Step 1 Creating a Vision for City Water Funding & Expansion
Per Shorewood city staff, “Shorewood’s Water Enterprise Fund is projected to run a negative balance by 2026, reaching an approximate $4.5M deficit by 2035 if current policies remain unchanged.”
On June 9, the Shorewood City Council discussed options for funding and expanding municipal water.
Unintended Consequences: Subdividing Property & Municipal Water
During the April 28th Shorewood meeting, the council discussed a proposed amendment to the subdivision ordinance, for 2.5 hours, before tabling it for future consideration.
Two relevant questions:
– Where did this proposal originate?
– What is the ultimate purpose of the proposed amendment?
Bees Are Safe-Invasive Species, Not So Much
In a progressive leap forward, the city of Shorewood is developing a vegetation management plan.
The extensive document will focus on invasive species, “including management of buckthorn, field and park turf, emerald ash borer (EAB), park and ROW trees, invasive species, and more.”
Drilling Down on Municipal Water
On 11/25/2024 the Shorewood council hashed over the ongoing dilemma of the underwater municipal water fund.
It discussed incentives for residents, who have existing “stubs” to connect to the municipal water system. The council also laid out some ideas for a more “mandatory” approach.
Rabbit Rabbit, Oh no!
Admit it. Rabbits are overtaking the neighborhoods. Cute? Yes. Destructive? Oh yes! Rabbits are here in unprecedented hordes.
In spite of their “cuteness,” wild rabbits can pose problems, some serious, for humans and pets, primarily through the transmission of diseases and parasites.
A New Invader in Town: Wild Parsnips
The MnDNR says “Invasive species are species that are not native to Minnesota and cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.”
Wild parsnips are one of the latest “invasives” to show up in the region.
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.
Included in those plans and specifications, were plans for a water improvement project at a cost projection of $913,000.00.
