South Shore Senior Partners: The Future
South Shore Senior Partners (SSSP) is a non-profit group of volunteer seniors that contract to promote and manage senior programming at the Shorewood Community Event Center (SCEC). The SSSP rental contract with the SCEC is up for review and renewal. The contract has been effective since 2009. SSSP is a non-profit group with limited funding and staff hours. On July 14 the council agreed to assess and adjust the contract to meet current needs. The council was asked to resolve insurance coverage, background checks, and the span of the contract.
- Best practices require background checks for volunteers costing $40-140. Several council members agreed the city should cover the cost because they provide a free welcoming service to the community.
- SSSP is covered under the city’s liability insurance policy for a minimal charge. The deductible per claim is $2500 (no claims to date). Options considered are:
- The city keep SSSP on its policy; or
- They purchase their own insurance as other renters of the facility do.
- SSSP has limited resources and is questioning their viability if they assume the premiums. Deductibles are paid by the city. DiGruttolo suggested there be a revocation clause in the SSSP contract if claims exceeded a certain number. Maddy proposed a discount for rent if the SSSP purchases its own insurance. Both suggestions are being considered.
- SSSP wants a 1-2 year contract due to the unpredictability of dwindling membership and difficult board recruitment.
DiGruttolo asked that SSSP present their planned activities, long-term goals and financial outlook to the council. Staff agreed to schedule a joint meeting in the near future.
Watch the July 14 Shorewood council discussion here.
Read the background material here (starting at p.10)
Unwanted Ammunition in the House?
No Easy Solutions for Hennepin County Residents
Unwanted ammo or explosives cannot go into the trash. Guns can easily be disposed of by arrangement with South Lake Minnetonka Police Department. But getting rid of unwanted ammunition or explosives is not as straightforward for Hennepin County residents. Putting unused ammunition or explosives in the trash is dangerous. Residents have few safe options. So what’s a resident of Hennepin County to do? For now: Keep it.
- Hennepin County hazardous waste sites no longer take ammo and explosives due to the high disposal costs.
- Some police departments host a take-back day (Minnetonka Police held one for residents on July 13), but these programs are rare.
- Many Hennepin County area police department websites offer no information or incorrect details about disposal.
- Carver and Dakota counties accept ammo from their residents. Multiple police departments in Ramsey County provide this service.
What we learned: ● To dispose of unwanted guns: Contact South Lake Minnetonka Police Department, (952) 474-3261 for more information on Operation Lock and Unload, visit the South Lake Public Safety web site. ● A call to the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department confirmed there are no alternatives for most residents. ● An email with County Commissioner Heather Edelson revealed she was unaware of the issue and planned to have her staff look into it further. ● Hennepin County Environmental Services Division does not provide a specific answer for ammunition disposal, but they instruct soaking fireworks in a bucket of water for 24 hours, then placing them in a doubled-up plastic bag to prevent them from drying out, then discarding them in the trash. This method was confirmed on the Republic Services website. |
Danger! E. coli at the Beach
As part of its services to residents, Hennepin County Public Health samples and analyzes the water at public swimming beaches every summer to assure safe swimming.
The county oversees the closure of contaminated beaches. It also provides a virtual map that is updated daily with the safety status of all public beaches in the system. Check here for regular updates. Their respective cities or regional park authorities similarly monitor additional public swimming beaches in the county (not listed). –Source: Hennepin County
