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June 1998 Shore Report` CITY OF SHOREWOOD P s year's May 16 Spring Clean -up ay was May by the May 15 "Shorewood Mess -up Day" hosted by Mother Nature and her sidekick, El Nino. The Spring storm hit a devastating blow for many west side and island Shorewood residents. Although City crews were made busy by the major storm recovery projects, the Spring Clean -up drop -off site at Public Works remained open on Saturday, May 16, as planned. The trash pick -up service did not run so smoothly, however. Trucks were not able to contain the increased volume of brush / bagged leaf trash and therefore picked up only the household trash that was left curbside. In the storm- devastated western parts of Shorewood, some roads were blocked by downed trees and power lines, keeping the trucks from doing any pick- up in those areas. In the aftermath of storm - related problems, efforts have been made to not only recover from the storm, but also to reach those missed by the delayed Spring Clean-up service. Some residents were disappointed with this year's experience, but it is hoped that everyone understands the impact that Spring Clean -up - Continued on page 4 M any Shorewood residents may not be aware of the impact that the storm of May 15 had on areas at the west end of our community. Neighborhoods largely west and north of Minnewashta Elementary School and beyond were hit hard by severe winds which uprooted and knocked down hundreds of large trees. Some fell on homes and other structures, while many were the cause of downed power lines and poles. Fortunately there were no severe injuries or fatalities resulting from the storm. Tree damage was so severe that roads and entire neighborhoods were blocked off. A large number of homes were without power, some for as much as 6 days. This includes a loss of water supply for those who are on private wells. The work of clearing felled trees has cost some homeowners thousands of dollars, not to mention the irreplaceable value (esthetic, economic and even sentimental) of those beautiful, mature trees. In a City that is named for this important natural resource, it is an even more significant loss. The City Council met in emergency session for two evenings to establish a policy to help residents deal with recovery. People were then notified by hand - delivered fliers about the procedure for brush and limb removal. The City Council has appreciated the extra efforts of the Public Works Department in working around the clock and putting in long hours to clear roadways and pick up brush and limbs. The South Lake Minne- tonka Public Safety Department did an excellent job of handling emergency efforts and dealing with downed power lines until repairs could be made. They were invaluable with keeping other emer- gency services in- formed of blocked roadways due to downed trees, power poles and live electrical lines. The City would also like to thank: 0 Hennepin County Commissioner, Penny Steele and the Hennepin County Public Works Department for supplying trucks to haul storm debris for several days immediately following the storm. 0 The Cities of Excelsior and Tonka Bay which provided generators for wastewater lift stations. In addition, Excelsior supplied a front -end Storm Recovery - Continued on page 4 M T W T i 1 2 3 4 5 6 W Z 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 OMM 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 JUNE EVENT 6/2 7:00 Planning Comm. Mfg. 6/8 7:00 City Council Meeting 6/9 7:30 Park Commission Mtg. 6/15 7:00 Council Work Session 6/16 7:00 Planning Comm. Mtg. 6%22 7:00 City Council Meeting 28 29 30 Underlining indicates cablecast of Council meetings - see schedule on page 3. INSIDE THIS ISSUE TrailTalk ........... ............................... 2 The Scoop on Pets ......................... 2 Communications Corner ................. 2 Parks — Some Good News and . ..... 2 Free Mulch — You Haul .................... 2 Community Events .......................... 3 Senior Center ... ............................... 3 Cable Information ............................ 3 Shorewood Events Map .................. 4 Cky 11allstaff and crews ask.Prevel- Tine's patience as we comatue to (feat with the t(fier f . fects qf the storm. Communications Corner frail (and Park) Palk e Shoreline voicemail system was instrumental in keeping staff and City Council informed about conditions after the May 15 storm. Many residents called to express thanks and/or to ask about the City's plan for brush and limb removal. This gave staff the opportunity to respond and clarify some of the confusion around the plans for clean-up. As usual, all messages were relayed to the City Council or the appropriate department for response. It's good that people are remembering to access City Hall in this way. Again, the 24 hour Shoreline number is 474 -3236, Ext. #1. M The Shorewood Parks Foundation has 1 been an advocate for a concession stand / picnic shelter in the softball / soccer area of Freeman Park. In supporting the Foundations' efforts, the Tonka Men's Club and American Legion Post #259 have each pledged $2,500. This is just the latest example of support of area parks and organized sports from these local civic organizations. Thank you Tonka Men's Club and American Legion! M The Bad New S horewood's park satellite or "port-a- potty" supplier informs us that Shorewood is the hardest hit of all the lake area cities when it comes to satellite vandalism. Damage to our satellites has included overturning, general vandalism, even burning. Subsequently we see additional costs for cleanup and damage insurance requirements. There are things we can do: ♦ Talk to our kids and the neighborhood kids. Make sure they all understand that such vandalism isn't cool. Even the young need to practice civic responsibility. ♦ Be supportive of the City's intention to "prosecute to the fullest." ♦ Encourage everyone who has information about any vandalism to contact the police or City Hall. ♦ Residents who live near our parks can form neighborhood watch groups or be especially attentive to suspicious activity after dark and notify the police immediately (911). M Citizen Informer/ June 1998 Hiring a Tree Trimmer? M any Shorewood residents may need to hire private contractors to do tree removal and trimming because of the storm damage. The City recommends that the following steps be apart of everyone's decision process: ♦ Call the Better Business Bureau (699 - 1111). They can tell you if a company has been reported for problems. ♦ Get references and check them out! ♦ Ask to see proof of insurance. M S Effort Parking at r e auxiliary parking area north of the road through Freeman Park, just off Eureka Road will be closed for the coming weeks. Residents could drop off brush and limbs resulting from storm damage in this area through June 1. Now it is being used for storage until all material can be shredded and hauled away. M r - - - - -- Flee Mulch -- You .Haul i Shredded branches and limbs may � I be picked up h y Shorewood ! residents (and people from other communities) through the middle of June at Freeman Park. L----- W e would like to thank the following people for adopting a street to clean. Lyn Garfunkel & Family - Grant Lorenz Road Ridge Road Association - R esults of the recent park and trail telephone survey are available at City Hall and will eventually be added to the City Web Site: www.state.net/shorewood. The survey will also be summarized in an upcoming issue of the newsletter. The next step of the Park Commission review process is a series of meetings for a Citizen Review Group. Watch for further developments in the newsletter. M The S on P ets Af The City Council has amended the pet 1 ordinance for Shorewood to require pet owners to clean up and dispose of the waste which their animals leave on public land or the property of others. The problem had reached a point, especially on the trail and in City parks, where a formal policy needed to be established. The City is preparing an informational brochure, which will be sent to owners of all licensed dogs in Shorewood. A flier will also be prepared as an insert for a future issue of this newsletter. M X Hennepin County Parks will not allow horses on the regional trail through Shorewood, equestrian riders have other options. Hennepin Parks offers more than 50 miles of mowed horseback riding trails at several park locations: Baker, Carver, Crow -Hassan, Elm Creek, Lake Rebecca and Murphy - Hanrehan park Reserves and the North Hennepin Trail Corridor. These trails offer some of the most beautiful scenery found in the metro area. Call Hennepin Parks Trail Information Hotline for up-to -date trail information 559 -6778. Maps of the entire park system are also available for purchase at each of the visitor centers in the parks. M Trash Haul Grows by s L ast month we offered a listing of licensed refuse haulers. There are two more to add to the list: Waste Management ............... 882 -2300 Ridge Road AW Disposal, Inc .................. 467 -2999 N Early Shorewood Minnetonka Reminiscences by George Day (1845 -1937) This months "history lesson" will be post - pond until the July &sue...Stay tuned Before You ... r After a Sto Follow these simple safety tips. 0 Always call first BEFORE you dig. The number for the Twin Cities area is 454 -0002. If you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately. Then call NSPat 1 -800- 895 -2999. Always check for power lines. Allow at least 15 feet between equipment and the lines. Never use a ladder or long metal tools near a power line. If dead branches or trees near power lines need to be removed, call NSP - Don't do it yourself. Liaison Positions ♦ John Garfunkel will be one of Shorewood's representatives to the Lake Minnetonka Communications Commission. ♦ Roger Champa will serve as Liaison to the Park Commission and the Shorewood Parks Foundation. r Go Fly a Kite! he Minnesota Kite Society is sponsoring a Family Summer Fun Fly on Sunday, June 14 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Minnetonka Middle School West soccer fields. Sounds like a good time and complimentary lemonade and cookies will be served. Questions? Call 470 -1770. Plan Ahead! The American Red Cross will hold CPR and First Aid courses in the southwest Hennepin County area during the month of July. Call 872 -3224 for details. O ne of the pleasures of the summer season is sitting around a "campfire" for the evening in your own back yard. Shorewood does allow for recreational fires on private property. Residents are reminded, that this does require a permit from the Fire Department and comes with some guidelines and limitations. There is no cost for the permit, but there is an application process so the Fire Marshal is aware of those who may have an intentional fire. If a marshmallow roast is in your plans, stop at City Hall to complete the short form. It is important to note that recreational fires are not for cleaning up yard debris and must be attended to at all times. ----------- NSP EMERGENCY NUMBERS Lights Out/Lines Down 1- 800-895 -1999 ' Natural Gas Emergency 1- 800-895 -2999 r- ------ - - - - -J City Council meetings can be seen on Cable Channel 8 at the following times: May 26 Meeting Tuesday, June 2 at 5:30 p.m. June 8 Meeting Wednesday, June 10 at 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 12 at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 16 at 1:30 p.m. June 22 Meeting Wednesday, June 24 at 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 26 at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 30 at 5:30 p.m. Represented by LMCC horewood is one of 15 cities represented by the Lake Minnetonka Communications Commission (LMCC), the regulatory authority over cable communications in the Lake Minnetonka area . The collective strength of all these small cities allows greater power in negotiations and overseeing the service of one cable provider, Triax Cablevision. At a recent meeting the LMCC directed legal counsel to examine the level of basic cable rates to insure compliance with the federal regulatory formula. This on -going control of basic rates is an important function the LMCC provides to residents. In addition, the LMCC has worked out an agreementwithTriaxCablevisionto schedule and complete burial of underground drops that were connected during the winter months. The LMCC has given Triax Cablevision a target date of June 15th (1998) to comply. Any Shorewood resident that needs cable buried can contact Triax Cablevision (800 - 332 -0245) and confirm a time for this to be completed. Remember that LMCC is the place to call if anyone has a cable problem that they are unable to resolve by first contacting Triax Cablevision. The office number is 474 -5539. I _you lost cable service due to the storm be sure to call the 1 i irtx CaWevision customer service line at 1 -800- 332-0245 to discuss a credit on your next bill. Senior C i n fe Check out these June activites for seniors. For more information or to register call the Southshore Center at 474-7635. Put on your dancing shoes and join other seniors for the senior dance on Friday, June 12. Live music will be provided by Dick Mackos group. The dance is held from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the center. The cost is $3.00 and includes refreshments. A class in TV Chi Chih will be offered on Tuesdays beginning June 16 and running through August 11. The cost is $25.00 for the 9 week session. Both advanced and beginner classes are offered. � AARP will offer a four hour driving class on Monday June 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The $11.00 fee covers the cost of class and lunch and coffee. lk Join the fun at the Not So Newlywed Party on Friday, June 26 at noon. Couples from the Southshore area who have been married 50 years or more will be our special guests and receive a free lunch. Reservations should be made by June 23. 3 Citizen Informer/ June 1998 LAKE MINNETONKA COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Vol. 7 No. 2 ■ SUMMER 1998 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, At Large Georgia Danielson Medina John Hamilton *Ann C. Thies, At Large Minnetonka Beach Leonard MacKinnon Bruce Palmer Minnetrista Robert Beck Delores Jeanetta Orono Gabriel Jabbour *Tim Pattrin, Chairman St. Bonifacius *Colleen Krisko, Secretary Andrew Weinzierl, Jr. Shorewood Jeffrey Foust Spring Dark Tom Scanlon Bruce Williamson Tonka Bay *Bob Anderson, Treasurer Judd Mowry Victoria Jerry Bohn Woodland Ann Duff Duff Elleby * Executive Committee EXCELSIORMORTH STUDIO SPRING OPEN HOUSE The LMCC recently held two open house events at both community studio facilities in Excelsior and Long Lake. Greg Sletten Visions' Producer PROGRAM OF THE QUARTER: VISIONS We are excited to recognize a very talented Producer Greg Sletten. Greg is a musician, music instruc- tor at Minnetonka Music and producer of Victoria City Council Meetings. He graduated from our FREE video produc- tion workshops, one year ago and immediately started logging video, People were invited to stop by and learn more about the FREE equipment training workshops and take a hands -on look at the studio and production equipment in both locations. Demonstrations took place on how user - friendly and non - complicated it has become to make a local television show for the Channel 21 viewers in our fifteen cities. The LMCC offers training classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at both Excelsior and Long Lake locations. LMCC area residents are encouraged to contact staff and schedule a place in an up- coming class. Excelsior 474.5539 Long Lake 404.2176 writing and composing music for a music video called Visions. Using portable camera and editing equipment provided by LMCC and Triax Cable - vision, Greg created a very emotional and artist music collaboration with a montage of shots from around the Twin Cities area. Greg is a great example of what can be done with a creative idea using the medium of Community Channel 21. Thanks & Congratulations Greg! design & graphics l I — for this newsletter by _,. JansonG�phics �" 4,74.4442 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... Even though 1998 was a short legislative session, your LMCC and staff paid close attention monitoring what was taking place that could impact the residents of our fifteen cities, when it comes to communications. We are extremely fortunate to have close and on -going contact with Senator's Ed Oliver and Gen Olson, plus Representatives Ron Abrams, Steve Smith, Barb Sykora, Todd Van Dellen and Tom Workman. My thanks go out to them for helping keep your LMCC informed on existing legislation or new bills that might surface and influence com- petition or telecommunication services. We spent considerable time watching any changes having to do with municipal control of dedicated rights -of -way. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) was to have in place by March 1, 1998, state wide rules dealing with uniform construction standards, degradation caused by any excavation or failure to restore the condition of the ground. This was extended to December 31, 1998 and should result in the creation of a model ordinance that can uniformly be applied throughout all of Minnesota. Now that this session is over, we must stay aware that there will most likely be repeated debate and chances for some legislative action as the Minnesota State Legislature convenes again in 1999. Finally, I'm obligated to acknowledge both Congressman Jim Ramstad and David Minge, as well as their dedicated staff for keeping us current on any action in Con- gress that might deal with future implemen- tation of the Telecommunications Act. Thank you many times over and we look forward to continuing that regular commu- nication. '1 RECENT WORKSHOP GRADUATES: Phil Blyth ■ Andy Davidson Ted Duepner ■ Mike Fields Pat Fogarty ■ Dan Nicoli Tony Nicoli ■ Brand Steck Peter Strand ■ Joe Tesarek 98 WORKSHOPS SUMMER / THURSDAYS: AUG 6. 13.20.27 ■ SEPT 10 FALL / TUESDAYS: SEPT 8 • 15 ■ 22 ■ 29 ■ Oct 6 SUMMER / TUESDAYS: AUG 4 • 11 ■ 18 ■ 25 ■ SEPT 8 FALL / THURSDAYS: SEPT 10- 17.24.Octl ■8 In one of his frequent visits to the Channel 21 studio, Congressman Jim Ramstad answered questions and talked about this current session of Congress. The newspaper journalists, Nancy Lauseng, Michael Ireland, Sue Orson and Jon Fure took turns asking the Congressman about a wide variety of topics. The show was very informative and allowed viewers the first -hand response to many challenges facing Congress for 1998 and the future. The moderator of the program was LMCC Chairman Tim Pattrin. Triax Cablevision subscribers can look at the program guide in each weekly Sun Current or turn to Channel 21 for a schedule of times "Congress Comes To You" will be played. STAFF Jim Daniels Administrator Samuel Lee Production Coordinator Kit Allen Assistant Production Coordinator Martha Ashbaugh North Studio Coordinator Judd Mowry Tonka Bay COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS... As Tonka Bay City Council Member and Commissioner of the Lake Minnetonka Communications Commission (LMCC, I regularly hear from residents that they appreciate and rely on the television coverage of city council meetings carried on channel 8. Another frequent comment is that residents in one community watch an item that takes place at the city council in a neighboring town. For example, Tonka Bay citizens could look at something being dealt with by the Excelsior City Council, all in the comfort of their living room on channel 8. As this current franchise renewal process moves forward, your commission remains dedicated to locally originated programming that covers topics of interest to the residents of our fifteen cities in the Lake Minnetonka area. Initiating and funding this important function of community program- ming has been and continues to be high on the list of priorities set by your LMCC. Get in the habit of studying your local government at work on cable channel 8 or making a program of local interest for Channel 21. Police Chief Craig Anderson presented an Outstanding Service Award to Jim Daniels, LMCC Administrator, acknowledging the commission's dedication and support for effective community programming. 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. LOCAL NEWSPAPERS & CONG. RAMSTAD CREATE SUCCESSFUL G&A SHOW LMCC RECEIVES POLICE AWARD What's 5m �ht97N�'' Map Descriptions The following items are on the June 2 Planning Commission Agenda: 1 The owners of properties located at 6090 and 6130 Chaska Road are proposing to rearrange the lot line between them. No new building sites are being created. 2 Minnetonka. Moorings, located at 600 West Lake Street, is proposing a subdivision and combination of land parcels (lot line rearrangement) in keeping with previous land acquisitions and historical use. No new lots are being created. The production of this issue of the Citizen Informer was delayed as a result of complications from the May 15 storm. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. .o U Spring Clean -up s"f,thtow" Continued from page I the May 15 storm had on many people, properties and plans. There were, however, some encouraging aspects in the day. First of all, the City would like to thank the Boy Scouts from Troop #424 for helping with the Spring Clean-Up at the Public Works Facility. Their hard work is greatly appreciated! Secondly, it was noted that many donations of useful household items in good condition were given to the Goodwill through the drop -off site. Storm Recovery Continued from page I loader and operator for several days. 0 All of the people who have offered assistance to neighbors in clearing trees and with general storm recovery while surviving without power. City Hall staff and crews ask for everyone's patience as we continue to deal . with the after effects of the storm. Public Works will be significantly behind on their routine duties. This means that some tasks, such as mowing, park maintenance and patching of road surfaces will be delayed until all of the roadways have been cleared. With limited equipment for handling mass volumes of debris, the final removal of brush and limbs could be weeks away. The City thanks residents in all parts of Shorewood for their understanding. 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD SHOREWOOD, MN 55331 (612)474.3236 N FAX 474.0128 BULK BATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #128 EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 �f City of Shorewood Council Members Torsi Dahlberg, Mayor Kristi Stover Jerry O'Neill John Garfunkel Roger Charripa Administrator James C. Hurm Newsletter Editor: Connie Bastyr Citizen Informer/ June 1998 This newsletter is printed on .recycled paper. Q Map Descriptions The following items are on the June 2 Planning Commission Agenda: 1 The owners of properties located at 6090 and 6130 Chaska Road are proposing to rearrange the lot line between them. No new building sites are being created. 2 Minnetonka. Moorings, located at 600 West Lake Street, is proposing a subdivision and combination of land parcels (lot line rearrangement) in keeping with previous land acquisitions and historical use. No new lots are being created. The production of this issue of the Citizen Informer was delayed as a result of complications from the May 15 storm. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. .o U Spring Clean -up s"f,thtow" Continued from page I the May 15 storm had on many people, properties and plans. There were, however, some encouraging aspects in the day. First of all, the City would like to thank the Boy Scouts from Troop #424 for helping with the Spring Clean-Up at the Public Works Facility. Their hard work is greatly appreciated! Secondly, it was noted that many donations of useful household items in good condition were given to the Goodwill through the drop -off site. Storm Recovery Continued from page I loader and operator for several days. 0 All of the people who have offered assistance to neighbors in clearing trees and with general storm recovery while surviving without power. City Hall staff and crews ask for everyone's patience as we continue to deal . with the after effects of the storm. Public Works will be significantly behind on their routine duties. This means that some tasks, such as mowing, park maintenance and patching of road surfaces will be delayed until all of the roadways have been cleared. With limited equipment for handling mass volumes of debris, the final removal of brush and limbs could be weeks away. The City thanks residents in all parts of Shorewood for their understanding. 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD SHOREWOOD, MN 55331 (612)474.3236 N FAX 474.0128 BULK BATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #128 EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 �f City of Shorewood Council Members Torsi Dahlberg, Mayor Kristi Stover Jerry O'Neill John Garfunkel Roger Charripa Administrator James C. Hurm Newsletter Editor: Connie Bastyr Citizen Informer/ June 1998 This newsletter is printed on .recycled paper.