Loading...
Fall 1993 Shore ReportCITY OF SHOREWOOD CITIZEN INFORMER FALL 1993 OPEN, DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT IS ENHANCED BY AN INFORMED POPULACE SEWAGE BA TTLE UPDATE he City Council continues to press the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission (MWCC) to make T an adjustment to the major increase in their charges to Shorewood over the last two years. The City continues to fight these increases for a number of reasons: MWCC says inflow and infiltration (I /I) of clear water into the sanitary sewer system has significantly increased since 1991 and this increase in flow is the cause of significant increases in charges. They also have said Shorewood is the most estimated community, that is, the community with the least actual "measured" sewage flow. They have not factually justified the need for increases in charges of over 40`%,. MWCC has taken a strict interpretation of the State Statute regarding allocation of costs, acknowledging little flexibility. Yet in that same Statute. .. "the Commission is hereby authorized and directed to adopt such other means and methods of allocating costs... as may be reasonable and equitable "... when the costs established result in an increased cost to a municipality which is unreasonable or unequitable. Although MWCC has attempted to assist the City to find this sudden increase of clear water into the system, there has been some misdirection. Initially Shorewood was told the problem was on the west side of the City. The City had televised and corrected I/I problems along the older areas of the west side, closest to the lake over the last several years. After a six week measurement study, Continued on neat page Homestead for 1994 .............. 2 Reinvent Gov . ................... 3 TaxLevy .......................3 Sewer Rate Increase ............... 4 Dog License App] ................ 5 Seniors .........................5 Skating Information .............. 6 Yardwaste ......................7 Watermains Flushing .............. 8 Calendar ........................8 MWCC said the problem was instead on the east side of the City where the Covington interceptor line lies. Then, in June, after five months of further measurement, MWCC reversed its position and said the problem is in fact on the west side, not on the east side of the City. The City's grant application to help find and correct I/I problems in the east side then had to be changed. • Early this spring the MWCC communicated that their interceptor line in Covington Road (east side) ". . has several sections of interceptor that are badly deteriorated ". The Commission credited the City for 27 million gallons leaking into the system at their line. They spent over $600,000 of MWCC funds relining the Covington Line on an emergency basis. By late in the summer the MWCC was saying that they had in fact found "no indication of infiltration existing anywhere within this section of pipe" (Covington interceptor) before the relining project was undertaken. • MWCC claims time and time again that their flow meters are accurate. Yet they wrote in late July that the 27 million gallon adjustment for the Covington Road interceptor "is more likely due to plugged meters during a portion of 1992 causing reliability problems ". Confused? Shorewood has never received an acceptable explanation as to why our MWCC charges are 2 to 3 times higher than other similar cities; as to why MWCC "actual estimates" of flow has gone from 289 to 460 million gallons in two years; or as to why the Commission does not follow the direction given them in the Statutes to make adjustments that are fair, reasonable and equitable. Shorewood has not been paying what the MWCC says we owe. The City had asked the Metropolitan Council to act in a mediation role in this dispute. MWCC directed two representatives of the Commission to meet as necessary with two members of the Shorewood City Council in an effort to resolve the differences between the two bodies. Soon thereafter the Metropolitan Council, without official notice, adopted Resolution #93 -56 authorizing a deficiency tax levy for the City of Shorewood and Wayzata (which is in a similar status) for amounts due in 1993 for sewer service. This would result in a surcharge being added to your next property tax bill. The City Council feels strong support among residents to continue the fight, recognizing this will result in increasing legal and technical costs. The sewer rate increase explained on page 4 is largely to cover such costs. The increase in MWCC charges has not been and is not being passed on to Shorewood sewer customers You can help by letting Metropolitan Council and the MWCC representatives know of your displeasure: Lou Clark, Chairman MWCC Mears Park Centre 230 South Fifth St. St. Paul, MN 55101 (612) 222 -8423 Dottie Rietow, Chairman Metropolitan Council Mears Park Centre 230 South Fifth St. St. Paul, MN 55101 (612) 291 -6359 HOMESTEAD INFORMATION FOR 1994 The Minnesota Legislature has changed the Homestead procedure beginning with the January 2, 1994 assessment. YEARLY HOMESTEAD CARDS ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED AND WILL NOT BE MAILED AGAIN UNTIL JANUARY 2, 1997. Homestead cards will continue to be sent upon application to new property owners, occupants of properties changing from non- homestead to homestead status and to other residents, at assessor discretion, if occupancy verification is required. If you move or sell your property you are required, by law, to notify the assessor within 30 days. DISPOSAL OF YARDWASTE Fall cleanup usually means having to deal with an abundance of leaves. State Law now bans this material from landfills and burning facilities in the seven County Twin Cities Metro Area. There are options still available to Shorewood homeowners. These options include: • spread them as mulch around trees, shrubs, and in planting beds • add them to your compost pile • leave some of them where they fall • have them hauled away for a fee by a private refuse hauler (in a survey of local haulers the City has learned that some haulers will remove yardwaste for their customers, while some will not remove yardwaste) • dispose of them at Shorewood's yardwaste drop - off site... This Fall Shorewood will have a yardwaste drop -off area at the PUBLIC WORKS PARKING AREA. 24200 Smithtown Rd Road, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Saturday, October 23rd. Not at City Hall. Grass, leaves, and mixed brush will be accepted. The yardwaste must be emptied from bags. Bags should be then taken home to reuse. Brush and sticks should be bundled with branches less than 1 1/2 inches in diameter and less than 4 feet in length. This service is only for Shorewood residents. No more than a pick up load will be accepted from any one residence. 7TH ANNUAL RAKE- A -THON OCTOBER 16TH Minnetonka Community Education & Services is conducting the 7th Annual Rake- A -Thon. October 16th volunteer teams will be available to rake the yards of senior & disabled residents in the city. If you would like to have your yard raked, please call Jan Gray at Minnetonka Community Education & Services 470 -3488 to register. If you are part of a group that would like to volunteer to rake a yard, please call Jan at 470 -3488 to register as a volunteer team. FIRE PREVENTION OPEN HOUSE The Excelsior Fire Department Presents the 1993 Fire Prevention Open House displays and demonstrations by NSP - Electrical Safety Hennepin Cty. Medical Center Burn Unit Ridgeview Ambulance Service Hennepin County Poison Center and much more! Refreshments will be served and it promises to be a fun and educational experience for all ages. TRANSFER STATION AND RECYCLING CENTER New hours of operation at the Transfer Station and Recycling Center in Brooklyn Park and Bloomington for drop off of household hazardous wastes, solid wastes, problem materials, and recyclable materials. Beginning October 5, 1993 Tuesday - Friday 10 am - 6 pm Saturday 8 am - 4 pm Closed Mondays The citizen drop off center is located at 8100 Jefferson Highway, Brooklyn Park, and 1400 w 96th Street, Bloomington. For More information call Hennepin Cty Depart. of Environmental Management: Household Hazardous Wastes: 348 -8984 Problem Materials and Recycling: 348 -6509 SILVERWOOD PARK NEIGHBORHOOD OPEN HOUSE AND MEETING Stop at the park to visit with park commissioners about changes to Silverwood Park plans. Refreshments will be served. Saturday October 9 10 am -2pm (October 16 - rain date) YOUR CHANCE TO HELP "REINVENT GOVERN M ENT" SHOREWOOD CALLS FOR RESIDENTS TO ASSIST IN A COOPERATIVE STUDY The City of Shorewood is working with 14 other Lake Minnetonka Area Cities and the Metropolitan Council to find ways for the cities to more efficiently serve the needs of lake area residents. The three year project will identify alternative methods of providing municipal services. Shorewood residents who are interested in encouraging cooperation among lake area cities are asked to volunteer to serve on an advisory committee to the City Council. The committee will meet perhaps quarterly and may be asked to : • Challenge assumptions throughout the study; • Act as liaison to the City Council; • Review and comment on draft reports; • Continually ask: "What are we doing? and Why? Are there other more effective ways to provide this service ?" • Formally make recommendations for the City Council to investigate further; and • Make joint recommendations for the other cities' advisory committees should service options involve more than one city. Interested Shorewood residents should send a letter to City Hall, 5755 Country Club Road, Shorewood, MN 55331, explaining why you are interested in serving on this Advisory Committee. For additional information, contact City Hall at 474 -3236. NEW CONSTRUCTION IN SHOREWOOD There are currently several housing developments under construction in the City of Shorewood. Spruce Hill, a single family home project off of Yellowstone Trail, is being graded with street and utilities to be completed in 1993. Deer Ridge is a single family development being done in conjunction with the City of Chanhassen. Site grading and utility work are almost complete, and home construction is scheduled for late Fall. The site grading for Boulder Ridge is almost complete, with utility work to start soon. This project is located on Noble Road, and will also be a single family home project. There are also a couple of twinhome and commercial projects being developed in the Old Market Road /Highway 7 area of the City. The Waterford 4th twinhome project has been graded and home construction is currently underway. The Waterford commercial strip is currently being rough graded, though no plans regarding final development have received final approval. Both of these projects are located along Old Market Road, just east of the watertower. A Shorewood resident, Pete Boyer, is developing an elderly housing twinhome project just north of Highway 7 at Old Market Road. The site is currently being graded, and a model home is anticipated late this fall. COUNCIL SETS PRELIMINARY TAX LEVY FOR 1994 AND SETS DATES FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE 1994 BUDGET The City Council adopted a preliminary property tax levy for 1994 of 51,529,200 for general purposes. The levy represents a 2.5% increase over 1993 taxes, which is roughly the rate of real growth in the City for the past year. This preliminary levy sets a ceiling for city taxes in 1994. Over the coming months, the City Council and City staff will review the proposed budget and levy for possible savings and reductions. The City Council has set Truth in Taxation hearings on the proposed 1994 budget and tax levy for public input on Tuesday. November 30 1993 at 7:15 p.m. with a continuation hearing Monday, December 13 1993. at 7:15 p.m. at the City Hall. The final budget and tax levy will be adopted at the second hearing. Residents are encouraged to attend the hearings to have input into the budget making process. RINK ATTENDANTS NEEDED The City of Shorewood is looking for responsible dependable people as skating rink attendants. You must be capable of running a snowblower, shoveling, getting along with people, and maintaining control in a courteous and tactful way. The job will last a maximum of three months (December 15 - March 15). If you are interested stop in at City Hall, 5755 Country Club Road (right behind the Fina Station on County Road 19) and fill out an application. If you wish more information talk to Sue at City Hall or call her at 474 -3236. SKATING RINKS OPEN DECEMBER 15. (If We Have Below Freezing Weather) Three rinks will be in use again this year - Badger Park, Manor Park, and Cathcart Park. They will all be staffed by rink attendants. These attendants are required to follow City regulations so please do as they ask. We welcome your comments regarding our rinks and attendants. Parents .......... again we are asking for your help. Please make arrangements ahead of time to pick up your children at scheduled times. The telephones in the warming houses are for emergency use only. The rink attendant will be busy doing his job, and the telephone is locked up when he is outside. There is a reason for this ... in the past some people have taken advantage of the telephone and made long distance phone calls, charging them to the City. Also, please don't take advantage of the rink attendants as "babysitters ", they are very busy attending to their various duties. Thank you. 1 1 4 L61811NI Monday - Thurs 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm Friday 3:00 pm - 10:30 pm Saturday 9:00 pm - 10:30 pm Sunday 12:00 pm - 9:30 pm u: ' •' NOTE* THERE IS 10:00 PM CITY CURFEW FOR JUVENILES 14 YEARS OLD AND YOUNGER. THEY CANNOT BE AT THE RINK AFTER 10:00 PM UNLESS THEY ARE ACCOMPANIED BY THE JUVENILE'S PARENT, GUARDIAN, OR OTHER ADULT PERSON HAVING AUTHORIZED CARE, CUSTODY OR CONTROL OF SUCH JUVENILE. PLEASE - READ INSTRUCTIONS - THEN TURN CARD OVER AND FILL OUT BOTH SECTIONS. Every dog over the age of 6 months needs to be licensed. Dogs must be licensed by January 1 or 30 days after arrival in the City. The license period shall be for the whole or unexpired portion of the year ending on the ensuing December 31. No license tag shall be issued for a dog unless the owner shall show written evidence that the dog has been inoculated for the prevention of rabies within the past two (2) years. FEES: Fee for Dog License is . . . . . . . . . . $5.00 Late Charge after February 1 . . . . . . . $1.00 Lost Tag Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . $1.00 IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE YOUR LICENSE BY MAIL, PLEASE ADD $ .50 FOR MAILING AND SPECIAL HANDLING. City of Shorewood 5755 Country Club Road Shorewood, MN 55331 474 -3236 SEWER RATES INCREASE FOR 3RD QUARTER, 1993 The City Council, at their meeting held September 27, approved an adjustment in the sewer rate for residential users and commercial users. The new sewer rates are as follows: Residential $54.75 Residential - Low Income $36.50 Residential - Seasonal $27.38 Commercial $65.60 plus $2.30 per 1,000 gallons in excess of 28,500 per quarter New Rate $59.55 $39.70 $29.78 $71.35 plus $2.50 per 1,000 gallons in excess of 28,500 per quarter The new rate will be effective for utility bills mailed the first part of October. This increase reflects higher operating costs incurred by the City of about 3% over the past two years. It also reflects legal and technical costs associated with the City's continuing battle with the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission (MWCC) over huge treatment cost increases to the City for 1991 and 1992. The increased treatment costs have not been passed on to residents through city sewer rates, pending the outcome of negotiations with the MWCC. SUMP PUMP INSPECTIONS TO BEGIN THIS FALL Beginning this Fall, the City of Shorewood will begin a new sump pump inspection program. The program is intended to control inflow of storm and surface water into the sanitary sewer system and to hold the line on sewer charges. Over the next serveral months, every house and business connected to the city sewer system will be inspected to ensure that sump pump discharge and other runoff is being directed to the outside of the structure and not into the sanitary sewer system. While the City Code has always prohibited the discharge of sump water into sanitary sewers, the high increase in sewage flow and the treatment costs charged to the City by the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission in each of the last two years indicate that there are inflow and infiltration problems with the system. Part of this inflow is due to the discharge from sump pumps connected to the sanitary sewer. The program will eliminate these connections and the excess inflow into the system through the inspection of each property having sanitary sewer service. The City will be divided into several zones, with each zone being scheduled for inspections during a specified period of time. A pilot zone will be created and inspections conducted toward the end of October. Other zones will be scheduled for inspections during November, December, January and February. A notice will be mailed to all property owners informing them which zone they are in and when inspections are scheduled. Residents will be responsible for calling the City offices to arrange for an inspection time. After being inspected, any properties found to have sump pump connections to the sewer system will be advised to correct the situation by directing the discharge to the outside of the structure. A follow -up inspection will be made in two weeks to ensure compliance. All properties must be in compliance with the Code by March 1, 1994. Any property owners that do not comply with the City Code will be assessed a $100 per month surcharge, which will be added to quarterly utility bills, and may be subject to further action by the City. Hopefully, through this program, inflows into the sewer system can be controlled and total sewage flows reduced. This will help in keeping sanitary sewer rates under control. SENIOR ALERT Something for everyone at the Southshore Senior Center. If you feel you would enjoy doing volunteer work or would like to meet new people, join one or more of the following programs: • Reading and Discussion Group: 1:00 pm every Monday: Discussion leader, former teacher, Vi Tendall • Choral Singing and Speaking Group: If you enjoy singing, come to this newly formed group. • Lunching With Others: Every Monday, Tuesday and Friday at noon. • Exercise Group: an 8 weeks program. Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10:30 to 11:30 am Cost: $25.00 for series or 53.00 per week. • Line Dancing: Oct. 7, 11:00 am to Noon, 8 weeks. Cost: $20.00 • Flu Shots: Oct. 25, 9:00 to 11:30 am • Card Playing: 500 and Bridge are played Tuesdays and Thursdays in the afternoon. Monthly services are available for blood pressure checks, foot care, and of course shopping trips. For more information call the Southshore Senior Center 474 -7635. PROTECTION FOR YOUR DOG AND YOU Every Dog over the age of six months is required to be licensed. It is illegal for a dog to "run at large ". A dog is "at large" when it is off the property of its owner and not under restraint. RESTRAINT........ A dog is under restraint if it is on the premises of the person harboring or keeping the dog, or if the dog is with the person having custody of it and is effectively restrained by a leash or chain or is within ten feet (10') of the person having custody of it and is obedient to the command of that person. DOG NUISANCE....... It shall be unlawful for any owner to fail to exercise proper care and control of his animals to prevent them from becoming a "public nuisance ". It shall be considered a "a nuisance" for any animal to bark excessively, continuously or untimely, to frequent school ground, parks, or public beaches, to chase vehicles, to molest, annoy or bite any person if such person is not on the property of the owner or custodian of such animal, or to molest, defile or destroy any property, public or private. YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF THE RABIES VACCINATION CERTIFICATE WITH YOUR 1994 DOG LICENSE APPLICATION BELOW. CITY OF SHOREWOOD DOG LICENSE Date Rabies Tag # City Tag # Shot given by Date Address Dog's Name Age Sex Breed Color This Dog is of Dogs in Household Owners Name Address Home Phone # Work # City Tag # Expires Jan 19 Rabies Tag # Date of Shot Dog's Name Amount Paid $ THE LICENSE TAG SHALL BE SECURELY ATTACHED AROUND THE DOG'S NECK AT ALL TIMES DURING THE LICENSE PERIOD. Amt paid $ Check — Cash Taken by I Person Issuing Tag D x r Orono eels o LAKX M INNETON KA St Bo❑ fa cites Green wood CABLE COMMUNICATIONS S hore o Long Lake k Medina COMMISSION Tonka Bay Minnetonka Beach Victoria Minnetrista Woodland Office: (612) 474-5539 Fax: (612) 474 -04430 H R I F Z L Z T T R a? Vol. 2 No.3/FaH 1993 1993 Commissioners Deephaven Dale Moe *Dennis Stanga, AtLarge Excelsior Robert Murphy *James R. Olds, At Large Greenwood Jan Gray Jimmie Wright Long Lake Jim Hartfiel Scott Luse Medina *Ann C. Thies, Secretary Minnetonka Beach Bobbi Abdo Thomas Markle Minnetrista Mary Gessner * Tim Salazar, Cha irman Orono Jo Ellen Hun *Tim Pattrin, Treasurer St. Bonifacius Andrew Weinzierl, Jr. Shorewood * Barbara Brancel, Vice Chair Bob Gagne Spring Park Harlyn Dill Carl Rosen Tonka Bay * Bob Anderson, At Large Jerry Anderson Victoria Susan Hines David Lindgren Woodland Nick Duff Sidney Wear * Executive Committee Gable Commission Staff Administrator Jim Daniels Administrative Assistant Colleen Lindskoog Production Coordinator Greg O'Gorman Ass istantProd. Coordinator Ann Merki COMMISSION ELECTS NEW OFFICERS FOR 1993 -94 The Lake Minnetonka Cable Commission held its annual election of OfficersdExecutive Committee at a recent full Commission r° �M meeting. Selected by vote, for a one year term, were the following Commissioners: Chairman - Tim Salazar, Chairman Tim Salazar (Minnetrista); Vice Chair - Barb Brancel (Shorewood); Secretary - Ann C. Thies (Medina); Treasurer - Tim Pattrin (Orono); At Large - Bob Anderson (Tonka Bay); At Large - Jim Olds (Excelsior); At Large - Dennis Stanga (Deephaven). The Executive Committee meets monthly or at the call of the Chairman to oversee the business of the Cable Commission. GABLE COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS .. . Efforts of the Commission are concentrated in three areas: First is to ensure that the best cost efficient cable service is being offered by Triax, our contract provider, and how this may be affected by new regulations to be issued by the FCC under recently enactea tegisiaiion. oecona is to encourage use of Tom Markle public TV broadcast facilities the Cable Commission Minnetonka Beach supplies to residents, civic bodies, social and other groups. Third is to keep up to date on the many changes taking place in the communications industry as many of its product and delivery systems appear to be overlapping, consolidating or merging. From what I can see, your Cable Commission's staff, lead by it's capable administrator Jim Daniels, is staying on top of these efforts and is looking out for what is best for the 14 communities the Cable Commission serves. VIDEO PROGRAM OF THE QUARTER WATCH THIS! Upon completion of the free video workshops at Channel 21, students are encouraged to delve head first into the field of television production. Recent workshop graduate, Zach Moos, has made no hesitation doing just that. When he wasn't busy this quarter teaching acting and .4m dance at the Children's Theater Company and the Chanhassen Zach Moos Dance and Performing Arts Center, Zach managed to produce an entertaining program on the children at the "Clear Springs Sock Hop" and also produced and directed a two camera shoot at the "Minnesota Talent Search /Talent Showcase" event. He has recently completed his successful variety show "Watch This!" and is also considering the start of a program focused on children's activities in the area. We are happy to have such a motivated person who is willing to spend the extra effort to make community telvision work. Thanks and congratulations Zach!! FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR'S DESK.. Jim Daniels, Administrator W e have received numerous calls from cable subscribers /residents in the five cities (Excelsior, Shorewood, Spring Park, Tonka Bay and Victoria) that cablecast their city council meetings. All calls have been very favorable and many just want to make sure that council coverage continues. The Cable Commission is considering a 1994 budget that will maintain the cablecasting of the five cities currently viewed, and add two potential new cities, for a total of seven. If you are interested in seeing your city council carried on Channel 8, 1 recommend you call your Mayor or City Administrator, They in turn, can take the necessary action required to begin coverage in 1994. As Commission staff, we are very pleased that Channel 8 (Government Access) has turned out to be so successful in it's first phase of activation. STUDIO HOURS ' I Monday ............ 10:00 am - 9:00 pm Tuesday .............1 , 00 pm - 9:00 pm Wednesday. ...... 11:00 am - 9:00 pm Thursday ........... 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm 1 Chann6� Friday ..............10:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday ............ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm 1 Congratulations! To Recent Workshop Class Graduates Chuck Cochran Zach Moos Eunice Lund Ralph Robinson Robert Lund John Sommer Jack VonFeldt WORKSHOP CLASSES are one evening per week at 7:00 P.M. Call 474 -5539 for more information. 1993 FALL SESSION Tuesday, October 5th Tuesday, October 12th Tuesday, October 19th Tuesday, October 26th Tuesday, November 2nd 1994 WINTER SESSION Thursday, January 13th Thursday, January 20th Thursday, January 27th Thursday, February 3rd Thursday, February 10th CONGRESSMEN RAMSTAD AND GRAMS MAKE SECOND PROGRAM ON CHANNEL 21 w Congressman Jim Ramstad and Chairman Tim Salazar, Minnetrista Cable Commission Chairman, Tim Salazar met on camera with both U.S. Congressmen Jim Ramstad and Rod Grams. The Congressmen have been to the Channel 21 studio twice since the current session of Congress began in January 1993. In the interview with Chairman Salazar, both Congressmen mentioned that anyone interested in the issues being debated, should call their office and share some comments/ opinions with their staff. Congressman Jim Ramstad 881 -4600 Congressman Rod Grams 427 -5921 CHANNEL NEL 21 1 " TOA TIN 11 We're not talking browned bagels here! We're talking serious video production. The 'Video Toaster' is a state of the art video workstation, producing sharp graphics, eye popping transitions and amazing 3D animation, all with comparable quality to network television. Our Excelsior studio now has one online. This welcome addition expands the creative potential for our producers tremendously, allowing them to spice up their work in an almost infinite amount of ways. Stop by the studio and check out our incredible 'Toaster', but leave your frozen waffles at home. "COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT" CAN PROMOTE YOUR EVENT This thirty minute program, hosted by LeAnn Smith, talks about events /activities in the fourteen communities represented by the Lake Minnetonka Cable Commission. If you or your group are interested in becoming a guest on the show, call Greg O'Gorman at 474 -5539 at least sixty days before the happening takes place. In the meantime, watch Channel 21 for the current "Community Spotlight" program. This newsletter is published by the Lake Minnetonka Cable Commission 540 Second Street, Excelsior, MN 55331 Our goal is to promote community involvement in local cable programming. CITY OF SHOREWOOD CITIZEN INFORMER SUMMER 1993 OPEN, DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT IS ENHANCED BY AN INFORMED POPULACE SHOREWOOD CONSIDERS SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS TO FINANCE RECONSTRUCTION OF CITY STREETS A well constructed and maintained city street should normally last 40 to 45 years before it needs to be rebuilt. But much of Shorewood has soft and wet soils which are very poor for road construction and this can reduce the life expectancy. Many of Shorewood's streets are quite old. They were torn up in the early 1970's when city -wide sanitary sewer was installed. The streets were put back in generally the same condition as they were prior to the sewer installation. General maintenance done during the life of a street is considered to be seal coating, patching and overlaying (putting a layer on top of the current street). Beyond maintenance, streets are reconstructed or rebuilt when they structurally falter or break up to the point that patching is not cost effective. They are also rebuilt when public safety becomes a concern or when another layer of asphalt will raise the street level to the point of causing water runoff problems. City policy is for new streets to be installed at the expense of the developer or land owner, with maintenance functions completed at the expense of all city property tax payers. But the question before the city is how to pay for the reconstruction of existing streets. STREETS RECONSTRUCTION continued page 3: CITIZEN SATISFACTION SURVEY COMPLETED provided in the accompanying charts and you are welcome Inserted in the last quarter City newsletter was a to stop by City Hall to see the full results. City Service Evaluation questionnaire. The intent of this survey was to learn resident's thoughts on how we are doing our job. Well over 400 residents took the time to return the survey. We thank you for your response! This "base of information" will be used to set goals for improvement. We then intend to resur- vey in 1994 to see if our efforts have raised favorable perceptions of our efforts to provide City services. It should be recognized that the results are a summa- tion of the opinions of those who returned the survey. It is not a scientific sample. Just the same, the results will be very helpful in setting improvement objectives for the coming year. A brief summary is SUMMARY OF 1993 SURVEY Rating by Service User Excellent to Good Fair to Poor Fire Service 97% 3% Recycling Program 93% 7% Snow Removal 88% 12% Police Service 87% 13% Administration 87% 13% Building Inspections 74% 26% City Assessor 74% 26% Maintenance of Streets 59% 41% Animal Control 41% 59% continued on page 2 a n n n~ L14 c `� ;� `°.•fib �� Q,n �-� O° O� � �� �Oh ro a Er lb rb D C 4 c "R ct a c rb c a C1 CD CD CD a � � a m � o n co z a` CD CE. c "• Q" p ° CD � x Al CD y y CD CD o `' e y Q w CD 2. g CIO q CqD �. M o CD CD cr CD b CD o�" CD n n °° b Z O N o p. o p O w p , CD `G U v C 0 W Q a 0 L fA cot 0 Q U U ti I.. 0 o � � SEVERE WEA THER WARNING SYSTEM The South Lake area has five outdoor warning sirens to warn citizens to take action for their personal safety. Severe weather is one reason the sirens may be sounded. They could also be used for a hazardous materials incident, a nuclear accident, war, or other such events. It is vitally important that persons react properly. Unless the reason for the siren sounding is obvious, you should turn on your radio or television to determine what action you should take. For instance, in the event of a hazardous mate- rials incident, taking shelter in the lowest portion of a structure could ac- tually endanger the resident. The proper action is to evacuate the area. This information would be made available by the public media. The most common use is to warn citizens of severe weather in general, and tornado warnings in particular. However everyone must realize that the outdoor warning sirens are just for that purpose - outdoor warning. They are not designed nor intended as an indoor warning. Unless a resident lives very close to the siren, they can not expect it to warn them while they are in their home. The proper method of indoor warning is a weather alert radio. These can be purchased at local electronic stores or the electronics department of larger stores. The purchaser should make sure they are buying a radio that is set off by the Weather Bureau alert tones. Some weather radios are not so equipped, but merely provide weather when turned on by an individual. SUMMARY OF SURVEY continued from page 1 Rating of General Satisfaction Satisfied Dissatisfied or Somewhat Satisfied Park Maintenance 92% 8% Feeling Safe in my Neighborhood 88 0 /6 12 0 /6 Televised City Council Meetings 87% 13% Condition of Hiking & Biking Trails 86 0 /6 14 1 /6 Cleanliness of Streets 75% 25% Condition of Streets in General 60 1 /9 40 9 /6 Amount of Street Lighting 59 0 10 41% Physical Condition of my Street 55% 45% DON'T DRINK WATER FROM THE LAKE! Occasionally it is reported to the City that there may still be residents who use lake water as the principal source of water supply for their homes. The Shorewood City Code specifi- cally prohibits the use of lake water for such purposes: "No source of domestic water supply shall be from sur- face waters (i.e. lakes, streams, ponds, etc.) nor from any wa- ter bearing formation less than one hundred feet (100') from the natural ground surface." Even if you have your water periodically tested, there is a risk that contaminants such as chemical fertilizers, motor oils, weed killers (e.g. milfoil treat- ment), to name a few, will find their way into your system. It is the law and is in force to pro- tect the health of Shorewood residents. Please call the City Planning Department if you have any question at 474 -3236. SOUTH LAKE PUBLIC SAFETY STRICTLY ENFORCE TRESPASSING STATUTE At the request of several Excel- sior businesses, South Lake Police will begin referring all trespassing complaints for prosecution. The action has been necessitated be- cause of the actions of persons in several areas of the business dis- trict who allegedly harass or block customers, and who may also use profanity towards those property owners who ask them to leave. South Lake Minnetonka Public Safety Department Police Officers will begin identifying violators and referring them for prosecu- tion. They remind potential violators that the law is broken when they refuse to leave when asked to do so by the person in control of the property, not when police arrive. Even if they leave after police arrive, the violation has already taken place and they will be referred for prosecution. MTC BUS ROUTES AVAILABLE TO SHOREWOOD RESIDENTS For Shorewood residents looking for an efficient way to commute to downtown Minneapolis, the Met- ropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) provides three bus routes, Route 70, and 71 to serve the main area of Shorewood and Route 75 to serve the Islands. Here is some basic information on how to use the service. ROUTE 70 Route 70 provides service from Shorewood, Orono, Tonka Bay, Excelsior, Minnetonka, Hopkins and St. Louis Park to downtown Minneapolis. This route runs along County Road 19 and Highway 7 in Shorewood and be- comes an express route after the intersection of Highway 169 and I -394. This route makes two inbound trips to Minneapolis in the morning and another one in the afternoon. As for trips from Minneapolis back to Shorewood, there is one in the morning and two in the afternoon. ROUTE 71 Route 71 provides service from Shorewood, Excelsior, Minnetonka, and Deephaven. In Shorewood, Route 71 runs along Minnetonka Boulevard. This route provides express service from the Plymouth Road Transit Center along I -394 to downtown Minneapolis. Route 71 makes inbound trips to Minneapolis between 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and outbound trips to Shorewood between 6:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. During peak hours, 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., there is a 30 minute wait between each trip. During the rest of the day, there is a 60- minute trip frequency. Riders can get on the bus either at designated stops, or by flagging the bus down anywhere along the route where it is safe for the bus to stop. Both of these routes also stop at the Park - and -Ride lot in Excelsior at Water Street and Second Street. THE ISLANDS - ROUTE 75 Island residents are served by MTC Route 75, along County Road 110, 15, and 125 through Mound and Spring Park. The closest Park and Rides are County Road 15 near the Mound Post Office and at Spring Park Marina Center. Service is provided throughout the day, seven days a week. FARES Fares for the service are $1.60. Since Route 71 and 75 operate at non -peak times, the fare drops to $1.35 for midday and evening trips. Riders interested in receiving specific route maps and schedules, including information on transferring to other routes, can call the regional transit information center at 827 -7733, (341 -0140 TTY). For same -day computerized bus information, call 341 -4BUS. FIREFIGHTERS FUNDRAISER DANCE The Excelsior Fire Department is having the An- nual Firelighters' ReliefAssociation Fundraiser Dance on Friday July 23, 1993 from 8.00 pm until Midnight. Food and beverages will be served. Come and enjoy Brats, Hot Dogs, Pop, Beer, Ice Cream, Popcorn and wear your dancing shoes. Tickets may be purchased at the door for a .8'5.00 donation. TWIN ItCITIES TREE TRUST AREA YOUTH TO BENEFIT LOCAL PARKS Area young people are working on improvement pro- jects around Shorewood this summer through the Summer Youth Employment and Training Program directed by Twin Cities Tree Trust. The youth program provides worthwhile employment for economically disadvantaged and handicapped youth. Tree Trust, established in 1976 to reforest public properties devastated by Dutch elm disease, has provided employment opportunities for over 16,000 youth in over 70 municipalities in Anoka, Dakota, Scott, Washington and suburban Ramsey and Hennepin Coun- ties. The types of projects have expanded over the years to include landscaping, construction and other park improve- ment projects that provide significant, lasting benefits to communities. Since participation is usually the youth's first work experience, the program stresses basic job skills: atten- dance, teamwork, safety, proper use of equipment and the importance of a job well done. They work in crews under the close supervision of a trained crew chief. In Shorewood crews are working on a small wooden landing/deck at the rear doors to the City Council cham- bers. They will then begin to build a bridge over the ditch at the east side of Badger Park and create a trail into the wooded area. In addition, they hope to be able to fit in grubbing of the family area at Freemen Park and planting in Silverwood Park after a planting plan is completed. This program seems flexible enough to schedule other projects later in the summer. The youth employment programs of Tree Trust are funded by Federal and State youth employment funds and by donations to Tree Trust from local private foundations and corporations. STREETS continued from page 1 In May, 1992 the Shorewood City Council ap- pointed a Task Force of city residents to review street reconstruction needs and funding options. They were also charged with developing a method to match projected revenues with needs and proposing a fair and equitable method of financing the reconstruction. The Task Force determined that the only two feasible funding sources are from the property taxes you pay to the City and from special assessments to the property owners directly benefitting from the project. The method of paying for future street reconstruc- tion is of concern to the City Council. As our city's streets begin to break up at a faster pace, many will need to be rebuilt with a better road base. Following intensive study, the Citizen Task Force concluded that "...replacing streets on a 40 year cycle would be a tremendous drain on the City's General Fund ". Their final conclusion and recommendation was that an assessment procedure be established for the reconstruction of streets and that... "the special assess- ment rate be established at 33% of the cost of a stan- dard 24 foot street with a rural cross section (no curb and gutter)." The special assessment rate would be the same no matter the width or design of the street. It would be adjusted every year to accurately reflect costs. The end result of the proposal is that the property owners adjacent to and benefitting from a street recon- struction project will pay for one -third the cost of a typical 24 foot street project when their street is recon- structed. This cost will be spread over a number of years on their property tax bill. General property taxes are used to pay the remainder of the project costs.This approach will provide funds to reconstruct streets as their "life" ends without significant increases in city- wide property taxes. The City Council is interested in your thoughts on the Task Force recommenda- tions. These recommendations are before the Council in the form of a Special Assessment Ordinance. The proposed ordinance is avail- able for public inspection at City Hall. The City Council will hold a public information meeting at 8:00 p.m. Monday, July 26,1993 in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 5755 Country Club Road. Your input is important! This recommendation was based on a number of factors: • Using only general property tax dollars results in high valued properties paying a disproportionately higher portion of street improvement costs. • Some form of special assessments to pay for street improvements is very standard among Minnesota municipalities. • A public hearing is required to levy special assess- ments. This gives the property owner a formal way to offer input into the reconstruction of the street. • There is a fairness argument. Should a resident who just paid for a new street and pays for all city street maintenance be required to fully pay for all street reconstruction projects through general property taxes as well? ANIMAL CONTROL IN SHOREWOOD The City of Shorewood contracts with the City of Chanhassen for 10 hours of animal control per week. The patrol that is done is based upon those complaints we receive from citizens. Some of the most commonly asked questions are: 1. Why don't you ever patrol my neighborhood? The patrol done by the animal control officers is based on those areas we get complaints from. Don't hesit- ate to call with any problem. 2. I'm having problems with raccoons in my yard, can you help us? The wildlife policy for animal control is this: We would prefer not to interfere with na- ture, but if there is a life or property endangerment occurring, we will suggest methods of control, and may even remove the animal for you. Continued on page 4 SOUTHSHORE SENIOR CENTER NEWS The conceptual drawings for the proposed Senior /Community Center have been completed. The Task Force has offered many ideas and directions to the architects in developing the plan. They now have, on the drawing board, a building that is aesthetically pleas- ing and extremely functional. The plans were unveiled at the recent 'Blue Plate Special" fundraising event and are available at the City Offices. The Task Force will continue to work on this project throughout the summer. Bob Gagne chairs the group and he, along with Shorewood resident Gerry Sjoberg, represent your city on this Task Force. Both men are willing to answer any questions you might have. Call the Southshore Center 474 -7635 if you wish to talk with them. CENTER HAPPENINGS A new Choral Group is forming under the direction of the founder of the Symphoknolls, Isora Iverson. If you enjoy singing and would like to join a group of older adults who share this interest, call the Centerfor more information, 474 -7635. The group will begin re- hearsal this fall. The Shorewood Park Commission is very pleased with the cooperation and support of organized sports and civic organizations in our efforts to improve Shorewood parks with minimal impact on property taxes. The com- mission will be asking businesses, homeowners asso- ciations, civic groups and individuals as well, to help with those continuing efforts to provide quality park facilities. Animal Control continued from page 3 3. What happens to my animal if it is picked up? All impounded animals are impounded at the Chan- hassen Vet Clinic. The animals are kept for (7) seven days at which time the animal, if healthy, is put up for adoption. 4. Who do we call if we are having a problem with an animal? You may call the City of Chanhassen at 937 -1900, extension 3, during the hours of 8:00 - 4:30, Monday through Friday. After hours and weekends the animal control officer can be reached by calling our digital pager # 649 -6662. We are on call 24 hours a day for emergencies. If you ever have any questions regarding animal problems, both domestic or wild, please call the City of Chanhassen Public Safety Department. CONGRATULATIONS SOUTH TONKA LITTLE LEAGUE! The South Tonka Little League has constructed a conces- sion stand /storage building at Freeman Park between fields #1 and #2 at no cost to the City. The League has worked closely with the City of Shorewood to make the park more "user friendly ". THANK YOU SOUTHSHORE SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION! The Southshore Softball Association continues its finan- cial support of Freeman Park with a $3000.00 donation this spring. Civic organizations such as Tonka Men's Club and the American Legion Post # 259 also have a history of being very supportive of Shorewood parks and sports groups. Yard Waste Management • Leave grass clippings on your lawn instead of bagging them. Us them as mulch around trees,and shrubs and other perennials. • Compost your leaves and grass. Composting is an easy and environmentally sound way to manage your yard waste; call the Minnesota Extension Service at 542 -1420 for more information. • Have brush and tree waste chipped, or rent a chip- per. Use the chips around plants. • Take brush and tree waste to the Hennepin Coun- ty Tree Site in Maple Grove (call 348 -6509 for directions). Ex cels or L MIN E TCNKA St. B n fa cl u s Green wood Lon Lake C LE COMMUNICATIONS spring Shrew Medina COMMISSION Tonka Bay Minnetonka Beach Victoria Minnetrista Woodland Office: (612) 474-5539 Fax: (612) 474 -04 0 � R\ NEWS LETTE Vol. 2 NO. 21Sumner 1993 1-993 Commissioners Deephaven Dale Moe * Dennis Stanga Excelsior Robert Murphy *James R. Olds Greenwood Jan Gray Jimmie Wright Long Lake Jim Hartfiel Scott Luse Medina *Ann C. Thies Minnetonka Beach Bobbi Abdo Thomas Markle Minnetrista Mary Gessner * Tim Salazar Orono * Tim Pattrin St Bonifacius Andrew Weinzierl, Jr. Shorewood * Barbara Brancel Bob Gagne Spring Park Harlyn Dill Carl Rosen Tonka Bay Bob Anderson Jerry Anderson Victoria Susan Hines David Lindgren Woodland Nick Duff Sidney Wear * Executive Committee Cable Commission Staff Administrator Jim Daniels Administrative Assistant Colleen Lind skoog Production Coordinator Greg O'Gorman B C ELE RAVES TO COME UNDER REGULATORY CON TR CL On April 1, 1993, the FCC took the "first step" in initiating the process that will control the cost of "basic" service to cable subscribers. This rate regulation will not apply to premium channels (HBO, Showtime, Disney, etc.) or pay- per -view. On April 5, 1993 a "rate freeze" took place for a period of 120 days, while the new rules are implemented. LeAnn Smith activities. to put guest out pertinent to have such programming LeAnn!! VIDEO PROGRAM OF THE QUARTER COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Since joining "Community Spotlight" in January 1992, co- producer and host LeAnn Smith has been an integral part of the success of this program. The eleven shows produced in this time have featured a variety of local public service organizations and LeAnn has consistantly demonstrated the ability s at ease and her interviewing technique brings and interesting information. We are fortunate a talented and dedicated person making quality at our studio. Thanks and congratulations, FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR'S DESK.. . Jim Daniels, Administrator This has been a very busy quarter with cable related legislation both State and Federal, new Channel 21 programs, the activation of Channel 8 and speaking to various business and social groups about the FCC regulations as stipulated in the Congressional legislation known as S.12. The FCC has ruled in the best interest of subscribers, regarding rates, customer service and subscriber complaints. This favorable action is directly attributable to your Lake Minnetonka Cable Commission and the fourteen city councils that are represented in the Joint Powers Agreement. If you are interested in more details, you may call the Cable Commission office (474 -5539) during business hours. 1 STUDIO HOURS Monday ............ 10:00 am - 9:00 pm i Tuesday .............1:00 pm - 9:00 pm 1 Wednesday ....... 10:00 am - 9:00 pm 1 wti Thursday ........... 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm ' Friday ..............10:00 am - 6:00 pm channel Saturday ............ 9 *00 am - 2 pm Congr atulations! To Recent Workshop Class Graduates Bob Anderson Elizabeth Olson Jason Becker Jackie Sazenski Jeremy Gavin Greg Sochko Paul Logelin Donald Weiser WORKSHOP CLASSES are one evening per week at 7:00 P.M. Call 474 -5539 for more information. 1993 SUMMER SESSION 1993 FALL SESSION Thursday, July 8th Thursday, July 15th Thursday, July 22nd Thursday, July 29th Thursday, August 5th Thursday, August 12th Thursday, August 19th Tuesday, October 5th Tuesday, October 12th Tuesday, October 19th Tuesday, October 26th Tuesday, November 2nd Tuesday, November 9th Tuesday, November 16th CONGRESSMAN ROD GRAMS VISITS CHANNEL 21 THREE CHANNEL 21 PROGRAMS NAMED AT COMMUNITY TELE VISION AWARDS Three LMCCC studio programs received finalist awards at the Annual Minnesota Community Television Awards. Honored were: "Let's Explore Excelsior" produced by the Excelsior Elementary School; "Seniors Corner" produced by Jan Gray of Minnetonka Community Education and Services; and "Where Are They Now" produced by Jan Haugen. This yearly event recognizes the valuable public service performed by those who produce excellent local cable television programs. This newsletter is published by the Lake Minnetonka Cable Commission 540 Second Street, Excelsior, MN 55331 Our goal is to promote community involvement in local cable programming. - jaded pop Sow uo palupd si jolpis,aau sigZ .rol eilsiuiuipd X 1i0 `tuinH - O saumf `SIMP - 1 uEQ `S1.iaqi?nuQ go2l `.zanotS !ISLT- `uosuag aanig joAB W `taou 'eig gjug sx)gwoW pounoO pooMalogs 30 , 11D IfffS* MW `2I0IS7YOX7 8ZI #ILIW2Idd aivd .79 6'.LSOd S Y2 d.L Yff x7f ff SHOREWOOD WINTER CALENDAR October 23 - -- Fall Yardwaste Clean Up November 22 -- No Council Meeting Nov 25 & 26 -- Thanksgiving Holiday City offices closed November 30 -- Public Hearing for 1994 Budget December 20 & 31 School Vacation Skating Rinks Open (weather permitting) December 23 -- Christmas Holiday City offices close at noon December 24 -- City Offices closed December 27 -- No Council Meeting December 31 -- New Year Holiday City offices closed • City Council meetings are the second and fourth Monday of each month • Planning Commission meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of each month. • Park Commission meetings are the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. • Recycling pick -ups are scheduled every Wednesday (Tuesday on the Islands). Your recyclables must be curbside by 7 a.m. • Watch the Sun Sailor Newspaper for any changes in calendar dates. •0121AAFIA(l 9£Z£ Q19) i££SS XW `QOOMfl210HS CfVO'd gfllO R2i.LNflOO SSLS QOOMEMOHS AO A110 SHOREWOOD TO FLUSH WATERMAINS During the month of October fire hydrants in the City of Shorewood will be opened to flush out accumulated minerals in the watermains. To avoid drawing discolored water into your own system, the City requests that you refrain from major water use activities during this time. Check for water clarity prior to doing laundry. After flushing is completed in your area, residents are advised to let the cold water taps (preferably outside faucets) run until discoloration is cleared from your individual service lines. The flushing schedule is as follows: Boulder Bridge and Shorewood Oaks ........... Oct 4th - 9th Amesbury Area .......... Oct 11 th - 13th Woodhaven and Badger Well Areas ............. Oct 14th - 16th Southeast Area .......... Oct 18th - 23th