Shorewood Citizen Advocates

Building positive change through communication, education and advocacy

March 9, 2026 Shorewood Council Meeting 3 Minute Read

3 minute digital clock

NOTE: Relevant links are at the end of this article.

ANNOUNCEMENT Regarding closed session on Watten Ponds 2nd Addition: The session was specifically about the threatened lawsuit over the EAW decision made on Feb. 23rd. The underlying plat application (approve or deny the subdivision) was NOT part of the session and will return to Council after the EAW process is complete.
Agenda Item 2: Claims List

    Expenditures of note on the Claims List:

Accounts payable total $383,956
GovernmentJobs.com $5,372 (annual software subscription)
IWorkQ $11,700 (software subscription & licensing)
Magney $100,018 (SE well maintenance & repair)
Sonus Interiors $16,000 (carpeting for office area)

Item 3: Matters From the Floor (MFTF)

Resident Dave Vierthaler, Maple View Court spoke in support of the council’s decision to stand behind their EAW vote. Meanwhile, Gravity Investments’ attorney gave an eight minute statement re-stating every reason they had against the EAW.

 
Item 4: Flock Surveillance Cameras

Dale Newberg, resident:
Dale opposed the Flock surveillance cameras. He was unconvinced that the cameras were needed, saying privacy outweighed any crimes the system might help solve in Shorewood.

What council members said:

Nat Gorham:
He said Shorewood’s concerns aren’t radical, pointing out widespread criticism of Flock systems. The real issue, he said, is public awareness of access violations. He called for the South Lake Minnetonka Police to propose stronger safeguards as part of the pending audit. He argued the camera should be disabled immediately, noting placement is a privilege for Flock, not a right. Gorham wants to review the audit before deciding if the system should continue.

Michelle DiGruttolo:
She challenged the Flock rep and Sgt. O’Neill on security and data access, saying the cameras haven’t been proven to boost safety and are accused of violating privacy values. She urged spending on speed monitoring devices for Shorewood streets and, with other council members, backed disabling the camera until the audit delivers more data.

DiGrittulo criticized the lack of opposing voices invited to this meeting, emphasizing that the city should hold a public forum so residents—not just the council—can shape policy, emphasizing that privacy issues deserve broader public awareness.

Guy Sanschagrin:
Sanschagrin said he has only heard from residents who oppose the cameras and believes the council should respond to the feedback it has received, which largely favors removing them.

Andrew Daly, from the audience:
Andrew Daly, who first exposed the Flock cameras in a letter to the 4 city mayors six months ago, pressed to speak over objections from Mayor Labadie and Admin. Nevinski, who cited meeting rules limiting public comments to MFTF. Daly persisted and was ultimately granted five minutes to raise further concerns in opposition to the system.

Outcome:
The council agreed to disable the Flock camera at Smithtown Road and Highway 19 until the first system audit is completed and the public has an opportunity to weigh in. Once that data is collected, it will be discussed at a future council meeting

 
Item 4C: Shorewood Community Event Center Analysis:

At MFTF, Barry Brown of Burlwood Court applied his business expertise to critique the SCEC’s current business model and the proposed $20,000 consultant contract for additional data. His comments led DiGruttolo and Sanschagrin to question the contract’s minimal focus on marketing. They also asked why the city resisted forming a residents’ advisory committee. Czech and Nevinski said they were concerned about finding “the right people” with the necessary experience. Sanschagrin said there are many talented residents in Shorewood.

Outcome:

There was enough pressure from the council to prioritize marketing the center, rather than repeating data already known. They also want to try recruiting residents for v”isioning” assistance for the Center’s future–before hiring a consultant. Staff was sent back to the drawing board.
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Comments below.

Next meeting: Mar. 23, 2026. We’ll be watching.

Related Links:
City Council Meeting Mar. 9, 2026 (watch any time)
Public Background-Packet for this meeting-read it
Watten Ponds 2nd Addition
What You Should Know About Flock Surveillance Cameras

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