Several of the most-read articles this year covered the massive mounds of soil being stored in the Tonka Bay city hall parking lot. These soils come from an infrastructure project that disturbed confirmed burial sites for the original people living in the area before Europeans arrived. As a result, the soil was deemed sacred and subject to repatriation under state law and was guided by the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council.
The final resting site, in the woodland west of Lilah Lane, was the subject of controversy and several emotional public meetings. The city has now proceeded to prepare the site to build the mounds with the soil. The transfer of soil is expected to take three weeks, based on weather, and is subject to restrictions on haul time and process.
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E-bike Enforcement Strategy
Read: SCA, July 24, 2023, E-Bikes, Parent, Policing & Policy
Watch: Fox 9, June 19, 2021, E-Bikes Still a Problem*
Read: Minnesota Star Tribune, June 23, 2025, Cops Crack Down on E-Motorcyclists
Youth e-bike behavior has been the talk of the towns for over two years. State laws and local officials admit they are playing catch-up with the technology and popularity. The challenge has been developing uniform rules across city boundaries, without clear guidance on the state level. The recent article from Deephaven’s Chief of Police, clarified that city’s strategy. Meanwhile, the former South Lake Minnetonka Public Safety (Shorewood, Greenwood, Excelsior and Tonka Bay) chief explains their approach at the Apr. 25, 2025 police coordinating committee meeting.
*Beware: The age and permitting requirements are incorrect in this video.
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Picking up on Organized Trash Hauling
Read: SCA, Jan. 5, 2025, Let’s Talk Trash
The May city-wide survey asked residents to rate the pursuit of organized trash hauling in Shorewood. 55% strongly or somewhat supported the concept while 36% opposed or strongly opposed. 9% had no opinion. Below are the results:
Residents having a strong opinion about organized trash collection can speak up at matters from the floor during regular council meetings.
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