MCC Open Space Policy approved 09-28-20
Maintenance and Encroachment Policy for the Open Spaces
in the Minnetonka Country Club Subdivision.
After the vegetation has been established per plan and the City has accepted the open spaces for
continual maintenance, the following will be the procedures for maintaining the Open Space outlots and
reviewing requests for encroachments.
As the property is and has always intended to be for passive open spaces, the property was not intended
to be, nor will it be maintained like private lawns.
DEFINITIONS:
High Risk Tree: A tree that has any of the following:
dead, broken, hanging or diseased branches that could cause injury to a target
damaged or decayed roots, extensive decay, or other damage beyond repair that could
cause the tree to fail and injure to a target
Invasive Weed Species: As defined by the State of Minnesota and include all species included in that
definition.
Noxious Weed Species: As defined by the State of Minnesota and include all species included in that
definition.
Target: A person, building or other structure.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE:
Noxious weed species would be eradicated and reported as proscribed by the State of Minnesota.
Invasive weed species would be eradicated on a case by case basis depending on their impact to the
function of open space, wetland buffers, wetland water quality, and native vegetation.
Wetland Buffers: Wetland buffer areas will not be mowed, but trees and volunteer saplings may be
removed as needed to provide sunlight to encourage the growth of native, deep-rooted plants. Existing
trees would not be replaced after they die.
Areas seeded with native plants as shown in Figure 1 Vegetation Areas would be mowed once or twice
each growing season with the mower deck/bar approximately 12 inches off the ground to control weedy
annuals with the exception of those areas within wetland buffers (see above.) The areas may also be
burned or hayed in a 3-5 year rotation alternating spring and fall burns. (Burns are subject to acquiring
permits from other jurisdictions.)
Areas seeded with turf grasses as shown in Figure 1 and within five feet on either side of public trails
(with the exception of areas within wetland buffers) will be mowed approximately once per month.
Adjacent property owners may mow the turf areas to the trail more frequently if they would like to
improve the appearance as long as no such area is within a wetland buffer and no private
improvements, including but not limited to birdbaths/houses, décor, benches, planters, are left within
the area. Supplemental seeding of bare soil or herbicide kill areas larger than ¼ acre in size would occur
once per year if necessary and would be the same seed mixes for the areas shown in Figure 1. With the
exception of areas with supplemental seeding, no fertilizer would be applied.
Trees: Trees are part of an open space environment and provide habitat for animals whether dead or
alive. Damaged or dead trees would be removed from the open space area only when they are found to
be a high risk tree. Trees that lean or fall on their own would only be removed if they are a hazard to
maintenance workers or trail activity. Root balls may be removed on a case by case basis, but would not
be treated as a priority after severe weather incidents. Holes left by root balls would be filled with dirt
and the area restored with native plant seed/turf seeds based on the location of the affected area and in
compliance with Figure 1. The downed trees would otherwise be left as they fall to become part of the
open space environment.
The City will not remove trees that fall on private property unless informed by the property owner in
advance that the tree is a high risk tree. A private homeowner may remove any tree that falls on their
property.
PRIVATE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE OPEN SPACE AREAS:
Privately-owned landscape features and structures including, but not limited to, fences, benches,
gardens, fire pits, boulders, etc. would not be permitted in the open space outlots nor would alterations
to the vegetation be permitted unless approved by the City Council as outlined below. The
improvements would be treated as a donation to the City of Shorewood and would be open to and
accessible by the public.
Any donation proposed in the open space must be reviewed by the Parks Commission and approved by
the City Council.
The proposed improvements must be approved by the HOA board with notice to all homeowners within
200 feet of the improvement. The written approval for the request must be submitted with the request
to City Staff.
Staff would review the request based on the potential to impact wetlands, wetland buffers,
maintenance of open spaces, drainage-ways, and utilities; likely maintenance costs; and any other public
impact as may applicable to the item.
When their review is complete, staff would forward the request and a recommendation to the Parks
Commission at a regularly-scheduled meeting. The Parks Commission would make a recommendation
to the City Council and the City Council would consider that recommendation in their deliberations to
accept the donation. The City Council would review the request at a regularly-scheduled meeting. Staff
would notify the applicant of the date and time where the request would be reviewed. Staff would also
notify the applicant of the outcome of the meeting.
If damaged or deteriorated to the point where removal is warranted, the City would not be obligated to
provide notice to the original donor or replace the donation.