April 1997 Shore ReportCITY OF SHOREWOOD
CITIZEN INFORMER April 1997
OPEN, DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT IS ENHANCED BY AN INFORMED POPULACE
Excelsior Post
Office at Risk
T he Greater Excelsior Chamber of
Commerce has concern for a
deadline looming for the relocation of
the Post Office in downtown Excelsior.
Chamber President Karen Frazier
stated that, "Excelsior is the hub of the
south lake community and the Post
Office should remain a part of it ".
She stated that, with the lack of
progress in finding a location which is
suitable to the U.S. Postal Department
in Excelsior there is deep concern that
the post office will be lost altogether.
Frazier asked that if you agree, contact
our Congressional Delegation by
April land ask them to do what they
can to exert influence over the U.S.
Postal Department. (Addresses on
page 3.) Frazier noted," It is important
that the Department be flexible in their
requirements and in the immediate
time frame they have set for a deci-
sion. Their goal should be to do what
is necessary to keep the post office in
downtown Excelsior." N
WJ
rc
L
Day at the Park
Commission
T he Park Commission has been asked by the City Council to take on a
number of substantial issues this year:
• The Park Commission will review the Shorewood Trail Plan adopted in
1992. The Commission will work with residents along areas where trails have
been planned or requested and neighbors in the larger community to determine
if such trails are needed, or wanted, or even possible. Alternative designs may
be identified and analyzed by neighborhood volunteers. Smithtown Road is to
be the first area reviewed this year.
• As the snowmobile season officially ends March 31, 1997, the Park Com-
mission will just be starting a full review of the season. They will review staff
and police reports and consider making recommendations to the City Council on
the City program which was intended to improve safety. The first review of the
reports is scheduled for the April 22, 1997 Park Commission meeting. Call the
Information Line for details (474 -3236: Ext. 316 for agenda items; and Ext. 317
for actions taken at last meeting).
• Several times in the past the Park Commission or Park Foundation has
sponsored a Park Festival. The City' Council has asked the Commission to
consider initiating an annual community celebration of some kind. If you have
ideas to share or interest in helping to organize or just a comment let us know by
calling the Shoreline (474 -3236, Ext. 1).
The Commission meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. M
Council Work Session -CIP
Park Commission mtg.
City Council mtg.
Plan. Comm. Study Sass.
Park Foundation mtg.
Council Work Session -CIP
Park Comm. Work Session
Arbor Day Plans ............................
Page 2
Shorewood History ........................
Page 2
South Lake Summits .....................
Page 3
Spring Clean Up ............................
Page 3
SeniorActivities .............................
Page 3
Council Meets with Legislators .....
Page 3
Shorewood Events Map ................
Page 4
Adult Establishment Restrictions ..
Page 4
W ' M -1-1-
Now Regional
.-N."M
Park
Hello Out There.
think the Shorewood telephone line is a source of information
ake Minnetonka Regional Park
great
Wfor
in Minnetrista opens to the
residents. However, we don't know if you use it or like it. Please
public on May 3, showcasing an
call the Information Line at 474 -3236, Ext. 2. Give it a listen! Then call the
array of recreational, natural, cultural
Shoreline 474 -3236, Ext.1 and let us know what you think about the
and historical amenities. The park
information line. How can we make it better, more useful to you? ®
features picnic areas, a visitor center,
fishing pier, boat launch and a unique
Public Works Road Restrictions
swimming pond with chlorinated lake
water. A grand opening celebration is
A Learning Remain Through
scheduled for June 14.
Organization April 30
Hennepin Parks offers a free quarterly
publication which contains informa-
D uring March your Public Works Tfragile he road surfaces are particularly
tion about facilities, special events,
Department continued Safety this time of year, as the
and nature /recreation programs. Call
Training with other Lake Minnetonka frost comes out of the ground.
559 -9000 to request a copy.
area cities. This coordinated effort is a Designated city streets are restricted
very cost effective way to provide March 1 through April 30 to traffic
Arbor Day
mandated training. On March 12, over 8,000 pounds per axle. Some
At
1997 department personnel were streets have different restrictions so
Plans
recertified in Cardiovascular call City Hall for information on
Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). specific streets (474 - 3236).
C horewood will be celebrating the
1J 125th Arbor Day on Saturday,
A History esson on Shorewood's
ry
April 26, 1997 at Freeman Park. The
Bob Reutiman family has donated two
Be innin g Reprinter! courtesy of the Excelsior Lake Minnetonka
Autumn Blaze maple trees which will
g g Historical Society (ELMHS)
be planted to commemorate Reutiman
Gladys Newman was born in Excelsior in 1902. She married Clark Peck
Way at 10:00 a.m. on April 26, 1997.
in 1922 and moved to what is now Wild Rose Lane. She lived there until
The general public is encouraged to
her death in 1981. These memories written by her in the 1970s were
celebrate with us at Freeman Park (off
published in her memory in 1982. Copies of the publication are sold by
Eureka Road).
the Excelsior Lake Minnetonka Historical Society.
Arbor Day began in the 1870's and
1922 -1978 – Memories of Eureka:
was the idea of J. Sterling Morton,
I n relating some of the past, I find myself walking the roads of a typical
Secretary of the Territory of Nebraska.
American rural area of more than fifty years ago. Discovering the vibrant
Eager to attract settlers to the Ne-
qualities of small -town life, which spells the difference between real life living
braska Territory, the treeless plains
and merely existing; neighborly concern, a relaxed life, a healthy environment.
posed a great challenge to Mr. Morton.
I also find a touch of nostalgia —warm memories of the good old days, the
He developed a vision of prairies
old neighborhood, sights, sounds and experiences which make the past
covered with flourishing groves of
unforgettable.
trees, providing building materials and
When I was five or six years old, I used to walk from my home in Excelsior to
fuel. Orchards would provide rich
Eureka, when my sister and I followed the old road called the "Willow Road,"
fruits, and the shade provided comfort
because it was hedged on both sides with large yellow willows. In the spring
and fulfillment.
and fall with the heavy rains the road would overflow, and horses would often
Sponsored by enthusiastic neighbors,
get stuck in the mud and had to be hauled out. It is now blacktopped and has
J. Sterling Morton appeared before the
several lanes —now County Road #19. There were few houses along the
Nebraska State Board of Agriculture
way; the Gillette farm and the A.S. Apgar home real estate being the two I
on January 4, 1872, with a request to
remember. The area where the Animal Hospital is now was the summer
establish a special day for tree planting
home of the tramps or hoboes (now called "men of the road "). They lived
to be called "Arbor Day ". More than
in shacks and cooked over camp fires— stayed until late in the fall and then
one million trees were planted in
traveled the rails to warmer climes. They never harmed anyone and lived
Nebraska on the first Arbor Day,
in a world by themselves. ®
April 10, 1872.
South Lake
Summits?
T he Shorewood City Council is
proposing the Mayors and a City
Council member of each city in the
south Lake Minnetonka area meet on
a regular basis. The purpose of the
meetings would be to keep open lines
of communication. Our area has a
great history of cooperation among the
cities to provide cost effective services.
One of the first areas likely to be
discussed is joint stormwater manage-
ment planning. Stormwater knows no
municipal boundaries.
These meetings will compliment the
City Administrators' group which has
been meeting regularly since 1991.
Stay tu r ®. for reports in future news-
letters.
Spring Clean Up
In May
horewood Spring Clean Up is
scheduled for Saturday, May 17,
1997. This will be a curbside pickup
of household rubbish & grass/brush
beginning at 8:00 am. Larger items
can be disposed of at the Public Works
facility. Watch for Spring Clean Up
details in the May newsletter.M
City Council, Legislators Meet
F riday morning, March 14, was cold and snowy. But the Shorewood City
Council was out early meeting with our State Legislators, Senator Ed Oliver
and Representatives Barb Sykora and Tom Workman. Topics discussed were
related to transportation. Two issues of particular concern were:
• Taxes for mass transit - Did you realize that the Metropolitan Council
property tax for transit is $309,000 in Shorewood? That is equal to 18% of the City's
entire budget. But is the service value there? Are we getting our moneys worth?
• The use of Municipal State Aid (MSA) funding for street improvements
requires curb and gutter or "clear cutting" for ditches. Should the State require-
ments be more flexible so cities can use these funds with more discretion and
protect the natural beauty of neighborhoods?
Our legislators will be working with us on these issues.
How to Contact Your
Congressional Deligation cm
Senator Paul Wellston
senator@wellstone.senate.gov
Senator Rod Grams
grams@grams.gov
Representative Jim Ramstad
mn03@hr.house.gov
d
am
am
a
C
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H ennepin County has scheduled
two sites for its 1997 mobile
household hazardous waste collection
event:
May 15 -17
Minnetonka Ice Arena
14600 Minnetonka Blvd. Mtka.
® May 29 -31
Public Works Shop
3880 Shoreline Drive Orono
More details in the May issue.. .
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td
d
CL
0
1N y
Mondays
Tuesday
Tuesday
Thursday
Friday
2nd & 4th Mon
2nd & 3rd Mon
2nd & 4th Fri
Wed & Fri
717 Hart Senate Office Bldg
Washington, D.C. 20510 -2303
261 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg
Washington, D.C. 20510
103 Cannon House Office Bldg
Washington, D.C. 20515
Event
Reading & Discussion
Cards
Van to 7 -Hi grocery
Bridge
Van to Driskills
Legal Consultation
*Foot Care Clinic
Crafters
*Exercise Class
Date
Event
April 7
Create a Spring Wreath
April 8
Community Center Update
April 17 - 21
*Nashville Tour
April 18
*English Tea
April 21
*Driving Refresher Class
April 25
You & Your Health -
taking care of depression
April 25
*Fundraising Pork Chop Dinner
April 29
* "Spring Fling" Lunch -
Lafayette Club
May 2
*May Day Celebration
Time
1:00 P.M.
1:15 p.m.
RSVP
RSVP
RSVP
by appt.
by appt.
9:00 a.m.
9:00 am.
Time
11:30 a.m.
1:00 P.M.
RSVP
1:00 P.M.
10:00 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
12:00 p.m.
Call the Southshore Senior Center at 4 74- 7635 for directions, more
information, costs*, or to register for any of these activities and events.
3
LAKE MINNETONKA COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Vol. 6 No. 1 ■ SPRING 1997 EXCELSIOR OFFICE /STUDIO: 612. 474.5539 ■ NORTH STUDIO: 612. 404 -2176
7997
COMMISSIONERS
Deephaven
Dale Moe
*Dennis Stanga, Secretary
Excelsior
Jim Nelson
*James R. Olds, At Large
Greenwood
Miles Canning
Mark Elias
Long Lake
James D. Benson
*Elizabeth Olson, At Large
Medina
*Ann C. Thies, Chair
Kevin Wagman
Minnetonka Beach
Thomas Markle
Bruce Palmer
Minnetrista
Ronald Kline
Orono
Gabriel Jabbour
*Tim Pattrin, Vice Chair
St. Bonifacius
Andrew Weinzierl, Jr.
Shorewood
Jeffrey Foust
Jennifer McCarty
Spring Park
Bruce Williamson
Roger Westman
Tonka Bay
*Bob Anderson, Treasurer
Judd Mowry
Victoria
Jerry Bohn
*Barb Brancel, At Large
Woodland
Jane Barry
Maria Saulsbury
* Executive Committee
NORTH STUDIO
OPENS IN
LONG LAKE FOR
COMMUNITY
PROGRAMMING
In an unprecedented joint effort by the
Lake Minnetonka Communications
Commission, The Church of St. George
and Triax Cablevision, a fully equipped
production facility has opened in Long
Lake (MN). 'The LMCC's intention is
to make it easier for the residents in
the northern part of our territory,
to learn how to use the portable
equipment and produce local
programming for cable Channel 21 "
said LMCC Chair Ann C. Thies. The
studio /editing site will be open Tuesday
and Thursday evening and Saturday
morning, with "free' training classes to
begin in early Spring. Anyone interested
in producing their own program, can
call the North Studio (404 -2176 ) during
the hours it's open, or contact the LMCC
staff at the Excelsior office (474 - 5539.
PROGRAM OF
THE QUARTER:
"CAPITOL UPDATE"
The first award for 1997 goes to this
excellent thirty minute program, which
is originated on Channel 21, produced
approximately twice each month
during the legislative session and
hosted by your legislators. It is de-
signed to educate and inform
residents regarding important
Senate and House legislation as it
moves through the process at the
State Capitol. When the Legislature is
not in session, an overall informative
show is created about every two
months, to keep everyone aware of
potential challenges that may appear in
some committee or an upcoming
session.
Congratulations Senators Ed
Oliver, and Gen Olson, with Represen-
tatives Ron Abrams, Steve Smith, Barb
Sykora, Todd Van Dellen, and Tom
Workman. Your extra effort to create a
successful local program, beginning its'
fifth season, is greatly appreciated with
this award.
DEEPHAVEN EXCELSIOR GREENWOOD LONG LAKE MEDINA MINNETONKA BEACH MINNETRISTA ORONO
ST. BONIFACIUS SHOREWOOD SPRING PARK TONKA BAY VICTORIA WOODLAND
L to R: Sen Ed Oliver, Rep. Steve Smith,
Sen. Gen Olson, Rep. Tom Workman,
Rep. Barb Sykora (not pictured: Rep.
Todd Van Dellen & Rep. Ron Abrams
LAKE MINNETONKA COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
FROM THE
ADMINISTRATOR'S
DESK...
As was predicted in an earlier NEWS-
LETTER, the question of continued
municipal control over rights -of -way
has surfaced at the 1997 Minnesota
State Legislature. At recent committee
hearings in both the House and Senate,
the positions of the League of Cities,
Public Utilities Commission, Department
of Public Service and the lobbyist's
representing utilities and cable have
started a process that could result in a
change to the controlling authority over
our exclusive rights -of -way. In
addition to that, the Minnesota Court of
Appeals reversed the District Court
decision that supported local authority
over rights -of -way. This may ultimately
alter a city's opportunity to be compen-
sated for utility and private business use
of the dedicated rights -of -way space. By
the next NEWSLETTER, more details will
be known on how the Legislature
intends to handle this major challenge
to city authority. Finally, watch for an
update on the Court of Appeals decision
that has been appealed to the Minne-
sota Supreme Court.
!
STUDIO
HOURS
EXCELSIOR
OR
STUDIO
MON
10:00 am - 10:00 pm
TUE
1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
WED
10:00 am - 10:00 pm
THUR
1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
FRI
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
SAT
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
NORTH
STUDIO
TUES
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
THUR
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
SAT
9 :00 am - 12:00 noon
Barb Brancel
Victoria
COMMISSIONER'S
COMMENTS...
I think it is important that we keep the
residents of our fourteen cities aware of
the involved process that is working to
bring a new state of the art communica-
tion service to our area. The Needs
Assessment Committee continues to
meet regularly, as we learn and discuss
the benefits of system design and
possible services that may be provided
in different tiers /levels.
In addition, we remain dedi-
cated to maintaining minimum technical
standards and improving the customer
service criterion that our residents have
voiced as a priority. It is important that
we consider today's potential, but share
equal concern with the fast paced
changes in technology that will effect us
now and in the future. We are still open
to hearing from residents in our area,
and we encourage you to write to the
LMCC with your thoughts and ideas.
im"��
STAFF
Jim Daniels
Administrator
Connie Bastyr
Administrative Assistant
Samuel Lee
Production Coordinator
Corey Siewert ■ Martha Ashbaugh
Assistant Production Coordinator
Robert Morgan
North Studio Coordinator
Samuel Lee
Production
Coordinator
NEW PRODUCTION
COORDINATOR
Samuel Lee has recently taken over as
the new Production Coordinator for our
local Channel 21 and channel 8. Samuel
has an excellent background in televi-
sion production, studio management
and skills to assist in helping our resi-
dents create outstanding programming
for the community channel. Make sure
you stop by, say hello to Samuel and
share your ideas for local programming.
Welcome to our team Samuel!
design & graphics
for this newsletter by
47
'97
WORKSHOPS
SPRING / TUESDAYS:
APRIL ■8■ 15.22 ■29
SUMMER / THURSDAYS:
JUNE 5 ■ 12 ■ 19 ■ 26 ■ JULY 10
SPRING / TUESDAYS:
APRIL 22 ■ 29 ■ May 6 ■ 13 ■ 20
SUMMER / TUESDAYS:
JUNE 3. 10. 17 ■24 ■ JULY I
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.
The Care
and Feeding
of Your
Shorewood
Lawn
0
FEED
THE
live NEAR the Lake'?
ALGAE Much of Shorewood is in the Minnehaha
Creek Watershed District. Runoff occurs
as a result of rain and /or lawn sprinkling
and travels through storm sewers to the
streams and lakes.
U
iiy
Sometimes Zero is
a Good Thing
Think of those numbers on the fertilizer
bag as the Nutrition Facts for your lawn's
diet. Just as you look for the lowest value
in areas like fat grams or calories on your
food labels, your target number for that
middle digit on the fertilizer label,
representing phosphorus is "0 ".
Make a Change at the
Grass Roots Level
Some retailers and lawn service providers
already offer "Zero Phosphorus" fertilizers.
But the more they hear from consumers
requesting these products, the sooner they
will catch on to the healthy approach to
lawn care. Ask for it. They will get it.
More Food for Thought
A Crash Course on Your Lawn's Main Course
(Example of the nutrition labels on all fertilizer bags)
r::,':.: �r�:{' 2�` �' �': �.£ aa::•?.; �:`: i?. >`.yr:c+C+': /?:t,M:.��`�8�X. :. ,•t .,., r\••. 4• '"xt:
�o-`u`e_ecta t ?lai- - +l, , .1::v:S.' • : ?'2.: '- - ''t � �� .i'
{3 .8-11*::;• :: v:$Yf'•.••- :t•.
Potassium is added to
This number refers to �• �x - - ;:'::.,:: < = ft.: >,:.
.... ...:::•i;,:•:orriiac%•'Mfctix4+� : r..: i. 6nJ Fi x •. t •Y:s:•:.,.:�� # :„1 ;::,:,;v;.:;.? ^t:cw�hw"u
nitrogen. That's the strengthen the turf,
ingredient that makes giving the resilience it
grass green and thick needs to fight disease,
(The main event) In Minnesota, soil is RICH in this naturally draught, and everyday
occurring element, phosphorus. Excess goes wear and tear..
down the drain and to lakes and streams. This
is where you want to see a "zero ".
Some Answers and Their Questions
If phosphorus poses a threat to lakes and wetlands, why is it in fertilizers in the first place?
Q
Thought you would never ask. In some parts of the country, soils need phosphorus to sustain healthy
A plant development - but that is not true in our state. In fact, the soil in much of our county has high
to very high levels of phosphorus according to the latest study by Hennepin Parks. Unfortunately, the
fertilizer companies do not customiz their product by region.
Why is this information provided by the City and what is their interest in fertilizer and my lawn?
Another good question. The City of Shorewood, along with local watershed districts and the Lake
A Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) is promoting the use of phosphorus -free fertilizer to
protect the health and beauty of our wetlands, ponds, lakes and streams. They are important to the
health and beauty of our community.
For Your Convenience . , It-,
We called retailers within our local area and found a number who carry low phosphorus
fertilizers. The following do plan to stock phosphorus -free fertilizers:
Excelsior -Ace Hardware - Excelsior K -Mart - Minnetonka
200 Water Street - 474 -6814 Hwy 7 and Hwy 101 - 934 -3800
Garden Patch - Shorewood Shorewood True Value - Shorewood
Co. Rd. 19 - 474 -1551 Shorewood Village Center, Hwy 7 - 474 -2571
This is a publication of the City of Shorewood
Happening
Map Descriptions
All items will be considered at the April 1 Planning Commission meeting.
1 5985 Seamans Drive - The applicants would like to build a shed and
greenhouse on their property for their gardening business operations, as well as
an 8 foot high fence enclosure.
2 23820 Lawtonka Drive - The applicants are requesting approval of a
lot -line adjustment to accommodate the addition of a screen porch to their
townhome.
3 23585 Yellowstone Trail - This two -lot subdivision request was
tabled at the Planning Commission meeting of March 4th and rescheduled
for April 1 st.
4 6110 Mill Street - The applicant is representing the estate of Helen
Clark, is requesting approval of a two -lot subdivision off of Mill Street
5 5755 Merry Lane - The applicant would like to build an addition onto
his home, between the house and existing garage.
6 4905 Suburban Drive -The applicant is requesting approval of a
preliminary plat in order to create three (3) building sites for single - family
homes on a short cul -de -sac on the property addressed at 4905 Suburban Drive.
CITY OF S14OREWOOD
5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
SHOREWOOD, MN 55331
(612)474.3236 M FAX474.0128
DELIVER TO:
City of Shorewood
Council Members
Tom Dahlberg, Mayor
Kristi Stover
Jennifer McCarty
Jerry O'Neill
John Garfunkel
Planning Commission
Studies Regulation of
Adult Establishments
A t its March 18 meeting, the Planning
Commission discussed the need to be
proactive in regulating adult establish-
ments. Although there is no immediate
concern, it is best to have thought through
all the complex issues before being faced
with a "questionable" establishment in one
of our commercial areas.
The City Council is considering an interim
ordinance temporarily regulating adult
establishments. This would give all an
opportunity to consider reasonable zoning
and licensing regulations. It is important
to remember that the activities we may
seek to regulate are heavily protected by
the first amendment to the constitution. It
is not possible to prohibit them entirely.
This will be a major point of discussion
over the months ahead.
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT #128
EXCELSIOR, MN 55331
Administrator
James C. Hurm