The City has a responsibility to manage snow and ice in its public spaces to ensure the health and safety of citizens. To meet that goal, Public Works has taken a major step forward by formalizing a Winter Operations Policy (start at p. 46). The policies will add efficiency, consistency and accountability to the winter road management. Further, the policy will clarify standards and policies for residents. Important points for residents: The City does not plow or maintain these private streets: The City does plow all public sidewalks and trails within the City limits. The entire document will be posted on the Shorewood city website in the future. Watch this space!   – Courtesy November

First: The Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail Crossing at Strawberry Lane has been reconfigured to include a “chicane.” This design is believed to slow down trail traffic before it enters the street. For better visibility, it also allows trail users to cross Strawberry Lane at a 90 degree angle. Three Rivers Park District paid the cost of the new installation. Second: With the wrap-up of the Strawberry Lane roadway project, came the finishing touches on the sidewalk along the east side of the roadway. The sidewalk goes the full length of Strawberry Lane. It also connects users to the Regional trail, Smithtown sidewalk and Ponds, and points beyond. Third: A needed renovation of the Freeman Park

AGENDA and packet for Jan. 26, 2024 Retreat At the Oct. 10, 2023 Shorewood City Council work session (see video here) on enterprise funds, most of the discussion centered on the troubled Municipal Water Fund.[1] See Get Smarter: Shorewood Enterprise Funds Analysis The discussion was disjointed and punctuated with awkward pauses, particularly when addressing rate increases or potential strategies to encourage, (or force!), hookups to the system. The Council fallback was, on numerous occasions to wait for the “Retreat” to discuss any consensus or give direction to staff. What is the “Retreat?” It is an annual session, usually held outside of City Hall, typically during normal business hours. The retreat is publicly noticed, but in

Takeaways from the meeting: About 50 residents attended to hear the details of the “scoping”[1] information gathered to date. This was followed by Q&A from the audience, with questions based on pedestrian safety, project costs and a construction time frame. See the city’s webpage on this project here. City officials did a commendable job of keeping the group mostly focused and on point. Residents responded with thoughtful questions and remained civil throughout the meeting. The City included recent helpful traffic data, with a speed study, and explained the pros and cons of mill and overlay[2] vs. reclamation.[3] They unveiled the potential to realign the Regional Trail crossing at Smithtown/Eureka to two 90 degree crossings. The

During the City Council meeting of 11.27.2003, one of the agenda items resulted in a difficult discussion and decision regarding the declaration of a hazardous structure for a home in Shorewood. (See documentation here and video of the discussion here). Adoption of the resolution would start the process of compelling the fix or removal of the hazardous conditions at the home. Councilmember Guy Sanschagrin stated that he was going to oppose the resolution because the timing was so close to the holidays and the effect that would have on the family. Mayor Jennifer Labadie’s response was: “You’re entitled to do so. I’m surprised as a father you would.” (watch here) While reasonable people can argue

In 2016, Alex and Elena Ugorets requested a permit to create an access point from Timber Lane (in Shorewood) to their backyard–which is in Tonka Bay. Ugorets maintained that their house, situated in Tonka Bay, was built to Tonka Bay guidelines. As a result, the side yards were too narrow to allow a vehicle to pass to the back yard. They needed a way to occasionally deliver building materials and access the underground rear garage, for vehicle storage. Shorewood’s attorneys alleged that the Timber Lane access point was in violation of City Code. Although it does not appear to be specifically cited, it would be 1201.03, (e)-(j). Even so, city staff provided a list of

The Shorewood Council discussed a contract for removal at Freeman Park, on November 13 at 7:00 p.m. See the packet here starting at page 144.  Read the minutes of the discussion starting at page 4 Hennepin County Railroad Authority (HCRRA) is issuing permits for maintenance of HCRRA property along the Lake Minnetonka and Dakota trails. “People with property adjacent to HCRRA land may request permits for landscaping improvements. Any improvements to HCRRA land must be approved by HCRRA and should focus on benefiting wildlife and pollinators and improving water quality.” – HCRRA Complete the application online. The permit is free. What to know about buckthorn: European (common) buckthorn is extremely hardy and tolerant of a

Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority and Three Rivers Park District have proposed a change to the trail crossing at as part of the Strawberry Lane road project in Shorewood. A bike “radius” has been designed on each side of the crossing to slow bicycle traffic to 15 mph.  Once through the radius, riders will cross the road at a 90 degree angle.The proposal suggests “yield” signs at the crossing, rather than “stop,” as most riders do not stop. However, in the short term, a “stop” sign will remain in place. Minnesota’s new “Idaho Stop” law could make management of any type of rider etiquette at street crossings more difficult. See the map below and read

UPDATE as of 11.17.23.  Final grading along new trails is nearly complete. See photos in comments below. The paved trails are being reconstructed in tandem with the creation of a trailhead by Three Rivers Park District. A proposal was first introduced to the Council in August, 2022 and approved on 5.09.23. The estimated cost of the project as of May 9 date was $743,000. The City’s share is approximately $478,000. The balance is being funded by Three Rivers. View the Council meeting wherein the project was approved for bids on 5.9.23. Read the Engineer’s memo here, starting at Page 44. All asphalt segments will be replaced except for Segment “B”. Currently, this segment goes through the

“Past experience, if not forgotten, is a guide for the future.” – Buddha UPDATE 11.15.23: The next neighborhood meeting is scheduled for 11.30.23  at 5:30.  City Hall 10.11.23:  The Council discussed the 9.21 meeting, the feedback received from the Eureka Road website, and a more format for the next community meeting with the residents.  See the full discussion here. The words chosen in the cloud above are not random. They were voiced, often repeated, by frustrated neighbors, wanting to be heard at the City Hall open house on September 21. The subject discussed was the planned 2025 revision of Eureka Road North. Emotions ran high. The format of the meeting took a quick turn from