All Articles
Taking Action on Buckthorn
You heard it right. Nearly three years after receiving a $50,000 buckthorn removal grant from the Minnesota DNR, Shorewood Council finally approved Prairie Restorations, Inc. to clear 20 acres of the total 30 acres within Freeman Park wooded areas. The contract is worth $67,000. See resident testimony here, and see the Council discussion here. Read the materials presented to the Council here (starting at page
Council Discussion of Agenda “Structure”
At the 9.25.23 work session, the Council talked about agenda structure, more specifically, consent agenda[1] items. Watch the conversation. This Council has a history of controlling resident engagement. Resident initiated Emails, phone calls and Matters From the Floor have been points of anxiety for Council members and residents alike. The Council acknowledged that a member may remove an item and have it placed on the
Find Your Property Data & History Through Hennepin County
It is important to know your property lines, easements and right-of-ways. This information is available for taxable real estate through Hennepin County GIS Property Map data. Survey documents, current and historic satellite images, and various overlays on your taxable property are also available through the Hennepin County site.
Get Smarter: Trees to Avoid Planting in Your Yard
Trees are an ongoing discussion point in Shorewood, both for their environmental importance and preservation. However, as the biologist, pollinator conservationist and author Heather Holm says, “Not all green is good.” This site offers up articles for favorable trees to plant for our changing climate. Meanwhile, here are some trees considered “undesirable.” What are the characteristics that make a tree less yard worthy? The tree
Shorewood Violated Its Own Ordinance on City Water
At the regular City Council meeting on Sept. 26, 2022, the City Council voted 4-1 to approve the plans for reconstruction of Birch Bluff Road. Labadie, Siakel, Johnson and Callies voted yes. Gorham voted no.[1] [2] Included in those plans and specifications, were plans for a water improvement project at a cost projection of $913,000.00. (Related article on the Water Fund here) The process authorizing
Get Smarter: Shorewood Enterprise Funds Analysis
Every 3 months, property owners in Shorewood receive a bill from the city for utilities and services. Those utilities and services are: Recycling, Storm Water, Sewer and Water (if connected to city water) The money from each of those line items are distributed to separate accounts called enterprise funds. Municipal enterprise funds allow a city to generate revenue through user fees to cover the costs
Strawberry Lane Speed Study Completed
Strawberry Lane construction is complete and speed concerns have been reported. Below is an excerpt from SeeClickFix.com regarding the results of a speed study done by the City.
Policy Changes Without Process
When Policy Changes Without Process Someone, at City Hall, may have made a few changes in right-of-way enforcement policy without a public process. Read the SeeClickFix thread below. Warning: It’s long as it covers two years from the initial submission. City website states these exact situations should be reported to SeeClickFix. The final response is from Shorewood Citizen Advocates, asking for an explanation. Share your
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
