City News, Reports and Projects
Shorewood Trail Plan
The city has developed a Trail Implentation Plan for trail connections through out the city. The city council adopted the plan as part of the current Capital Improvement Plan. Current trail adn sidewalk projects include: Cnty Rd 19 from LRT to Tonka Bay sidewalk; Smithtown Road Trail from Victoria border to LRT; LRT bridge crossing Cnty Rd 19. See complete trail updates on our trail page.
Coal-Tar-Based Sealants Banned
Coal-tar-based driveway sealants are now banned from use within the city. Coal-tar based sealants contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, (PAH) which are known carcinogens. Coal-tar-based sealants are used on driveways and parking lots. As the sealer ages (in 2 to 4 years), it can flake off, and storm water runoff can carry the flakes into storm water ponds. Because of the toxic nature and demonstrated damage to aquatic life, sediment with high levels of PAH in storm water ponds must be disposed of in a hazardous materials landfill. City taxpayers are responsible for the cost of cleanup of any public storm water ponds in the city.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) first raised concerns about PAH. After further review, the City Council decided at the January 14 meeting to pass an ordinance banning the use of coal-tar-based sealants in the city. The ordinance passed unanimously. Coal-tar-based sealants are no longer sold by most hardware or home improvement stores, but they are often marketed by door-to-door driveway coating contractors. Since seal coating contractors do not have to be licensed; residents should ask any contractor about their product. The MPCA has a list of contractors that have pledged that they will not apply sealcoats containing coal tar in Minnesota.
Get more information on coal-tar based sealants and a list of contractors who have pledged to use coal-tar free sealants.
Shorewood's Social Host Ordinance
The Shorewood City Council passed a Social Host Ordinance in response to a request from Tonka Cares of the Minnetonka School District and South Lake Minnetonka Police Department. The ordinance gives the police department power to charge adults who knowingly host a party in which underage minors are allowed to drink. More information, including the ordinance, may be found under Safety, Police and Fire in Living in Shorewood.
Metropolitan Council 2013 Sanitary Sewer
Staff from Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) and the City of Shorewood are hosting a neighborhood meeting to discuss the route and construction of a new regional sanitary sewer in Shorewood.
For more information about this regional sanitary sewer construction project, contact the following MCES staff:
- Dan Fick, Project Manager, 651-602-1061, dan.fick@metc.state.mn.us
- Tim O’Donnell, Project Citizen Liaison, 651-602-1269, tim.odonnell@metc.state.mn.us
Water Report Available
The annual water report is now available. This report is for testing that was conducted during the year 2011. If you have any questions, please contact Public Works Director Larry Brown, 952.960.7913, or lbrown@shorewoodpw.com.
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.
Solicitors
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.
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
.