Accountability Articles
What’s Your Beef?
Convincing residents to speak at a city council meeting on almost anything is a challenge, unless it directly affects their property. Explanations vary from busy schedules to general discomfort when speaking on camera.
Now there is another reason: A council member who implied he does not want to be bothered by people bringing their “beef” before the council.
Citizen Survey
Have you taken the Shorewood Citizen Advocates survey?
If not, please take a couple of minutes to do it now. It’s short. It’s anonymous. View how your neighbors think things are going.
Just Answer the Question!
The draft minutes from the July 9 Shorewood Park Commission meeting have just been released. Two items, subtly related, stand out in the 22 pages of the document.
A Silenced Resident Speaks Out
Long-time Resident Greg Larson, who has volunteered and advocated for many issues over the years, attempted to speak at the July 9 park commission meeting.
What followed caused him to react with the following letter to the commission members. See his response.
SeeClickFix
SeeClickFix.com Have you tried it?
“SeeClickFix … is a solution that empowers residents to report issues, identify repair needs, share feedback, and ask questions of their local government leaders. For local governments, it powers efficient and transparent workflows, fostering accountability and trust.
Public Process Matters
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.”
Shorewood City Water Report: “Forever Chemicals”
Note: Water quality, testing and standards are complicated. SCA recommends you contact any of the sources in this article for more clarity. Private wells are not tested by the City. Learn more about how to test your private well. The EPA
STAND-OFF: Government v. Process
At the Monday, April 8th Shorewood Council meeting, the 3 attending members, (Labadie, Zerby and Callies*), without discussion, voted to approve the blanket spraying of Freeman and Manor Park soccer fields with an unspecified weedkiller. The recommendation by the contractor
The Fire Lane Discussion Fizzles Out
Shorewood’s fire lanes are public-owned property currently intended to provide an opportunity for residents to access Lake Minnetonka for passive use.
Fire lanes are an amenity for residents who do not have the privilege of owning lakeshore property.
In a city with extremely limited access to Lake Minnetonka this may be considered a matter of equity.
