENWOOD INDEPENDENCE LONG LAKE MEDINA MINNETONKA BEACH MINNETRISTA
ORONO ST. BONIFACIUS SHOREWOOD SPRING PARK TONKA BAY VICTORIA WOODLAND
LAKE MINNETONKA COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
FROM THE
ADMINISTRATOR'S DESK...
The NATOA conference was sched-
uled in September, as is usual. I was
pleased to attend this conference. I paid
particular attention to government
programming, which is what we play
on Channel 8. There were a number of
useful topics that we can use in improv-
ing our use of Channel 8 and govern-
ment programming in general.
We are putting together various
committees to, among other things,
review how we might better use and
improve our access channels. Any
resident with an interest in that subject
can notify the office with any ideas they
might have.
I did not attend MACTA, but
understand that it was especially
interesting and informative this year.
Cable modems and Internet access are
hot topics at present.
Triax has made some management
changes which have worked out well to
date. We look forward to improved
communications as the rebuild of the
system ensues. Triax is to keep us and
residents apprised of the rebuild status.
Let our office know if you have unre-
solved problems with Triax service.
As Jim Daniels will not be returning
to the LMCC, we're moving forward to
find a full time replacement and hope to
have someone in place by the middle of
November.
Ann Thies
'99 WORKSHOPS
WINTER / THURSDAYS:
JAN 5. 12. 19.26■ Feb 2
SPRING / TUESDAYS:
APR 27 ■ MAY 4. 11 ■ 18 ■25
WINTER / TUESDAYS:
JAN 7. 14.21 ■28 ■ Feb 4
SPRING / THURSDAYS:
APR 29 ■ MAY 6■ 13.20.27
CONGRESS
COMES TO YOU
The LMCC Excelsior studio was the site
of another visit from Congressman
David Minge. On August 17, 1998,
with our Chair Tim Pattrin hosted the
locally produced program, "Congress
Comes to You." As usual, Congress-
man Minge provided viewers with new
insight on various topics considered in
Congress.
'We always enjoy having Congress-
man Minge visit with us," said Chair
Pattrin. "He covers a wide variety of
subjects that are always interesting and
pertinent."
We look forward to future visits
from our representatives in Congress to
keep local viewers and constituents
apprised of current happenings on
Capitol Hill.
STAFF
Ann Thies
Administrator
Julia Porter
Administrative Assistant
Samuel Lee
Production Coordinator
Tami Bersie & Dan Johnson
Assistant Production Coordinators
Richard Bopp
North Studio Coordinator
Dennis Stanga
Vice Chair
COMMISSIONER'S
COMMENTS...
In the last issue, Chair Tim Pattrin
discussed our new franchise agreement.
The new 750 megahertz broadband
hybrid fiber - coaxial system will vastly
improve the quality of picture, number
of video channels available and overall
system reliability. It will be introduced to
our fifteen city region over the next 18-
24 months.
In addition to the mentioned
features, the system will also eventually
be capable of providing two-way cable
modems which can display full motion
video, as well as high speed data
down load and upstream communi-
cations. This is a feature which direct
broadcast satellite cannot provide. It will
give our Lake Minnetonka area
communities direct high speed
access to the Internet. By the way,
for you Internet subscribers, keep a
lookout for the LMCC web page.
Hopefully coming soon, it will include
information about the new network,
public access facilities and future plans
of the LMCCI
Have a great Thanksgiving.
RECENT
WORKSHOP
GRADUATES:
Nate Anderson ■ Ed Bectsch
Tim Burke • David Carter
Colleen Ezertt ■ Tim Harren
Scott Hebeisen ■ Jim Walters
LAKE MINNETONKA COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
540 SECOND STREET ■ P.O. BOX 473 ■ EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 -0473
THIS NEWSLETTER IS PUBLISHED BY THE LAKE MINNETONKA COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION.
One of our goals is to promote community involvement in local programming.
Congressman David Minge
and Chair Tim Pattrin
The following items are on the January 5
Planning Commission Agenda:
The owners of property located at
5170 Howards Point Road are
requesting approval of a conditional use
permit for a three -stall attached garage
they propose to build on their property.
The square footage of the proposed
garage, when combined with existing
accessory space, will exceed the 1200
square feet allowed by permitted use. A
public hearing is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
• • • •
The Planning Commission continues to
review possible changes to the
Lakeshore- Recreational District.
s -=
Have a Safe any
Happy New Year!
tiAP
he police reserves of the South Lake Minnetonka Public Safety Department
have created a quarterly newsletter called Crime Watch. The crime prevention
publication is full of practical information and crime prevention tips. When space
allows, articles may be included in this newsletter.
Do you participate in a neighborhood association? Why not consider inviting a
South Lake Public Safety officer to attend one of your meetings? This is an
opport unity for exchange to enhance
understanding of one another and to
increase comfort levels by having met
in a casual social setting. It's also a good
time to ask questions and to hear
information about public safety services.
All neighborhoods, whether there is
an organized association, or not, are
encouraged to participate in the
Neighborhood Watch Program. It only
takes one person to coordinate for their
neighborhood and get in touch with the
department to set up an informational
meeting. Call South Lake at 474 -3261
for details.
o .�
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T
01 W
CITY OF SHOREWOOD
5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
SHOREWOOD, MN 55331
(612)474.3236 M FAX 474.0128
BULK HATE
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT fi 128
EXCELSIOR. MN 55331
City of Shorewood
Council Members
Woody Love, Mayor
Kristi Starer
Johan Garfunkel
Christine Lizee
Steve Zerby
Administrator
James C. Rurm
Newsletter Editor: Connie- Bastyr
Citizen Informer/ January 1999
',.This newsletter is printed on recycled paper.