2/24/13
Shorewood's Council is, again, considering requiring permits for items already regulated by zoning law, but not requiring a formal permit to install. Items potentially requiring these "zoning permits" could include invisible dog fences, underground sprinkler systems, structures smaller than 120 square feet (think of a shed for storage of garden tools), children's play equipment, and driveways.
City staff says that they have regular problems with such items being installed such that they violate setback requirements, orher aspects of City code and even that they encroach on neighboring properties. Staff believes requiring residents to apply for a permit will solve these problems by avoiding them to start.
Interestingly, staff is also saying they don't intend to actively enforce the permits. Moreover they admit they probably won's even inspect installations when a permit has been obtained. So, the Insider wonders if readers of this blog think zoning permits have any merit. Remember, the existing zoning code covers these items, it just doesn't require permits before they're installed.
Happy Reding!
The Insider
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Saturday, February 16, 2013
South Shore Center _Woody Love Speaks
2/16/12
Former Mayor, Woody Love, spoke about the South Shore Cdnter during the council meeting on Monday the 11th. The speech was more of the same from Woody and the same gang of center advocates. The senior group, SSSP, has embarked on a visioning effort and, as is often the case when people have no idea what they're doing, they've hired a consultant to help them.
The message was that Shorewood's senior population is growing and this wonderful asset is needed to support this growing population as they "age in place." One of Woody's major objectives is to get the support of one city (guess which one). No mention was made of how this wonderful effort is to be funded or how many seniors actually use the facility now.
When asked by a council member about the schedule for the visioning activity, Woody didn't know and deferred to Bob Neuman, former mayor of Greenwood and another long-time Center advocate. Neuman said there was no real timetable, but eventually he and Woody concluded that end of 1st quarter would be it. So, an effort that is of critical importance has no formal schedule. Typical for this group.
The Insider noted that one Council Member said it'd be preferable that more than one city would be in support. At least one person may be thinking that this thing looks like a setup for Shorewood's taxpayers to get stuck with an even larger bill.
View the council meeting and item 6A: at http://lmcc.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=858
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Former Mayor, Woody Love, spoke about the South Shore Cdnter during the council meeting on Monday the 11th. The speech was more of the same from Woody and the same gang of center advocates. The senior group, SSSP, has embarked on a visioning effort and, as is often the case when people have no idea what they're doing, they've hired a consultant to help them.
The message was that Shorewood's senior population is growing and this wonderful asset is needed to support this growing population as they "age in place." One of Woody's major objectives is to get the support of one city (guess which one). No mention was made of how this wonderful effort is to be funded or how many seniors actually use the facility now.
When asked by a council member about the schedule for the visioning activity, Woody didn't know and deferred to Bob Neuman, former mayor of Greenwood and another long-time Center advocate. Neuman said there was no real timetable, but eventually he and Woody concluded that end of 1st quarter would be it. So, an effort that is of critical importance has no formal schedule. Typical for this group.
The Insider noted that one Council Member said it'd be preferable that more than one city would be in support. At least one person may be thinking that this thing looks like a setup for Shorewood's taxpayers to get stuck with an even larger bill.
View the council meeting and item 6A: at http://lmcc.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=858
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Shouth Shore Center Manager Leaving
2/9/13
According to the agenda for Monday night's Council Meeting, Kristi Anderson, the South Shore Center Manager (contractor) has given notice of termination of her contract as of March 31st. Readers of this blog should recall that the Center has been running increasing deficits and is projecting much lower revenues for this year.
One would assume that significantly lower commission expectations for Ms Anderson had something to do with her decision to leave.
On Monday night's agenda is a presentation by former Mayor Woody Love, representing the South Shore Senior Partners, on a ""visioning" activity the Partners are conducting. One can only speculate what might come of this.
Maybe it's time for the five cities who own the Center (Deephaven, Greenwood, Excelsior, Tonka Bay and Shorewood) to come together and get real about its future. Shorewood is the only city that's put any operating money into the center for the past three years while the other cities have taken a free ride. Some might say Shorewood volunteered for this (and they'd be correct), but how much is enough for Shorewood taxpayers?
Happy Reading!
The Insider
According to the agenda for Monday night's Council Meeting, Kristi Anderson, the South Shore Center Manager (contractor) has given notice of termination of her contract as of March 31st. Readers of this blog should recall that the Center has been running increasing deficits and is projecting much lower revenues for this year.
One would assume that significantly lower commission expectations for Ms Anderson had something to do with her decision to leave.
On Monday night's agenda is a presentation by former Mayor Woody Love, representing the South Shore Senior Partners, on a ""visioning" activity the Partners are conducting. One can only speculate what might come of this.
Maybe it's time for the five cities who own the Center (Deephaven, Greenwood, Excelsior, Tonka Bay and Shorewood) to come together and get real about its future. Shorewood is the only city that's put any operating money into the center for the past three years while the other cities have taken a free ride. Some might say Shorewood volunteered for this (and they'd be correct), but how much is enough for Shorewood taxpayers?
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Sunday, February 3, 2013
What's City Water Worth?
2/3/13
On 1/18, Council approved engineering work and public meetings to consider road improvements on Valleywood Lane and Valleywood Circle.. Also proposed was extending City water to the properties.
The estimate for water extension results in a proposed assessment for each property of over $11,000. Will Council go ahead with water? It's not clear. One thing for sure, this is not an affluent neighborhood and $11,000 of cost is likely to come at a time when it's just not affordable.
Last time road improvements were done in this area, residents came out strongly against putting in water and Council voted against the water portion of the project.
What will Council do under Mayor Zerby's leadership? He's been in favor of water extension.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
On 1/18, Council approved engineering work and public meetings to consider road improvements on Valleywood Lane and Valleywood Circle.. Also proposed was extending City water to the properties.
The estimate for water extension results in a proposed assessment for each property of over $11,000. Will Council go ahead with water? It's not clear. One thing for sure, this is not an affluent neighborhood and $11,000 of cost is likely to come at a time when it's just not affordable.
Last time road improvements were done in this area, residents came out strongly against putting in water and Council voted against the water portion of the project.
What will Council do under Mayor Zerby's leadership? He's been in favor of water extension.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
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