The Gift of Master Gardeners
This time of year, many of us are shopping for new plants for our gardens, planting our vegetable gardens, or cleaning out diseased trees or bushes. We are fortunate to have tremendous resources to support our beautiful gardens through the University of Minnesota. The University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener volunteer program started in 1977 with its first class of 25 people. Since then it has grown to include more than 2,700 active master gardeners who share U of M horticultural expertise in almost every county of Minnesota. If you are not a part of the program, you probably know someone who is. SCA has four master gardeners on its editorial board! Additionally, the University of Minnesota provides extensive resources for information including: Lawn care, watering wisely, not to mention answering questions about “what’s wrong with my plant”. All of the links are provided for deeper research. A new video
Thinking About Running for Local Office?
A Citizen’s Guide to Becoming a Candidate Running for local office requires dedication, effective communication, and a genuine commitment to serving the community. Running for local office involves a series of steps and considerations. Here’s a general overview of what is typically involved: Eligibility Check: Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the specific local office you are interested in. This includes age, residency, and any other qualifications. Choose the Office: Decide which local office you want to run for. It could be positions like city council member, mayor. Research Local Laws and Requirements: Familiarize yourself with local election laws and requirements. Understand deadlines for filing candidacy papers, financial disclosure requirements, and any other regulations that may apply. Build a Platform: Clearly define your platform, a stance that describes what you stand for and the issues you plan to address. Develop a set of goals and priorities that resonate
Sign of the Times
The Sign Ordinance was on the May 13 Shorewood meeting agenda. A previous SCA article detailed why the ordinance was continued from April 22. Council approved the ordinance on a 4-1 vote. CM Sanschagrin voted against it citing concerns that as written, it was confusing and unclear to the residents. Maddy, Callies and Labadie disagreed with him and said the quick passage was necessary to “protect the city.” If you agree with the premise of the ordinance, or not, here are three overarching reasons why this entire process should matter to residents: The initial continuance to May 13 was because the City did not follow state law which requires 10-day advance notification when an ordinance is being voted on. The City did not follow the notification process for communication with the public. The sign ordinance has met with vigorous feedback from residents in the recent past and promises to do
What is Happening on Hwy 19 in Excelsior?
It’s the Shorewood/Excelsior Lift Station L20 Project The narrow lanes on Hwy 19 entering Excelsior from the west, are the result of Metro Council constructing a new regional gravity sewer pipe between sewer lift stations (pumping stations) L19 and L20. Work will also include decommissioning the old lift station. Meanwhile, drive skillfully, or try to avoid the area completely. The final phase, now in progress, is along Oak Street going west to Beehrle Avenue and L19. Expectations are that the project will wrap up this spring. Landscape restorations will be completed in fall, 2024. For more information: info@excelsiorL20project.org or call 952.737.4681. For a deeper dive go to Excelsior Shorewood Lift Station project.
Public Process Matters
Background: What started as just another Shorewood City Council meeting on Apr. 22, quickly became questionable for what was said, and not said. Before the Council could approve the agenda, administrator Nevinski removed items 2H and 6C. He did not explain what those items were for the audience. He only said there were “notice issues and concerns.” This may have left viewers confused as no clarification was provided. The items will be back on the May 13 agenda. The items not being discussed were ordinance amendments to: Approve Code Supplement S-19-Ordinance 605.[1] This ordinance is “housekeeping,” acknowledging the overall updates of the city code.(Note: On the Consent Agenda with no description and not for discussion.) Approve Amendments to Zoning Regulations to Create Content Neutral Regulations–relating to allowable signs within the City. Read the lengthy materials here.[2] Why the vagueness from city leaders? Perhaps it was because an attentive resident, when
Get Smarter: The Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail (LRT)
The Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail, commonly known as the “LRT” trail stretches over 15 miles between Hopkins and Carver Park Reserve, offering scenic views of Lake Minnetonka along the way. This aggregate trail passes through Minnetonka, Deephaven, Greenwood, Excelsior, Shorewood and Victoria. – Source: Three Rivers Park District History: The Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway (M&StL) originally built the railroad corridor in 1870. It was a major rail route between Minneapolis and Watertown, South Dakota. The M&StL was acquired by the Chicago and North Western Railway in 1960. Service, while never substantial, dwindled down to one daily freight train, running through the South Lake Minnetonka area to St. Louis Park. All service ended in1980. The tracks were removed (1981) and within the next year, Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA), became the owner of the ribbon of land that formerly held the rail. The parcel was reserved for possible future
CLASS II E-BIKES: Parents, Policy and Policing
UPDATE: Shorewood residents take note, Council member Zerby reported on Apr. 22nd, 2024 that the Public Safety committee had discussed e-bikes and decided to let the police department and City of Excelsior take the lead. The Shorewood City Council has not discussed e-bikes, although the little vehicles are ever present on our streets and sidewalks. For a current (May 1st, 2024) comprehensive explanation of e-bike rules in Minnesota-particularly as they apply to age of operator and carrying passengers, can be found at The Cyclist Choice. The ’24 Minnesota House has taken up HF 3858 regulating e-bikes and funding a rebate program. Next Gen of E-bikes are here for 2024 SLMPD Chief interviewed on FOX 9 re. E-Bikes in Excelsior (2023) Three Rivers Rules for E-Bikes (LRT trail included) Minnesota’s “Idaho Stop” Law for Bicycles Excelsior’s Bicycle Ordinance Had any talks about e-bikes lately? Was the focus on youth, speed and
