Note:  This article explains the influence residents can have when they become involved in a respectful discussion. In a rare move, the Shorewood City Council rescinded an earlier vote that allowed a contractor (Prairie Restorations) to use Garlon4 herbicide on buckthorn stumps in Freeman Park. In their rush to use grant funding from 2021, Council previously approved a poorly written contract and Mayor Labadie signed it without proper due diligence and specificity. At Monday’s City Council (Jan. 21, 2024) meeting, several residents brought forth various scientific studies showing the negative health impacts of Tryclopyr – the main ingredient in Garlon herbicide products. Not only does Garlon contain a DANGER warning on its labeling that defies

Buckthorn and other “brush” removal began on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024.  The first phase of the mechanical buckthorn removal is complete.   into piles for city workers to put through the chipper (learn more about the forestry mulching equipment ).  Restoration of native species is in the planning phase. Resident persistence convinced the City Council to reverse its earlier decision to use the herbicides. Please contact the City with any questions regarding the buckthorn removal. See below for video and photos of work as it was done at Freeman Park. https://shorewoodcitizenadvocates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Freeman-Buckthorn-Removal.mp4

On 11.13.23, Shorewood City Council approved a buckthorn removal contract that permits Garlon4 herbicide, an environmentally harmful, but effective, chemical treatment against buckthorn. To voice your objection and prevent future widespread chemical treatments in our parks you can electronically sign the appeal at www.change.org and forward to your neighbors. You do not have to live in Shorewood to sign this appeal. Freeman Park is a Regional Park providing services to residents of Shorewood and surrounding communities. READ MORE: Hundreds of residents and their pets walk through the wooded areas of the park each day. Garlon4 causes skin irritation in pets and humans and can cause vomiting and diarrhea in pets. Garlon4 is an herbicide produced

Staff turnover continues at the City of Shorewood. Park & Recreation Director Janelle Crossfield resigned effective January 5. She had been with the City for slightly over one year. During the Jan. 8, 2024 Shorewood City Council work session, Shorewood City Clerk/HR Director, Sandie Thone, responded to Council questions (See here starting at 1:30) about Crossfield’s reasons for leaving. When asked, Thone said that the City did not conduct an exit interview, nor did she have informal comments with Crossfield. Administrator Marc Nevinski interjected that he had “many conversations” with Crossfield. A resignation letter was not included in the public packet. Although government employees’ salaries are public per M.S.13.43, Subd. 2, Crossfield’s salary was not

On March 5, 2024, there is a Presidential Nomination Primary in Minnesota to vote for each major party’s nominee for president. Presidential Primary Tuesday, March 5 Polls open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Polling Place Finder Early/Absentee Voting Jan.19–March 4 via mail (go to mnvotes.org to request a ballot, or go to city hall) In-Person Early/Absentee Voting at Shorewood City Hall Jan.19–March 3 Monday–Friday (excluding 2/19 holiday) 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.] Saturday, March 2 at Shorewood City Hall 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Monday, March 4 at Shorewood City Hall 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Direct balloting begins February 16 at Shorewood City Hall. Voters can feed the early vote directly into the ballot counter during city hall business hours. The Ballot