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February 1998 Shore ReportCITY OF SHOREWOOD CITIZEN INFORMER February 1998 �" 11 IE'"° � '" t � �: E fir' � ��• z . In vit at io n The Shorewood Park Commission strongly encourages all interested residents to join them on Thursday, February 19 from 7.00 to 9:30 p.m. for a discussion about future plans for Shorewood's parks and trails. The meeting will be held at the Southshore Center at 5735 Country Club Road near City Hall. ark improvements carried out over the past five years have closely followed the City's Park Plan and have focused almost exclusively on projects located within current park boundaries. It is estimated that our five city parks are now more than 80 percent developed. It is hoped that this meeting will begin public discussion on potential projects remaining to be developed including trails, additional amenities requested by local sports organizations and other new needs or ideas brought forward by Shorewood residents. he Park Commission wants to hear opinions and ideas surrounding various questions, for example: h+ What facilities are currently lacking in Shorewood Parks? ho Is there a proper balance of nature areas and facilities for active play? bo Are all age groups and ability levels adequately represented? �► Should a local network of trails be provided for pedestrian and bicycle access for various areas of the community? bo If a trail system is needed, where should trails be located? �► How should user fees and other Park Funds be used to develop and maintain our facilities? Mark your calendar and plan to attend this important session. It will offer a unique, hands on opportunity to help plan the future of parks and trails in Shorewood. For more information, please call City Hall at 474 - 3236.® Assets For Youth b R epresentatives from the south lake area cities have met several times at the invitation of an Excelsior Park and Recreation Commissioner to discuss how the community can support our youth (most specifically ages 11 to 14). The group has asked each city to place an insert in their newsletter (enclosed). Please fill out the insert and return it as instructed. Then come ... and encourage area youth ; to attend the February 12 open • forum as described in the insert. As the saying goes ... it takes a whole • community to raise a child! INSIDE THIS ISSUE Animal Control News ...................... 2 Commissioner Introductions ........... 2 Communications Corner ................. 2 Insurance Dividends ....................... 3 Early Shorewood ............................. 3 S enior Corner ... ............................... 3 Rent the Southshore Center ........... 3 Council on Cable ............................. 4 "Snow" Parking . ............................... 4 Shorewood Events Map .................. 4 S M T W T F S FEBRUAR EVENTS Q 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 2/2 7:00 City Council Wk. Sess. 2/3 7:00 Planning Comm. Mtg. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 2/9 7 :00 City Council Meeting. (c 2/10 7:30 Park Comm. Mtg. M 15 1F 17 18 19 20 21 2/16 City Offices Closed for Holiday <r W — 2/17 7:00 Planning Comm. Mtg.. U- 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 2/19 7:00 Park Comm. Open Forum -- — 2/23 7:00 City Council Meeting :- 2/24 7:00 City Council Wk. Sess. Underlining indicates cablecast of Council meetings - see schedule on page 4 Assets For Youth b R epresentatives from the south lake area cities have met several times at the invitation of an Excelsior Park and Recreation Commissioner to discuss how the community can support our youth (most specifically ages 11 to 14). The group has asked each city to place an insert in their newsletter (enclosed). Please fill out the insert and return it as instructed. Then come ... and encourage area youth ; to attend the February 12 open • forum as described in the insert. As the saying goes ... it takes a whole • community to raise a child! INSIDE THIS ISSUE Animal Control News ...................... 2 Commissioner Introductions ........... 2 Communications Corner ................. 2 Insurance Dividends ....................... 3 Early Shorewood ............................. 3 S enior Corner ... ............................... 3 Rent the Southshore Center ........... 3 Council on Cable ............................. 4 "Snow" Parking . ............................... 4 Shorewood Events Map .................. 4 Commimications Corner E very month in this corner we feature a communication tool available to you as a resident to communicate with those at City Hall or on a Commission or the Council. We would like to also be able to use this corner to explain governmental processes or organizations of which residents might be curious. If you have a question you would like us to address, leave it on the Shoreline at 474 -3236, Ext.1. If it is appropriate content for this newsletter, we will publish a reply! T he City has been compelled to find a new source for animal control services beginning the first of this year. The City of Chanhassen had provided the service for years. Though this has been a difficult task, a final agreement has finally been worked out with the City of Orono. The contract is very similar to the one with Chanhassen. All calls about animal problems, lost animals or complaints should be directed to the Orono Police Department at 473 -77 10 or Shorewood City Hall at 474 -3236 during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 am. to 5:00 p.m.). For evening or weekend service, call dispatch at 525 -6210 or 911. Animals taken into custody will be boarded at Paws, Claws and Hooves a private pet boarding service located in Chanhassen. Impound and boarding fees must be paid at City Hall prior to pickup unless different arrangements are made in advance. Remember, recovering a lost pet can be a scary experience for both the animal and the owner, and can be costly. It is very important that your pet have the proper identification tags (i.e. City license tag, identification tag and rabies vaccination) y fastened securely around their neck. This makes it much easier to „y locate the owner if an animal is lost. Red C.".'ross Classes 0""Ifered in March nurses in CPR and First Aid are being offered in the southwest Hennepin County area through the Red Cross. If you would like more information, contact Marie at 942 -6998. Subjects to watch for in future issues of the Citizen Informer: Recycling contract renewal and other recycling resources << Details on the Board of Review w hich is set for April 1, 1998 www.state.net/shorewood and some great information you can find there Dial -A -Ride i Working ,. I n June of 1997, we announced a new IF transit service offered by the Metropolitan Council to residents of the south shore area. The Dial -A -Ride program has proven to be an asset to the area with rides reported to be near 700 per month. The majority of riders to this point have been seniors, however, this service is available to all residents. For example, parents may utilize the Dial -A -Ride service for their children needing rides on non - school days. Or early release students have this option as a way to get to work or other activities after school. To arrange for a ride, call a day before travel at 474 -7441 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dial -A -Ride fares are $1.50. Introducing Five New Commissioners The City of Shorewood welcomes three new Planning Commissioners and two new members to the Park Commission with the start of 1998. These five volunteers are briefly introduced to the community in this article. Planning Commissioners Jeff Bailey and his family have lived in Shorewood for 4 years. Jeff works in the field of financial management and has authored several publications on related subjects. Additional interests include photography, reading, tennis and softball. Jeff is looking forward to learning more about local government as he serves on the Planning Commission. Paula Callies and her husband David Downs have recently moved to Shorewood. Paula brings to the Commission her professional knowledge on municipal issues gained in her capacity as an attorney. Her recreational activities of skiing, biking and running keep her moving ahead. Patrick Collins is a 22 year resident of Shorewood with an interest in retaining that local look and feel that has always been an appealing aspect of the City. Patrick has worked in law enforcement for the City of St. Louis Park for 28 years and is currently a police investigator. He is also a lifetime member of the VFW and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Park Commissioners Chuck Cochran lives near Cathcart Park and says that he and his family often use area parks in local sports participation and enjoy the quality of life in Shorewood. He keeps busy with his three small children as Dad and soccer coach. As a 10 year resident, Chuck is interested in the preservation of the good things as well as adding to the dialogue of new proposed changes. Mark Themig brings to the Park Commission his experience as a professional in the Parks and Recreation field. He is currently employed by the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Department and is also an active user of the state and local park systems with interests in skiing, swimming and biking. Mark looks forward to his opportunity to "sit on the other side of the table ". It seems clear that both Commissions will be enriched by the addition of these five new members. Welcome to each! 2 Early Shorewood Minnetonka Reminiscences By George Day (1845 -1937) Reprinted courtesy of the Excelsior —Lake Minnetonka Historical Society The following reminiscences of George Day were originally printed locally in 1918 before his death making them an interesting first hand source on Minnetonka history. I have been requested by friends and acquaintances to jot down some of the happenings of the early days at Lake Minnetonka. Very few of the old settlers are now living, and many of the incidents of the early days have probably passed from their memory. I will try to give an idea of the conditions that existed when this country was a wilderness and almost untouched by the hand of man. Looking back 62 years, I see great changes in Minnesota, and nowhere more evident than the almost marvelous improvement around Lake Minnetonka. Coming to the lake when a small boy in 1856, I have watched the country grow from a wilderness to its present state of development. The lake as it is today is very beautiful, with its shores lined with houses that rank from the most unpretentious cottage to the imposing mansion fitted with every luxury and convenience of the best city homes. As I look back to pioneer days with scattered population of homes, whole - souled, hard - working settlers who, notwithstanding the fact that they were held in the grip of poverty and privation, left the latch - string of their humble doors always hanging out; and the man looking for a claim, or a family moving in, was too small to shelter the strangers. They truly led the simple life, and as I look back to it now it seems a pleasant existence. There were no classes; all were on the same level, and I believe they were happier than the present generation. The 1895 Census of Township 117 -R 23 -5M, the original Excelsior Township, lists George E. Day as Postmaster- Eureka (Excelsior Township). An account concerning George Enos Day can also be found in Once Upon a Lake -1957, T. Jones. Note to Readers: More writings of Mr. Day will be printed in upcoming issues of the Citizen Informer. City Receives Insu D The City of Shorewood last month received its share 1 of the $12 million in dividends returned to member cities of a statewide self - insurance pool. Due to successful efforts by cities to reduce liability claims, the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust ( LMCIT) is able to return dividends to its property /casualty program members again this year. Cities enrolled in the workers' compensation program will receive dividends totaling $4 million. The LMCTT is a self- insurance pool formed in 1980 to meet the unique risk management needs of cities. More than 750 cities throughout Minnesota purchase their liability, property and workers' compensation coverage from this insurance trust. And unlike in private insurance companies, any money saved because of fewer claims is returned to member cities. The trust has returned funds to members for 11 consecutive years. The amount of money we receive is determined by the total amount of premiums the City paid in the trust and the losses we claimed for all of the years we participated. Shorewood received nearly $33,000 for 1997. The longer we participate in LMCIT and the more successful we are at avoiding losses, the greater our dividend. i • ! • T he Friends of the Southshore Center, the volunteer group which has taken on the task of operating this facility, is working very hard to generate rental bookings. We hope. ,;;;.(, you will help them by thinking of this beautiful - -i community -- center when you are planning a °- large gathering or business meeting. The Center has a large dining room that will seat 200 people at tables or 275 people theater style. Its smaller conference room will seat 36 people and the larger conference room will seat 65 people. The cost to rent this facility depends on a number of factors (i.e. day of the week, - time of day, whether the renter lives in our five city area, etc.). If you know of _ . E • - , anyone who needs a facility for a wedding reception or special party, it is an ideal place. The rent is reasonable and it is permissible to serve alcoholic beverages. Call 474- 7635 for more information or to book your next event. February Events at Southshore Mixed Blood Theater presents: "Daughters of Africa," a musical history of African American women from slave ship survivors to stars of the silver screen. The show features songs from Ma Rainey, Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson and others. Register by February 5. Monday, February 9 at 12:30 p.m. — U. of M. Extension Department presents, "Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate," Transferring Non - Titled Personal Property. This national award winning program explores an issue that affects everyone. Learn six factors for successful intergenerational transfer of personal property. Call the Southshore Center at 474 -7635 for Information or to Make Your Reservation Kj Help the south 1Jake Minnetonka area qP (Shorewood, Excelsior, Greenwood. Deephavenjonka Bay and Victoria) learn how to be m.ore y6tith-friendley for middle school children (Ages 1 - 14) In. public or private schools Offer input at this early information gathering stage by: C oming to an open house discussion for kids, parents and community members Thursday, February 12, 1998 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Minnetonka Middle School West Cafeteria AND C ompleting the questionnaire on the back of this page by February 5 and returning it using one of the following methods: Drop it off at City Hall, 5755 Country Club Road, Shorewood OR Mail it to: Deephaven Education Center 4584 Vine Hill Road, Excelsior 55331 c/o Our Community, Our Youth OR AP Fax it to: 470 -3799 N AN" .0 If you have questions, leave a message at 924-3232 and your phone call will be returned. (OVER) Help our cities learn how to be more youth- friendly for middle school children (Ages 11 -14) in public or private schools •O• #••••••••••• #• #• #M••••• #•• Questionaire •••••••••• #•••••••••r•••••o•• Please complete by February S, 1998 1. Name (optional): Address (optional): 2. How many kids in your household? Age(s): Public / Private school(s) attended? 3. What do your kids currently do for recreation? 4. Are there adequate recreational activities for your kids in your city? 5. If you could wish for more recreational activities in your city, what would they be? 6. Any comments or concerns about youth activities in your city? 7. Are you interested in family (kid/parent) activities in your city? , Nh aUs Happening in the Cit t9 Map Descrip The, following items are on the February 3 Planning Commission Agenda: 1 The owner of property located at 25865 Smithtown Road is proposing to subdivide it into two lots, creating one additional building site for a single - family dwelling. 2 The public hearing for Mary Lake Addition preliminary plat was tabled at the December Planning Commission meeting and is being continued at the February meeting at 7:00 p.m. The proposal is located at the intersection of Yellowstone Trail and Minnetonka Drive. View Its C ouncil Mee on Cabl City Council meetings can be seen on Cable Channel 8 at the following times: Parking on City Streets c P lease refrain from parking on city streets during or soon after a snowfall. Plowing operations typically begin at 2:00 a.m. after a snowfall of greater than 2 ". The major collector streets are plowed first, followed by residential streets, cul -de -sacs and parking lots. Second and third passes are made during the day if needed to widen and cleanup. Vehicles parked on the streets can and do slow down the operation and make removal incomplete. January 26 Meeting: Monday, February 2 at 5:30 pm February 9 Meeting: Wednesday, February 11 at 5:30 pm Friday, February 13 at 10:00 am Wednesday, February 18 15 5:30 pm , s February 23 Meeting: Wednesday, February 25 at 5:30 pm 7T Friday, February 27 at 10:00 am V 0- 0 k 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD SHORE"+1 OOD, MN 55331 (812)474.3236 N FAX 474. 3128 BALK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #128 EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 City of Shorewood Council Members Tom Dahlberg, Mayor Krlsgl Stover Jennifer McCarty Jerry O'Neill John Garfunkel Administrator James C. Hurm C � �t Cn 7 his news:etter is printed on recycled paper. j...., y.:M..V::ll X 5,1 Smtet 2 ���e BALK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #128 EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 City of Shorewood Council Members Tom Dahlberg, Mayor Krlsgl Stover Jennifer McCarty Jerry O'Neill John Garfunkel Administrator James C. Hurm C � �t Cn 7 his news:etter is printed on recycled paper.