2/28/14
Shorewood's Council heard a presentation on protecting bees at the 2/24 council meeting. The presentation may be viewed at: http://lmcc.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=4bfd10b0-f077-1031-a551-f3fb1162b875 (see the end of the agenda list). The City has just released its March newsletter and has included some information about protecting bees in it.
The presenters accurately pointed out the importance of bees to our food supply and that there are issues with declining bee populations including, "colony collapse disorder" in which whole hives just die off.
The presentation encouraged residents and the City to plant bee-friendly plants and to not use certain chemicals. Proper planting can provide improved bee habitat. However, caution is warranted when it comes to wholesale discontinuance of currently approved chemicals.
Experts disagree on what may be the causes of colony collapse disorder. One only has to do a web search and read the scientific articles to learn this (be careful when reading articles from some environmental groups as many only tell the part of the story that supports the group's position). There is research underway, but results so far are not complete and conclusive. In fact, some countries in which bees are widely needed for crop pollination and in which some of the questioned chemicals are widely used report no problems with colony collapse disorder.
Be smart about using pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. Use sparingly and only per label directions. Talk to your lawn service. Do you know what they're spraying on your lawn and why? It's quite possible that you're paying for unneeded chemical treatments and ones that may be harmful to more than just bees.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Friday, February 28, 2014
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Renovation of N. Eureka Rd Sacrificed For Trails
2/12/14
Tucked away in the capital improvement budget Shorewood's Council just approved is reassignment of the funds earmarked to renovate N. Eureka Rd. to the trail fund for use this year to complete the Smithtown east and Galpin Lake trails.
It appears that after six years with the Eureka project in the 20-year road plan, staff felt that the renovation was not really practical, making the funds conveniently available to fund the 2014 trail construction shortfall.
If you live on N. Eureka Rd or travel on it, you might want to send your favorite council member a note stating your thoughts.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Tucked away in the capital improvement budget Shorewood's Council just approved is reassignment of the funds earmarked to renovate N. Eureka Rd. to the trail fund for use this year to complete the Smithtown east and Galpin Lake trails.
It appears that after six years with the Eureka project in the 20-year road plan, staff felt that the renovation was not really practical, making the funds conveniently available to fund the 2014 trail construction shortfall.
If you live on N. Eureka Rd or travel on it, you might want to send your favorite council member a note stating your thoughts.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Monday, February 10, 2014
Did You Know? - An Election Is Coming
2/10/14
OK. You did know about the election in November. But, did you realize that two council seats and the mayor job are up for grabs? Zerby may run for mayor, again. Hotvet and Siakel have to decide whether to run, again.
Maybe you have had strong feelings about issues in Shorewood, but felt you couldn't really do anything about them. Maybe you have a friend or neighbor who you think would serve the City well. It's time to start thinking about running for office.
Election filing for mayor and council is in August. So, you have time to ponder. Don't let the incumbents run unopposed.
Some issues for the future to consider:
- Money and taxes. Currently, the plan is to raise property taxes at least 2% per year plus, additional increases in storm sewer and sanitary sewer rates every year.
- South Shore Center. Yes, this won't get resolved this election year. Nobody wants this as an election issue.
- Sharing services (read this as moving towards a merger with Excelsior). Does Shorewood want to commit to adopting Excelsior and its problems? Do you really think of Excelsior as your "Downtown" and want to be responsible for it?
- Building trails. There is no money for trail construction after this year. Costs will be in the $ millions ($5 million?) to complete the trail plan build out.
- Expanding city water. This subject will not go away and the $25 to $30 million cost won't either.
- The involvement of local government in your life.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
OK. You did know about the election in November. But, did you realize that two council seats and the mayor job are up for grabs? Zerby may run for mayor, again. Hotvet and Siakel have to decide whether to run, again.
Maybe you have had strong feelings about issues in Shorewood, but felt you couldn't really do anything about them. Maybe you have a friend or neighbor who you think would serve the City well. It's time to start thinking about running for office.
Election filing for mayor and council is in August. So, you have time to ponder. Don't let the incumbents run unopposed.
Some issues for the future to consider:
- Money and taxes. Currently, the plan is to raise property taxes at least 2% per year plus, additional increases in storm sewer and sanitary sewer rates every year.
- South Shore Center. Yes, this won't get resolved this election year. Nobody wants this as an election issue.
- Sharing services (read this as moving towards a merger with Excelsior). Does Shorewood want to commit to adopting Excelsior and its problems? Do you really think of Excelsior as your "Downtown" and want to be responsible for it?
- Building trails. There is no money for trail construction after this year. Costs will be in the $ millions ($5 million?) to complete the trail plan build out.
- Expanding city water. This subject will not go away and the $25 to $30 million cost won't either.
- The involvement of local government in your life.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Friday, February 7, 2014
Shorewood's Council Retreats
2/7/14
On Saturday, the 8th, Council and staff will meet at the Public Safety building for an all-day "retreat." The objective seems to be to allow some detailed discussion of topics brought forward by staff and council members. This meeting is open to the public and starts at 8:30 A.M.
Some items on the agenda are:
- The future of the South Shore Center
- Public Works staffing level
- Trails
- Partnering For Services
- Organized trash collection
The Insider hopes some of you, the readers, will attend since it's expected this meeting will not be recorded for TV and the web.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
On Saturday, the 8th, Council and staff will meet at the Public Safety building for an all-day "retreat." The objective seems to be to allow some detailed discussion of topics brought forward by staff and council members. This meeting is open to the public and starts at 8:30 A.M.
Some items on the agenda are:
- The future of the South Shore Center
- Public Works staffing level
- Trails
- Partnering For Services
- Organized trash collection
The Insider hopes some of you, the readers, will attend since it's expected this meeting will not be recorded for TV and the web.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Saturday, January 18, 2014
The Blog Returns
1/18/14
It's been awhile since the last post, but it doesn't mean nothing is happening inside Shorewood.
Council has managed to get itself into a fight with residents of the Summit Rd. The neighbors are opposing a Planned Unit Development proposing to place four new homes along Summit Rd, claiming the substandard street width and a host of other supposed local problems make the PUD unsuitable for their street. Many of those opposed are Chanhassen residents living on Hummingbird which is the Chanhassen side of Summit Rd.
Anyway, Council voted to deny the PUD request late last year (as recommended by the Planning Commission) with Zerby, Woodruff and Hotvet in support of denial. At Council's December meeting, the matter was on the agenda again. This time to formally pass a resolution of denial. When it came to a vote, Hotvet changed her mind and the PUD was approved 3 to 2 with Zerbty and Woodruff dissenting. Why did Hotvet change her mind? We'll probably never know, but one can ponder on the fact that her friend Siakel voted in favor twice.
Meanwhile, the neighbors have organized and hired an attorney. Looks like rough discussions ahead for the Council.
The League of Women Voters held its "Lively Issues" session this week. The Mayors of Deephaven, Excelsior, Greenwood, Shorewood, Tonka Bay and Woodland were invited to answer questions posed by the League. Of particular interest was a question about interest in merging cities. Reportedly, Zerby indicated interest in merging with Excelsior. Excelsior's Mayor said his council wasn't really on board with the idea. Tonka Bay, Greenwood and Deepaven Mayors indicated no interest in their cities. so, once again, Zerby is flogging this dying horse, urging it to enter a race few (none?) want to be involved in. It seems his getting "A Southlake Community" on the signs welcoming those traveling on streets entering Shorewood is not welcoming enough to make his vision an actuality. The Insider wonders if Shorewood residents reading this blog really want Zerby spending time on this.
There are openings on the Parks and Planning Commissions as well as on the LMCC and LMCD. Interest of residents is underwhelming with perhaps only one candidate indicating interest. If readers have any interest in moving Shorewood forward and how city government works, contact City Hall soon.
Happy reading!
The Insider
It's been awhile since the last post, but it doesn't mean nothing is happening inside Shorewood.
Council has managed to get itself into a fight with residents of the Summit Rd. The neighbors are opposing a Planned Unit Development proposing to place four new homes along Summit Rd, claiming the substandard street width and a host of other supposed local problems make the PUD unsuitable for their street. Many of those opposed are Chanhassen residents living on Hummingbird which is the Chanhassen side of Summit Rd.
Anyway, Council voted to deny the PUD request late last year (as recommended by the Planning Commission) with Zerby, Woodruff and Hotvet in support of denial. At Council's December meeting, the matter was on the agenda again. This time to formally pass a resolution of denial. When it came to a vote, Hotvet changed her mind and the PUD was approved 3 to 2 with Zerbty and Woodruff dissenting. Why did Hotvet change her mind? We'll probably never know, but one can ponder on the fact that her friend Siakel voted in favor twice.
Meanwhile, the neighbors have organized and hired an attorney. Looks like rough discussions ahead for the Council.
The League of Women Voters held its "Lively Issues" session this week. The Mayors of Deephaven, Excelsior, Greenwood, Shorewood, Tonka Bay and Woodland were invited to answer questions posed by the League. Of particular interest was a question about interest in merging cities. Reportedly, Zerby indicated interest in merging with Excelsior. Excelsior's Mayor said his council wasn't really on board with the idea. Tonka Bay, Greenwood and Deepaven Mayors indicated no interest in their cities. so, once again, Zerby is flogging this dying horse, urging it to enter a race few (none?) want to be involved in. It seems his getting "A Southlake Community" on the signs welcoming those traveling on streets entering Shorewood is not welcoming enough to make his vision an actuality. The Insider wonders if Shorewood residents reading this blog really want Zerby spending time on this.
There are openings on the Parks and Planning Commissions as well as on the LMCC and LMCD. Interest of residents is underwhelming with perhaps only one candidate indicating interest. If readers have any interest in moving Shorewood forward and how city government works, contact City Hall soon.
Happy reading!
The Insider
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Mayor Zerby Heading To Washington
12/29/13
One reader asked about Mayor Zerby's upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. and the Mayors Innovation Project Meeting. Council approved the trip at the 12/9 meeting for a cost of about $1500.
Readers can see the agenda for this boondoggle at: http://weblink.ci.shorewood.mn.us/weblink8/0/doc/167344/Page1.aspx and pages 91/92. The only agenda item that appears to relate to needs of a city like Shorewood is the one about working with allies outside your city. Zerby is still trying to merge Shorewood with Excelsior, not very successfully. Of course, maybe Zerby wants to attend to lend support to St Paul Mayor Coleman who is a panelist talking about how every child can get a great education. Maybe Zerby plans to merge Shorewood with the Minnetonka School Board?
To the reader who asked about this trip: How do you suppose Hotvet will praise Zerby's report on his return?
Of note is that Zerby's travel priorities didn't include attending this year's League of Minnesota Cities meeting even though it would have required only travel to St Paul. One suspects that this meeting would have had more value for Shorewood at far less cost.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
One reader asked about Mayor Zerby's upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. and the Mayors Innovation Project Meeting. Council approved the trip at the 12/9 meeting for a cost of about $1500.
Readers can see the agenda for this boondoggle at: http://weblink.ci.shorewood.mn.us/weblink8/0/doc/167344/Page1.aspx and pages 91/92. The only agenda item that appears to relate to needs of a city like Shorewood is the one about working with allies outside your city. Zerby is still trying to merge Shorewood with Excelsior, not very successfully. Of course, maybe Zerby wants to attend to lend support to St Paul Mayor Coleman who is a panelist talking about how every child can get a great education. Maybe Zerby plans to merge Shorewood with the Minnetonka School Board?
To the reader who asked about this trip: How do you suppose Hotvet will praise Zerby's report on his return?
Of note is that Zerby's travel priorities didn't include attending this year's League of Minnesota Cities meeting even though it would have required only travel to St Paul. One suspects that this meeting would have had more value for Shorewood at far less cost.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Volunteer For Commissions?
12/12/13
Shorewood has several appointed commissions and boards that do valuable work and provide guidance to the Council and City staff. Slots are available on the Parks, Planning commissions as well as seats on the Lake Minnetonka Communications Commission (cable TV and community communications) and the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (manages the surface use of Lake Minnetonka for 14 member cities) boards.
Residents who volunteer can make a real impact on the City by influencing City policy and in some cases participate in making ordinances. Participation is a chance to learn how the City and the region actually works as well as make a real difference in operations and policy.
So having said this, why does the City have a tough time finding applicants and why has this gotten tougher in the past three or so years? The Insider would like readers to comment. Of course, if readers want to apply, they can call City Hall at 952-960-7900 or send email to: cityhall@ci.shorewood.mn.us.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Shorewood has several appointed commissions and boards that do valuable work and provide guidance to the Council and City staff. Slots are available on the Parks, Planning commissions as well as seats on the Lake Minnetonka Communications Commission (cable TV and community communications) and the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (manages the surface use of Lake Minnetonka for 14 member cities) boards.
Residents who volunteer can make a real impact on the City by influencing City policy and in some cases participate in making ordinances. Participation is a chance to learn how the City and the region actually works as well as make a real difference in operations and policy.
So having said this, why does the City have a tough time finding applicants and why has this gotten tougher in the past three or so years? The Insider would like readers to comment. Of course, if readers want to apply, they can call City Hall at 952-960-7900 or send email to: cityhall@ci.shorewood.mn.us.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
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