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March 2015 Shore ReportPC _ h IRV �k r - - wrl/ M :rs�r. Property Tax Statements Arrivr in March During the 2014 Truth In Taxation Meeting period, several residents were hoping to dis- cuss property values determined by the Hennepin County assessor. Unfortunately, they found out the time to discuss value is in the spring. During the month of March, property owners will receive a Market Value Notice from Hennepin County. This notice will affect property taxes to be assessed in 2015, payable in 2016. Confusing to many homeowners is the fact that there is a one -year delay between the time your property is valued and classified and the property tax you owe based on that value. The property tax you pay this year is based on your property's valuation and classification as of January 2 last year. The valuation notice you receive this month is what your home is valued at as of January 2 this year, and forms the basis of the property tax you will owe next year. If you believe the property information on your value notice is incorrect or you disagree with the value or classification, contact your local assessor at 952.249.4640 first to discuss any questions or concerns. Often your issues can be resolved at this level. If your questions or concerns are not resolved, more formal appeal options are available. Shorewood residents who do not agree with their property valuation after a discussion with the assessor may appeal their valuation at the Open Book meeting, Monday, May 4, 5 -7 pm, at Shorewood City Hall. Instructions about additional appeals orwhat do to if you are unable to attend the Open Book meeting are printed on your valuation notice, or may be found on the city web site under Property Tax and Valuation. If you have questions about the process, please contact the Finance Department, 952.960.7900. Tree Sale Wraps Up in March any residents have taken advantage of the tree sale conducted by the city in coop- eration with the City of Minnetonka. Some trees remain for those who have not yet ordered, and a new "woodland trio" option, designed to provide three smaller trees for woodland areas and those where buckthorn has been removed, was added in February. Trees are available on a first -come, first- served basis and are for sale until they are sold out. An update of trees available and costs are on the city web site home page. Post cards will be mailed to those who ordered trees in April. Residents who purchase trees must pick them up at Minnetonka Public Works on May 1 or May 2. Complete information will be listed on the postcard. If you have questions about the tree sale, please contact the city, 952.960.7900, or email jmoore@ ci. shore wood. m n. us. Road Weight Restrictions for Spring The City of Shorewood follows MnDot's road restrictions. Spring Load Restriction starting dates are set on very short notice based on existing weather conditions and the 3 -day weather forecast. It is the responsibility of the truck operatorto know if Seasonal Load Limits are in effect. This information can be obtained at any time by calling MnDot's Seasonal Load Limits automated message center at 651.366.5400 (toll free 1.800.723.6543) or by checking the website shown below. MnDot's Seasonal Load Limits Web site: www.mrr. dot. state. mn. us/research /seasonal load- limits/sIlindex.asp March 2015 www.ci.shorewood.mn.us Reducing Food Waste ether it's moldy cheese, limp celery or those long lost leftovers in the back of the fridge, chances are you've wasted food this week. And you're not alone. Americans waste about 25 percent of all food and drinks we buy, adding up to more than $1,600 each year. It's a growing problem with profound financial and environmental impacts. When we throw away food, we also waste all the water and energy used to Recycling Weeks f, March 2015 All recycling must be curbside no later than 7 a.m. on recycling day. Mainland residents recycle March 11 and 25; Island residents recycle March 12 and 26. Report misses: 952.941.5174 produce, package and transport food from the farm to our plates. Uneaten food accounts for 23 percent of all methane emissions in the U.S. — a potent climate change contributor. Watch the online videos for tips on how to waste less food, then visit Smart Shopping, Smart Prep, Smart Storage, Smart Saving and Recipe Resource under Environment on the city website to learn more. Backyard Compostir^ Not all food can be saved. Rather than throwing inedible food scraps in the garbage, use fruit and vegetable scraps to add to yard waste in a backyard compost. The compost will enrich your soil and eliminate waste. The city website has complete information on how to set up a backyard compost under Yard and Garden, or call the city at 952.960.7906. Do You Havt Waste Reduction Ideas? he Community POWER team is looking for applicants to propose new and innovative ways to educate and actively engage residents in the Twin Cities to change their behavior to reduce waste. Non - profit organizations and schools are eligible to apply. The deadline to apply is March 27, 2015. There are two types of grants available: • Traditional Grants: up to $12,000 • Mini Grants: up to $5,000 Get more information or an application at http: / /tinyurl.com/ qxgvzcf. Questions? If you have other questions, you can contact Anita Urvina Davis, Community Power Grant Program Manager, at CommunityPOWER@ RethinkRecycling.com or call (651) 222 -7227. Last Month to Safely Trim Oaks March is the last month that the University of Minnesota Extension Service recommends oak trees are trimmed for the upcoming growing season. Oak trees are susceptible to oak wilt, a fungus that kills many oak trees in Minnesota each year. To protect your tree from this fungus, they should be trimmed by the end of March, when the temperatures are too cold for the fungus to infect the new wound. If your tree is accidently wounded after the safe period, cover the wounds immediately - within minutes -with one of the preferred materials such as water- Garden Volunteers Needed ach spring a group of dedicated volunteers work in Shorewood Parks to prepare the gardens for summer splendor. The city is looking for volunteers to fill spots in our adopt -a- garden program. A small stipend is available for the purchase of plants and materials. Some of the gardens are complete and just need summer upkeep and a few annuals planted in the beds for additional summer color. based paint or shellac. More information about oak wilt is available on the city web site, www.ci.shorewood.mn.us, under Enivronm ent- Yard Care, or contact the Minnesota Extension Service at 1.800.876.8636. This is a great project for a group of friends, organizations, families, or teen volunteer hours. To volunteer or to get more information, please call city hall, 952.960.7900. Reserve Shelters Picnic Shelters can be reserved for spring and summer parties by calling the city at 952.960.7900. To see photos and costs for all shelters, see the city website under Parks. Community Garden Spots Open esidents who are interested in reserving an 8' X 10' community garden space for the 2015 growing season should contact city hall at 952.960.7900 Spring Paint -a- aint- A -Thon welcomes referrals and accepts applications from all eligible homeowners. To be considered, completed applications must be received by mid - April. Selected homeowners are notified by mail in early July of each year. To qualify, the applicant must meet the following criteria: • Be over the age of 60 or have a permanent physical disability. beginning Monday, March 2. Plots are $30 for residents /$45 for non - residents. There are garden spots available at Freeman Park and South Shore Community Thon Own and occupy a single - family home inAnoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott or Washington county that needs the exterior painted, but does not need major repairs. The monthly household income cannot exceed 200% of federal poverty level. See page 1 of the application for the income limits. Park. For more information or to complete the application form online, go to the city web site under Playing in Shorewood. IF 71 fi .1 Find the application at http.-Iltinyurl.com/0xdde3j, or call 612.276.1579. National Poison Prevention Week National Poison Prevention Week is March 15 -21. This is a great time for residents to become aware of common toxins they might be exposed to in their own homes. Each year, millions of people are exposed to poisons. Although many of the exposures occur in children, approximately 1/3 of the exposures are in adults 20 years and older. Every home should have the phone number for the Poison Control Center posted where it is easily accessible to all family members. NEVER handle this medical emergency without first contacting the poison control center or 911. The National Safety Council offers the following tips to prevent some common poison accidents: • Always follow a medication's recommended dosage. • Clean out your medicine cabinet. Dispose of any unused or expired prescriptions by mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter, sealing and putting in the trash, or taking it to the Hennepin County Medicine drop -off. • Never take someone else's medications. • Use child- resistant caps on medications and keep them tightly closed and out of the sight and reach of children. For additional poison prevention information, go to the National Safety Council web site, www. nsc.org, and enter poison prevention in the search engine. Volunteers Needed to Serve on Park Commission There are two three year positions open on the city park commission. The Park Commission serves as an advisory commission to the City Council on park and park programming issues. The Park Commission meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month. To apply for this position, please forward a letter of interest to City of Shorewood, 5755 Country Club Road, Shorewood, MN 55331, or email the city at cityhall @ci.shorewood.mn.us. A resume may be included, but is not required. This position is a volunteer position appointed by the City Council. Southshore Center See more SSC programs or register at www.southshore- center org, or call 952.474.7635. Programs for Kids Just for KIX Dance Thursdays As an established youth dance program, Just For Kix is a leader in dance instruction. Classes for age 4- adult. Register or get more information at http: / /wwwJustforkix. com/danceclasses/Minnetonka MN. ZUMBA, Wednesdays at 6:30 pm $49 for7 weeks; $10 per week for walk-in Get fit in this Latin inspired dance fitness class. All levels welcome. Call the center to register. Tai -Chi Mondays through April 10, 10 am $48 for 6 week session Instructor Ron Erdman -Luntz has been teaching seniors for over 25 years. Learn this relaxing and stimulating form of exercise. Register by calling the center. TED Talks There will be no TED Talks sessions in January, February or March. Watch for an exciting topic in April! Save the date: Thursday, April 9, 11 am Bridge Thursdays, 1 pm Enjoy a game of bridge at the center weekly. Call the center for more information. Beading Beading Tuesdays, 1 pm Have you never tried beading but are curious? Do you love beading and want to join a social group for your hobby? Either way this group is for you. We have a supply of beads to share, or bring your own. Mahjong Wednesdays, 1 pm Enjoy this greattile game that originated in China. Tables of four compete in this fun and slightly competitive game! For more information orto reserve a spot at the table, call the center at 952.474.7635. Quilting Mondays & Wednesdays, 9 -11 am Learn from one another. Enjoy quilting time. Share your talent with others! For more information about this group and what to bring, contact the center at 952.474.7635. Bingo Fridays, 12:30 pm Who doesn't love BINGO? Grab a few friends, or come alone, and enjoy an afternoon of luck! For more information, contact the center, 952.474.7635. Computer Workshop Tuesday, March 10, 1 -2 pm or 2-3pm Tuesday, April 14,11-2 pm or 2-3 pm Members: Free & Non - Members: $2 Bring your laptop, iPad or iPhone. Rebeca Hanrahan will help you get the most out of our devices. Create a binder to help you remember what you learn! Call the Center at 952.474.7635 to sign up. Grief, Loss, Transition and Downsizing Thursday, March 26, 10 am Call the center to register, 952.474.7635 Have you recently lost a loved one? Are you planning to retire or move to a smaller home? Do you want less stuff in your life? Come learn how to downsize your things in the midst of emotional situations. Go from stuck and overwhelmed to hopeful and confident. Gain the tools you need to reclaim your space. Topics include "How will I know when I'm ready ? ", "What feelings might arise ?" and "How do I do it my way ?" Instructor bio: Marcie Spears is an Organizing Angel. She specializes in helping clients to downsize after the death of a loved one or a significant life transition. She understands that it's not about the things; it's about the emotions, memories and personal relationships represented by the things. Learn more at www. MarcieSpears. com. Programs for Seniors For more programs, call the center and be added to the Senior Partners Newsletter list. Dance Fitness Classes Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 8:15 am; $5 per session Exercise classes for the active older population. Improve aerobic power, body endurance, strength, flexibility and balance. Call the center to reserve a spot. No classes in March. AAA Driving Class 4 -Hour Refresher Course Friday, March 13, 9am -1 pm Call 1.888.234.1294 to register for or get more information on these 55 and over classes. Save 10% on your car insurance! Happy Feet Foot Care Monday, March 16 by appointment Services include: foot soak, foot massage, care for corns calluses, or thick, curled, or ingrown toenails. Call for appointment: 1.763.560.5136. Cost: $34 Southshore Center 5735 Country Club Road, Shorewood, MN 55331 5th Annua\ Spring Garden fair Saturday, March 14, 2015 L This 5th annual spring program is designed for gardeners of all levels who like to learn about new plants and gardening techniques. • Fee: $25. Includes lunch, seminars, handouts, and resource fair with vendors • Registration online www.southshore - center.org or by call Southshore Center, 952.474.7635 • Master Gardeners receive 4 Continuing Education Hours 8:30 am Check -in and registration; Visit vendors 8:45 am Welcome and Introduction — Sandy Ahlstrom, Program Committee 8:50 am Minnesota's Outdoor Wonders —Jim Gilbert Phenology is the study of plant and animal life cycles as it is influenced by seasonal variations. Understanding phenology and learning to observe the natural changes in your environment can give you a better handle on climate change and how that will impact the way you garden. Examples of phenological events in MN will be highlighted. 9:50 am Break: vendors open 10:15 am Native Trees and Shrubs for Minnesota Gardens — Jeffrey L. Johnson Although there are many woody cultivars available in the plant nurseries, there are just as many beautiful native trees and shrubs for the gardener to consider. Gain the knowledge of which native woody species would work in your garden. 11:15 am Break: vendors open 11:30 am Lunch: free time to visit vendor booths; book signing 12:30 pm Shoreline Restoration: Plants and Other Elements — Joe Ackerman Setting boulders along the water's edge will not do the longterm job of controlling soil erosion. Learn what to plant and how to do it properly to restore your wet area to have a more natural appearance and become a haven for wildlife. 1:30 pm Break: vendors open 1:45 pm Permaculture: Applied Principles in Landscape Design — Dorothy Pedersen Permaculture is the science of applied ecological design that uses the fundamentals of water, soils, climate, and plants. Good sus- tainable design incorporates critical observation of all of these elements. Learn guidelines on how to design and apply permaculture methods to your home landscape. 2:45 pm Wrap up and Adjourn Food Coop City of Shorewood 5755 Country Club Road _` Shorewood, MN 55331 °lanning Commission PRESORTED STANDARD U.S.POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT #30681 There are no public hearings for the March 3 Planning Commission meeting. The commission will have a work session at 7 pm at city hall. Luck `0 the Lake 5K Saturday, March 14; Excelsior; $40 Enjoy a run and lots of fun Saturday, March 14 in beautiful downtown Excelsior and scenic Greenwood for a great kick off to spring. Online Registration closes on Thursday, March 12 at 9 pm. Included in your registration: Long sleeve St. Paddy's Day green tech shirts, a collector's edition pint glass from Excelsior Brewing Co, and a free beer from Jake O'Connor's Register online at http: / /tinyurl.com /pvzpc3k. Volunteers are also needed for Mayor; Jennifer Labadie; Debbie Siakel; Kristine Sundberg; Richard Woodruff City Administrator: Bill Joynes; Newsletter Editor: Julie Moore ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Shorewood Due March 31, 2015 Tree Order Form ' Numbers of trees are very limited. Please supply a first and second choice if desired. Your check will be returned if you choices , are not available. Residents who previously ordered trees are guaranteed trees unless there is a growing problem at the nursery. NEW Buckthorn Replacement Trio A woodland trio has been added. The trio trees are determined by the Minnetonka arborist based on the best nursery stock avail- ; able at the time of distribution and were specifically selected to help areas where buckthorn has been or is being removed. See reverse side for tree descriptions. ; Submit payment in the form of a check payable to City of Shorewood and mail to City of Shorewood Tree Sale, 5755 Country Club Road, Shorewood, MN 55331. Orders may be mailed or delivered in person to city hall. A 24 -hour drop box is located at city hall for your convenience. Please print Name ' ' Address Daytime phone ( ) Email Check # Amount Enclosed: $ Ordering Trees Species Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry - $60 Quantity Total Virginiana Ironwood $75 Prairifire Crab $40 Woodland trio shade (NEW) $105 Woodland trio partial sun (NEVIS $105 Plastic tree guards 1$2 ;Comments: Avery limited number of trees have been ordered and are offered on a first -come, first -serve basis. The intent of the sale is to diversify Shorewood's tree stock in an effort to reduce the ef- fects of tree diseases such as Emerald Ash Borer and Dutch Elm Disease. Orders will be processed for single family homeowners. Townhouse and association properties should contact the city for order. Unlike a retail nursery, these trees do not have a warranty. Quantity of species is limited. Some trees are more popular than others. Complete one of the options below in case your selection is sold out: If one or both of your selection is sold out, please note a second and third choice in the quantity column. You will be notified of the change by phone or email. ❑ If my first choice is not available, please cancel my order and mail my check back to me. Order for these trees must be Before you mail the order, please confirm: received by March 31 at: ❑ Filled out order form completely? City of Shorewood Tree Sale ❑ Checked www.ci.shorewood.mn.us to see if selection is sold out (or ' 5755 Country Club Road call city hall, 952.960.7900)? Shorewood, MN 55331 ❑ Enclosed check payable to City of Shorewood for exact amount? ❑ Checked your calendar to make sure someone can pick up your tree on May 1 and May 2? Shorewood's 2015 Tree Sale In an effort to diversity the tree stock in the city, Shorewood has combined forces with the City of Minnetonka tree sale. Shorewood is a city with many ash trees, and the threat of the Emerald Ash Borer is eminent. The tree sale offers residents the opportunity to get a Tree Pick-Up large, balled tree at wholesale prices. By plant- Trees MUST be picked up on designated dates or you ing trees now, the city will have established other I forfeit the tree and the money you paid for it. Left - trees before the ash borer arrives! over trees will be planted in Shorewood parks. All trees are selected for the west metro area by an arborist. To view photos of the tree spe- cies, see the link on the city web site, www. ci.shorewood.mn.us. All trees are supplied on a first -come, first -serve basis. The earlier your order is received, the better your chance of getting your top selections. Note the pick -up location is at Minnetonka Public Works. Friday, May 1, 9 am -2 pm Saturday, May 2, 9 am -12 pm Minnetonka Public Works, East Driveway 11522 Minnetonka Blvd. Minnetonka, MN 55305 (952) 988 -8400 You will receive a postcard with your order and pick -up information after your order is received. Please bring the post- card with you to the tree pick -up. If you have questions, please contact the city at 952.960.7900, or see the city web site, www.ci.shorewood.mn.us. Use the chart below to determine which trees are best for your site: Species Cost Fall Sun or Significant features Mature Mature Color Shade? Height Spread Autumn Brilliance $60 White flowers in spring. Edible fruit. Toler- 15 -25' Serviceberry 0 ates clay, loam and acid soils. Attracts but- terflies /birds. Virginiana Iron- $75 golden Tolerant of dry locations. 30 -50' 25' wood yellow O Prairifire Crab $40 O Late flowering. Does not drop fruit. Drought 15 -20' tolerant. Attracts birds /butterflies. Woodland trio: $105/ A mix of three #2 gallon or #5 gallon trees/ PART SUN trio shrubs consisting of an American plum, pin 0 cherry, black cherry and /or chokecherry. This is an ideal package for buckthorn re- placement in a woodland with canopy open- ings providing sun, or on a woodland edge.* Woodland trio: $105/ A mix of three #2 gallon or #5 gallon trees/ SHADE trio shrubs. Each package will contain one pa- goda dogwood, one hickory (either bitternut • or shagbark -staff will select for you), and a chokecherry. This is an ideal package for buckthorn replacement if you have a shady woodland to replant, though all the species offered do tolerate sun.* Plastic tree $2 Suitable for single trunk trees. guards Protects from deer. *Note, staff will select three plants for you based on nursery availability and what looks the best in the spring, and there will be no substitutions. You must protect young plants with welded wire caging and to avoid animal damage until they are established.