City News, Reports and Projects
Burning Restrictions
Posted: Monday, October 17, 2011
Much has been in the news about open burning bans, and there is quite a bit of confusion about what is covered by the ban. Currently, City of Shorewood residents who have a current Recreational Fire Permit ARE ABLE to have a backyard bonfire in a fire ring, established bonfire pit, or a purchased bonfire pit device are able to have a bonfire.
Residents are reminded that they must follow the restrictions on the completed and approved fire permit. A copy of your fire permit must be available at your home if requested by public safety personnel. Highlights on the form include:
- fires must be no more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high
- must have at least a 5 foot radius clear of combustibles
- someone must always be present to supervise the fire
- There should always be buckets of water a garden hose, shovel and/or other fire extinguishing devices available for IMMEDIATE use.
There are other restrictions that are listed on your fire permit. When it is this dry, please be aware of all of the requirements. You are responsible for knowing these requirements.
For more fire information, including restriction updates, go to the Minnesoat Department of Natural Resources, or contact Excelsior Fire District at 952.401.8801. If your fire seems to be getting out of hand, do not waste time! Call 9-1-1 immediately!
Click HERE to download a copy of the free recreational fire permit application.
Choose to ReUSE
Posted: Monday, September 19, 2011
There has never been a better time to reuse. Every year, Hennepin County residents throw away 32 million pounds of usable clothes and household items. So whether you donate your old stuff or buy used items, becoming a reuser helps reduce needless waste.
WHY PARTICIPATE?
Reuse is good for the environment, stimulates the local economy, and saves
money. Reused items typically cost less than buying new, and reuse businesses
contribute significantly to the economy. According to the Environmental Protection
Agency, the reuse industry in the
United States employs nearly 170,000 workers and generates revenues of
approximately $14.1 billion. Shopping at reuse stores also benefits the local
economy because most reuse businesses are owned by community members.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Hennepin County’s Choose To Reuse
Online Directory lists more than 500 businesses and organizations that rent, repair, resell, consign, trade, exchange, or accept donations of used goods. The Choose to Reuse Today program encourages residents to buy used or rent before buying new products by offering free coupon books with special deals at local retailers from October 1 - November 30 of each year. Pick up a coupon book at participating retail locations, Hennepin County Service Centers, Hennepin County libraries, and all Three Rivers Park District locations. Learn more at Hennepin County's Choose to Reuse Today web site or call 612-348-3777. You can also find Hennepin County’s Choose to
Reuse Program on Facebook.
Volunteer in Your Community
Posted: Monday, September 12, 2011
- Southshore Community Center
The community center needs volunteers in a variety of areas, most urgently to help with
receptionist duties during daytime hours. Work a couple of hours one day, or several hours multiple days! It’s a great way to help your community center and socialize with community members! Other volunteer opportunities exist with special events. If you are willing to help, please contact the center’s director, Kristi Anderson, at 952.474.7635.
Picking Up After Your Furry Friend
Posted: Monday, July 25, 2011
Dogs may be man's best friend, but they can definitely create a mess. If you’re out walking your pet, be sure to pick up animal waste no matter where it lands. Learn more.
Do You have a Green Thumb?
Posted: Monday, June 27, 2011
Do you have a green thumb? The city of Shorewood is seeking an individual volunteer or group to adopt the Manor Park entrance garden as part of the City's Adopt-A-Garden program. This is a wonderful way for gardeners to indulge in their passion for gardening while helping make Manor Park an even more beautiful resource for our community. The group or individual who adopts the park entrance is responsible for planting, weeding and watering of the area. For more information contact City Hall at 952.960.7900.
Solicitors
Posted: Monday, June 6, 2011
City code requires for-profit solicitors to get a solicitation license from the city. Each solicitor must carry a copy of the license, and they must be able to show it upon request. Examples of licenses issued in the past include sale of cleaning products, magazines, encyclopedias, aerial photos, and services such as dry cleaning, home maintenance and investment services. Ask to see a copy of the license . If they are unable to provide it, call the police at 9-1-1. If you do not want solicitors to come to your door, place a 3-1/2” x 3-1/2” card on or next to your front door reading “No Solicitors” in 1/2” letters.
Children selling items to raise funds for schools, scouts, and organized youth groups; persons involved in a community event; religious and political organizations; or solicitors doing business by a scheduled appointment are exempt.
Know More About Pine Sawflies
Posted: Monday, June 6, 2011
Early June is the time to begin monitoring your pine trees and shrubs for sawflies. Look for egg spots and larvae on needles. Sawflies can be very destructive over a short period of time. Their favorite food sources include Mugo, Austrian, and red pines. If you noticed tiny crawling insects eating your pine needles last year, you may want to take action to eradicate them this year. For more information, call a local certified arborist or visit the following Web sites: Learn more
- University of MN Extension
- Redheaded Pine Sawfly
- Introduced Pine sawfly
- US Department of Agriculture
Community Visioning Continued
Representatives from the cities of Shorewood, Excelsior, and Tonka Bay met for the second time on Thursday, February 24, 2011, at the Southshore Community Center to continue a dialogue on future collaboration activities between the three communities.
Rebecca Heideprime, the facilitator, helped the group further define areas of collaboration. The group went through items identified at the first meeting and further broke them down as an issue or project that is in the cities control or out of the cities control. The group then categorized each issue or project as something achievable in the short or long term. The final step in the process involved prioritization. Each member received two votes per category and used the vote to prioritize. The final outcome listed the following as priorities for the cities to explore further.
- Provide for a single salt storage facility;
- Emerald Ash Borer investigation, e.g., tree inventory on public property, shared contract for tree removal and disposal, etc;
- Shared IT services – includes voice, data, helpdesk, etc;
- Solid waste and recycling services;
- Sharing of staff, equipment, rotating work schedules, etc;
- Joint succession planning;
- Administrators and key staff hold structured quarterly meetings;
To see the full agenda in PowerPoint format, click here.
20 Year Street Maintenance Program
20 Year Street Maintenance Program
The City Council has reviewed a 20 year street maintenance program that includes projected timeframes to Reconstruct, Reclaim, Overlay, and Sealcoat various streets throughout Shorewood. The plan is subject to annual budget constraints and council review but represents the city’s efforts to keep the streets in good overall condition. Citizens are encouraged to provide feedback to the City Council and staff on the timing and nature of the maintenance activities.
The League of MN Cities Video
Cities, Services & Funding: Broader Thinking, Better Solutions
The idea is to engage the city community, policymakers, and the general public in conversations about the financial conditions cities are facing now and in the years to come. To help shape the future of Minnesota cities – the services provided, how those services are delivered, and how they are paid for. Post your response to the video on the new blog site www.outsidetheox.org
.