All Articles

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

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

Is Shorewood Ready to Manage a Crisis?
SCA editors view the city council meeting and work session videos. Our mission includes promoting transparency and accountability by evaluating council discussion and decisions. So, we took note when CM Sanschagrin made a nondescript suggestion at the Feb. 26 meeting, that the Council discuss the existence of Shorewood’s Crisis Management Plan (CMP). The context of his comment and question, reveals that as a newer councilmember, he had not been made aware of a CMP. Neither had we!

Is The “Tree City” Managing its Urban Forest?
This article will explain the history of a taxpayer-funded Urban Forest Management Plan process for Shorewood, and how it has evolved to current day.
The City seems to be facing the “perfect storm” for tree management on its properties:
Emerald Ash Borer, oak wilt, lingering Dutch elm, buckthorn and other woody invasives, several years of drought and a winter without enough snow to blanket tree roots exacerbate the situation.

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.

Get Smarter: Watch Your Council Members in Action
One of the best ways to see if a council member earned your vote is to watch them in action. Zoom has added another level of “observation.” History shows this method was endangered in 2022. All Shorewood Council meetings and

Where Is Shorewood’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan?
The City adopted Bee Safe Resolution #14-066 in 2014.
The resolution supported “bee safe” policies and procedures when using chemicals on public park land.

Is Your Well Water Safe for Drinking?
The Minnesota Department of Health is offering funding to address private well water quality issues in Shorewood and other municipalities in the state. Arsenic and other contaminants in well water can pose health risks. Levels have been on the rise

Deer Management: How it Works in Shorewood
Do you know how Shorewood’s deer management plan works? The ongoing plan was discussed at the May 22, 2023 Council meeting (start at min. 46:50) See the report from the planning director, and hear the representative from Minnesota Bow Hunters