Good local government isn’t just about elected officials making decisions—it’s about residents, city staff, and council members working together to solve problems. Shorewood has seen where resident participation and thoughtful questions from council members resulted in collaborative outcomes for our community.
Of particular note are council members Michelle DiGruttolo, Guy Sanschagrin and Nat Gorham who most often engage with residents and ask the majority of questions of staff to ensure they are making informed decisions. Their eagerness to consider resident input, and work with staff has strengthened the decision-making process for the betterment of residents. These are not the “rubber stamp” council members we have seen in the past.
Below are issues residents brought to city council meetings in the form of letters, e-mails, petitions and speaking up at city council meetings whereby council members made more fully informed decisions from both residents and staff input.
Mill Street Project saved taxpayers $800k. The motion to spend $800k for this project failed on a 2-2 tie vote as Mill Street residents, Shorewood taxpayers and council members DiGruttolo and Sanschagrin did not see the cost benefit, given most Mill street residents, for financial reasons, were not interested in city water utilities.
Galpin Lake Road Trail. This project was initiated by outcries from residents to improve the pedestrian connection from the Galpin Lake Road to the Oak Street/Hwy 19 signal crossing across Hwy 7 in Excelsior. Upon engineering completion of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Planning Grant, and MN DOT finishing a TH 7 Safety Audit and Corridor Study, the project was awarded $468k in grant funding and council voted 5-0 in favor of the project. Work will begin later this summer.
- US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As ICE agents were seen in and around Shorewood, some frightened residents came to the podium to speak up about their encounters with agents. Because this was a federal issue our local City council responded by publishing a city policy statement addressing concerns entitled “City of Shorewood Statement on Recent Federal Law Enforcement Activity”.
- Flock Surveillance Camera. Residents and council members raised concerns about privacy and ongoing costs for the Flock surveillance camera at the intersection of 19 & Smithtown Road. After input from the police chief and Flock representative the council voted to deactivate the camera. The vote was 4-0 to deactivate the camera and renegotiate the contract based on JPA cities positions.
- Eureka Road N. Road Construction Project. 100+ residents signed a petition to advocate for a less disruptive mill and overlay construction project instead of full reconstruction. The goal was to preserve the neighborhood character. Their efforts and council’s recommendations saved taxpayers about $1.0M in 2024.
- Watten Ponds Development Project. More than 400 residents signed a petition to preserve the natural environment of Watten Ponds by requiring an Environmental Assessment (EAW) before construction would begin to determine the impact of the wetlands, tree cover and nearby Lake Minnetonka. The EAW passed 4-1 with Mayor Labadie dissenting. The development project and EAW are on hold due to litigation initiated by the developer.
- Engineering Budget. Ongoing presentation from residents at council meetings and questions from city council members for fiscal scrutiny prompted the administration to re-evaluate engineering projects and consulting expenditures. Management subsequently re-evaluated the responsibilities between staff and engineering that resulted in reducing annual consulting costs from an average $1.3M/year to about $500k in 2026. A new contract with Bolton & Menk is expected later this year
- Freeman Park Buckthorn Removal Project. 125+ residents signed a petition opposing harmful chemical spraying on 20 acres in Freeman Park woods where residents walk wooded trails with their children and pets. After reviewing resident input, multiple research studies and expert guidance from the University of Minnesota for alternative buckthorn practices, the council approved a multi-year approach using brush cutting and re-seeding the forest with native grasses. It’s been 2 years now and the native grasses are beginning to dominate the buckthorn in areas of the park.
Thank you to the 100’s of Shorewood residents who attend council meetings, sign a petition, write a letter, or simply ask a thoughtful question helping to strengthen local government. Likewise, council members and city staff who listen carefully and remain open to new information help ensure informed decisions are made.
Government is strongest when residents, staff, and elected leaders work together in a respectful and transparent process. It’s not always easy, and it’s never quick, but all together we can help shape thoughtful decisions for our community.
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Editor’s Note: Mr. Brown submitted a version of this article for publication in the Sun Sailor.
