July2009City Open House July 15
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Recycling
2
Commission Opening
2
Find it on the Web
3
Garden Programs...........
3
Council Activities
3
Fireworks Safety............
4
Fire Department Dance
4
Night to Unite
4
Park Programs
5
Planning Activities
6
Road Update
6
THE CITY HALL RENOVATION is complete. Landscaping around the building will be in progress
throughout the summer. To celebrate the newly remodeled building, residents are invited to attend
an Open House scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, from 5 - 7 PM. This event is for the entire family!
Activities include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, refreshments, prize drawings, and tours of the
renovated building. Residents will also have an opportunity to view and comment on the proposed
park design changes for all of the Shorewood Parks. We look forward to seeing you July 15!
Johnson Retires After 35 Years
LONG-TIME PUBLIC WORKS employee Dennis Johnson retired from the r 4 D
city in February after over 35 years of service. Dennis started his I "Ii
career with Shorewood as a Public Works employee in January, 1974.
During his career with Shorewood, Dennis had 3 Public Works Directors
and 7 Administrators, and worked with 22 public works employees. He
has always been a resident of the city he served, and is still living and
working in the community. He now spends his time enjoying friends,,
gardening, riding his motorcycle and running a bobcat business with "
his nephew.
According to fellow public works employee Dan Randall, Dennis never
complained about his work, no matter how small or how big the job. It is rare to have employees
with such a long tenure, and Dennis' service to the city is greatly appreciated. City staff would like
to join fellow community members in offering Dennis wishes of good luck and fun times in his
retirement adventure!
Sprinkling Restrictions in Effect
LAWN WATERING USES a significant portion of our water supply. It is important that residents and
businesses follow the city's Watering Ordinance. This allows Shorewood's water system not only
an adequate opportunity to replenish the supply in the city's water storage tanks, but also ensures
there is enough water for all uses, some of which include vital services such as firefighting. The
city's ordinance states that residents and businesses can water before 11 AM and after 4:30 PM.
Fees for violating the water use restrictions are determined by the number of water restriction
violations issued to the owner and are as follows:
• First offense - $50
• Each additional offense - $25 fee increase (e.g. 2nd violation $75, 3rd violation $100, etc.)
Water Use Restrictions are enforced from May Ist to September 30th and violators will be fined.
No warnings are given for violation of the watering restrictions.
EXEMPTIONS - Private wells are exempt from the City ordinance; however, the City encourages
homeowners to conserve their own water resources during peak daytime hours. Activities such as
play toys, car washing, and hand watering offlower beds
are also exempt, as long as the activity is attended.
Artists Sought for
City Hall Display
S HOREWOOD IS SEEKING qualified local artists to
be considered on a rotating basis for its public
art program at city hall. Ideally, your art should define
our community, promote social interaction, bring
arts into everyday life, and memorialize the past
while inspiring our future. By showcasing work of
local artists, the newly renovated city hall provides a
visual landscape for local art. Please contact city
hall at 952.474.3236 for more information, or
email cityhall@ci.shorewood.mn.us.
Meetings and
Events
7/3
HOLIDAY. CITY OFFICES CLOSED
7/7
7:00 PM
Planning Comm. Meeting
7/11
8-10 AM
Coffee with the Mayor
7/13
7:00 PM
City Council Meeting
7/14
7:00 PM
Park Comm. Meeting
7/15
5-7 PM
City Hall Open House
7/21
7:00 PM
Planning Comm. Meeting
7/27
7:00 PM
City Council Meeting
Meeting agendas and approved minutes can
be found on the city web site,
www. d.shorewood.mn. us.
THE SHORE REPORT I JULY 2009
Reduce,
~eZ~Se~
Recycle
Final Weeks for Recycling Input
THE RECYCLING SURVEY LINK posted on the web site will be open through July 15
and all residents are encouraged to share their opinion before we begin plans for
our new contract beginning in January of 2010. Go to www.ci.shorewood.mn.us, and
click on the Recycling Survey link in the recycling section. If you would like a hard
copy of the the survey, please contact Julie, 952.960.7906. Thank you for your input!
Curbside Recycling Reminders
WHEN RECYCLING CURBISDE, remember that at this time only #1 (PET) and #2
(HDPE) plastic bottles are recyclable. This does not include such containers as
cottage cheese and yogurt, or molded bakery trays such as those that cookies from the
grocery store bakery might be sold in. Currently the recycling contractors in Minnesota
do not have a vendor for large quantities of these plastics. As local drop-off locations
for these are found, we will post them on the city web site under the recycling section.
If you have questions about where you can recycle various items, check www. earth911.
org, or contact Julie Moore at 952.960.7906 for assistance.
Lawn Tips for Water Conservation
Interesting Fact: "For every I% that you increase your soil's organic matter, you
increase the water absorption capacity by 16,000 gallons of plant-available water
per acre, down to one foot deep" (EPA).
• Pick plants that make your gardening easier.
When choosing plants and flowers for your
yard, try to use native plants because they tend
to adapt better to the surrounding environment
and have evolved to be more resistant to local
diseases and pests.
• Add compost to the top layer of your lawn
to make the most out of each drop of water.
Compost increases the amount of water
absorbed.
• In addition to curbing weed growth, placement of mulch over a plant's roots will
save water and inhibit moisture evaporation.
• To save water, it is crucial to find out exactly what your lawn requires so as not to
over-do a good thing. Listen to your grass and follow the watering indicators it gives
you rather than just watering the same day each week. If your grass is lacking its
luster or holds onto your footprints after you walk across it, now is the time to water.
• Soaker hoses offer an alternative to sprinklers and conserve up to 50% more water.
• Use an outdoor water timer to ensure that you are watering correctly and only when
necessary for healthier plants and less wasted water.
• When using a sprinkler to water your lawn, make sure that you are watering only
your lawn and not your driveway.
• The early morning is the best time to water as evaporation increases throughout the
afternoon, and evening watering could lead to mold or plant diseases.
• Direct the run-off from gutters into your lawn so it will be absorbed rather than
streaming into storm water systems
• Lawns need only about one inch of water a week to stay green in the summer, so be
consious of this fact, especially if your area is in the midst of a drought.
For more great organic lawn and garden care tips, go to www.safelawns.org and take
the million acre challenge!
Planning
Commission
Opening
THE SHOREWOOD PLANNING
Commission has one opening for
a resident to serve through February,
2012. The commission serves as an
advisory board to the city council and
meets the first and third Tuesdays of each
month at 7 PM in the council chambers at
city hall. Questions about the role of a
commissioner can be answered by calling
City Hall at 952.474.3236.
To apply for the position, please submit
a letter of interest as soon as possible to:
Brian Heck, City Administrator
City of Shorewood
5755 Country Club Road
Shorewood, MN 55331
Fax: 952.474.0128
Email: cityhall@ci.shorewood.mn.us
www.ci.shorewood.mmus
2
Free Garden Classes
F YOU WOULD LIKE TO learn how to grow your
Iown vegetables and herbs through sustainable
and organic gardening techniques, stop by the
2009 Demonstration Garden Project, South Shore
Community Park, 5355 St. Alban's Bay Road in
Shorewood. Free classes are on the 2nd and 4th
Sundays of the month from 3-5 PM.
Upcoming Classes:
July 12 CONTAINER GARDENING (off site-TBD; check city web site)
July 26 REFRESHER OF how to prepare the soil, how to choose plants and
planting, watering and mulching (lessons 1-3)
August 9 WHEN THINGS GO WRONG
August 23 SUPPORT STRUCTURES
September 13 SUCCESSION SOWING / GARDEN DESIGN
September 27 HARVEST CELEBRATION / POT LUCK
October 11 EXTENDING THE SEASON, PUTTING THE GARDEN TO BED
Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 - 11 AM, members of the gardening team will be on
site doing gardening chores and are available to recap and discuss the previous bi-weekly
lesson, answer questions and dole-out gardening chores for a hands-on experience!
For more information contact the garden team via city hall at tgrout@ci.shorewood.
mn.us or call Twila at 952.960.7902.
Shorewood Prairies Progress Update
P RAIRIE PROSPCTs next to the Shorewood water tower and by the northeast entrance of
Freeman Park are developing slower than expected due to unusually dry conditions
last summer and this March, but the new plants are emerging, and our staff prairie guru
Joe Pazandak is keeping a close eye on the progress!
According to Joe, there might be some repair work needed next spring, but many
areas are doing well considering the conditions for the first full summer of growth.
Generally, the dried grasses from the previous year would cover the ground until new
growth emerges. This year, the areas did not have the benefit of last season's growth.
Keep watching! Joe is hopeful that we will be enjoying some beautiful prairie color
yet this fall!
Prairie grasses planted on these sites will be more sustainable in dryer conditions as
they mature, and will save the city dollars and manpower in mowing and maintenance.
If you have questions about the prairie project, feel free to contact Joe Pazandak at
the City of Shorewood, 952.960.7907.
Living With Wildlife
THE CITY OF SHOREWOOD Is lucky to be home to
some great wildlife, but at times the wildlife can
become a nuisance or safety concern. Coyote, turkey,
deer, and other animals can coexist with residents if a
few precautions are taken. One thing to be very careful E-1 i
about is feeding the wildlife. Many animals must rely on
their natural instincts to hunt. This instinct is interrupted ' -
when food is set out for the animals. This is especially
common when feeding deer.
For information and guidelines on living with wildlife, check the Minnesota DNR
website, www. dar mn. us, and type in Living With Wildlife, or type in the specific animal
you are concerned about. If you have additional questions about wildlife, contact the
DNR at 651.296.6157.
THE SHORE REPORTIJULY 2009
Council
Activities
Since the last newsletter the
City Council:
• Awarded contract for 2009 street mill
and overlay.
• Heard the 2008 audit from Andrew
Berg, CPA, of Abdo, Eick and Meyers,
LLP.
• Heard presentations from representatives
of Minnetonka Community Education
and Lake Minnetonka Conservation
District.
• Adopted a resolution authorizing
the summary publication of the
Administrative Enforcement ordinance.
• Accepted the feasibility studies for
Harding Lane, Harding Avenue and
Smithtown Lane.
• Approved funds to re-sign intersections
on Smithtown Road. This signing will
make all intersection signs compliant
with 2011 regulations.
• Directed staff to draft an amendment to
the sign ordinance to allow signs inside
the Freeman Park ballfield fencing
during the 2009 season.
• Authorized staff to prepare a lease
agreement between the City of
Shorewood and Southshore Community
Center for a period of three years.
• Authorized staff to begin contract
negotiations with Community Rec
Resources for Southshore Community
Center management services.
• Directed staff to establish an art
committee to assist with an Art on
the Walls program to have artwork
displayed on loan in city hall.
On the Web
S HOREWOOD IS HOME to several
beautiful parks, many of which
have shelters and ballfields available for
your special event. To find out the many
things Shorewood parks has to offer, or
to download a picnic shelter reservation
form, go to the city web site and look
under the Parks tab!
www.ci.shorewood.mn.us
THE SHORE REPORT I JULY 2009
Minnesota's Night To Unite
ALTHOUGH MOST SOUTH LAKE area residents feel safe
from criminal activity, crime does occur in this area. J
One of the best ways to keep it from affecting you and
your neighbors is to get to know each other.
Minnesota's Night To Unite (MNTU) provides an
excellent opportunity for neighbors to become better N 1GHT to ,_.,i I C:
acquainted. Cities and neighborhoods celebrate MNTU Neighbors Joining Together
with a variety of evening events and activities, such as
block parties, cookouts, and visits from the police and fire departments. MNTU is an
effective, inexpensive and enjoyable way to promote neighborhood spirit and police-
citizen partnerships in the fight to keep our communities safe.
The South Lake Minnetonka Police Department encourages you to organize a Night
To Unite activity in your neighborhood on the evening of Tuesday, August 4. Members
of the SLMPD are making themselves available to stop by these activities to answer
questions, provide you with crime prevention tips, and get to know each other.
Please contact Community Service Supervisor David Hohertz at 952.474.3261 to
have SLMPD officers attend your event.
Fireworks Safety
THE ExCELSIOR FIRE DISTRICT wants you and your family to be safe on the 4th of
July, and anytime you choose to use fireworks. It is important for residents to
understand fireworks laws and be informed of safety precautions that are imperative
to practice when using legal fireworks.
Firecrackers of any size, bottle rockets, roman candles, and parachutes
are just some fireworks that are not legal in Minnesota.
Examples of legal fireworks include sparklers, cones, and
>tubes that emit sparks, novelty items like snakes, and
parry poppers. You must be 18 with aphoto identification
+ yj to purchase fireworks.
Use fireworks only with close adult supervision
Read and understand fireworks instructions.
KEEP FIREWORKS AWAY FROM CHILDREN. Sparklers
alone burn at 2000°F.
• Never place any part of your body over a fireworks device. Approach and light
from the side. Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or on your person.
• NEVER aim or throw fireworks at a person, animal, building, or vehicle.
• Stay away from a failed fireworks device for an extended amount of time. Never
re-light a failed device and always soak in water before handling.
• When using fireworks use common sense, courtesy, and respect those around
you.
If you have any questions, a complete list of legal and non-legal fireworks, information
on storage and transportation of fireworks, and safety guidelines can be obtained on
Minnesota State Fire Marshal's web site, www.fire.state. mn.us, or call 651.215.0500.
Parents should be aware that certain fireworks are banned in
Minnesota because they look similar to food products: Dragon
Eggs look like wrapped chocolate candy kisses and Cracker Balls
look like breakfast cereal. During June and July of 2008 over 650
fireworks related injuries were reported in Minnesota hospitals.
The Excelsior Fire District suggests the following
fireworks safety guidelines:
Excelsior
Firefighters
25th Annual
Dance
Friday, July 17
5 P.M. to Midnight;
8 p.m., music by
The Killer Hayseeds
Free Admission!
THE POPULAR FIRE DEPARTMENT dance
is just around the corner. Music this
year is by The Killer Hayseeds, one of
the finest Pop Country bands playing in
the Midwest today. Their playlist includes
the Eagles, Alabama, the Charlie Daniels
band, and some very popular Killer
Hayseeds originals.
On Saturday, June 20th the firefighters
delivered dance packets including raffle
tickets to the residents in Tonka Bay,
Shorewood, Greenwood, Deephaven, and
Excelsior. If you did not receive a dance
packet, they are available in the lobby at
Station #1 in Shorewood. Grand Prize is
a $350 gas gift certificate from the Water
Street Pump and a $250 gift certificate
from Cub Foods.
Food and Fun
This year there will be a new menu time
straight from the Minnesota State Fair:
pork chops on a stick! There will still
be brats, hot dogs, and the Auxiliary's
famous homemade desserts. To quench
your thirst, sodas, beer, and 1919 root
beer straight from the keg are available
for purchase.
There are also mechanical bull rides
for all ages, along with face painters, a
moonwalk, and a GIANT slide for the
kids.
Convenient Shuttle Service from
Lyman Park and the West and East lots
in downtown Excelsior is recommended.
There is handicap parking and first
come first serve parking on site. help us
celebrate 25 years of dancin'.
For more information call the event line
at 952.960.1698 or go to the web site at
www. excelsiorfzre. org.
www.ci.shorewood.mn.us 4
Tennis in Shorewood Parks
THE TENNIS COURTS IN Cathcart and Manor parks have been resurfaced and are in
popular demand by local tennis players! The resurfacing project was part of the
Park Commission and City Council goals for this summer. The tennis courts at Badger
Park are scheduled for resurfacing in 2010.
Tennis Lessons at Badger
Carlson Tennis will offer tennis lessons for youth at Badger Park in late July. To register
and view fee information, go to www.carlsontennis.com, or contact Dan Carlson at
612.875.5507.
Schedule:
Monday, July 27- Thursday, July 30
11 Am-12 Pm; Beginner/Advanced Beginner, ages 6-9
12-1 Pm; Beginner/Advanced Beginner, ages 10-15
1-2:30 PM; Intermediate Match Play, ages 8-15
Music in the Park
Big Walter Smith and the Groove Merchants
B RING FRIENDS AND FAMILY to Eddy Station in Freeman Park,
Friday, July 10, from 6:30 - 8:30 PM for some great blues
and barbeque. This popular Music in the Park event features
award-winning Big Walter Smith and the Groove Merchants!
Famous Dave's BBQ will be available for sale at the event and
the Concession stand will be open for beverages and treats.
Don't forget the lawn chairs!
Garage Band Jam July 24
ESIDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED to gather family and
XXinends to enjoy the talent of twin cities musicians
as they compete in Shorewood's first Garage Band Jam,
at Freeman Park, Friday, July 24, 4-9 PM. The event for
all ages will feature musicians competing for prizes and
performance opportunities. Attendees will get to cast their
vote for their favorite band!
Emcee Gail Nosek of Minnesota News Network,
and B-96 radio will be present to add to the festivities.
Concessions and food vendors will be on hand to assist
with picnic and snack needs! Don't miss this opportunity
to enjoy Minnesota music at its best, and let your vote
count! For up-to-date band information, check the city web site, www.ci.shorewood.
mn. us. Updates will be made as participating bands are selected.
Safety Camp Registration Due
THE CITY OF SHOREWOOD, Excelsior Fire District, and South Lake Police Department
are offering South Lake Safety Camp to youth entering grades 3 or 4, Wednesday,
August 12.
Highlighting this years safety camp is weather safety taught by Meteorologist Paul
Douglas. Other sections include bike and pedestrian safety, fire and water safety,
Safety Camp costs $15 per child which includes a t-shirt, instruction, lunch and
award package.
To download aregistration form with complete information, go to the city web site,
www.ci.shorewood.mn.us, or contact the City of Shorewood, 952.474.3236.
THE SHORE REPORTI.lULY 2009
Fridays in
Freeman
Register for these free programs
at tgrout0 .shorewood.mn.us
or call 952.474.3236.
Nature DisOV10 lass, ages 4-10
Friday, July -1 pm
Explore Freeman Park with a naturalist.
Zoomobile, all ages
Friday, July 24; 11-11:45 am
(no registration necessary)
The Minnesota Zoo brings a variety of
animals for kids to enjoy. Plan on lunch
before or after the show.
REI PEAK program, ages 6-10
Friday, July 31; 10:30-11:30 am
Learn camping and wilderness skills!
Garden Art, ages 5-10
Friday, August 14; 11 am-1 pm
Experience garden fun with a craft!
Bring a lunch! Concessions Available!
Kayaking
Class for Kids
Y oUTH AGES 9-13 can learn to Kayak
at the Shorewood kayaking class,
Friday, August 7, 5-7 p.m. Registration is
$10 per child. To register, contact city hall,
952.474-3236. Registration is limited.
Kayaking classes are taught by
personnel from Three Rivers Park District.
Life jackets and all equipment will be
provided.
New Parks
Survey Online
EACH SEASON THE city updates an
online park survey that residents are
encouraged to fill out. The surveys are
short, but help the city make plans for
future park improvements. Please take a
moment to give us your opinion. Go to
www. ci. shorewood. mn. us, and click on
Parks to find the survey link.
www.ci.shorewood.mn.us