May 1997 Shore ReportCITY OF SHOREWOOD
CITIZEN INFORMER May 1997
Spring Clean -up Issue
OPEN, DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT IS ENHANCED BY AN INFORMED POPULACE
Y ou may have noticed publication
of this newsletter is now monthly.
Now we would like you to help us with
a new name.
Contact City Hall, 474 -3236, or visit
our web site, www.state.net/
shorewood, for contest guidelines. All
entries for a new name and/or mast-
head design must be submitted by
May 19, 1997 to:
City of Shorewood
5755 Country Club Road
Shorewood, MN 55331
The City Council will pick the recipi-
ent of a $100 savings bond for the
winning selection. M
Shorewood
Named as a
Tree City USA
horewood has been named a Tree
City USA by the National Arbor
Day Foundation. It is the second year
Shorewood has received this national
recognition.
The Tree City USA program is
sponsored by the National Arbor Day
Foundation in cooperation with the
USDA Forest Service and the Na-
tional Association of State Foresters.
To become a Tree City USA, a
community must meet standards
including:
• A tree care ordinance
• A comprehensive community
forestry program
• An Arbor Day observance.
Park Commissioner Moves On
T he City Council has regretfully received the resignation of Sandra Trettel
from the Park Commission. Sandra joined the Park Commission in
January, 1995. She will especially be remembered for her dedication in
coordinating the 1995 Spring Parks Festival. Her efforts were endless. The
Shorewood Park Commission will miss her insight and wishes her all the best.
See Related Article on Page 7.. .
a
South Lake
Summit
O n Thursday, April 10, 1997 the
City of Shorewood hosted a
meeting of the Mayors of Shore-
wood, Excelsior, Tonka Bay, Green-
wood and Deephaven to discuss
stormwater management. Clearly,
stormwater knows no municipal
boundaries. Issues such as coordi-
nation of necessary aerial photogra-
phy to save money and time were
discussed.
The Mayors will seek ways to work
with the Minnehaha Creek Water-
shed District to assure clean lake
waters while preventing the price
tag of municipal improvement
projects from increasing signifi-
cantly due to watershed district
requirements.
The Mayors plan to meet again
Thursday, May 29 at 6:00 p.m. at
the Shorewood City Hall to discuss
this and other issues of mutual
interest where cooperation can be a
benefit to all. These meetings are
open to the public.
Meter Reader Cards ............................... 2
Senior /Community Center ....................... 3
Citizens Honored ..... ............................... 3
Spring Clean Up ....... ............................... 4
Environmental Items ............................... 5
Parks........................ ............................... 6
Concession Trailer at Freeman ............... 7
Weather or Not ......... ............................... 7
Shorewood Events Map .......................... 8
Your Idea ; .
Here
5/5
7:30
Council Work Session
#
3
5/6
7:00
Plan. Comm. mtg.
5/12
7:30
City Council mtg.
$
;I
d
5/13
8:00
Park Commission mtg.
5/19
7:30
Council Work Session
?
5/20
7:00
Plan. Comm. mtg.
�3
5/26
Memorial Day Holiday
5/27
7:30
City Council mtg.
5/28
8:00
Park Commission mtg.
-
5/29
6:00
Mayor's Summit mtg.
South Lake
Summit
O n Thursday, April 10, 1997 the
City of Shorewood hosted a
meeting of the Mayors of Shore-
wood, Excelsior, Tonka Bay, Green-
wood and Deephaven to discuss
stormwater management. Clearly,
stormwater knows no municipal
boundaries. Issues such as coordi-
nation of necessary aerial photogra-
phy to save money and time were
discussed.
The Mayors will seek ways to work
with the Minnehaha Creek Water-
shed District to assure clean lake
waters while preventing the price
tag of municipal improvement
projects from increasing signifi-
cantly due to watershed district
requirements.
The Mayors plan to meet again
Thursday, May 29 at 6:00 p.m. at
the Shorewood City Hall to discuss
this and other issues of mutual
interest where cooperation can be a
benefit to all. These meetings are
open to the public.
Meter Reader Cards ............................... 2
Senior /Community Center ....................... 3
Citizens Honored ..... ............................... 3
Spring Clean Up ....... ............................... 4
Environmental Items ............................... 5
Parks........................ ............................... 6
Concession Trailer at Freeman ............... 7
Weather or Not ......... ............................... 7
Shorewood Events Map .......................... 8
Your Idea ; .
Here
F or City announcements that might affect you or your neighborhood, check out the
following resources: Cable Access – Channel 8
Sun /Sailor & Weekly Newspapers
Internet HomePage at hhU: / /www.state net/shorewood
The information phone line at City Hall at 474 -3236, Ext. 1
Leave a message on the Shoreline (474 -3236, Ext. 2) if you have an idea for an
announcement ... we are listening!
Driving Does Affect the Quality of Life in
a Neighborhood
Sections taken from an article by Dave Sonnenberg, former Minnetonka City Engineer
E very year the City receives an increasing number of complaints about motor
vehicles speeding through residential areas. Residents often request reduced speed
limits, speed bumps, stop signs or increased enforcement to slow down traffic. Most of the
time these types of solutions a re not very effective and can sometimes result in greater
problems. The only effective, long –term solution to speeding in residential areas is to create
a neighborhood expectation that traveling the speed limit is essential to the quality of life
and safety of the neighborhood.
A frequent request is to reduce the speed limit on a particular street. Many residents do not
realize that the City does not have authority over speed limits. Speed limits are established
by the State of Minnesota. Local units of government cannot post speed limits other than
30 miles per hour on city streets and 55 miles per hour on rural routes. Any speed limits
that vary from these two postings are set at the direction of the Minnesota Department of
Transportation after a speed study has been conducted to determine speed at which most
vehicles are traveling. That speed is then used to determine the new speed limit. Often
times, these studies result in an increase in the speed limit rather than a decrease.
We also receive a number of requests for stop signs and speed bumps on streets. Installing
stop signs to slow down traffic generally has not been effective. Studies show that stop
signs that are installed to reduce vehicle speeds actually result in increased speed as
motorists attempt to make up time lost at the previous stop sign. Constructing speed bumps
creates roadway hazards for the motorist, bicyclist and the city plows.
While targeting neighborhoods for enhanced police patrol can be an effective short –term
solution to speeding, a much better, long –term solution is to create an expectation in the
neighborhood that residents will adhere to speed tunits. When we target particular neigh-
borhoods, police generally report that a large number of the vehicles stopped are from that
neighborhood.
How you drive affects the quality of life in your neighborhood and the community. Please
be considerate of your friends and neighbors by respecting the speed limits in your City. N
Shorewood ... Around the Turn of the
Century More Reflections by Gladys Peck
Reprinted courtesy of the Excelsior –Lake Minnetonka Historical Society
"Gifford Store"
T he Gifford Store was located near the tracks at Eureka —a one -room store with a
post office located in the same room. Around stove near the middle of the room
burned wood. The neighbors would gather, waiting for the mail to arrive, and many a
tall tale was told, including local gossip. The store delivered groceries in those days —
first with horses. Each order was separated in wooden crates. Kerosene would be
included in the orders, in five –gallon cans with a potato stuck in the spout, so the oil
wouldn't spill onto the groceries... The store building is still there.
My sister and I would have ten cents and walk from Excelsior to the Gifford Store and
buy ten –cents worth of ginger snaps. U
Watch For Meter
Reader Cards
T he annual "self– read" meter reading
cards will soon be sent out to all
Shorewood residents serviced by city
water. Some tips on what to look for are:
• The inside meter is located at the
point where the water service line
enters the home. This is usually in
the furnace or utility room; but can be
located in closets, under stairways, or
simply in cupboards built over them.
The reading itself is like an odometer
on a car. Please include all perma-
nent zeros printed on the face plate.
• The outside remote reader is a
small (less than 5 "x5 ") square or
plastic fixture located on an outside
wall . This reading is also like an
odometer on a car. Look straight at
the reading and please include all
permanent zeros located to the right
of the numeral wheels on the face
plate.
• While reading the outside reader,
residents should take note of the
surroundings. Interfering bushes,
trees, plants, dog access area, etc.
should be changed to facilitate
regular meter reader accessibility.
Thank you for your cooperation.
I f your neighborhood is planning a block
party this summer which involves the
use of a neighborhood road or cul -de -sac,
remember to let City Hall know the
details. All road closures must be ap-
proved by the City Council. A letter
outlining the details, including contact
person, phone number, date, time, location
and description of affected area should be
submitted to City Hall at least three weeks
before the planned event to be placed on a
City Council meeting agenda.
2
Block Party Plans?
Concession Trailer
to be at Freeman
Park This Summer
T he Shorewood Park Commission has
been working with the Minnetonka
Community Education and Services
office, various local sports organizations
and the Shorewood Park Foundation to
provide a concession trailer in the north
parking lot of Freeman Park. The trailer
is intended to serve the soccer and
softball area.
The City's share of the profits are
allocated toward building a concession
building and picnic shelter in that area
of the park. Construction of this
permanent facility could begin as soon
as next year.
Be sure to patronize the concession
trailer and the Little League concession
building as you visit Freeman Park this
year. M
Shorewood Seeks
Park Commissioner
D ue to the resignation of Park Com-
missioner Sandy Trettel, ( see related
article on page 1), the City has a volunteer
position open to a Shorewood resident
who is interested in the City's parks. The
term will be effective upon appointment
through 12/31/97.
Submit a letter of interest and/or a resume
by May 7, 1997 to:
City of Shorewood
5755 Country Club Road
Shorewood, MN 55331
For more information call 474 -3236. M
Spring Brings Showers... Allow
And Severe Weather
T he South Lake area has a series of outdoor sirens which provide warning of
impending danger. Severe weather is one reason the sirens are sounded; a hazard-
ous materials incidents, a nuclear accident or war are other reasons.
It is very important that citizens react properly if a siren is sounded. Unless the reason
for the siren sounding is obvious, you should turn on your radio or television to
determine what action should be taken. For instance, in the event of a hazardous
materials incident, taking shelter in the lowest portion of the structure could actually
endanger you. The proper action would be to evacuate the area. This type of informa-
tion would be made available though the public media.
The most common use for the sirens is to warn citizens of severe weather, tornado
warnings in particular. The sirens are considered an outdoor warning system. They are
not designed nor intended as an indoor warning. The proper method of indoor warning
is a weather alert radio, which can be purchased at a local electronic store.
When taking shelter in your home in the event of a tornado warning or very destructive
winds, go to the lowest, smallest, most interior area such as a stairwell, bathroom or
closet. Stay away from windows. Take cover under a sturdy workbench or table, not
underneath heavy appliances on the floor above. Do not remain in a trailer or mobile
home. Seek shelter inside the nearest steel — framed or reinforced concrete building,
preferably in the basement.
If you are at work, go to the basement or inner hallway on a lower floor. If you are at
school, go to the basement or an inner hallway on a lower floor. Stay away from
building entrances and windows. If the building is of reinforced construction, stay
inside. Avoid auditoriums, gymnasiums, or large areas with poorly supported roofs.
When traveling in the open country, go to a substantial structure. If there is no shelter
nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine or culvert with your hands shielding your head.
Waterford Liquor
License Update
fter considerable discussion and
input from residents, the City
Council, at its March 24 meeting, voted
to deny an amendment to the
Waterford Covenants which would
have allowed an European style
restaurant with a liquor license at the
Waterford Center.
Pet - iquette
Bing a conscientious pet owner creates a
better place to live, work and play. Dogs
are welcome in Shorewood parks as long as
their owners are following the requirements
as defined in City Code. The issues most
commonly brought to our attention at City
Hall are:
• Pet owners are responsible for clean-
ing up after their pets both on and off their
own property. Bring the proper tools with
when walking your pet.
• Dogs over the age of six months are re-
quired to be licensed annually with the City.
• Any household having more than two
dogs must obtain a kennel license.
No dog owner shall permit his dog to
run at large. It must be kept on the property
of it's owner or restrained by a leash or chain,
or be within ten feet (10') of the person
having custody of it and obedient to the
command of that person.
Excessive, continuous barking (over a
five minute period) is considered a nuisance
by your neighbors and friends. It is also
against City Code and enforceable by a
penalty to the owner.
• Pets must not be allowed to bite, molest
or annoy any person, defile or destroy
property, or chase vehicles.
While the City does not govern the ac-
tivities of felines, it is best to keep in mind
that at this time of year birds are return-
ing to our area and nesting. Cats can be
quite destructive to this natural process.
If you have complaints about violations
to these requirements, please contact
Chanhassen Animal Control at 937 -1900,
Ext. 3. They are contracted by Shorewood
to handle these issues. M
7
Solicitations
ith the onset of warmer weather,
homeowners may see expanded
door -to -door solicitation, In an effort to
address threatened litigation, the City
Council amended the ordinance governing
such activity to allow solicitation from
9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. All persons going
door -to -door are still required to go
through the licensing procedure. Ask to see
their City license. If none is produced,
report it to the Police Department.
If homeowners wish to exclude peddlers or
solicitors from their premises, a printed
placard may be placed upon or near the
usual entrance to the premises indicating
"Peddlers, Canvassers and Solicitors
Prohibited." Contact City Hall if you have
questions or concerns. N
Up- coming Events
Da Event
5/24 Historical Society Social
5/25 Minnehaha Steamboat
Note: If you are aware of community activities which would interest other
residents of Shorewood, please call City Hall with information to be published
in future issues of this newsletter.
Service Above Self
ob and Marilyn Gagne are long term residents of Shorewood. Bob has been active
in different roles in City government and the community, Marilyn is also active in
the community and at her place of work, the Minnetonka High School. They have
received a distinction achieved by few couples ... both have been honored by being
awarded Paul Harris Fellow awards by the Excelsior Rotary Club.
Place Time
Lyman Park 11:00 to 3:00
Ticket Office opens Sat., Sun.,
May 3 Holidays
On April 15, 1997 Bob Gagne was presented with this award for his outstanding
Southshore leadership position in helping to realize the Southshore Senior Community Center
S enior /Community pr oject. Two years ago, Bob's wife Marilyn received the same award for her leadership
shown at the Minnetonka High School and within her community.
Center
fter years of planning and prepara
tion, the new Southshore Senior /
Community Center is nearly complete!
The building is finished — including the
final interior decorating. The landscaping
and paving of the parking lot are to be
completed in May. The building is
beautiful and is very well designed, with a
view toward the wooded, peaceful Badger
Park. (Both are located just east of City
Hall.)
The Grand Opening festivities and events
will be sponsored by Norwest Bank.
Notice will be included in an upcoming
issue of the Citizen Informer. In the
meantime, if you are planning a reception,
party, or class or group event, call us for
information about the very special facility
that is planned to accommodate your
rental needs!
The interior is designed primarily to meet
the needs of the seniors of the southshore
communities, but is also available for
public rental. There are five spacious and
beautifully decorated rooms available,
ranging from the Lake Minnetonka Room
that accommodates 210 people, to the
intimate library for small groups. A
commercial catering kitchen is designed to
service your reception needs.
Call the Center at 474 -7635 for further
information to plan your next event at the
Southshore Center!
Recently, Elizabeth Peck, another Shorewood resident, was the recipient of the same
award because of her work with the local historical society.
The Paul Harris Fellow is an International Rotary Club award named after the founder of
the Rotary Club. The local chapter must pledge $1,000 for each fellowship granted. The
money goes to the international organization to help complete projects around the world.
The current Excelsior Rotary membership has presented 83 Paul Harris Fellow awards,
29 of those to non -rotary members over the past couple decades.
Congratulations to all the Shorewood receipients of this award!
CO)
Day
Event
Time
_
Monday
Reading & Discussion
1:00 P.M.
>
Tuesday
Cards
1:15 p.m.
j
Tuesday
Van to 7 -Hi grocery
RSVP
Q
Thursday
Bridge
RSVP
C
Friday
Van to Driskills
RSVP
.
2nd & 4th Mon
Legal Consultation
by appt.
C'3
2nd & 3rd Mon
*Foot Care Clinic
by appt.
2nd & 4th Fri
Crafters
9:00 am.
0
Wed & Fri
*Exercise Class
9:00 a.m.
_
Date
Event
Time
.�
.�
May 16
Health Fair
9:00 a.m.
4)
May 19
*Tour of China
1:00 P.M.
C W
May 22
*Mystery Trip
9:30 a.m.
May 26
Closed for Memorial Day
Call
the Southshore Senior Center at 474 -7635 for directions, more
information, costs *, or to register for any of these activities and events.
3
Shorewood Park Facilities
Make it a goal to visit all of Shorewood's parks this year. Each of our neighborhood parks, our
community park and beach have unique characteristics. They are a big part of Shorewood. The chart
below is provided for your quick reference. The park locations are noted on the map found on page 8
of this newsletter.
F
-- -- --------------- - - - - --
HENNEPIN PARKS
Yours to Enjoy, Naturall
ake Minnetonka Regional Park in Minnetrista opens to the public on
May 3, showcasing an array of recreational, natural, cultural and historical
amenities. The park features picnic areas, a visitor center, fishing pier, boat launch and
a unique swimming pond with chlorinated lake water. A grand opening celebration is
scheduled for June 14.
Join staff for a Night with the Frogs beginning at 8:00 p.m. (exact date to be deter-
mined) at Lowry Nature Center. The program is for all age 10 and older. Researchers
will be listening to frog songs in order to count the variety of frogs and toads in the park.
Amateur photographers are invited to take aim for the ninth annual Nature Photog-
raphy Contest. Photos will be accepted from May 17 -26 and judged in three main
categories: scenery, wildlife, and plants. For further contest information, can 420 -4300.
Hennepin Parks offers a FREE quarterly publication called Seasons in Hennepin Parks
which contains information about facilities, special events, and nature /recreation
programs. Call 559 -9000 to request a copy.
Don't forget that parking is FREE at Hennepin Parks on the first Tuesday of each month.
Crescent Beach
horewood's only public swim area
is Crescent Beach, at the end of
Birch Bluff Road on the northern edge
of the city. It is operated in coopera-
tion with the City of Tonka Bay. It is
scheduled to open on Saturday, June 7
from noon to 7:00 p.m. (weather
permitting). Swimming lessons begin
on June 16 and registration is through
Minnetonka Community Education
(470 - 2859). There
will be a lifeguard
on duty 7 days a
week for open
swim time as
well. Jump in
and enjoy a
summer swim!
Gil
* = Exists F = Future T = Temporary
'
as
E
�
.
W
e
O
0,,0.W
� rrs
c'
c
sk.
a
a
F
-- -- --------------- - - - - --
HENNEPIN PARKS
Yours to Enjoy, Naturall
ake Minnetonka Regional Park in Minnetrista opens to the public on
May 3, showcasing an array of recreational, natural, cultural and historical
amenities. The park features picnic areas, a visitor center, fishing pier, boat launch and
a unique swimming pond with chlorinated lake water. A grand opening celebration is
scheduled for June 14.
Join staff for a Night with the Frogs beginning at 8:00 p.m. (exact date to be deter-
mined) at Lowry Nature Center. The program is for all age 10 and older. Researchers
will be listening to frog songs in order to count the variety of frogs and toads in the park.
Amateur photographers are invited to take aim for the ninth annual Nature Photog-
raphy Contest. Photos will be accepted from May 17 -26 and judged in three main
categories: scenery, wildlife, and plants. For further contest information, can 420 -4300.
Hennepin Parks offers a FREE quarterly publication called Seasons in Hennepin Parks
which contains information about facilities, special events, and nature /recreation
programs. Call 559 -9000 to request a copy.
Don't forget that parking is FREE at Hennepin Parks on the first Tuesday of each month.
Crescent Beach
horewood's only public swim area
is Crescent Beach, at the end of
Birch Bluff Road on the northern edge
of the city. It is operated in coopera-
tion with the City of Tonka Bay. It is
scheduled to open on Saturday, June 7
from noon to 7:00 p.m. (weather
permitting). Swimming lessons begin
on June 16 and registration is through
Minnetonka Community Education
(470 - 2859). There
will be a lifeguard
on duty 7 days a
week for open
swim time as
well. Jump in
and enjoy a
summer swim!
Gil
* = Exists F = Future T = Temporary
1 997 ri ng Clean Dad. Sat urday, May 1
The Annual Shorewood Spring Cleanup will include a combination of curbside pickup for yardwaste, brush
and small household rubbish, and a limited drop -off site for larger items to be disposed of such as tires
and appliances. Usable household items can also be conveniently "recycled" that day at the drop off site
through Goodwill Industries. If your curbside items were out at 8:00 a.m. but not picked up, leave your
name and address on the Shoreline (4743236, Ext. 2) for pickup Monday morning.
lrsld+l Mp
Liilt , d a" • f $1 G wt��ll ;��
The curbside pickup will be conducted
on Saturday, May 17, 1997. Items to
be disposed of must be curbside by
8:00 a.m. on Saturday. The cost of this
service will be prorated to all residents
of Shorewood and will appear on your
second quarter utility bill.
Our contractor for the pickup service
will only have one person working per
truck. Therefore, it is very important
that only items small enough to be
handled by that person be left outside.
Following is a brief listing of materials
that can be left curbside:
Brush, cut in four -foot lengths and
bundled
Grass clippings and leaves in bags
not to exceed 50 pounds per bag
Bagged wood chips
General household rubbish,
including small furniture items,
portable TV's, fiberglass bathtubs
Small lawn mowers and small
engines (drain fluids)
4 Carpet, 6 feet or less, no more than
12 inches in diameter, and tied with
twine (no wire)
�( Dismantled swing sets (8 feet in
length or less)
Please separate brush and yard
waste piles from trash.
The following items will NOT be
accepted:
• Construction Debris (lumber,
blocks, sheet rock, cabinets, doors,
railroad ties, etc.)
• Household Hazardous Waste
(including paint cans). See page 5
for information about the special
Hennepin County hazardous waste
collections.
On Saturday, May 17 only, residents
may bring larger items to the Public
Works facility located at 24200 Smith-
town Road (east of Minnetonka Plaza
on County Road 19) during the hours of
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Residents using
this service will be required to show
proof of residency.
The following items will be accepted
and the fees will be charged at the
time of drop -off:
Appliances, including water heaters
................ ............................... $8.00
Mattresses, carpets (larger than 6' in
length) and large furniture items.
............ ............................... $ 10.00
Air conditioners ................. $ 15.00
Automobile tires:
With rims ........................ $ 2.00
Without rims ................... $ 3.00
Truck tires (up to 16 ") - No rims
............ ............................... $ 6.00
Batteries ........................ No charge
Goodwill Industries will have a truck
located at the Shorewood Public Works
facility, 24200 Smithtown Road, between
the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.,
Saturday, May 17 only, to collect clean,
usable items.
Acceptable Items Include:
• Clothing
• Shoes and boots
• Jewelry
• Hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves
• Books, records, CDs, and tapes
• Games and toys
• Housewares such as dishes, kitchen
utensils, lamps, other small
appliances
• Knick knacks and giftware items
• Collectibles and antiques
• Hardware and tools
• Domestics such as linens, curtains,
bedspreads, blankets, etc.
• Portable TVs and stereos
• Medical and adaptive equipment such
as wheelchairs
Goodwill Does NOT Accept
• Household hazardous waste
• Automotive items
• Plumbing items
• Construction items (windows, etc.)
• Large appliances
• Products on recall lists
• Baby items such as high chairs,
cribs, etc.
• Mattresses and box springs
• Carpeting
• Recyclables
• Large console TVs and stereos
• Large furniture (not acceptable at
mobile drop -off sites)
4
How to Dispose of
Household
Hazardous Waste
ennepin County has scheduled three
sites for its 1997 mobile household
hazardous waste collection event. These
will be open from Thursday through
Saturday, 9:00 am to 4:00 PM. They are:
0 May 15 -17
Minnetonka Ice Arena
14600 Minnetonka Blvd.
Minnetonka
0 May 29 -31
Public Works Shop
3880 Shoreline Drive
Orono
0 June 12 -14
St. Louis Park High School
6425 W. 33rd Street
St. Louis Park
Accepted at Community Collection Sites:
• Adhesives
• Automotive chemicals
• Cleaning solvents
• Consumer electronics (TVs, radios,
VCRs, etc.)
• Paint and lead -based paint chips
• Paint thinners and solvents
• Pesticides (insecticides, herbicides,
etc.)
• Photographic and hobby chemicals
• Fluorescent and HID lamps
• Wood preservatives
• Drain cleaners
• Lighted athletic shoes (lights in shoes
often contain mercury switches)
• Household batteries (AA, C, D,
rechargeable etc.) and recharge-
able appliances
NOT accepted:
• Compressed gas cylinders and tanks
• Asbestos
• Explosives
• Medical or infectious wastes
• Radioactive waste (e.g. smoke
detectors)
Wastes from businesses are NOT accepted.
Wk
0.
Backyard
Composting
Yard waste is a natural resource and can
be easily composted, used within the
home landscape and kept out of the
landfills. And it's as easy as 1, 2, 3. .
0 First, create an enclosure with wire
fencing, boards, or concrete blocks in a
spot out of the wind and direct sunlight.
Another simple option is to purchase a
compost bin. Compostable materials are
leaves, grass, vegetable scraps, fruit
scraps, coffee grounds, egg shells,
sawdust, small amounts of wood ash,
twigs, plant trimmings, and green weeds
not gone to seed. Don't put in meat,
bones, oil, or dairy products as they can
attract rodents and other animals. Also,
don't put in logs or large branches because
they decompose at a very slow rate.
0 Second, water the pile until it is
damp but not soggy. Water is one of the
essential components needed for micro-
organisms to be capable of decomposing.
0 Third, turn the pile inward to
provide air which is the second essential
component needed for the micro -organ-
isms. If you turn the pile every few days
you will have compost in 2 -4 months. If
you turn it less often it will take longer. A
finished compost pile will be 1/2 to 2/3
smaller than when started.
For more information on composting and
lawn care, call Hennepin County Master
Gardener Hotline 374 -8433. M
Action Request
P lease check your property to be sure
no clear water (i.e. sump pump
discharge, swimming pool drainage or
downspouts) is going into the sanitary
sewer. We all pay directly for each gallon
of clear water that is drained into the
sanitary sewer. The Metropolitan Council
charges us (through our City utility bills) for
every gallon of clear water that goes into the
system rather than onto our lawns and
ditches.
Dealing With
Dampness
Shorewood homes did not see rising
rivers or sandbagging efforts during the
record floods of 1997, yet moisture and
humidity may be a concern for many
homeowners.
F oundation walls, floors and crawl
spaces often appear dry when they
actually are a source of considerable
moisture. Wetness can migrate through
concrete walls and floors and evaporate
off of the surface before it causes a
visible wet area. Because these spaces
comprise a large area, the moisture input
can be significant.
This moisture can contribute to problems
such as high humidity, mold development
and condensation on windows. One of
the resulting concerns can be a problem
with indoor air quality. When mildew
becomes air -borne it not only creates an
unpleasant odor, but can eventually lead
to respiratory problems.
Wet areas on foundation walls are often
associated with locations of high surface
water drainage concentrations. These
may include roof valleys, hose connec-
tions and gutter downspouts. Snow and
frost heaves can trap surface water and
block drainage away from foundations
during late winter and spring. Surface
water drainage near the exterior of your
home's foundation can be obstructed by
soil settlement, light soils for planting
areas, arrangement of plastic under
landscaping, placement of down spouts,
location of sump pump discharge and
landscape edging.
Although the concern of swelling rivers
is past, there will be rain and the ever -
present ground moisture to deal with.
Many people have experienced improve-
ment in indoor air quality by addressing
exterior drainage, placing moisture
barriers on foundation walls and crawl
spaces, as well as sealing concrete floors
when they finish their basements.
Consider these and
other measures for
keeping the
humidity down in
your home this
spring and summer.
5
What's Happening
lap Descriptions
5985 Seamans Drive - At the April 1 Planning Commission meeting a request for
riances and conditional use permits to allow construction of a greenhouse was tabled. A
blic hearing to consider an ordinance amendment will be held at the May 6th Planning
)mmission meeting.
4905 Suburban Drive - In order to address drainage and plat design issues, the 3-
preliminary plat proposed for this site was tabled by the Planning Commission until the
ay 6 meeting.
Freeman Park - A picnic shelter and tennis courts are scheduled to be built in
eeman Park. A public hearing on the shelter conditional use permit is scheduled before
Plannin Commi M 20
g scion on ay .
Zoning Change?
A recent request for a conditional use
t and variances for the construction
of a greenhouse prompted the Planning
Commission to consider a possible
amendment to the City Code. The Planning
Commission will consider a change to the
Zoning Ordinance allowing the area of
accessory structures to exceed the area of
principle dwellings on lots which are
considerably larger than required by the
code. Apublic hearing is scheduled for the
May 6th Planning Commission meeting
regarding this matter.
CITY OF SHOREWOOD
5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
SHOREWOOD, MN 55331
(612)474.3236 ® FAX 474.0128
City of Shorewood
Council Members
Tom Dahlberg, Mayor
Kristi Stover
Jennifer McCarty
Jerry O'Neill
John. Garfunkel
DELIVER TO:
Hello Homeowners'
Associations
A bove are identified the neighborhood
associations the City is aware of. If
you are a part of an association that is not
listed, please contact us (474 -3236) with
the name of the association, area it serves
and the representative. We will add the
association to our list to receive communi-
cations from the City. This is one way to
spread the word about pending issues or
upcoming events that may affect your area.
A Shady Island
B Boulder Bridge
C Gideons Woods and Gideon Cove
D Tmgewood and Christmas Lake
E Amesbury West and Amesbury
F Covington Vine Ridge,
Ridge Road,
Sweetwater,
Waterford and Waterford Court
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT #128
EXCELSIOR, MN 55331
Administrator I
James C. Hurm