10-11-22 CC Reg Mtg MinutesCITY OF SHOREWOOD
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2022
MINUTES
1. CONVENE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
7:00 P.M.
Mayor Labadie called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
A. Pledge of Allegiance
B. Roll Call
Present. Mayor Labadie; Councilmembers Johnson, Siakel, Gorham, and Callies; City
Attorney Shepherd; Interim City Administrator Shukle; City Clerk/HR Director
Thone; Finance Director Rigdon; Planning Director Darling; Director of Public
Works Brown; and, City Engineer Budde
Absent: None
C. Review Agenda
Councilmember Callies asked to add an item under General New Business, Discussion on the
City Administrator Search as item D.
Johnson moved, Gorham seconded, approving the agenda, as amended. All in favor,
motion passed.
2. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Labadie reviewed the items on the Consent Agenda.
Callies moved, Siakel seconded, Approving the Motions Contained on the Consent Agenda
and Adopting the Resolutions Therein.
A. City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes of September 26, 2022
B. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of September 26, 2022
C. City Council Special Work Session Minutes of September 27, 2022
D. Approval of the Verified Claims List
E. Approval of Park/Recreation Director New Hire
F. Approve Retail Tobacco License Renewals, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 22-
095, "A Resolution Approving Licenses to Retailers to Sell Tobacco
Products."
CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 11, 2022
Page 2 of 12
G. Change Order for Grant Street Drainage Improvements, Adopting
RESOLUTION NO. 22-096, "A Resolution Approving Change Order 1 to the
Grant Street Drainage Project, City Project 18-04."
H. LMCIT Liability Coverage Waiver
All in favor, motion passed.
3. MATTERS FROM ••-
4. PLANNING
A. Conditional Use Permit for a Special Purpose Fence
Location: 25140 Glen Road
Applicant: Richard Jeidy and Virginia Bell
Planning Director Darling gave an overview of the request to install a special purpose fence as a
barrier in order to reduce confrontation points between the applicants and their adjacent neighbor.
She explained that the fence is proposed to be full privacy with white vinyl coating, and be six feet
for the majority of the installation with two areas at seven feet tall. She noted that it would be
installed from the front property line to the rear property line and would be a few inches into the
applicant's property. Staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval with a vote of
4-1. She stated that the City received seven letters regarding this request, with five expressing
concern and two letters of support. She noted that the minutes from the Planning Commission
meeting were included in the packet for Council review.
Councilmember Gorham asked for more information regarding the five letters that expressed
concern.
Planning Director Darling stated that the five letters were all from the same family and the two
letters of support were from different families. She noted that all of the letters had been attached
to the Council packet for their review.
Mayor Labadie noted that the information submitted in the packet was thorough. She stated that
while this is unusual, she feels it is a reasonable request by the applicants.
Councilmember Siakel noted that Planning Commissioner Eggenberger spoke about this issue at
the last Council meeting and agrees that the information in the packet was very thorough. She
explained that she would not have any issue voting in favor of this request.
Councilmember Callies stated that she agreed and noted that this is a Conditional Use Permit
and not a variance, so it is permitted under certain conditions. She stated that the application
complies with the conditions of the City Ordinance and she believes it is appropriate under these
circumstances.
Councilmember Gorham stated that this was not a unanimous recommendation from the
Commission, but explained that he wanted to protect both of the residents, and felt that this was
a good use of a Conditional Use Permit.
CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 11, 2022
Page 3 of 12
Mayor Labadie stated that she did not think this would set any sort of precedent because they are
really looking at the specific facts of this matter.
Siakel moved, Callies seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 22-097, "A Resolution
Approving a Conditional Use Permit for a Special Purpose Fence for the Property Located
at 25140 Glen Road." All in favor, motion passed.
B. Preliminary and Final Plat for "High Pointe Estates", 2"d Addition
Location: Southeasterly extent of Charleston Circle
Application: Roy Lecy
Planning Director Darling explained that the application is to record a new plat in order to alter the
legal description so the lot may be considered a buildable lot. She stated that the request more
than meets the requirements for lot area and width as outlined in the report and the applicant has
shown a logical layout for a potential new home. She noted that the Planning Commission
reviewed the application and unanimously recommended approval of the Preliminary Plat but
noted that they do not review Final Plat applications which are reserved for the City Council. She
stated that the Planning Commission minutes were included in the packet and explained that
there was some confusion surrounding the HOA and explained that the original HOA
documents/covenants were attached to the packet for Council review.
Councilmember Callies confirmed that this lot would not be part of the HOA and asked if that was
now known for all parties.
Planning Director Darling explained that the representative at the meeting was a substitute that
was briefed just prior to the meeting and did not have the full picture. She stated that the applicant
had worked with the homeowners to the south to withdraw that lot from the HOA, so the rest of
the applicant team is fully aware of the situation.
Councilmember Callies asked if there would be a reason for the City to be concerned that this lot
would not be part of the HOA.
Planning Director Darling stated that there was no reason to be concerned because it is just one
lot and will have to follow the other City rules.
Councilmember Johnson noted that there are also not a lot of stipulations within this HOA which
just has basic items such as, some design points, minimum square footage, and direction to keep
the lot clean.
Councilmember Gorham stated that he attended the Planning Commission meeting and there
were a fair number of residents in attendance, but believes it was because there had originally
been some misinformation about the need for variances. He stated that one of the main reasons
they were there was because of concerns related to the construction process and not necessarily
the development. He stated that they were somewhat disappointed that it would no longer be a
wooded area but understood the rights to develop their property.
Planning Director Darling explained that they will have to follow the standard construction hours
which are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays with no
construction on Sundays. She stated that one of the concerns was related to the existing crack
in the street and noted that she had spoken with Public Works Director Brown about the condition
CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 11, 2022
Page 4 of 12
of the roadway and was told that it was in very good condition and some cracking is normal. She
stated that he did not expect regular construction traffic that you would see for a single family
home to cause damage to the roadway.
Councilmember Gorham asked if the area residents do see evidence of work outside of normal
activity or hours, if they simply call the City to report that.
Planning Director Darling stated that if there is construction happening outside of normal
construction hours they ask people to call the police, because many times it is outside of regular
office hours and City staff are not reachable. She noted that they will need to have a construction
management plan that outlines things like, the rules, where construction traffic will take place and
how deliveries will be made.
Councilmember Gorham stated that he did not mean to imply the developer would be breaking
all the rules, but at the Planning Commission meeting, the neighbors appeared to be in the dark
about how this process works.
Planning Director Darling noted that she had spoken with one of the neighbors following the
Planning Commission meeting.
Mayor Labadie reiterated that if people are seeing construction happening outside of the allowed
hours they should go ahead and call the police and not City staff.
Johnson moved, Gorham seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 22-098, "A Resolution
Approving a Preliminary and Final Plat for High Pointe Estates 2"d Addition for Roy Lecy
for Property Located at the Southerly Extent of Charleston Circle." All in favor, motion
passed.
5. GENERAL/NEW BUSINESS
A. Approve SLMPD Joint Powers Agreement
Interim City Administrator Shukle explained that the SLMPD Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) has
been undergoing review by the member cities. He stated that at the September 26, 2022
Councilmember Callies had brought up some concerns which have been incorporated into the
proposed draft that has been edited by City Attorney Shepherd.
Mayor Labadie explained that the mayors of the member cities make up the Coordinating
Committee and they will be meeting on October 12, 2022. She asked if there were any comments
or concerns about the newly revised document.
Councilmember Callies asked about the process for approval of the JPA and if some of the
member cities may not have seen the revised JPA.
Mayor Labadie stated that the Coordinating Committee was made aware that the City of
Shorewood had some concerns following the September 26, 2022 meeting. She stated that
several of the cities had already approved it and asked Chief Tholen to address this issue.
Police Chief Tholen explained that Greenwood was the only city that had already approved the
JPA. He stated that he has met with the mayor of Greenwood and reviewed the changes
CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 11, 2022
Page 5 of 12
proposed by Shorewood and their mayor felt they were more of a housekeeping nature felt that
her council would approve the amendments.
Mayor Labadie noted that a lot of work has gone into this JPA, which is one of the longest standing
agreements that exist in the entire State.
Callies moved, Johnson seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 22-090, "A Resolution
Approving the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department Joint Powers Agreement." All
in favor, motion passed.
B. Director of Public Works Job Description Discussion
City Clerk Thone reminded the Council that at their September 12, 2022 meeting, in light of Public
Works Director Brown upcoming retirement, they had directed staff to research comparable job
descriptions from other cities before this position is advertised. She explained that staff took a
look at over twenty job descriptions and after comparing information found that the current pay
range and compensation was favorable to other cities at the current salary grade. She gave a
brief overview of the information that staff reviewed and asked if the Council had any additions or
changes that they would like to make in the job description or pay range. She noted that there
has been discussion on who would be involved in the interview process, including involvement of
the Personnel Committee, and noted that had worked well in the recent process of filling the Parks
and Recreation Director position.
Mayor Labadie stated that her biggest question was related to the education and/or experience
of a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and seven years of progressively responsible
related municipal experience. She asked Public Works Director Brown if he felt that was an
appropriate level of education to be required.
Public Works Director Brown stated that he did because of the variety of responsibilities involved
in this position. He explained that they can be called up on to be a liaison across the State, but
also need to have understanding of the systems that are involved from both a technical and public
standpoint.
Councilmember Callies noted that the prior job description also had that educational requirement.
Mayor Labadie stated that the question that had been kicked around was whether this position
needed to be an engineer since the City has an engineer on staff and had wanted Public Works
Director Brown to weigh in on this issue.
Councilmember Callies stated that there are a lot of engineering issues related to Public Works,
so it makes sense to her that this individual be an engineer. She asked who City Clerk Thone
envisioned being involved in the initial interview process. She noted that she would think it would
make sense to have Public Works Director Brown and City Engineer Budde involved in the initial
screening process of the candidates.
Councilmember Siakel stated that she thinks that is a good idea and would also support the
Personnel Committee being involved in some of the initial interviews. She stated that this position
is a department head and thinks that in addition to involving other department heads, she believes
coming back to the full Council would also be a good idea.
CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 11, 2022
Page 6 of 12
City Clerk Thone stated that typically they would involve Public Works Director Brown, the Public
Works Supervisor, herself, and Interim City Administrator Shukle. She stated that they can also
take additional direction from the Council about involving other individuals such as the Personnel
Committee. She stated that the biggest issue in having the full Council involved before the finalists
is that would need to be made public. She explained that they try to allow the initial interview
process to be private in order to allow those individuals their confidentiality.
Councilmember Siakel stated that she would like the Council to give permission to get this position
posted so the search for candidates can begin.
Siakel moved, Johnson seconded, Directing Staff to Move Forward with the Process of
Posting for the Director of Public Works Position, approve the Personnel Committee,
Department Heads, Director of Public Works Brown, City Engineer Budde Interim
Administrator Shukle and City Clerk Thone to be involved in initial interview process
before bringing the finalists back to the full Council. All in favor, motion passed.
C. Approve SCEC Landscaping Expenditure
Interim City Administrator Shukle explained that this past spring, the Shorewood Community and
Event Center exterior was painted and now, in an effort to make the building look even better they
would like to take care of the landscaping along the walkway. He noted that staff had reached
out to two landscape companies and Mangold Horticulture was the only company that had
provided a quote. Staff recommends approval of the quote in order to remove the old and add
new shrubs.
Councilmember Gorham asked if this work would happen in the fall or wait until spring.
Interim City Administrator Shukle stated that it will happen this fall, if the Council approves.
Labadie moved, Johnson seconded, Approving and Accepting the Quote for Mangold
Horticulture for Landscaping Expenditure at the Shorewood Community and Event Center.
All in favor, motion passed.
D. Discussion of City Administrator Position
Councilmember Callies stated that at the last Council meeting there was discussion about having
the week of October 24, 2022 available for interviews which means a determination needs to be
made about who will be the finalists. She stated that she knew a number of people would be out
of town in the following week and suggested that the Council consider scheduling a special
meeting in order to determine the finalists.
Mayor Labadie noted that the re -post of the City Administrator position will close at the end of the
day on October 14, 2022. She asked City Attorney Shepherd if a simple majority vote would be
needed to determine the finalists or if there was another way they can move forward in this
process
City Attorney Shepherd stated that the Council can schedule a meeting next week, as long as
there is a quorum to vote on moving forward with the interviews.
CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 11, 2022
Page 7 of 12
Councilmember Callies stated that the City Administrator position is significant and rather than
having the Personnel Committee work through narrowing of the candidate pool, she would like to
see the entire Council have this input. She asked which Councilmembers would be out of town.
Mayor Labadie asked if attendance at the Special Meeting could be done via Zoom or if it would
have to take place in person.
City Attorney Shepherd stated that it would have to take place in person.
The Council discussed schedules and the interview process.
Councilmember Siakel noted that currently there are three candidates for the position that she
thinks look like solid candidates and stated that she would be in support of interviewing all three
of them.
Councilmember Callies noted that the deadline is October 14, 2022, so there could be more
candidates that come in by the deadline.
Mayor Labadie reminded the Council that the they had originally blocked off October 25 — 27,
2022 for interviews. She stated that she agreed with Councilmember Siakel that the three current
candidates all appear to be good candidates and would support interviewing them before calling
back candidates that have already been interviewed.
Interim City Administrator Shukle noted that the consultant has had some inquiries on the position
so there could be additional candidates that come in prior to the deadline.
There was a consensus of the Council
Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.,
candidates will be finalists for interviews.
The Council discussed final interview options.
to hold a Special City Council meeting on
to determine which of the City Administrator
There was a consensus of the Council to hold the final interviews for the City Administrator
position on Thursday, October 27, 2022 beginning at 6:00 p.m., with October 26, 2022 as
the back-up interview date, if necessary.
6. STAFF AND COUNCIL REPORTS
A. Staff
1. Stream Restoration Project Update
City Engineer Budde gave an update on the Stream Restoration Project that the City was looking
to pursue. He explained that recently, the Army Corps of Engineers had started enforcing a long-
standing rule which meant the City had to move the Smithtown Ponds in order to avoid stream
impacts. He stated that the City has advanced the conversation with the Army Corps of Engineers
and they do not think this is a good project and gave a brief overview of their reasoning. He
explained that instead of wasting any more effort on this, he would suggest that the City just pause
their efforts and let the Army Corps of Engineers get back to their process because this is still
very new to them.
CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 11, 2022
Page 8 of 12
Councilmember Gorham stated that, in theory, the City would have a project where they develop
the stream reach and would essentially spend money to make money in selling wetland bank
credits to someone else.
2. Pavement Rating Methodology and Inventory
Public Works Director Brown stated that at the last Council meeting, resident Thomas Robb, who
lives in the Boulder Bridge subdivision had shared concerns regarding the condition of the
pavement with a request to mill and overlay their roadways. He explained that the City has been
using methodology known as Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating System (PASER) which
evaluates pavement on a 1-10 rating. He reviewed the decision matrix flow chart and the
pavement lifecycle. He noted that most of the roadways within the Boulder Bridge development,
with the exception of Boulder Circle, are rated as a 7 which is where a pavement spends most of
its lifetime. He stated that this typically means that there are some cracks and deformities, such
as potholes, but it is not structurally failing. He stated that the Boulder Bridge roads are in
reasonable shape and noted that staff has gotten most of their roadways patched up and will
continue to finalize that before winter. He stated that an exception is Boulder Circle, which is an
anomaly that will require City Engineer Budde to take a closer look. He stated that there was a
resident that did a lot of construction that added a lot of wear and tear to the roadway on the cul-
de-sac. He stated that he has met with the project manager and they have indicated that they
are willing to participate in some of the restoration for that roadway. He stated that he believes
that portion of the roadway is rated at a 4 and explained that the City had, long ago, created a
policy that the City streets would be kept at a 4 or better, which has worked well for the City.
Councilmember Siakel stated that Public Works has patched areas on Boulder Bridge and asked
if Public Works Director Brown had spoken with the area residents to see if they were happy with
what had been done.
Public Works Director Brown stated that he had an e-mail conversation with Mr. Robb who greatly
appreciated the work that the City has done.
Mayor Labadie noted that Public Works was already planning to patch that portion of the city prior
to the residents coming to speak at the Council meeting. She noted that there are other portions
of the city that are being patched and asked when that work would be completed.
Public Works Director Brown stated that hot patching, which is more effective, can happen until
hard frost. He stated that when that happens the asphalt plants shut down and they move into
cold patching with the use of a `hot box', which is more effective than simply cold patching.
Councilmember Siakel asked when Boulder Bridge is on the schedule for a mill and overlay
project.
Public Works Director Brown stated that Boulder Bridge is not on any of the five year CIP because
they still have a 7 rating. He noted that the City has moved to every other year for mill and overlay.
Councilmember Siakel asked if Public Works was finding, in general, that materials have been
improved and are holding together better for longer periods of time.
CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 11, 2022
Page 9 of 12
Public Works Director Brown stated that there had been some dramatic improvements in the
materials and referenced the material recently used on Highway 7 called the "nora chip" and the
Texas road seal. He explained that one of the issues is that there is a concrete shortage right
now, so things like a standard catch basin may take up to three months to get in stock.
Councilmember Siakel stated that she would like to see the City, when roads get to a 4 or 5, to
find money to do the projects, especially on the west side of town where there is a lack of
infrastructure, like water. She stated that she believes one of the goals of the Council is to get
more people on the municipal water system and thinks when the road needs to be redone, it
should be done and not simply just "kick the can down the road."
Public Works Director Brown noted that often times things gravitate towards the condition of the
pavement, but there are a number of things that drive infrastructure projects, such as stormwater
drainage and trail projects.
Mayor Labadie stated that for the Christmas Lake road project that is wrapping up, she received
two a -mails from residents that requested water.
Councilmember Siakel stated that because there can be such differing sentiments from residents
on redoing their roads, she thinks it is best if the City has a plan and that they stick with it.
A man from the audience stated that he was here because he lived on Boulder Circle and had
some questions.
Mayor Labadie asked him to come up to the podium so he could be heard better.
Bill Lester, 28265 Boulder Circle, stated that he would like to know what `project manager' Public
Works Director Brown spoke with about the construction project and damage to the roadway.
Public Works Director Brown stated that the project he was referring to was the rebuilding of the
boat house.
Mr. Lester stated that it was his boat house and stated that he was basically the project manager
for the project.
Public Works Director Brown confirmed that the last conversation he had was with Mr. Lester.
Mr. Lester stated that he had not heard anything back after that conversation and noted that he
was a bit concerned that it seemed as though Public Works Director Brown was trying to pin all
of the issues on Boulder Circle to his project. He stated that there were three other houses
constructed in that same time period and noted that he had not varied from any of the road
restrictions. He stated that the main issue with Boulder Circle is stormwater drainage that
continually floods one end of it. He noted that the street has ten houses and six garbage trucks
that come down on collection day which he also thinks contributes to the problem.
Mayor Labadie noted that Mr. Lester has brought up a lot of different issues and thanked him for
coming to the meeting tonight. She noted that a few years ago the Council had proposed a
garbage collection practice that would reduce the number of trucks coming through the
neighborhoods, but it was not supported by the residents, so it was not approved.
CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 11, 2022
Page 10 of 12
Mr. Lester stated that he may attempt to get his street to join together and have just one garbage
collection.
Mayor Labadie noted that for his other issues he will need to talk to City Engineer Budde and
Public Works Director Brown.
Councilmember Johnson stated that it would be nice for the Council to get a copy of the report
that is sorted by current rating.
Public Works Director Brown noted that was included in the packet.
Councilmember Johnson apologized for missing that information in packet, but noted that he
found the print to be small and hard to read.
Councilmember Siakel suggested that in February, at the Council retreat, that the Council takes
a look at this report alongside the twenty year road plan to see when a roadway, that may be a 4,
would be on the schedule for reconstruction.
Mayor Labadie stated that she thinks including this on the retreat agenda is a good prep for Public
Works Director Brown's successor as well as being a good thing for the Council to review.
Councilmember Siakel stated that she thinks it might be a good idea to hold a community
seminar/webinar around how roads are constructed and about the decision making process for
the City because she does not think people fully understand it.
Public Works Director Brown noted that Bolton and Menk has put out some great products in their
production studio. He stated that there may be a way to put those online so residents can watch
them on -demand.
Mayor Labadie noted that she thinks it is also worth it to have Fire Chief Mackey to weigh in on
this because there have been several total loss houses as well as a garage fire and she would
like to have information on how the response time may be impacted based on whether it is located
on a street with or without hydrants. She suggested that there be a supplemental report from Fire
Chief Mackey at the annual Council retreat.
Other
Public Works Director Brown stated that watermain flushing is complete and crews are continuing
to patch up the roadways and then will enter into road sweeping. He noted that they are also
doing some jetting of the sanitary sewer in order to get one -fifth of the City done per year
according to the League of Minnesota Cities requirements.
City Engineer Budde stated that the mill and overlay project has been substantially completed
and just has a bit of clean-up that may drag into next spring because of turf establishment. He
stated that the City will be opening bids for the Strawberry Lane project later this week and noted
that there has been a lot of interest from contractors. He noted that because of the amount of
interest and questions staff has gotten, he is optimistic about getting competitive pricing for the
project.
CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 11, 2022
Page 11 of 12
Councilmember Johnson asked if there was an update on drainage and utility easement
acquisition.
City Engineer Budde stated that he has two of the eight secured. He explained that he had just
received appraisals for some of the remaining ones late last week so he will be getting updated
offers out to those households. He stated that there is one property owner that he has not been
able to get to respond to him yet, but the process is moving along.
Finance Director Rigdon stated that there is a potential bond issuance coming if the bids are
appropriately submitted and within the desired range.
Planning Director Darling stated that the developer for Walnut Grove Villas has completed the
conditions of approval that were necessary prior to the issuance of building permits. She stated
that staff has issued the second building permit and expects the rest will be coming.
Interim City Administrator Shukle stated that prior to the next Council meeting the EDA needs to
hold a Work Session and suggested that it begin at 6:15 p.m. to discuss calling in the lease
revenue bonds. He stated that staff has been working on a time for a presentation for the Pest
Management Plan and asked Planning Director Darling if she had heard back from the consultant.
Planning Director Darling stated that the consultant had given the City some dates but they were
all within the MEA week, so she will be sending out information on other options.
Interim City Administrator Shukle stated that he had been working with Baker Tilly on the City
Administrator search and believes they are making progress. He stated that Janelle Crossfield
will start as the Park and Recreation Director on November 3, 2022. He noted that he will be
attending the SLMPD meeting on October 12, 2022 along with Mayor Labadie.
B. Mayor and City Council
Councilmember Gorham stated that the MnDot report has not set right with him ever since it
happened. He stated that he hated how they dumped it on the City with little or no direction on
how to move forward. He stated that he feels like the City needs to have some kind of Work
Session or to give staff some direction on how things can move forward. He stated that he got
the impression that MnDot is content to just let it lie without the City pressuring them or organizing
themselves.
Mayor Labadie stated that she agreed that MnDot is just ready to move off this topic and forget
about the City but noted that there has not been inaction because City Engineer Budde, Public
Works Director Brown and herself have all taken a few steps.
City Engineer Budde stated that they have moderately advanced some of the discussion with
some of the surrounding communities, for example, Chanhassen, to see what interest there is
and have also met on a staff level to try to understand what the next steps look like from the City's
perspective. He stated that ultimately what he has heard from MnDot is some sort of corridor
study would really be the next piece necessary to get a major project built. He explained that it
would need to be taken on locally because he does not see MnDot taking the lead on it.
Councilmember Gorham asked if he was saying that the City needed to push for a corridor study
with partners from the area.
CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 11, 2022
Page 12 of 12
City Engineer Budde stated to really do anything significant other than a short term solution such
as pedestrian improvements, lighting, and sight lines, MnDot would require something like a
corridor study in order to take that next step. He shared some examples of information that would
be included in a corridor study.
Mayor Labadie stated that she had reached out to the mayor of Chanhassen and noted the current
mayor and council are receptive to the idea of working together, however, they have several seats
that are on the election block, so that could change.
Public Works Director Brown stated that he looked at the entire corridor and from a staff level
standpoint, it seemed fairly obvious that there were roughly three or four areas of that corridor,
such as St. Louis Park and beyond, that did not have a direct impact on Shorewood. He stated
that they wanted to divide the areas that impacted Shorewood and their closest neighbors. He
stated that they thought perhaps Victoria, Chanhassen, and Minnetonka may be good partners to
work with on finding a way to have a unified voice that MnDot will listen to.
Mayor Labadie noted that they had talked about looking to get support and input from the
Minnetonka School District as well. She noted that the former superintendent held quarterly
meetings with the mayors in the area which she expects will continue and there are plans to have
a discussion either before or after that meeting regarding this issue. She reiterated that she
agreed with Councilmember Gorham's feeling that MnDot was prepared to brush the City off if
they were not continually loud and pressuring them.
City Engineer Budde stated that he thinks someone from staff should reach out to MnDot and let
them know that the City wants to take this to the next step and find out what their expectations
would be in order to advance that discussion with them.
Councilmember Gorham expressed concern that the more partners there are, the more difficult it
may be to accomplish anything.
Councilmember Johnson noted that October 6, 2022 was the Fire and Police Department Open
House which was well attended. He stated that he was able to participate as a `crash test dummy'
and was extricated out of a car.
Mayor Labadie stated that Oktoberfest was well attended and she felt it was a big success. She
stated that Michelle Norman and Julie Moore, City employees, worked very hard on this fun event
and thanked everyone who was involved in making this event a success.
7. ADJOURN
Johnson moved, Gorham seconded, Adjourning the City Council Regular Meeting of
October 11, 2022, at 8:40 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
ATTEST:4;z�Zuj,�k �, k&Q— Q
J Wife Labadie, Mayor
Sandie Thone, City Clerk