4/30/12
One of Mayor Lizee's big priorities in 2011 was to develop a Shorewood strategic plan. The Council and staff paid a consultant to start the process and held two meetings early in the year. Then, nothing.
Early this year former Administrator Heck was told to get the planning process restarted (why did Lizee and buddies wait one year to do this?). Heck did restart and held two work sessions, following a process and time table he had gotten the council to agree to. At the last of these sessions, he got told that he was on the wrong track despite the council having agreed on the process. Seemed that some council members really didn't understand what a strategic plan was and really wanted to focus on a few tactical issues such as budgeting (Siakel's hot button).
Lizee and her council buddies solved the problem by getting Heck to resign.
Now, there is nothing happening with strategic planning (the Insider was interested to see an item under Staff Reports about strategic planning on the last council agenda, but when the reports were made, nothing was said on this subject).
The only conclusion the Insider can reach is that Lizee and her council buddies want a binder they can put on the shelf with Strategic Plan on its spine. Actually doing the work to develop a plan is unimportant to them. This is similar to what's happened to the resident survey from earlier this year.
What a waste and a disservice to the staff and the residents of Shorewood.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Monday, April 30, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Finance Services With Excelsior - On The Ropes?
4/28/12
Just two months ago, Shorewood inked a deal with Excelsior to provide Excelsior's finance services. Now, the Insider learns that Excelsior has hired a finance person (not a Director). The Insider wonders why Excelsior would do this after just two months.
One idea is that Excelsior has had second thoughts about having an outsider from a "partner" city privy to its internal financial dealings.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Just two months ago, Shorewood inked a deal with Excelsior to provide Excelsior's finance services. Now, the Insider learns that Excelsior has hired a finance person (not a Director). The Insider wonders why Excelsior would do this after just two months.
One idea is that Excelsior has had second thoughts about having an outsider from a "partner" city privy to its internal financial dealings.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Monday, April 23, 2012
All Watercraft Must Have AIS Sticker
4/23/12
The Insider has seen some confusing information about the new DNR AIS sticker. Here is the real story. Bottom Line: get stickers put onto your watercraft and follow the rules listed on them!
See the DNR website at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquatic_qa.html
- All watercraft must have the new sticker (includes things like canoes and seaplanes)
- The stickers are required NOW, but citations for misdemeanor will not happen until August of 2014 (but, you can get a warning citation now!)
- Stickers are available from the DNR, all license registrars, watercraft inspectors and most larger sporting goods stores.
Maybe Shorewood will get some at City Hall?
Happy Reading!
The Insider
The Insider has seen some confusing information about the new DNR AIS sticker. Here is the real story. Bottom Line: get stickers put onto your watercraft and follow the rules listed on them!
See the DNR website at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquatic_qa.html
- All watercraft must have the new sticker (includes things like canoes and seaplanes)
- The stickers are required NOW, but citations for misdemeanor will not happen until August of 2014 (but, you can get a warning citation now!)
- Stickers are available from the DNR, all license registrars, watercraft inspectors and most larger sporting goods stores.
Maybe Shorewood will get some at City Hall?
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Sunday, April 22, 2012
South Shore Center - Benefit vs. Cost?
4/22/12
The Shorewood City Council will hear a report on the South Shore Center's 2011 operations during the meeting on Monday the 23rd. The report is in the council packet. See agenda item 6B at http://weblink.ci.shorewood.mn.us/weblink8/docview.aspx?id=159167&dbid=0
Of particular interest to the Insider is the usage information on pages 3 and 4 of the report. 65% of non-senior users resided in the five communities that own the Center while only 49% of senior users were from owner cities. When senior and non-senior users are combined, Shorewood residents' use of the Center is only 28%.
The report shows an operating loss of $14,939. Additionally, Shorewood provided City staff support valued at an $18,236. So, Shorewood spent $33,175 of resident tax dollars for the use of 28% of the facility. The other owner cities, other than some small donations for the new digital sign, spent zero. Nothing was contributed by cities outside the five owners' borders. Looking at it another way, Shorewood had to subsidize $109 for each of the Shorewood residents making up the 28% of use.
The Insider's conclusion is that Shorewood is subsidizing residents of other cities because someone on Shorewood's Council thinks spending the City's money for the benefit of non-Shorewood residents is a good deal. Both Lizee and Zerby have tried to hide the financial reporting for the Center. It appears there is good reason.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
The Shorewood City Council will hear a report on the South Shore Center's 2011 operations during the meeting on Monday the 23rd. The report is in the council packet. See agenda item 6B at http://weblink.ci.shorewood.mn.us/weblink8/docview.aspx?id=159167&dbid=0
Of particular interest to the Insider is the usage information on pages 3 and 4 of the report. 65% of non-senior users resided in the five communities that own the Center while only 49% of senior users were from owner cities. When senior and non-senior users are combined, Shorewood residents' use of the Center is only 28%.
The report shows an operating loss of $14,939. Additionally, Shorewood provided City staff support valued at an $18,236. So, Shorewood spent $33,175 of resident tax dollars for the use of 28% of the facility. The other owner cities, other than some small donations for the new digital sign, spent zero. Nothing was contributed by cities outside the five owners' borders. Looking at it another way, Shorewood had to subsidize $109 for each of the Shorewood residents making up the 28% of use.
The Insider's conclusion is that Shorewood is subsidizing residents of other cities because someone on Shorewood's Council thinks spending the City's money for the benefit of non-Shorewood residents is a good deal. Both Lizee and Zerby have tried to hide the financial reporting for the Center. It appears there is good reason.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Community Survey - Wasted?
4/15/12
Shorewood conducted a community survey and unveiled the results at the first council meeting in February. The response rate to the survey was excellent and the results, according to the professional survey group that conducted it, were statistically valid. The City spent about $20,000 for the survey and its professional analysis. Blog readers can see the survey summary and detail at: http://ci.shorewood.mn.us/pages/govt/survey.html
Ever since Mayor Lizee took office in 2007, she's been beating the drum to have a survey, over the years citing need for community input on a number of potential initiatives. There was a false start on a survey two years ago and now a real and valid one is complete. So, where is the action plan from Lizee and her council buddies?
There have been joint council meetings about the survey with the Planning and Parks Commissions, but no direction to them to take any action to see how the survey might affect their current or future plans and no council mandate for the commissions to report back with findings. The council itself has not met to discuss what the survey results mean with the intent of developing any thoughtful action plan.
Where is Lizee's leadership? As it stands now, the survey seems to be destined to become another piece of expensive bookshelf lining.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Shorewood conducted a community survey and unveiled the results at the first council meeting in February. The response rate to the survey was excellent and the results, according to the professional survey group that conducted it, were statistically valid. The City spent about $20,000 for the survey and its professional analysis. Blog readers can see the survey summary and detail at: http://ci.shorewood.mn.us/pages/govt/survey.html
Ever since Mayor Lizee took office in 2007, she's been beating the drum to have a survey, over the years citing need for community input on a number of potential initiatives. There was a false start on a survey two years ago and now a real and valid one is complete. So, where is the action plan from Lizee and her council buddies?
There have been joint council meetings about the survey with the Planning and Parks Commissions, but no direction to them to take any action to see how the survey might affect their current or future plans and no council mandate for the commissions to report back with findings. The council itself has not met to discuss what the survey results mean with the intent of developing any thoughtful action plan.
Where is Lizee's leadership? As it stands now, the survey seems to be destined to become another piece of expensive bookshelf lining.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
New Year's Predictions - Updated
4/11/12
Here's an update to the Insider's predictions (see blog from 1/12/12).
- Heck did "resign". No replacement plan has been announced. So, former Administrator Dawson still could be in the running. He was recently hired by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District to project manage its AIS programs. Also rumored is that Larry Brown, Interim Administrator and Public Works Director, is on the short list along with an administrator from one of the other lake communities.
- Shorewood is doing financial work for Excelsior, but was not chosen to do work for Tonka Bay. Is it possible Mayor Lizee and her council buddies have a much larger desire to "partner" with neighboring cities than do these cities to partner with Shorewood?
- The city-wide water move is underway, but the $29 million price tag may be too much for even Lizee and Zerby to swallow.
- One attempt to "lead" in AIS management was aborted when the DNR would not participate in a new Joint Powers organization with Shorewood (cooked up by City Attorney Keane and Mayor Lizee) and the MCWD. But, the MCWD, Shorewood and the Christmas Lake Homeowners Association are in process of signing agreements (with the DNR's blessing) for AIS inspections at the Christmas Lake. launch. Shorewood's council approved the deals on 4/9. So far, Shorewood's financial exposure seems very limited as the MCWD and the CLHA are supposed to pay for almost everything. Cost for 2012: close to $50,000!
- The trail plan implementation is underway for the approximately 1200 feet along County Rd. 19. However, staff estimated the cost at $72,000, there is no agreement with Excel for power pole movement, the bus company has not yet agreed to allow encroachment and there is no agreement on how wide the trail should be. Lizee has tossed this hot potato to the Planning Commission to worry all the pesky details.
- And something new: Rumor has it that most of City staff have their resumes on the street following the Heck departure. Seems many are wondering if they too have a target on their back.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Here's an update to the Insider's predictions (see blog from 1/12/12).
- Heck did "resign". No replacement plan has been announced. So, former Administrator Dawson still could be in the running. He was recently hired by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District to project manage its AIS programs. Also rumored is that Larry Brown, Interim Administrator and Public Works Director, is on the short list along with an administrator from one of the other lake communities.
- Shorewood is doing financial work for Excelsior, but was not chosen to do work for Tonka Bay. Is it possible Mayor Lizee and her council buddies have a much larger desire to "partner" with neighboring cities than do these cities to partner with Shorewood?
- The city-wide water move is underway, but the $29 million price tag may be too much for even Lizee and Zerby to swallow.
- One attempt to "lead" in AIS management was aborted when the DNR would not participate in a new Joint Powers organization with Shorewood (cooked up by City Attorney Keane and Mayor Lizee) and the MCWD. But, the MCWD, Shorewood and the Christmas Lake Homeowners Association are in process of signing agreements (with the DNR's blessing) for AIS inspections at the Christmas Lake. launch. Shorewood's council approved the deals on 4/9. So far, Shorewood's financial exposure seems very limited as the MCWD and the CLHA are supposed to pay for almost everything. Cost for 2012: close to $50,000!
- The trail plan implementation is underway for the approximately 1200 feet along County Rd. 19. However, staff estimated the cost at $72,000, there is no agreement with Excel for power pole movement, the bus company has not yet agreed to allow encroachment and there is no agreement on how wide the trail should be. Lizee has tossed this hot potato to the Planning Commission to worry all the pesky details.
- And something new: Rumor has it that most of City staff have their resumes on the street following the Heck departure. Seems many are wondering if they too have a target on their back.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Friday, April 6, 2012
Plan for New Administrator - Not!
4/6/12
It's one month since former Administrator Heck announced he was leaving Shorewood's employ. Since then, there have been two Council Meetings yet, no plan to replace Heck has been unveiled by the Mayor.
The Insider sees that the subject of replacement is not on the agenda for the 4/9 council meeting. So, what is Mayor Lizee planning? The Insider, not finding any mention of a plan or one forthcoming, fears the worst and so should residents of Shorewood.
Of course the important things like proclaiming Arbor Day in Shorewood are on the 9th agenda. First things always first!
Happy Reading!
The Insider
It's one month since former Administrator Heck announced he was leaving Shorewood's employ. Since then, there have been two Council Meetings yet, no plan to replace Heck has been unveiled by the Mayor.
The Insider sees that the subject of replacement is not on the agenda for the 4/9 council meeting. So, what is Mayor Lizee planning? The Insider, not finding any mention of a plan or one forthcoming, fears the worst and so should residents of Shorewood.
Of course the important things like proclaiming Arbor Day in Shorewood are on the 9th agenda. First things always first!
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Heck's Departure Cost, Lizee Squeaks About Insider
4/3/12
Thanks to Brett Stursa and the "Lakeshore Weekly News" for reporting on the cost and details of Shorewood Administrator Heck's departure. The article is at: http://www.weeklynews.com/main.asp?SectionID=10&SubSectionID=10&ArticleID=10057&TM=44111.94
Ms. Stursa lists costs at over $50,000 and this does not include unemployment insurance costs that could go on for a year or more.
The article goes on to report on Mayor Lizee's rant about information getting to this blog. Obviously, Lizee is furious that she can't control information flow and manage what you, the readers, know about how she operates as Mayor.
The Insider pledges to keep reporting to you..
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Thanks to Brett Stursa and the "Lakeshore Weekly News" for reporting on the cost and details of Shorewood Administrator Heck's departure. The article is at: http://www.weeklynews.com/main.asp?SectionID=10&SubSectionID=10&ArticleID=10057&TM=44111.94
Ms. Stursa lists costs at over $50,000 and this does not include unemployment insurance costs that could go on for a year or more.
The article goes on to report on Mayor Lizee's rant about information getting to this blog. Obviously, Lizee is furious that she can't control information flow and manage what you, the readers, know about how she operates as Mayor.
The Insider pledges to keep reporting to you..
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Monday, April 2, 2012
AIS - #1 Priority for Shorewood?
4/2/12
Seems AIS must be Shorewood's #1 priority.
The Mayor and council member Zerby have appointed themselves as an AIS committee to meet with the Watershed and others about AIS and specifically, the Christmas Lake boat ramp inspection program. So far, no authorization for this from Shorewood's council and no authorization to spend even more $ despite now paying Tim Keane, the Attorney, for attending and supporting these meetings. Yet another example of "openness" and "transparency" being delivered by Mayor Lizee and her buddies.
The LMA (Dick Osgood) released a summary of the financials for 2011 milfoil treatments. Phelps Bay cost $52K with $5K being "LMA Manangement" while Gideons cost $68K with another $5K for management. Most interesting is that after collecting the donations and monies from the city, etc., Phelps was left with over $12K of extra money and Gideons with over $17K of extra funds. So, the naive Shorewood Council just approved providing to the LMA $6K for Phelps and $1K for Gideons without even asking how much the LMA had leftover. Great financial management! More like, just take this blank check LMA and you fill in the amount as we don't really care about taxpayer's money.
LMA "management" costs? It's more than 10% of milfoil treatment costs. One can only surmise that this is the pay for Dick Osgood. What, you thought he did his newspaper columns and attended meetings gratis? Think again. He beats the LMA AIS drum for profit and don't you forget it.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Seems AIS must be Shorewood's #1 priority.
The Mayor and council member Zerby have appointed themselves as an AIS committee to meet with the Watershed and others about AIS and specifically, the Christmas Lake boat ramp inspection program. So far, no authorization for this from Shorewood's council and no authorization to spend even more $ despite now paying Tim Keane, the Attorney, for attending and supporting these meetings. Yet another example of "openness" and "transparency" being delivered by Mayor Lizee and her buddies.
The LMA (Dick Osgood) released a summary of the financials for 2011 milfoil treatments. Phelps Bay cost $52K with $5K being "LMA Manangement" while Gideons cost $68K with another $5K for management. Most interesting is that after collecting the donations and monies from the city, etc., Phelps was left with over $12K of extra money and Gideons with over $17K of extra funds. So, the naive Shorewood Council just approved providing to the LMA $6K for Phelps and $1K for Gideons without even asking how much the LMA had leftover. Great financial management! More like, just take this blank check LMA and you fill in the amount as we don't really care about taxpayer's money.
LMA "management" costs? It's more than 10% of milfoil treatment costs. One can only surmise that this is the pay for Dick Osgood. What, you thought he did his newspaper columns and attended meetings gratis? Think again. He beats the LMA AIS drum for profit and don't you forget it.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
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