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
Saturday, January 18, 2014
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
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Tax Increase Of 2% Approved
12/5/13
Shorewood's Council approved the 2014 budget with a 2% tax increase Monday night. The approval was 4 - 0 with council member Siakel absent and followed the annual Truth-In-Taxation meeting. Readers can watch the meeting at: http://lmcc.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=9f25675d-ae8f-1031-8121-35eaf3043912
So, if the South Shore Center is to continue operations, Council intends to fund it from excess City reserves, not additional taxes.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Shorewood's Council approved the 2014 budget with a 2% tax increase Monday night. The approval was 4 - 0 with council member Siakel absent and followed the annual Truth-In-Taxation meeting. Readers can watch the meeting at: http://lmcc.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=9f25675d-ae8f-1031-8121-35eaf3043912
So, if the South Shore Center is to continue operations, Council intends to fund it from excess City reserves, not additional taxes.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Tax Increase For South Shore Center Dropped
11/30/13
On the 25th, Council directed staff to remove the 1% tax increase in the 2014 budget that was to fund full operation of the South Shore Center. Readers may view the discussion at: http://lmcc.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=59e092df-a9a8-1031-8121-35eaf3043912 Look at the last item on the agenda list for the work session video.
The Insider is amazed that council member Siakel started the discussion, expressing her discomfort with raising Shorewood taxes to support the Center when the other cities which own the center haven't committed to financially support it. Ultimately, all the members echoed Siakel. Even Mayor Zerby whose wife is on the South Shore Senior Partners board voiced his agreement.
So, Monday night (the 2nd) the Truth In Taxation meeting at 700 PM at City Hall will feature a budget with $48K less in tax levy and a matching reduction in spending.
The Insider would be remiss if it wasn't mentioned that Siakel and her fellow council members did reach consensus that the City has plenty of excess reserves if its finally decided to operate the Center in 2014. The committee studying future operations is supposed to have a report by the end of December. So, it's possible the owner cities will agree to funding and forward movement.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
On the 25th, Council directed staff to remove the 1% tax increase in the 2014 budget that was to fund full operation of the South Shore Center. Readers may view the discussion at: http://lmcc.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=59e092df-a9a8-1031-8121-35eaf3043912 Look at the last item on the agenda list for the work session video.
The Insider is amazed that council member Siakel started the discussion, expressing her discomfort with raising Shorewood taxes to support the Center when the other cities which own the center haven't committed to financially support it. Ultimately, all the members echoed Siakel. Even Mayor Zerby whose wife is on the South Shore Senior Partners board voiced his agreement.
So, Monday night (the 2nd) the Truth In Taxation meeting at 700 PM at City Hall will feature a budget with $48K less in tax levy and a matching reduction in spending.
The Insider would be remiss if it wasn't mentioned that Siakel and her fellow council members did reach consensus that the City has plenty of excess reserves if its finally decided to operate the Center in 2014. The committee studying future operations is supposed to have a report by the end of December. So, it's possible the owner cities will agree to funding and forward movement.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Monday, November 25, 2013
Last Chance To Speak Out On Taxes
11/25/13
Shorewood's Council is holding a work session tonight at 600 PM to put the finishing touches on the 2014 budget. Looking at the materials, nothing's changed since August.
Taxes are going up 3% with one third of that allocated to a yet to be defined new operating plan for the South Shore Center. Spending is also going up. While not in the materials to be discussed tonight, completion of the Excelsior Rd trail to nowhere and a new trail on Galpin Lake Rd are in the spending plans. As reported earlier, the Galpin Lake trail will be built with money borrowed from the sewer fund since there is no money left in the trail fund.
Residents have a chance to weigh in on the budget on Monday December 2nd at 700 PM when the City holds its state-mandated truth in taxation meeting. If you have something to say, it's the last chance.
See: http://weblink.ci.shorewood.mn.us/weblink8/0/doc/167111/Page1.aspx
to read the budget presentation for tonight and a preview of the presentation for next Monday.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Shorewood's Council is holding a work session tonight at 600 PM to put the finishing touches on the 2014 budget. Looking at the materials, nothing's changed since August.
Taxes are going up 3% with one third of that allocated to a yet to be defined new operating plan for the South Shore Center. Spending is also going up. While not in the materials to be discussed tonight, completion of the Excelsior Rd trail to nowhere and a new trail on Galpin Lake Rd are in the spending plans. As reported earlier, the Galpin Lake trail will be built with money borrowed from the sewer fund since there is no money left in the trail fund.
Residents have a chance to weigh in on the budget on Monday December 2nd at 700 PM when the City holds its state-mandated truth in taxation meeting. If you have something to say, it's the last chance.
See: http://weblink.ci.shorewood.mn.us/weblink8/0/doc/167111/Page1.aspx
to read the budget presentation for tonight and a preview of the presentation for next Monday.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Utility Rates And Trail Funding
10/31/13
On the 28th, Council heard a report from a consultant on recommendations for changes to the fees for sanitary and storm sewer service in Shorewood. In summary, both fees would be increased to assure funding for future projects already in City plans. One one of these projects is to build trails. Also recommended is that the storm sewer fund to borrow money from the sanitary sewer fund, paying it back with interest over 20 years. The cause of the borrowing is storm sewer work caused by building trails.
Of particular note is that the trails to be funded are: Galpin Lake Rd., Smithtown Rd. East and the completion of the trail to nowhere on Excelsior Blvd. So, there is no funding the remainder of the trails that are in the City's Trail Plan.
Council made no decisions except to continue the discussion of fee changes at its next meeting. One thing seems sure and that is that fees will go up.
View the meeting (last item on the agenda list) at: http://lmcc.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=674eac22-9324-1031-84e6-4d4a8ee9e3b7
Happy Reading!
The Insider
On the 28th, Council heard a report from a consultant on recommendations for changes to the fees for sanitary and storm sewer service in Shorewood. In summary, both fees would be increased to assure funding for future projects already in City plans. One one of these projects is to build trails. Also recommended is that the storm sewer fund to borrow money from the sanitary sewer fund, paying it back with interest over 20 years. The cause of the borrowing is storm sewer work caused by building trails.
Of particular note is that the trails to be funded are: Galpin Lake Rd., Smithtown Rd. East and the completion of the trail to nowhere on Excelsior Blvd. So, there is no funding the remainder of the trails that are in the City's Trail Plan.
Council made no decisions except to continue the discussion of fee changes at its next meeting. One thing seems sure and that is that fees will go up.
View the meeting (last item on the agenda list) at: http://lmcc.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=674eac22-9324-1031-84e6-4d4a8ee9e3b7
Happy Reading!
The Insider
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