Shorewood asks Hennepin County to consider returning jurisdiction for Minnetonka Blvd., Vine Hill Road

The Shorewood City Council on March 24 adopted RESOLUTION NO. 25-032 requesting that Hennepin County consider returning jurisdiction over Minnetonka Boulevard (CSAH 5) and Vine Hill Road (CSAH 82).

City Administrator Michael Nevinski said the request originated from the City of Deephaven and that several communities along the corridor had discussed the option. City Engineer Budde told the council that if the County accepted a turnback, Shorewood could face costs to improve the roadway — "the portion in Shorewood...would need mill and overlay or possibly a reclamation," he said — before jurisdiction transferred.

Councilmembers raised concern that the potential improvement costs could be an unforeseen expense for Shorewood if the County did not assume reconstruction costs. Councilmember Gorham said he saw merit in supporting the request but called it a long shot; staff confirmed County Commissioner Edelson had indicated a willingness to carry the matter to the County Board for discussion.

The resolution was moved, seconded and approved at the March 24 meeting (Gorham moved; Sanschagrin seconded). The minutes do not list individual roll-call vote counts.

Why it matters: Returning a county highway to county jurisdiction could shift long-term maintenance and capital responsibility depending on the terms — Shorewood officials said any transfer should consider the likely need for surface reconstruction and the local Pavement Management Plan schedule.

The council's action is a request for consideration; no transfer will occur unless Hennepin County agrees and any terms are negotiated.