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January 2010O O 4� O V 4� O 0� w ►v THE IN THIS ISSUE Recycling ..................2 Televising Sewer Lines ..... 2 Let It Snow ................. 3 Energy Assistance .......... 3 Council Activities ........... 3 Arsenic in Wells ............. 4 CaucusInfo ................4 Community Events ......... 5 Coffee w /Mayor ............ 6 Manor Park Neighborhood.. 6 Planning ................... 6 Arctic Fever ............Insert Single sort recycling collection is January 6/7 and January 20/21, 2010! Board and Commission Opportunities T HE CITY OF SHOREWOOD is seeking residents to represent the city on its Park and Planning Commissions. These are advisory boards to the City Council, making recommendations on the park and recreational needs, and planning needs of the city. The Park Commission meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 PM. The Planning Commission meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The commissioners will be appointed for a three -year term beginning March 1, 2010, and ending February 28, 2013. Interviews for the Park and Planning Commissions may begin in late January. Application deadline is January 15. The Lake Minnetonka Communications Commission (LMCC) is an appointment for a one -year term, beginning February 1, 2010. The LMCC handles communication issues, including oversight of the Mediacom cable franchise and the local public access television studio. Board meetings are held the third Tuesday of the month. Interested individuals will be scheduled to interview with the City Council on a Monday evening, prior to a Regular Council meeting in January. Application deadline is January 6. Application process: Residents should send a letter of interest to the City of Shorewood, 5755 Country Club Road, Shorewood, MN 55331, or fax to 952.474.0128, or email cityhall @ci.shorewood.mn. us. A resume may be included, but is not required. For more information, contact the city at 952- 960 -7900. Council Approves 2010 Budget O N DECEMBER 7 , the Shorewood City Council approved the 2010 budget funded with a zero percent (0 %) tax levy increase. The council and staff worked hard to hold the line on property taxes, while providing the same level of services. The preliminary budget approved in September was $100,000 higher than the final adopted budget. To achieve the reduction in the final adopted budget, city employees will forego wage increases in 2010; some capital transfers were reduced or removed; and most every department found savings in the operating budgets. The City of Shorewood retains approximately $ .23 of each property tax dollar. The remaining $.77 goes to Hennepin County, school districts, and other taxing districts such as the watershed district. The municipal portion of your tax dollar is used by the city to provide police and fire service, parks and recreation, road maintenance, election administration, snow plowing, newsletters, city website, ball field maintenance, ice rinks, and a host of other services. Although homeowners should see no increase in their property taxes due to city budgets, individual home taxes may increase slightly due to changes in home valuation. Residents should know that home values are based on the 2009 assessment, as determined by the Hennepin County Assessor. Any questions about your valuation should be directed to the Assessor's Office, 612.348.3046. The 2010 budget presentation may be viewed from the city web site, wwwci.shorewood.mn.us. Arctic Fever Saturday, January 16, 2010 HE THIRD ARCTIC FEVER CELEBRATION, a celebration of winter in Shorewood, Tonka Bay and Excelsior, is just around the corner! There will be human bowling on ice, a kids sledding hill, and horse drawn wagon rides! New events include kite flying, cross country ski races, a bicycle race on Lake Minnetonka, dog sled rides, an opportunity to become the Ice princess and much more! Volunteers for the event are still needed. Please contact the City of Shorewood if you are interested in volunteering. There are so many activities, and most events are free! For up -to -date event information and the coloring contest entry form, see the Arctic Fever insert, or go to the web site, www.arcticfever.net. Meetings and Events 1 /1 City Hall Closed 1/5 7;00 Pm Planning Comm Meeting 116 -7 New recycling program begins. 1/11 7 :00 Pm City Council Meeting 1/12 7 :00 Pm Park Comm. Meeting 1/16 Arctic Fever 1/18 City Hall Closed: MLK Day 1119 7;00 Pm Planning Comm Meeting 1/25 7 :00 Pm City Council Meeting Meeting agendas and approved minutes can be found on the city web site, www d.shorew ©ad mn.us. THE SHORE REPORT /JANUARY 1O 10 Christmas Tree Recycling HRISTMAS TREES CANNOT be placed in the landfill. Your contracted garbage hauler is the simplest source to have your Christmas tree recycled. Different haulers have different pick -up days and charges. Trees should remain unbagged. The following information was provided to the city by the haulers: Allied Waste; 952.941.5174 Pick up the weeks of January 4 and 11. Free for customers. Blackowiak disposal; 952.472.3398 Pick up the weeks of January 4 and 11 Free for customers. TCW Disposal; 952.467.3858 Please call to arrange pick -up. Waste Management; 952.890.1100 Pick up the weeks of January 4 and 18. Free for compost customers; $5 for others. Call for pick up. Waste Technology; 763.315.1955 Pick up week of January 18th. Free for compost customers; $5 for others. Televising Sewer Lines T ELEVISING SEWER LINES IS an Invaluable way of assessing the condition of area sewer systems. It can reveal blockages from debris, roots or grease; show cracks, and show breaks or deterioration of a pipe. It allows for a detailed diagnosis without the need for excavation, saving time and money. The televising is performed by a robotic camera that is lowered into a sewer line through a manhole or a home's clean -out. Some residents might be contacted about access to the clean -out on the lower level of their home. The camera is attached to a cable that runs back to a truck where crew members can control the camera's speed, move it forward or back, change its angle of perspective, and digitally record and document a visual image of a pipeline's interior. Check the city web site for pictures of the televising! www.ci.shorewood.mn.us Reduce, reZXSe, Recycle Single Sort Reycling is Here! _ E VERYONE SHOULD now be in possession of their new single -sort recycling cart and ready for their first ., recycling pickup on Wednesday, January 6 (mainland) or Thursday, January 7 (island). We have had numerous calls, and emails from residents very excited about the new program. Once the program begins, there will likely be some questions. The materials that have been mailed by Allied Waste to homeowners are available for download on the city web site. Thank you for so many positive comments on the new program and for your patience during the transition. We hope it will prove easier for everyone. A few more common questions include: Why is this program more expensive than our previous program? All of the recycling options offered to the city during our bid process for curbside collection were considerably more expensive than our previous service. Not only did we have an exceptional price during the last contract, costs of service for recycling have simply increased. The city council decided to adopt the new RecycleBank program to allow residents to offset those costs through the ability to earn gift certificates from local and national vendors. Can we recycle more items curbside with the new program? The items that are recyclable curbside remain the same. The most confusion seems to be with plastics recycling. Currently, only plastic bottles ( #1 and #2) can be recycled through the curbside collection. Please have containers empty and remove the lids. Yogurt, cottage cheese, and other containers do have recycling sources at various drop - off locations in the Twin Cities, but cannot be included in your curbside recycling. For a complete list of Frequently Asked Questions, see the city web site, www. ci.shorewood.mn.us. Click on Recycling, or contact the city at 952.960.7906. Drop -off for Green Recycling Containers Residents who do not wish to keep their old green recycling container may drop off bins at the Badger Park Warming House (next to the tennis courts by city hall) January 11 -31st. Bins will be offered for reuse by communities using the dual -sort recycling system. Damaged containers will be recycled. Don't Forget to Register for RecycleBank To help offset costs associated with the recycling program, the city is offering RecycleBank to residents. This service allows you to earn gift certificates and coupons for recycling. You should have received registration information in the mail. If you have any questions, please call the city, 952.960.7906. Garbage Not for Electronics E LECTRONICS SUCH as cell phones, computers, and televisions are loaded with heavy metals which cannot be placed in the garbage. Hennepin County provides a drop -off location for these items, as do many private businesses. To find a location convenient for you, go to the city web site and go to the bottom of the recycling page, or call Hennepin County at 612.348.3777. THE SHORE REPORT /JANUARY 20 10 Let It Snow! Council ADOPT A FIRE HYDRANT Activities B E A GOOD NEIGHBOR and help keep the fire hydrant in your neighborhood clear of snow. By keeping a four -foot clear space around the fire hydrant, fire fighters Since the last newsletter the will have easy access to your neighborhood hydrant in case of a fire. The time saved city Council: could be just the time needed to save a home or a life. Held work sessions to review and SNOW PLOWS AND GARBAGE DAY discuss the 2010 Goals and Objectives, EVENING BEFORE GARBAGE day is typically when residents place garbage and and 2010 Budget and CIP. At the T HE recycling curbside. When there is a snow fall that evening, it is a good idea to wait December 7 Truth -in- Taxation meeting, until morning, if possible, to put out your bins. This preventsyour bins being knocked Council approved a 0% tax levy over or buried by snow from the plow. increase for the 2010 budget, and CLEARING YOUR DRIVEWAY OF SNOW approved the Goals and Objectives at W HEN SHOVELING OR BLOWING snow from your driveway, please do not put it into the December 14 meeting. Held a public hearing on the proposed the street. This is especially crucial when snow plows have already cleared th improvements for r e installation of improve r th eadowview the street. The resulting pile of snow will likely not be cleared and will turn to ice, as part Road a remaining a hazard to drivers until the next snow requiring a plow. If you have a plow and segment Wild Rose Lane street clearing your driveway, make sure that the snow is pushed completely across the street, improvement project; Council ordered keeping the main road clear. the finalization of plans, specifications KEEP CARS OFF THE ROAD and estimate for the project to include D URING AND AFTER A SNOWFALL, please be aware that cars parked in the roadway can reconstruction, sanitary sewer and be a hazard to snow plow drivers and may result in your road not being plowed. storm sewer improvements, and the It also prevents plows from removing snow curb to curb and makes for messy streets installation of watermain. all winter. Whenever possible, remove cars from the roadway during a snow storm. Reviewed and discussed community E n e ray Assistance garden plots, the addition of a tot lot playground equipment piece for each of VER THE WINTER, some people may find themselves in a position where it is difficult the five parks, and Manor Park Shelter O to pay their utility bills. There is financial assistance available in many situations. improvements. All of these items will CenterPoint Energy has a number of programs that residents and business owners may be further discussed at a future meeting. be able to take advantage of. For complete payment assistance information, go to www. • Awarded a contract for Manor Pond centerpointenergy .com /paymentassistanceMN. surveying. Information includes: • Heard a report from Andrew Gillett of • Energy Assistance Hennepin County regarding the trail • Gas Affordability Program extension from the LRT trail crossing at • Minnesota Cold Weather Rule County Road 19 to the Old Dakota Rail • Minnesota Law regarding Active Military Personnel line in Orono. Council did not approve For CenterPoint Energy customer service, call 612.372.4727. the concept plan for this trail. • Approved the Conditional Use Permit New Community Gardens for Clear Wireless LLC to install To WATCH the newsletter and web site for information on the developing telecommunications services at three C ONTINUE community garden option for 2010! Details are still being worked out on fees and locations in the city. requirements. If you are interested in reserving one of the garden spots, please contact ' Heard reports from Minnetonka the city at 952.960.7900 to reserve a spot. Only ten garden spots will be available for Community Education representative 2010. Residents may have the opportunity to rent a garden plot in Shorewood for the Tad Shaw, Lake Minnetonka upcoming growing season! Communications Commission representative Patrick Hodapp and City News by Email Lake Minnetonka Conservation District representative Richard Woodruff. R ESIDENTS ARE ABLE to get information from the city in their personal email box! . Set February 8, 2010, for the Storm The city newsletter, general city news, recycling updates, park and recreation Water Pollution Prevention Public activities, and volunteer opportunities are all available by email. Information meeting. If you would like to sign up for recycling updates, please email jmoore @ci.shorewood. Set February for the City mn. us. For all other updates and the newsletter, please go to the city web site, ww . w ci.shorewood. mn. us, and click on Sign -up for eNews. You may then select the emails c Am t He Water Ordinance Amendment Hearing. you would like to receive. 3 www.ci.shorewood.mn.us THE SHORE REPORT (JANUARY 20 10 Test Private Wells for Arsenic EVERAL HOMEOWNERS in Shorewood have found their private well water to be contaminated with higher than acceptable levels of arsenic. Although arsenic is a naturally - occurring element found in Minnesota groundwater, in the last few years the rates found in some wells has increased. Long -term consumption of drinking water , with elevated arsenic levels can cause a 3•r number of harmful effects on the human body. Studies show that consumption of drinking water with arsenic levels over 100 µg /L for many years, can have health problems including nervous system problems, diabetes, and several circulatory diseases. Some studies have now shown that arsenic levels below 100 µg /L may also cause some health problems, including nervous system problems, skin problems, high blood pressure, and reduced intelligence in children. Studies have linked long -term exposure to arsenic in drinking water to increased risk of cancer of the bladder, lungs, liver, and other organs. Arsenic is not significantly absorbed through the skin, so activities including dishwashing and bathing /showering, are not significant exposure routes. Testing Wells and Levels When having well water tested, make sure you are using a licensed testing lab and that they are testing for arsenic and heavy metals. Without a special request, you may only be getting a bacteria test. The national drinking water standard, or "Maximum Contaminant Level," for arsenic is 10 µg /L. This standard applies to community water - supply systems. There is not an enforceable standard for arsenic in private wells in Minnesota; however, the MDH recommends that people not consume water with arsenic levels that exceed 10 µg /L. Water with more than 10 µg /L of arsenic should not be used long term for drinking or cooking without treatment to reduce the arsenic level below 10 µg /L. If the arsenic level in a well exceeds 10 µg /L, the well owner is encouraged to look at options for reducing arsenic exposure, including water treatment, connection to a public water - supply system, or construction of a new well in a different aquifer. There are several types of water treatment systems that can effectively reduce arsenic levels in drinking water. These include specialty media, reverse osmosis with pre- oxidation, and distillation systems. Conventional water softeners and activated carbon filters do not effectively remove arsenic. Boiling water does not remove or destroy arsenic. Boiling water simply concentrates, or increases the arsenic concentration, due to evaporation of some of the water. What to Do Well owners should work with reputable water treatment equipment dealers in the area, and should learn how the different treatment systems work. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends choosing a treatment system that is certified by an independent certification organization, such as NSF International, Underwriter's Laboratory (UL), or the Water Quality Association (WQA), which tests water treatment systems to assure they live up to their manufacturer's claims. In Minnesota, water treatment systems must be installed by a licensed and bonded plumbing or water conditioning contractor, although homeowners may install equipment in homes they own and occupy. After a treatment system is installed, it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for maintaining the system. Treated water should be tested periodically to make sure that the treatment system is working properly. For more information on arsenic in drinking water, you may visit the MDH web site at: wwwhealth.state.mn.us/divs /eh/ wells /waterquality/arsenic.html. For information on municipal water, contact the city at 952.960.7900. www.ci.shorewood.mn.us 4 Minnesota's 2010 Precinct Caucuses P RECINCT CAUCUSES are meetings organized by Minnesota's political parties to begin the process of selecting candidates for the 2010 election and shape the party platform. Caucuses are held in locations across Minnesota, are open to the public, and participation is encouraged. The Minnesota Secretary of State's (SOS) office is working with all of Minnesota's political parties to launch a Caucus Finder on the SOS web site. It should be ready for use sometime in January. Go to www.sos.state.mn.us to look for updates. Minnesota's Political Parties Constitution Party 763.227.4359; www.cpmn.org Caucus: TBD DFL Party 651.293.1200; www.dfl.org Caucus: Feb 2, 2010; 7 PM Green party 651.288.2820; www.nmgreens.org Caucus: TBD Independence Party 651.487.9700; www.nmip.org Caucus: Feb 2, 2010; 7 PM Libertarian Party 763.561.8038; www.lpmn.org Caucus: No caucus in 2010. Republican party 651.222.0022 www.mngop.com Caucus: Feb 2, 2010; 7 PM Thank you for Food and Toys T hank you to the many residents who dropped off food and toys at city hall for Resource West and the ICA foodshelf. The Toy Chest Drive provides toys to low income children up to age 18 in the local area. Many families were helped by your efforts! THE SHORE REPORT I JANUARY 2010 ftumm - sho Community Center Register for the following classes at 952.474.7635, or www.southshore- center.org, unless otherwise noted. Family Icy Skating Party Sunday, Jan 24, 6 -HPM Badger Park 5735 Country Club Road Ice skate to some rockin' music at the Badger Park rink! Hot cocoa and treats available for purchase. Get the neighborhood together! No registration required, just bring your skates and join the fun! All ages and abilities. Painting Marathon Wednesday, Jan 6, LOAM -3PM OR Saturday, Feb 20, 10AM -3PM; $35 Paint from life /pictures /imagination. Create 4 -6 small paintings. If desired, bring objects or pictures you would like to paint. Bring a bag lunch. Register at the center, or through the instructor, 763.442.0290. Instructor: Michelle Combs Babysitter Training Saturday, Jan 9, 9AM- 4:30PM; $70 The National Babysitter's Training certification course prepares youth ages 11 -15 to safely and responsibly care for themselves and/or other children in the absence of parents or guardians. Learn important skills in four core areas: leadership and professionalism, safety and safe play, basic care, and first aid. Bring a bag lunch. Register online at www.mnsafetyservices.com, or call 952.470.4156. Hawaiian Luau Thursday, Jan 21, 5 -7PM; $15 Beat the midwinter blues by shaking your tail feathers at the Community Center! Hula dancing lessons, authentic food and entertainment. Dress in Hawaiian attire! Register by January 16. Super Bowl Cooking Thursday, January 28, 7 -9 PM; $30 + $10 supply fee (Register by Jan 21) Get ready for the big game featuring fun themed appetizers and treats -- you'll be set for the game! Wear your team colors and come prepared to dish it up! Instructor: Connie Blandchard Valentine's Dance Friday, Feb 5, 7- 8:30PM; $20 /pair Daddy /Daughters or Grandpa/Granddaughters: Come to the center for a special date! Music, appetizers, beverages, and themed activities for your big night out on the town! Register by January 29. Graduation Party Planning Thursday, Feb 25, 6:30 -9PM; Free Hosting a graduation party can be a real job! Let us help alleviate the stress! Event features food purveyors with samples, invitation and scrapbooking designers, memory quilt demos, rental providers, college mentors and more! CPR Classes To register go to www.mnsafetyservices.com or call 952.470.4156. Standard First Aid With Adult, Child and Infant CPR Wed., Jan. 20 and 27; 9 AM - 1 PM; $95 Using lectures, video, and skills practice to cover rescue breathing, choking, and CPR for adults, children and infants. Class combines the Infant/Child CPR course and the Standard First Aid course. Adult, Infant, Child CPR certificate and a First Aid certificate upon completion. Adult CPR Wednesday, January 20; 9 AM -1 PM OR Saturday, February 27; 8:30 AM -12:30 PM, or 12:45 -4:45 PM, or 5 -9 PM; $55 Develop the skills needed to respond correctly to life - threatening respiratory or cardiac emergencies in adults or children 12 years or older. Includes: CPR, and first aid for choking emergencies. American Red Cross Adult CPR certificate valid for 1 year upon completion. Mtka Center for the Arts Outreach Classes Winter Wear Grades 1 -5, Mon, Jan 4, 4:30- 6:30PM Create a handmade scarf, headband or hat out of fleece and other fiber materials. Projects will be colorful, functional, wonderfully warm and totally unique! $36 Handmade Winter Journals Grades 1 -5, Thurs, Jan 7, 4:30- 6:30PM Create two different kinds of handmade books using very different style structures. Using decorative papers, book board, linen thread, . and other creative materials. $29 Teen Jewelry Making Thurs, Jan 14, 21, & 28, 4:30 -6PM Create one -of -a -kind handmade jewelry using colored linen threads, beads, decoupage, metal findings, Shrinky -Dinks and found materials.. $72 Drawing with Dr Seuss Ages 5 -7, Mon, Jan 25, 4:30 -6PM Create 2- dimensional and 3- dimensional creative characters and extraordinary environments. A great mixed -media class for kids who love to work and experiment with many different drawing materials. $28 www.ci.shorewood.mn.us CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD SHOREWOOD, MN 55331 (952)960.7900 FAX (952)474.0128 Monday - Friday 8 AM to 4:30 PM = N E O I: 0 d y 0 o } A d N V a V = 3 '^ 3 � s N Cd V 3 _ y i6 o E W Council Members Christine Wee, Mayor; Laura Turgeon; Jeff Bailey; Richard Woodruff; Scott Zerby City Administrator: Brian Heck, Newsletter Editor: Julie Moore PRESORTED STANDARD U.S.POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #30681 MINNEAPOLIS, MN SAVE PAPER AND MAILING COSTS! SIGN UP FOR THE SHORE REPORT BY EMAIL! REGISTER ON THE CITY WEB SITE! The following item is on the January 5, 2010 Planning Commission agenda: A. 7:00 P.M. or as soon thereafter as possible. Consider an amendment to the Shorewood Municipal Code as it relates to fees for zoning and land use applications in City of Shorewood Manor Park Neighborhood Meeting T HE SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION is holding a neighborhood meeting, Saturday, J anuary 9 at 10 a.m. in the Manor Park warming house, to get input from residents on Manor Park amenities. This meeting is not regarding the pond issues; it is an opportunity to provide your input on what your vision is for Manor Park in general. There will also be a survey available for you to complete. No action will be taken at this meeting. the Mayor 2nd Saturday Coffee M AYOR CHRIS LIZEE'S 2nd Saturday coffee is cancelled for January. She will be at Arctic Fever events the following weekend! Look for her! Join the City of Shorewood on Facebook and Twitter! Keep up -to -date on events and news! LU THE SHORE REPORT/ J ANUARY 201 Planning Commission Coffee With retic �ever ! I , 9 anuar 16 2oio c4anJce, 0'4P4 or u da and ar� directions at orator arctic ever, nets New ice �r con estl 9n formation on the we site! Skorewoodl Park Schutzhund Dog Demo .............................. .............................10 am -Noon and 1 -3 pm Sled Dogs ...................................................... ..........................10 -11 am and 1 -2 pm Sleigh Rides, sponsored by American Legion Post #259........10 am -3 pm Kids Sledding Hill ........................................ .............................10 am -3 pm Concessions and Bonfire ............................ .............................10 am -3 pm Snowshoeing .............................................. .............................11 am -Noon Kite Flying, MN Kite Society ....................... .............................11 am -3 pm Nordic Hiking, (pre- registration requested) . .............................11 am and Noon 7'onka �3a� /?�tanitau Parki OwlShow ......................................... ............................... 1:30 -2:30 pm Ice Skating ....................................... ............................... 1 -2:30 pm Bonfire, S'mores and Hazellewood Chili ......................... 1 -4 pm gc;q 'Foodske� Human Bowling on the Ice ............... ............................... 2:30 -4 pm Kick Sleds ....................................... ............................... 3 -4 pm Oro -Off of a66 even[V Z v:- Cross Country Ski Races on the Ice ..... ............................... 8 am -1 pm Cycle Race on Ice, Excel Cycle ............ ............................... following CC Ski Race Kids Movie Tent on the Lake ................. ............................... 11 am -4 pm Schiffelly Puppet Show at Excelsior Library ......................... 10:30 -11 am Reindeer in the Commons .................... ............................... Noon -4 pm Ice Skating in the Commons, Bonfire, Chili and Hot Cocoa. 11 am -4 pm Snow painting in Commons, Minnetonka Community Ed.... Noon -2 pm Horse Drawn Wagon Rides ................... ............................... Noon -4 pm Colo rin� contest 16rou0 Jc Made 5, Down foadpidure from Me Arctic Feuer wed site! ju6mhsions ar d u e to ZYce('ior Zi6raT 6�y5 pm, - T - Nia'a , Y, 9anuaT 15 Hey kids ages 3 -11 enter the Arctic Fever 2010 Coloring Contest! Color and drop off by Friday, January 15 at 5:00 p.m. to the Excelsior Library, 343 Third Street, Excelsior. Come see all of the entries and hear the announcement of winners in three categories: ages 3 -5, 6 -8, and 9 -11 at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 16 at the Excelsior Library. Need not be present to win. You may take your picture home that day. Sponsored by the Friends of the Excelsior Library and Artworks Art & Frame, Inc -� n J il l a iJ I TO I L- Name Age Phone (This will be cut off before hanging,)