Summer 1996 Shore ReportCITY OF SHOREWOOD
CITIZEN INFORMER
OPEN, DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT IS ENHANCED BY AN INFORMED POPULACE
Summer 1996
Southshore Senior /Community
Center Approved
The five Southlake Minnetonka City Councils have now executed
agreements necessary to jointly fund and build a senior community
center. Excelsior, Tonka Bay, Greenwood and Deephaven have
joined Shorewood in the joint effort. Although the Center will be
located near Shorewood City Hall (north of the Badger Park football
field), it will belong to the whole Southlake Community.
It will be open for senior programs during the day and for civic
functions during the evening. The 7,400 square foot facility will be
available for rental to the private sector for meetings, parties, recep-
tions and gatherings of all types.
Construction bids are due to be received at Shorewood City Hall in
early June and the contract awarded by June 24. The Center should
be open for use by the end of the year.
The Friends of the Southshore Senior Community Center (a tax -
exempt, non -profit corporation) is nearing its $100,000 fundraising
goal in private donations toward the cost of building the Center.
Please help them reach their goal by making your tax - exempt con-
tributions to the Friends. Mail your check, made out to the "Friends
of the Center ", to P.O. Box 402, Excelsior, Minnesota 55331.
Service Evaluation
Questionnaire enclosed
Tad Shaw is the newest member of the
Shorewood City Council replacing Doug
Malam. If the name and face seem familiar,
it may be because he is a very active mem-
ber of the community. He is President of
the Minnetonka Foundation for Excellence,
former member of the Minnetonka School
Board and served on the Shorewood City
Council from 1979 to 1986. Tad and his
wife Mary have three grown children and
have lived in Shorewood for 27 years.
THE MINNEHAHA...
"Steamboat a' Comin "'
1906 -1996
Ninety years ago in early May, spectators gathered
to watch as a fleet of bright yellow boats was
launched on Lake Minnetonka. The Twin City
Rapid Transit Company had extended its growing
streetcar line to Excelsior, a small town nestled on
the shore of Lake Minnetonka. The company's
owner, Thomas Lowry, decided to build a fleet of
six steamboats to ply the lake's waters and pro-
vide service to the many towns and hotels. He
couldn't have known that these boats would pro-
vide such excitement to those looking toward the
next turn of the century!
Although the wealthy tourist trade from the East
and South had all but disappeared, new "day trip-
pers" were eager to visit our area. Trains were
bringing tourists to James J. Hill's new Great
Northern train depot in Wayzata, and to the south,
streetcars were transporting visitors to Deephaven,
Excelsior and Tonka Bay.
After searching the country, Lowry selected local
designer Royal Moore, owner of Moore Boat
Works (now known as Minnetonka Boat Works) to
design the boats, which were built in Minneapolis.
When the "yellow jackets" were launched that
May week in 1906, Lake Minnetonka became one
THE MINNEHAHA - continued from page one
THE MINNEHAHA - continued on page 5
Inside this Issue:
Councilmember Commitments
Pg. 2
Communicating with City Government
Pg. 3
1996 Construction Projects
Pg. 4
Fertilize With Care
Pg. 5
Tornado Advice
Pg. 6
Shorewood Trails
Pg. 6
Seniors Summer Activities
Pg. 7
Service Questionnaire
in center
Tad Shaw
City Councilmember Commitments
All members of the Shorewood City Council have made
the following commitments in serving the citizens of
Shorewood:
1. Represent Shorewood in a positive and supportive
manner at all times and all places.
2. Represent the interest of all people served by the
City, and not favor special interest inside or outside of this
public organization.
3. Not use my service on this Council for my own
personal advantage or for the advantage of my friends or
supporters.
4. Keep confidential information confidential.
5. Approach all Council issues with an open mind.
Prepare to make the best decisions for everyone involved.
6. Do nothing to violate the trust in those who elected
me or to the Council or to those we serve.
7. Focus my efforts on the mission of
the City and not on my personal goals.
8. Never exercise authority as a
Councilmember except when acting in
a meeting with the full Council or as I
am delegated by the Council.
9. Establish as a high priority my
attendance at all meetings of the
Council and Commissions on which I
serve.
10. Come prepared to contribute to
the discussion of issues and business
to be addressed at scheduled meetings,
having read the agenda and all back-
ground support material relevant to the meeting.
11. Observe the City's parliamentary procedures and
display courteous conduct at all meetings.
12. Refrain from intruding in administrative issues that
are the responsibility of management, except to monitor
the results of actions taken.
13. Avoid conflict of interest between my position as a
Councilmember and my professional life by carefully
complying with the City's Code of Ethics (Section 105.04).
If such a conflict does arise, I will declare that conflict
before the Council, and refrain from voting on matters of
which I have a conflict.
14. Understand that issues are appropriately debated at
City Council meetings. Once a City Council decision is
made the debate ends and the majority decision is
respected.
Agree to serve as a liaison on Commissions or affiliat-
ed organizations as requested by
Council. As a Council liaison I will:
15
• Attend meetings as appropriate.
• Make reports of all meetings to the
City Council at their next regularly
scheduled meeting as necessary.
16. Participate in scheduled
strategic planning sessions, Council
self - evaluation programs, and
whenever possible attend Council
development workshops, seminars,
and other educational events that
enhance my skills as a Council -
member.
RED CROSS OFFERS CLASSES
The American Red Cross is offering courses in CPR,
which teach individuals how to recognize and care for
life- threatening respiratory or cardiac emergencies for
infant, children or adult victims. Participants will learn
rescue breathing, CPR and first aid for choking.
Classes are also offered in first aid, which teach individuals
how to recognize and care for life- threatening emergencies
such as respiratory or cardiac problems, sudden illness or
injuries for infants, children or adult victims. Skills taught
include rescue breathing, CPR, first aid for obstructed air-
way, bleeding control and splinting.
For more information on classes and fees, contact Marie
Blom at 942 -6998.
Freebies from Hennepin Parks!
Did you know that admission is free at Hennepin Parks on
the first Tuesday of every month? This is a good way to
discover the great resources for recreation that are all
around us. And if you have no idea what that includes,
they also offer a free quarterly publication with information
about events, facilities, programs, etc. These can be
obtained at any Hennepin Parks facility or you can call
559 -9000 to request a copy.
Some of the opportunities include golfing, camping, canoe-
ing, creative play areas, day camps, and nature demonstra-
tions. And if biking, hiking or in -line- skating is your thing,
you can request a Trail Guide describing the more than 100
miles of trails within the Hennepin Parks. Bike rentals are
even available at some of the locations. Have fun!
page 2 Citizen Informer
Communicating with Shorewood City Government
Our City Council has adopted the following Statement of
Purpose:
"To provide a value in municipal services, to ensure
compliance with Community laws and standards and to
keep citizens informed of those services, laws and stan-
dards."
questions on the mail in survey in this newsletter and
return it (postage paid).
• The City publishes a user friendly citizens' guide to
participating in Shorewood City Government which is
updated and mailed as part of the newsletter every two
years.
Among the City's goals are to:
"...continuously striving to keep citizens informed and
asking for and listening to feedback; and utilizing "user -
friendly" municipal systems, processes, and documents."
Communication is a two way street requiring efforts on
the part of both parties. The City communicates to you
in a number of formats:
• This Citizen Informer Newsletter (published quarterly)
• Stop in or call City Hall during normal working hours.
We can provide a great deal of information in a "user
friendly" manner.
• All regular City Council meetings are televised on
Cable Television Channel 8 (directory on that channel
will list times the meetings are shown).
• The Tonka Report monthly cable access program on
Channel 8.
• City Hall information phone line - call in to the regular
City Hall number (474 -3236) during any off hours to
hear public service announcements, information about
upcoming meetings, past meeting actions, and other
information of general interest.
• Press releases and legal notices in the local newspaper.
• The City is working with resident volunteers to devel-
op an internet web site to provide a great deal of infor-
mation to you through your computer. We are looking
for feedback on this idea. Please fill out the web site
To provide both information to residents and an opportu-
nity for feedback, the City Council:
• Sponsors neighborhood information meetings annually
on the Capital Improvement Program and on specific
public construction projects. This is an informal oppor-
tunity for input.
• Public hearings are held at regular Council meetings
for both specific construction projects and the annual
City budget. This is an official opportunity for residents
to offer input.
There are forms of communication which are one way,
from the citizen to City Hall:
• The annual Service Evaluation Questionnaire. This
year's survey is enclosed in this newsletter (PLEASE
FILL IT OUT AND RETURN IT — POSTAGE PAID).
• During hours when City Hall is closed, call City Hall
474 -3236. Callers have several options: dial 8 for a
complete list of extension numbers or dial 1 to leave a
general message for City Council members or staff.
• As part of our new internet web site, you will be able to
contact City Hall via E -Mail. Our web site address is:
www.state.net /shorewood/
If you have suggestions for ways to improve communi-
cation between City Hall and yourself, please communi-
cate them to us.. .
Cans Can Reduce Waste
Recycling your aluminum and metal food cans is one of the easiest ways to participate in the City's curbside recycling pro-
gram. Currently Shorewood residents recycle a total of 28% of all household waste. If you're not recycling yet, why not
start with your food and beverage cans? Consider the following:
• Each Minnesotan produces an average of 2.5 to 4 pounds of garbage a day!
• Making a new beverage can from recycled aluminum takes only 1 /20th of the energy needed to
make one from aluminum ore.1
• Every year Americans throw away enough aluminum to rebuild the entire t !
g American Airlines fleet
71 times.
• By weight, 34% of our garbage is made up of paper, 20% is yard waste, 7% is glass, 8% is metal,
9% is made up of food waste, 9% is plastic, and 13% is made up of other miscellaneous items.
• Source reduction, recycling, and composting are three environmentally safer alternatives to the landfill method of /dispos
ing of garbage that cost less or about the same as the true cost of burying our garbage.
• Minnesota has 381 curbside recycling programs state wide.
z= Just rinse out and place all food and beverage cans in one paper bag in your green Shorewood recycling bin. If
z you have any questions, please contact E -Z Recycling, 644 -6577.
1111U1111c1 page 3
WARM WEATHER REMINDERS
FOR REGIONAL TRAIL USERS
Warm weather and extended daylight mean renewed activi-
ty along the Southwest Regional LRT Trail as bikers and
hikers turn out in full force. With an anticipated increase in
awareness and use of the trail, Hennepin Parks wants to
remind trail users of the following:
Etiquette and Safety Tips
• Dogs must be on a leash 6 feet or less.
Owners must clean up and dispose of dog
waste. 11 '
• Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are prohibited
throughout the trail corridor.
• Vandalism or disruptive behavior should be reported by
calling 525 -6210. For life threatening emergencies, trail
users should call 911.
• Bikers should ractice good trail eti-
quette• proceed at reasonable speed (15
,...." �a1:• „`. „� _ - .....1.�....ol.i r. cln.vPr trail ncP.rc' 1Pl
0 walkers know you are approaching, by
- either voice or bell; announce if you are
passing on the right or left.
• Hennepin Parks strongly recommends that bicyclists
wear helmets at all times.
Construction News
• Mile markers will soon be installed along the entire 27
miles of trail.
• Three bridges are scheduled to be installed: St. Alban's
Bay on Lake Minnetonka, Valley View Road in Eden
Prairie, and Highway 101 in Chanhassen.
Trail maps are available at City Halls of communities in
which the trail is located. For additional trail information,
call the Hennepin Parks LRT number, 559 -9000.
Get Involved in Shorewood's Parks
Were you the "party organizer” in school? Have you ever
wanted to get more involved in your community? The
Shorewood Parks Foundation is looking to involve citizens
in organizing a Park Festival Day in May of 1997.
Shorewood has four wonderful
neighborhood parks plus Freeman,
our large Community Park.
Citizens with organizational abili-
ties are needed to coordinate the
organized sports groups and civic
organizations in sponsoring a fes-
tival for all citizens to celebrate
our parks. Contact Ken Dallman,
Parks Foundation Chair, through
City Hall (474- 3236). Get
involved in promoting and
improving Shorewood's Parks.
1996 Construction Projects
In the last newsletter, we
Smithtown Road between Country Club Road and Eureka
Road north
Proposes reconstruction of Smithtown Road and installa-
tion of watermain. A trail is not part of the proposed con-
struction. The City is currently designing the project and
anticipates a construction start mid July of 1996.
Smithtown Road between Boulder Bridge Drive and the
City of Victoria border
This project proposes the installation of watermain adjacent
to Smithtown Road. This link in the watermain system
will enable the City of Shorewood to service a number of
residents adjacent to Smithtown Road who have requested
water, in addition to providing an emergency backup sup-
ply of water to the City of Victoria (see separate article).
Strawberry Lane between Smithtown Road and West 62nd
Street
Strawberry Lane will be reconstructed with curb and gutter
and watermain. An off- street trail was considered for this
roadway, however it will not be constructed as
part of this project. MEN
Shady Island Bridge Replacement WO KING
This project involves the replacement of
the existing bridge between Enchanted Island
and Shady Island. The annual bridge inspection
reports indicate that this bridge needs to be replaced this
year. A resident bridge committee has been formed to help
provide input for design and details of the bridge. The pro-
posed plan provides for keeping one lane of traffic open
during construction of the new bridge.
Minnewashta Water Tower
The new water tower is located on the Minnewashta
Elementary School property on Smithtown Road.
Construction for the foundation of the water tower has
begun. It is anticipated that steel construction of the tower
will begin in approximately one month with completion of
all site work at the end of October 1996.
Parks
In Cathcart Park the construction of a parking lot will be
completed and the baseball field will be realigned. In
Freeman Park a picnic shelter and water fountains will be
constructed. In Badger Park the hockey rink and free skat-
ing areas are being realigned and playground equipment is
scheduled to be installed.
(:iti InfnrmPr
page 4
Fertilize With Care - Respect Our Natural Resources
The City of Shorewood, along with local watershed dis-
tricts and the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District
(LMCD), is promoting the use of phosphorus -free fertilizer.
Most lawns already contain high or very high levels of
phosphorus, according to a study conducted by Hennepin
Parks two years ago. Results of random soil testing of
lawns in Minnetonka, Plymouth, Eden Prairie and Maple
Grove show that people who fertilize their lawns apply
far too much phosphorus. (Phosphorus is the
middle of the three numbers, i.e. 10
on any bag of fertilizer).
In general, Minnesota has soils that
are rich in phosphorus. Putting
more phosphorus on a lawn is a
waste of money and is harmful
to wetlands, creeks, streams,
rivers and lakes. One pound
of phosphorus entering a
storm sewer system can yield
500 pounds of algae growth.
Testing your soil before pur-
chasing any fertilizer will allow
you to provide your lawn what it
needs. A soil sample kit is avail-
able from the Minnesota Extension
Service of Hennepin County, 374 -E
For $7, the Extension Service will
your soil and provide you with a report to help
you make an informed decision on what nutrients your
lawn actually needs. (If you have a newly- seeded or sod-
ded lawn, you may need phosphorus.)
spreaders. Near shoreline and wetland areas, use a drop
spreader.
• Avoid getting fertilizer into natural drainage areas or
pathways where it can be carried into surface water.
• Near shorelines and wetlands, leave a buffer of natural
vegetation to prevent erosion and retain nutrients.
Leading retail suppliers are beginning to carry fertilizers
without phosphorus. Ask for it. Requests will tell
the retailer there is a demand for it.
"- - -- cial lawn care services will pro-
. ertilizers without phosphorus.
ist on it.
A healthy lawn need not require
high maintenance, nor does it
need to be lush and green.
Leave the grass clippings on
the lawn —this saves you
work, money and puts nitro-
gen contained in the clip-
pings back on the lawn,
replacing one fertilizing
application a year. Anyone
interested in low- maintenance
lawn care practices can call the
[innesota County Extension
, ice of Hennepin County for
ition (374- 8400).
The little things you can do make a big dif-
ference. Become a lake partner —keep your lawn
green and our lakes blue!
Listed below are a few tips on properly applying fertilizer:
• Do not fertilize until the grass is actively growing and
you are ready to mow.
• Never fertilize before a heavy rain.
• Fill fertilizer spreaders on hard surfaces where spills can
be cleaned up. Never wash fertilizer spills into the street.
• Close the gate on the spreader when crossing over hard
surfaces.
• Drop spreaders are more precise, but slower than rotary
More Cooperative Efforts...
The Cities of Shorewood and Victoria have come to an
agreement to have the water tower is being built by
Shorewood near Minnewashta School this summer serve
both communities. This system interconnection can allow
one less tower being built in Victoria as that City grows in
the future. This cost savings measure will benefit residents
in both cities. The anticipated savings in public dollars
(nearly a half million dollars) resulting from this joint ven-
ture will be shared by the two communities.
THE MINNEHAHA - continued from page one
of the few places in the world where passengers could
transfer from a land -based streetcar and continue their
journey in a steamboat that was owned by the same
company.
For some twenty years, the gaily decorated boats made
their trips across Lake Minnetonka. When they were no
longer needed, the boats were intentionally scuttled in deep
water north of Big Island where they rested until 1990.
Then the "Minnehaha" was discovered, raised and lovingly
restored by members of the Minnesota Transportation
Museum. After almost six years of painstakingly hard
work, the "Minnehaha" once again sports the same canary
yellow as the streetcars. The seventy foot, thirty -five ton
vessel is ready to carry passengers from Excelsior to
Wayzata and back. We can guess that on her maiden voy-
age on May 25, 1996, the spectators watching were just as
awestruck as those who watched her launching in 1906.
For information about tickets and scheduled excursions,
call 474 -4801.
Citizen Informer page 5
County Road 19 from
Yellowstone Trail to the
Chicago Northwestern
Regional Trail.
A Segment 4 & 5 - Along
St. Alban's Bay Road and
Covington Road from
Minnetonka Boulevard in
the North to Vine Hill Road
in the South.
The City of Shorewood demonstrated its commitment to a
comprehensive trail system by issuing a Park Commission
directive in the fall of 1990 authorizing the completion of a
trail plan. The residents of Shorewood expressed their
interest in developing a trail system during a series of
spring 1991 neighborhood meetings concerning park
improvements. The development of a trail system was a
frequent request.
The term "trails" for this purpose is meant to describe
walkway/bikeways which are designed to accommodate
both pedestrian and bicycle usage and are usually no more
than six feet wide to minimize impact on residential prop-
erties. They can also accommodate roller skating and blad-
ing. The term "off- street" means that there is a distance
between the street surface and the trail surface which is
usually a grassy area which can be used for snow storage
in the winter time.
The following list indicates the off - street walkway/bikeway
trail segments identified in the plan:
A Segment 1 - Along Smithtown Road and County Road
19 from the Victoria City limits near Smithtown Bay to
Excelsior.
A Segment 2 - Along T.H. 7 from Church Road (access
to Cathcart Park) in Chanhassen to Yellowstone Trail; pro-
ceeding along Yellowstone Trail into Excelsior.
A Segment 3 - Along Country Club Road and
A Segment 6 - Along the service road south of T. H. 7
from Covington Road to Old Market Road.
The City Council has established a Trail Fund so that trails
may be developed at the same time as a street project or as
scheduled in the City's Capital Improvement Program.
Some trails along certain designated streets may be eligible
for some State funding.
A majority of walkway/bikeway trails are designated on-
street trails. The question of whether a trail should be on
the street or off the street often depends on the width of
the street, the amount of traffic congestion, and the needs
and wishes of the neighborhood and the community at
large. For example, an off - street trail was considered for
Strawberry Lane between the regional trail and Smithtown
Road rather than accommodating a wider road, which
would be necessary for on- street bike lanes because of the
traffic during certain times of the day and certain periods
of the year on Strawberry Lane.
The off- street trails which had been proposed for both
Strawberry Lane and Smithtown Road (between Eureka
Road and County Club Road) have been deleted from the
street reconstruction projects planned for 1996 because of
the opposition of the residents immediately adjacent to the
proposed off - street trail.
The Shorewood Park Commission and City Council are
interested in your opinions on the trail system in
Shorewood.
Please be sure to fill out the trail questions on the back of
the Citizen Evaluation Survey and return it postage paid.
TORNADO AWARENESS FACTS
The tornado season is once again upon us. Below are
several tips that can help everyone make it through the
season safely.
• Develop a plan for you and your family for home,
work, school, and when you are outdoors.
• Have frequent drills.
• If a Warning is issued move to a pre- designated shelter,
such as a basement. If an underground shelter is not
available, move to an interior room or hallway on the
lowest floor and get under a heavy piece of furniture.
• Stay away from windows. Leave the windows alone
and instead get to a safe place.
• Be sure to have a battery powered radio and a good
flashlight. (Be sure to check the batteries on a regular
basis.)
• If caught in your car or outside, leave your vehicle and
lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression. Don't try to
out run the tornado.
• Always listen to watches and warnings. Thunderstorm
watches and warnings can quickly turn into Tornado
Warnings.
page 6 Vn¢en inrormei
PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING NEWSLETTER ARTICLE ON TRAILS
BEFORE COMPLETING THIS SECTION OF THE SURVEY.
A) How likely is it that you and your family would use off - street trails on the following segments?
B)
C)
D)
For what reasons would you utilize these off- street trails?
A - For transportation to get to school
B - For transportation to get to parks
C - For transportation to get to shopping
D - For exercise
E - For recreation
F - For Other: (please specify)
In general, do you support off- street trails in Shorewood? (circle your answer)
1 Support 2 Oppose 3 Uncertain
Is your residence along the route of any of the proposed off - street trails (refer to the segments list
in Question A above)?
1) Yes ❑ Segment #:
2) No ❑
E) Which of the proposed off - street trail segments is closest to your home?
Segment #:
Comment:
INTERNET WEB SITE QUESTIONNAIRE
F) Do you have access to the internet? G) If not, do you intend to sign up for access in the
coming year?
1) Yes, at work 1 ) Yes, at work
2) Yes, at home 2) Yes, at home
3) No, not at all 3) No, not at all
H ) How often do you currently use the internet? Daily ❑ Weekly ❑ Monthly ❑ Not At All ❑
(Circle one response for each item):
Other: ❑
I) What
types of information would you be most likely to use from a Shorewood Web Site, for
example:
(Check boxes you would like to have included)
A.
Very
Somewhat
Other: Please list your ideas separately.
Somewhat
Very
Segment
Description
Likely
Likely
Uncertain
Unlikely
Unlikely
1
Smithtown Road /County Road 19
5
4
3
2
1
2
Along TH 7 (west side) and
5
4
3
2
1
Yellowstone Trail
3
Country Club Road and County
5
4
3
2
1
Road 19 north to the regional trail
4
St Albans Bay Road
5
4
3
2
1
5
Covington Road
5
4
3
2
1
6
TH 7 service road between
5
4
3
2
1
Covington and Old Market Road
B)
C)
D)
For what reasons would you utilize these off- street trails?
A - For transportation to get to school
B - For transportation to get to parks
C - For transportation to get to shopping
D - For exercise
E - For recreation
F - For Other: (please specify)
In general, do you support off- street trails in Shorewood? (circle your answer)
1 Support 2 Oppose 3 Uncertain
Is your residence along the route of any of the proposed off - street trails (refer to the segments list
in Question A above)?
1) Yes ❑ Segment #:
2) No ❑
E) Which of the proposed off - street trail segments is closest to your home?
Segment #:
Comment:
INTERNET WEB SITE QUESTIONNAIRE
F) Do you have access to the internet? G) If not, do you intend to sign up for access in the
coming year?
1) Yes, at work 1 ) Yes, at work
2) Yes, at home 2) Yes, at home
3) No, not at all 3) No, not at all
H ) How often do you currently use the internet? Daily ❑ Weekly ❑ Monthly ❑ Not At All ❑
(Check all that apply):
Other: ❑
I) What
types of information would you be most likely to use from a Shorewood Web Site, for
example:
(Check boxes you would like to have included)
A.
❑
Public Service Announcements
Other: Please list your ideas separately.
B.
❑
Council and Commission Activities
G. ❑
C.
❑
Permit/License Information
H. ❑
D.
❑
Newsletter
1. ❑
E.
❑
Linking to Other Sites
J. ❑
F.
❑
None of the Above
K. ❑
(Check all that apply):
NO POSTAGE
NECESSARY
IF MAILED
IN THE
UNITED STATES
BUSINESS REPLY MAIL
FIRST -CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO. 50 EXCELSIOR MN
POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY THE ADDRESSEE
CITY OF SHOREWOOD
5755 COUNTRY CLUB RD
SHOREWOOD MN 55331 -9897
FOLD HERE/ TAPE WHERE INDICATED & MAIL - NO POSTAGE NECESSARY
SHOREWOOD SERVICE EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE
The two pages on the inside of this newsletter insert contain the City's annual Service Evaluation
Questionnaire. Your answers will help us track how you think we are doing our job compared with past
years. The results are used in setting specific objectives for the annual budget being considered this fall. As
of this year Shorewood will be eligible to receive nearly $7,500 in Local Performance Aid from the State due
largely to this on -going effort. Please take a few minutes to fill out this "report card" survey if you are the
adult (age 18 or over) in the household whose birthday most recently passed, and then:
• Mail it. Be sure to fold it so the return address is exposed, tape it closed following directions below and
drop it in the post box (postage paid); or
Drop it off at City hall - drop box located near front entrance.
Your answers will have complete anonymity. Your participation is very important in making Shorewood the
best community it can be! If other adults in your household would like to complete the survey, call 474-
3236 and we'll send one to you.
TRAILS AND INTERNET WEB SITE QUESTIONNAIRE
The back page of this newsletter insert consists of questions in two specific areas. The Park Commission is
interested in your thoughts on off - street trails in Shorewood. Please read the newsletter article on off - street
trails (Page 6) and answer the related survey questions. The results will be used in revising the trail plan
completed in 1992 to be sure the plan reflects community wide needs and desires.
The second section lists several questions regarding the City establishing a web site on the Internet. The
questions regarding Internet use can also be answered on line (www.state.net/shorewood /). The Internet has
great potential in aiding in communication between citizens and the City. We hope to learn, with input from
you, how this medium can be best utilized.
Tape Tape
here here
SHOREWOOD SERVICE EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE
1.
Please indicate how satisfied you are with the
following
services
that are
currently
4
provided by Shorewood (circle one
response for each item):
1
5
4
3
Haven't used/
Very
5
Somewhat
3
2
1
Don't Know
Satisfied
Satisfied
Satisfied
Dissatisfied
A.
Physical condition of my street
5
4
3
2
1
B.
Physical condition of streets in general
5
4
3
2
1
C.
Cleanliness of streets
5
4
3
2
1
D.
Amount of street lighting
5
4
3
2
1
E.
Number of trees along City streets
5
4
3
2
1
F.
Level of park maintenance
5
4
3
2
1
G.
Condition of the hiking/biking trail
5
4
3
2
1
H.
Condition of park playground equipment
5
4
3
2
1
I.
Amount of recreation equipment in parks
5
4
3
2
1
J.
Televising of City Council meetings
5
4
3
2
1
K.
Feeling of safety in my neighborhood
5
4
3
2
1
L.
City Newsletter
5
4
3
2
1
2. In the past year have you had any contact with the following? If so, how helpful are
they when you need information about programs or services provided by the City of
Shorewood or need to have a problem resolved (circle one for each item)?
Have had Very Somewhat Not
No Contact Helpful Helpful Helpful Helpful
A. City Office Personnel
B. City Assessor
C. Building Inspection Service Personnel
D. Police Personnel
E. Fire Personnel
F. Public Works Personnel
G. Water Utility Personnel
H. Animal Control Personnel
1. Engineering Service Personnel
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
3. If you have had no personal experience with these City services circle the 5 and go to
the next line. For those with which you have had personal experience, please rate
them 1 to 4.
Haven't had
Have Had Experience
Experience
Exce lent
Good
Fair
Poor
A -1
South Lake Police, overall service
5
4
3
2
1
A -2
Police response time to my call
5
4
3
2
1
A -3
Police courteousness /professionalism
5
4
3
2
1
A -4
Police crime prevention programs
5
4
3
2
1
A -5
Police traffic enforcement
5
4
3
2
1
B -1
Fire Dept overall service
5
4
3
2
1
B -2
Fire Dept response time to my call
5
4
3
2
1
B -3
Fire Dept courteousness /professionalism
5
4
3
2
1
B -4
Fire Dept inspection /fire prevention program
5
4
3
2
1
C -1
Animal control overall service
5
4
3
2
1
C -2
Animal control response time to my call
5
4
3
2
1
C -3
Animal control courteousness /professionalism
5
4
3
2
1
D -1
City Administrator & Clerks overall service
5
4
3
2
1
D -2
Administrative courteousness /professionalism
5
4
3
2
1
E -1
Building inspection overall service
5
4
3
2
1
Question #3 Continued:
Haven't had Have Had Experience
Experience Excel ent Good Fair Poor
E -2
Bldg inspection courteousness /professionalism
5
4
3
2 1
F -1
City Assessor overall service
5
4
3
2 1
F -2
City Assessor courteousness /professionalism
5
4
3
2 1
G -1
Planning Dept overall service
5
4
3
2 1
G -2
Planning Dept courteousness /professionalism
5
4
3
2 1
H -1
Finance Dept overall service
5
4
3
2 1
H -2
Finance Dept courteousness /professionalism
5
4
3
2 1
I.
Maintenance of my street
5
4
3
2 1
J.
Snow removal
5
4
3
2 1
K.
Recycling pickup program
5
4
3
2 1
L -1
Engineering overall service
5
4
3
2 1
L -2
Engineering courteousness /professionalism
5
4
3
2 1
4A. Are you served by City water: 1) Yes 2) No (if no, skip to Question #5)
4B. If Yes, please indicate how satisfied you are with:
Haven't had Have Had Experience
Experience Excellent Good Fair Poor
Water pressure 5 4 3 2 1
Water quality 5 4 3 2 1
Maintenance crew response 5 4 3 2 1
For the following questions, please mark an (x) by the most correct answer:
5A. In the past twelve months have you made a complaint to the City of Shorewood?
1) Yes, and I was satisfied with the way my complaint was handled
2) Yes, and I was dissatisfied with the way my complaint was handled
3) No, I have not made a complaint
5B. If yes, what type of complaint? (report MOST RECENT one)
1) Animal 4) Street Repair/Maintenance
2) Traffic 5) Other___ — ______________�________
3) Junk/Nuisance
6. Put an X by each Shorewood Park you or your family have used in the last twelve months:
a) Freeman d) Manor
b) Badger e) Silverwood
c) Cathcart
7. How long have you lived in Shorewood
1) Less than 2 years 4) 11 -20 years
2) 2 -5 years 5) 21 years or more
3) 6 -10 years
8. Your gender: 1) Male 2) Female
9. Is this a: 1) Residence 2) Business
(If business, skip to #12)
10. Do you: 1) Own 2) Rent 3) Other
11. Is your home a:
1) Single family 3) Apartment
2) Duplex 4) Townhouse
12: What is your age?
1) 18 -30 3) 50 -64
2) 31 -49 4) 65 and over
LAKE MINNETONKA COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Vol. 5 No. 2 • Summer 1996
612.474.5539 • FAX 612.474.0430
1996
COMMISSIONERS
Deephaven
Dale Moe
*Dennis Stanga, Treasurer
Excelsior
Robert Murphy
*James R. Olds, At Large
Greenwood
Miles Canning
Mark Elias
Long Lake
James D. Benson
Elizabeth Olson
Medina
*Ann C. Thies, Chair
Kevin Wagman
Minnetonka Beach
Nancy Check
Thomas Markle
Minnetrista
Gene Partyka
*David Thaler, At Large
Orono
Gabriel Jabbour
*Tim Pattrin, Vice Chair
St. Bonifacius
Andrew Weinzierl, Jr.
Shorewood
Jeffrey Foust
Tad Shaw
Spring Park
Richard Dietz
Roger Westman
Tonka Bay
*Bob Anderson, Secretary
Steven Johnson
Victoria
*Barb Brancel, At Large
Tom Jones
Woodland
Jane Barry
Maria Saulsbury
*Executive Committee
FCC INITIATES FIRST NEW RULES UNDER
TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996
The FCC recently began to implement the first phase of approximately
eighty rules tied to the Telecommunications Act of 1996, that was passed by
Congress in February 1996. This Act specifies several issues on
communications today and in the future, dealing with effective competition
and deregulation of rates and service.
Here is a brief synopsis of the newly refined FCC rules, under the
Telecommunications Act of 1996 (appeared in CABLE WORLD magazine).
• Customers' rate complaints must be filed through the LMCC rather than
directly to the FCC.
• Operators do not have to notify subscribers about rate hikes due to
increases in franchise or regulatory fees.
• The LMCC cannot dictate the kind of equipment an operator uses.
• A telephone company can't purchase a cable system that serves its
market and vice versa. However, the rules let telephone and cable share
subscribers drops.
• The so- called "open video systems ", expected to be run by telco's, won't
be subject to the same franchise provisions that govern cable companies.
• Operators can refuse to carry "indecent" or obscene programming.
As new communication rules are implemented, the LMCC continues to
look for comments from residents /business on what they want for the future.
PROGRAM OF THE QUARTER: "ACOUSTIC SOUL"
Public Access television
has always been an effective
way for individuals or groups
to reach a television audience
without having to spend
money to do so.
This is precisely the rea-
son accomplished musician
Dave Parkin created his
monthly program "Acoustic Soul ".
Dave, a St. Bonifacius resident, started
the program to provide all types of area
musicians a forum by which
they could get free television
exposure on Channel 21.
Dave's hard work is
appreciated both by the mu-
sicians and the viewers in our
area. We encourage you to
tune in to "Acoustic Soul"
for a fresh dose of local
musical talent every month.
Thanks and congratulations, Dave!
Dave Parkin
LAKE MINNETONKA COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
From The Administrator's Desk...
I recently returned from the NATOA Regional Seminar,
and I heard many cities from across the country, as they
discovered the same issues your LMCC has been empha-
sizing for well over a year. As more users seek to enter the
dedicated rights -of -way, public safety concerns intensify
and city management costs escalate. For example, with
each additional entrant into these rights -of -way, our cities
will certainly face increased road repair /replacement costs.
Without the ability to receive fair and reasonable compen-
sation for the use of these public rights -of -way and
easements, how will our cities cover the significantly
increased costs associated with telecommunications com-
petition? An answer to that question remains a goal of
primary importance for your LMCC, as they continue to
assist the cities in planning for the future communication
needs of the residents.
DID YOU KNOW?
Are you interested in some special
background music for your locally
produced community program?
To make sure you won't be violating any
copyright laws, the LMCC has recently
renewed its contract agreement with
DeWolfe Music Library in New York
City, that specifically provides music
selections to be used in any of the
productions for local community channel
21 or channel 8. If you have any questions
on how to implement this special music,
just ask or call Greg O'Gorman,
Production Coordinator, at the community
studio facilities in Excelsior (474.5539).
LMCC STAFF
Administrator ..................... ............................Jim Daniels
Administrative Assistant .... ........................Colleen Krisko
Production Coordinator . ...........................Greg O'Gorman
Assistant Production Coordinator ..................Drew Hallin
COQ GRATIAMHONS
TO RECENT WORKSHOP
CLASS GRADUATES
Corey Bucher Ryan Cairns
Ryan Kieffer James Malcolm
Joe Simons
1996 WORKSHOP SESSIONS
SUMMER.Thursdays:
May 2 - May 9 -May 16 - May 23 -May 30
FALL: Tuesdays:
July 2 - July 9 - July 16 - July 23 - July 30
WORKSHOP CLASSES---
are one evening per week at 7:00 PM.
Call 474.5539 for more information.
COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS...
ANN C. THIES
As you may already know, U.S. West
Communications, Inc. has filed a Petition
with the Minnesota Public Utilities
Commission (PUC) to prevent Minnesota
municipalities from exercising authority
over rights -of -way. We understand that Ann C.Thtea,Medim
their intent is to be granted the authority to LMCC Chair
manage, but not maintain, public easements
and rights -of -way statewide. if granted, this would usurp cities'
police powers to control , through ordinances and /or regulations,
activities /uses on these public lands. The LMCC does not believe
that would be an appropriate result, and together with other
commissions and cities have filed a Petition to Intervene in this
proceeding. We need to have input in a matter which could
negatively bind us for the future. In addition, this action before the
PUC presents a unique procedural posture and questionable
jurisdiction.
As always, the LMCC will keep its member cities apprised of
developments in this extremely significant matter.
STUDIO HOURS
MON
10:00 AM -
10:00 PM
TU ES
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
THIS NEWSLETTER IS PUBLISHED BY THE LAKE MINNETONKA COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION.
One of our goals is to promote community involvement in local programming.
SUMMER AT SOUTHSHORE SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER
Summer is a great time to take a boat ride on the lake, travel out and about, eat ice cream and /or go on a picnic! All of
these activities are scheduled at the Southshore Center. You are invited to participate.
A Fund Raising Boat Ride on Lake Minnetonka: The Excelsior Park restaurant is donating the use of its boat for the
Southshore Center's fund raising efforts. Join us Tuesday, July 16 - board the boat at 10:55 a.m. for a 2 -hour cruise and a
delicious picnic lunch. The cost is $5 for people 60 plus and $6.25 for people under 60. Call 474 -7635 to register.
Travel Out and About: June 13 - Art Sampler Tour - The cost is $23 and reservations are due by June 7. The coach bus
will pick up at Southshore Center at 9:45 a.m. Spend the day viewing treasures of the museums at the University of
Minnesota - the Bell Museum which has been in our community for many years and the Weisman Art Museum which is
new to many of us.
The Weisman contains a rich collection of contemporary ceramics, and is featuring a collection of early pottery this month.
The Bell Museum, a natural history museum, features wild life and plants native to Minnesota. Lunch will be at the Old
Spaghetti Factory featuring spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, bread, spumoni ice cream and beverage.
Art Sampler: July 26 - Bloomington's Artful Garden Tour. You'll visit four beautiful gardens and
enjoy a box lunch - turkey croissant sandwich, potato salad, brownie and beverage. The cost is $23
and reservations are due by July 18. Register soon as seats are limited on this tour.
Annual Ice Cream Social: July 19 - Featuring delicious ice cream sundaes for $2 and
entertainment by the "C" Notes. Register one week in advance.
Picnic at Como Park: Friday, August 9 - We will leave the center at 10:30 a.m. and tour the conservatory and the Japanese
Garden. After a picnic lunch, there will be time to stroll the wonderfully compact zoo. Register by calling the center.
An on -going service you can take advantage of at the center is the Foot Care program. A registered nurse is available the
second and third Mondays of each month. Call the center for reservations and more information 474 -7635.
JUDGES NEEDED FOR
FALL ELECTIONS
The City of Shorewood is seeking eligible citizens to be
election judges for the upcoming primary and general
elections. The dates for the elections are:
Primary - Tuesday, September 10, 1996
General — Tuesday, November 5, 1996.
Being an election judge is a wonderful way for you to
get to know more about your community and about the
election process. Judges will be trained and will receive
compensation for their time.
To be an election judge, you must be:
a citizen of the United States;
a registered voter; and
a resident of Shorewood.
Students may also be appointed judges if they are at least
sixteen years of age and reside in Shorewood.
Contact City Hall for more details (474- 3236).
Senior Skills Bank
Minnetonka Community Education and Services operates a
Senior Skills Bank for senior citizens in this community.
The Senior Skills Bank can refer low -cost workers to those
senior citizens who need occasional help to maintain their
homes. Workers are available who can do yardwork,
housework, small electrical and plumbing repairs, etc. Any
senior in Shorewood is eligible to use this referral service.
Contact the Senior Skills Bank by calling 470 -3488.
Snowmobile Survey Results
Being Analyzed
Thanks to the many Shorewood residents who responded to
the snowmobile usage survey mailed in April. Nearly 800
responses were received. The Snowmobile Task Force is
currently reviewing the data and comments. A report will
be made to the City Council on the findings of the Task
Force in June. The report will include the results of the
survey. Those results and the findings of the Task Force
will be made available to the public and summarized in the
next City newsletter.
Citizen Informer page 7
BE SAFE! ONE CALL
DOES IT ALL!
Before the work begins... call "Gopher State
One Call" at (612) 454 -0002 between 7 am and
5 pm Monday through Friday. All appropriate util-
ities will visit your construction / excavation site
to locate underground utility wires, pipes or
cables. You will need to give your name, location,
nature of work, time and date the project will
start. Within 48 hours, utility companies will
mark their locations. Be safe - Call Gopher State!
Crescent Beach Opens June 8
Minnetonka Community Education and
Services will open the beach for lessons and pub-
lic swimming on Saturday, June 8. As of that
date, lifeguards will be on duty from noon to 7:00
p.m. seven days a week until Sunday, August 25.
The beach area is maintained as a joint effort
between the Cities of Shorewood and Tonka Bay.
For information about registering for swim-
ming lessons you can call MCES at 470 -3450.
Have a good swim!
Summer Newsletter Calendar
City Council meetings are the second and fourth Monday of each
month,
Planning Commission meetings are the
first and third
Tuesdays, and the Park Commission usually meets on the fourth
Tuesday.
June
10
City Council Meeting .......... ...........................7:30
p.m.
18
Planning Commission Work Session ..............7:00
p.m.
24
City Council Meeting .......... ...........................7:30
p.m.
25
Park Commission Meeting .. ...........................7:30
p.m.
July
2
Planning Commission Meeting ......................7:00
p.m.
4
Independence Day (offices closed)
8
City Council Meeting .......... ...........................7:30
p.m.
16
Planning Commission Work Session ..............7:00
p.m.
22
City Council Meeting .......... ...........................7:30
p.m.
23
Park Commission Meeting .. ...........................7:30
p.m.
August
6
Planning Commission Meeting ......................7:00
p.m.
12
City Council Meeting .......... ...........................7:30
p.m.
20
Planning Commission Work Session ..............7:00
p.m.
26
City Council Meeting ......... ...........................7:30
p.m.
27
Park Commission ................. ...........................7:30
p.m.
Filing Date for Local Election: August 27, 1996 at 8:30 a.m.
through September 10, 1996 at 5:00 p.m.
CITY OF SHOREWOOD
5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
SHOREWOOD, MN 55331
(612) 474 -3236
City of Shorewood
Council Members
Robert Bean, Mayor
Bruce Benson
Jennifer McCarty
Kristi Stover
Tad Shaw
James C. Hurm, City Administrator
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT #128
EXCELSIOR, MN
55331
This newsletter is printed on recycled paper.)
page 8 Citizen Informer