Resident resources

Green Commuities

When making home improvements, the most attractive option is often the most environmentally friendly option. That’s what this year’s winners of the Green Community Awards discovered as they solved issues with too much rainwater or too much sun in their lawns. For their commitment to aesthetic beauty and environmental benefit, the 2021 Green Community Awards are presented to: Marsha Kurka 4475 Churchill Street The yard behind Marsha’s townhome slopes down to her patio. She often had pooling water that caused issues. She decided to have a rain garden installed that would let the rainwater soak into the ground. Since she is a master naturalist, Marsha wanted to create an area that also provides habitat for songbirds. Thomas Reynen & Stephen Gryzan 3316 Emmert Street Tom and Steve have a long asphalt driveway that would carry the rainwater all the way past their house and into Lake Emily. They worked with a landscaping company to install a drain across the driveway to catch that rainwater and direct it into a series of dry creek beds where it can infiltrate into the ground. They also added a rain garden and a shoreline buffer. Claire & Jim Graupmann 5972 Ridge Creek Rd It’s tough to grow grass in Claire and Jim’s south facing front yard because it gets so much sun. They removed a portion of the lawn and installed a garden planted with drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly perennials. This complements gardens in the back yard that transformed other areas from lawn to perennials. Julie & Justin Yarrington 5885 Stephen Circle Julie and Justin also had a south facing lawn that dried up in the summer sun. They decided to start a perennial garden from seed. They are two years into their project and have received assistance from Rice Creek Watershed District in the form of consultation and cost sharing. Starting from seed rather than plant plugs means it will take longer before the native plantings are established. All the winners received assistance from their watershed district. They recommend that if you’re considering a similar project to see what help may be available for your project.

Sustainable Holidays

The holiday season can be full of joy, unfortunately the season also generates a lot of waste. Reduce your impact this year with these tips. Reduce

Americans typically produce 7.5 pounds of trash every day during the holidays. Wrapping paper Wrapping paper with glitter, metal, or tissue is not recyclable. Opt for gift bags, recyclable gift wrap or newspaper to wrap. Gifts • Consider gifts that offer an experience like gift cards for a day of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. • Handmade gifts like cookies & breads, or handmade mittens & scarves offer a personal touch. • Traditional stocking stuffers including oranges and pears are sweet treats that won’t leave a trail of trash. • Cloth produce bags, beeswax wrap for food storage, kitchen compost bins and bags are all great gifts for an eco-conscience loved one.

Reuse • Save wrapping materials & decorations and use them next year. Simply break down boxes and store items until next year. • Gift & shirt boxes • Gift bags • Ribbons & decorations

Winter weather guide for homeowners

Cold, dark and snowy – being a homeowner in winter can be a challenge. Use these helpful tips to keep your home comfortable. Snow smart Ready to shovel? Keep these tips in mind after a snowfall: • Clear snow from your driveway, sidewalk and mailbox area • Shovel snow onto your lawn – not into the street • Plows work overnight and during the day – don’t park on the street until it’s been cleared from curb to curb • Shovel around the nearest fire hydrant and storm sewer • Street parking is not permitted from 2-5 am • Limit your use of salt – just a teaspoon of road salt can pollute up to five gallons of water. Use salt sparingly and only when the temperature is above 15 degrees.

Sweep up any excess before it’s washed into the storm sewers Energy efficiency • Lock windows, keep curtains open during the day and closed at night, and close fireplace dampers to keep warm air in and cold air out • Set your thermostat lower when you’re not home or invest in a smart thermostat that can be set remotely with a smart phone • Use a roof rake to remove snow from your roof and help prevent ice dams. Ice dams can cause leaks and extensive damage that is expensive to repair • Consider wifi-connected outlets or using timers for lights inside and outside • Furnace tune-ups can help prevent malfunctions during severely cold weather Newer windows and doors are more energy efficient than older versions – if you’re considering updating plan ahead for spring or fall installation when temperatures are more moderate.

Water conservation • Installing low-flow shower heads, high efficiency toilets, and aerators on faucets will reduce your overall water consumption • When replacing appliances like washing machines and dishwashers choose a high efficiency models Sign up for WaterSmart, a free online portal that lets you see your water usage and compare to similar households in Shoreview. shoreviewmn.watersmart.com

Recycle! Treerecycling After the holidays bring your live evergreen tree to the maintenance center for recycling. Evergreen trees only – no wreathes or boughs 4615 Victoria Street N Monday – Friday 7 am – 3 pm Cardboard Cardboard can be placed in your recycling cart for regular pick up. If you have more than can fit in the cart, it can also be dropped off at Advanced Disposal (309 Como Avenue). Lights Visit recycleyourholidays.org to find a drop-off site for burnt out holiday lights. These can’t go in your recycling cart. Toys & gifts Have more than you need? Local donation centers can often use toys, clothes and small household items. Senior care centers can often use arts and crafts supplies for programs and residents.

Emerald ash borer treatments

Emerald ash borer was first introduced into Shoreview in 2010. In response to the beetle infestation, the city offers a treatment program to residents and businesses at a reduced cost. The treatment, which lasts two years, is injected into ash trees during the spring and summer months. During the 2021 season, staff treated 579 ash trees throughout the city! Neighbor to neighbor conversations and city outreach played a big part in this season’s success.

If you are interested in receiving more information or being put on the list for 2022, please contact public works at 651-490-4667 or 651-490-4665. Staff will stop by in May to inspect your tree(s) and leave a quote.

Dutch Elm Disease

Dutch elm disease affects all native elm trees in Minnesota. The disease, caused by a fungus, is spread by beetles carrying spores from one elm tree to another. It also can be spread through root grafts of neighboring trees. In 2021, multiple trees in Shoreview were diagnosed with Dutch elm disease for the first time in several years. When Dutch elm disease first shows up in a tree, the leaves on one or more branches start to turn yellow and wilt, eventually turning brown and falling from the tree. Late spring and early summer is the best time to spot these symptoms. If you notice your elm tree turning yellow in late spring, prune out the dead branches immediately. This can sometimes stop the spread of the fungus into the main stem. If you think you might have a tree with Dutch elm disease, contact the city at 651-490-4665.

Save energy and money

The Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) is a nonprofit organization that has been promoting energy efficiency for nearly 40 years. Here are some popular CEE programs for Shoreview homeowners: Energy Fit Homes Recognizes homes that meet energy efficiency standards.

HomeEnergySquad Available to homeowners who are either a CenterPoint Energy natural gas customer, an Xcel Energy electric customer, or who receive both natural gas and electric services from Xcel Energy. Energy AdvisorService Connects homeowners to resources and contractors to resolve home energy concerns and achieve home energy goals. Find solutions for high energy bills, ice dams, or cold spots and answer questions about financing, rebates, or hiring qualified contractors. ResidentialLoanPrograms CEE offers low-interest secured and unsecured financing for home improvement projects including energy efficiency specific projects, solar, and geothermal. Details are available at www.mncee.org, 612-244-2425

Shoreviews Solar Energy

Running quietly, 25 or so feet above street level sit a large number of solar panels on our very own maintenance building. This power generating plant has been operating for two full years with impressive results in that time period: • Reduced carbon dioxide by 413,415 pounds. That is equivalent to planting 3,724 trees! • A total of 267 Megawatt-hours of electricity has been generated which is equal to the electricity needed to run 37 homes for a year • For you techies, the system has 124 Kw of solar panels • The project generates about 52% of the annual energy consumption of the maintenance building and the 25-year energy savings will be about $230,000. While it’s hard to see the panels because they are on the flat roof, it’s great to know they are silently doing their part to lower our carbon emissions.

Home Loan Programs

Looking to remodel? How about purchasing a home in Shoreview? We’ve updated our programs! The City of Shoreview, in association with NeighborWorks Home Partners, offers construction consultation, loans with low interest rates, and interest-only repayment options to qualified homeowners, including manufactured home owners, and first-time homebuyers.

Construction Consultation

Are you looking to do a home project but not sure where to begin? The city offers free construction consultation where you can: • Get general project advice • Learn how to get bids for a project • Review of bids from contractors

Home Improvement Loans

Loan amounts from $2,000 - $40,000 are available with fixed below market rates and terms up to 15 years. Eligible improvements may include: • Remodeling • Additions • Repairs • Replacement The project(s) must correct local or state code deficiencies, add value to the home, improve accessibility, and/or reduces long term energy costs. Manufactured Home Improvement Loans

Loans up to $10,000 are available with below market rates and terms up to 10 years. Eligible improvements include: • Repairs and replacements that will address code deficiencies • Improve the structural components of the unit (roof, exterior wall, floor trusses) • Energy related improvements. **Qualifying households may be eligible to have no payments until the home is sold or they have occupied it for 10 years since the start of the project.

Down Payment Assistance (First-time Homebuyers)

Loans up to $25,000 or 5% of purchase price are available with fixed below market rates and terms up to 30 years. Single-family homes, townhomes, twin homes or duplexes, condominiums with a maximum purchase price of $425,000 are eligible. **If you are below 80% area median income, you could qualify for the first $10,000 of the down payment assistance to be due upon sale. Learn more about available construction consulting and loan terms at nwhomepartners.org/shoreview or by calling NeighborWorks Home Partners at 651-292-8710.

Rental licenses

All rental licenses in Shoreview expire on December 31. Applications for a new license must be submitted before January 1. Licenses can be renewed if the property is up to code, the utility bill is current, and no conduct issues are present. $75 application fee $50 inspection fee if needed $75 late application fee Renew online or contact fcupery@shoreviewmn.gov or 651-490-4669.

Thanksgiving for All Project helps fill empty plates during the holidays - you can help!

Each November, the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf provides Thanksgiving bags to nearly 800 families in our community who are struggling to make ends meet. With your help, we can ensure that our neighbors in need have enough food to prepare a delicious Thanksgiving meal including a turkey and all of the fixings to share with their loved ones. You can help make the holidays brighter for a family in need. Here's how:

Meeting broadcast schedule

Channel 16 broadcasts live city council and planning commission meetings every month.

Live Shoreview City Council Meetings • First and third Monday every month at 7 pm

Live Shoreview Planning Commission Meetings • Fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 pm

View the full schedule and replay information at shoreviewmn.gov. Council and planning commission meetings can be streamed live at shoreviewmn.gov/agendas.

1. Make a monetary donation online at moundsviewschools.org/Page/173 For every dollar donated the food shelf can purchase up to $8 worth of food.

2. Donate holiday food items during the months of

November and December– canned corn, canned green beans, canned peas, canned sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie filling, evaporated milk, jello, boxed mashed potatoes and stuffing, gravy mix, dessert mixes and $10 grocery store gift certificates to purchase a turkey. Drop off M-F 9 to noon (back entrance) at the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf - 2544 Mounds View Blvd. Mounds View, MN 55112 For more information on how you can help, moundsviewschools.org/foodshelf or call 651-621-6280.

Thank you!

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THE

SHOREVIEW The Shoreview Historical Society recently received a grant from the Shoreview Community Foundation to create two educational booklets that

HISTORICAL will be available to the community.

SOCIETY One of the booklets will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the society and will document its accomplishments since 1991. Over the years, the Shoreview Historical Society has hosted programs, published two books and a DVD, maintained a display case at the Shoreview Community Center, collected audio recordings of oral histories, participated annually at the Slice of Shoreview and honored heritage families. A newsletter, published quarterly, is distributed throughout public places in Shoreview, including the Shoreview Community Center and is also available for download online. The society is currently furnishing the historic Lepak/Larson House (the first homestead in Shoreview) with furniture from its original 1930’s era and is currently working on a guided tour script for future enjoyment at the site. The second booklet is an updated driving tour of Shoreview, complete with an audio download component. The tour begins in the heart of the city at the Shoreview Community Center and ends at Heritage Park – the remarkable homestead of the Lepak/Larson brick farmhouse and the original Guerin Gas Station. Both booklets are in production and were designed by Shoreview resident Jen Leach. www.JenLeach.com

"Preserving Today ' s History for Tomorrow.

E D U C A T I O N A L P U B L I C A T I O N 2 0 2 1

NYFS seeks workers and volunteers for Senior Chore Program

Northeast Youth & Family Services is looking for volunteers and workers age 16 and older who are interested in helping local seniors live at home, with dignity, for as long as possible. Volunteers and workers would perform seasonal outdoor chore help including light landscaping, raking, weeding, garage cleaning and snow shoveling. Volunteer hours count toward school community service requirements. Workers can earn $15 per hour. All work will be performed in accordance with Covidsafety guidelines. For more information, please contact Madelyn Murray at madelyn@nyfs.org or 651-308-3490.

SNVLB

Serve our community, have fun, and meet new people by joining the Shoreview Northern Lights Variety Band. The band’s 80 volunteer musicians are from all walks of life and share a common interest in band music, highcaliber concert performances, and community service. Membership is open to players 16 years of age and older. Auditions are not required. The band rehearses every Tuesday from 7 to 9 pm in the Shoreview Community Center.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the band extends a gracious thank you to its members and the Shoreview community for the past two years of sustaining contributions. We are honored and deeply grateful for your support. Holiday Concert - Saturday, December 11, 7 pm, Benson Great Hall, Bethel University. Visit snlvb.com for ticket and concert information.

We want to hear from you! The Shoreview Human Rights Commission is conducting an online equity and inclusion survey. Through the survey, we will learn about your experiences and identify strengths and challenges in our community. Once completed, the HRC will review the results to see if there are any areas to focus on to ensure Shoreview is a community where all people are welcomed, valued, and respected. Take the survey at polco.us/shoreviewmn today! • Takes about 10 – 20 minutes to complete • Answers are confidential

• Questions are voluntary Visit shoreviewmn.gov/hrc to learn more about the human rights commission.