Transparency Articles
SeeClickFix.com: Saying Goodbye
Beginning in 2025, Shorewood switched its citizen reporting mechanism from SeeClickFix to Citizen Request Tracker® (CRT).
The cost savings will be $5k+ per year and removes a “citizen facing” product in favor of one much more controlled.
Just Answer the Question!
The draft minutes from the July 9 Shorewood Park Commission meeting have just been released. Two items, subtly related, stand out in the 22 pages of the document.
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: 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
What to Know About the 9.6% 2024 Tax Levy Increase
Public comment was taken at the December 11 Truth in Taxation Hearing at City Hall. (See the Finance Director’s report here, starting at page 80) See the approved budget and related information here). The 2024 increase for the city share
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
Get Smarter: Street Reconstruction
“The Process of Street Reconstruction“ — courtesy of LMCC-TV.org) Three major infrastructure projects were completed in western Shorewood in 2023. More are on the horizon. This video helps residents understand the complexities of the projects. About roadway/infrastructure projects: They are really,
Have Ash Trees? You Should Know This
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been a concern in Minnesota since the late 2000s. EAB was confirmed in Ramsey County in 2009. The EAB guarantees the certain demise of the tree within 3-5 years of infection.
Shorewood’s only plan for dealing with the EAB is through treatment of approximately 28 trees considered to be valuable for shade and aesthetics in Cathcart, Freeman and Manor parks.
Growing the Mayor’s term; Downsizing the Commissions
The Mayor A reader may think this is old news, but it has a lasting effect on how votes count. At the February 8, 2014 City Council Retreat (p. 17), it was proposed that the Mayor’s two-year term be changed to
