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Residents protest proposed water assessments and question communications after street work
Summary
Two residents told the Shorewood council they oppose mandatory hookups and water assessments; another resident criticized unexpected tree removals and called for a clear project contact for residents. The council requested staff follow-up on tree-removal scope and homeowner impacts.
At the start of the July 28 meeting two residents used "Matters from the Floor" to press the Council on water hookups and communication about street projects.
Dale Newberg (26960 Beverly Drive) said he has relied on a private well for 35 years and has spent roughly $5,000 on maintenance over that time. Newberg said he has had his water tested "multiple times and have found it to be of high quality" and that he does not want "fluoride or other chemicals added to their water." He told the Council he opposed the City's proposed water assessment program and the requirement for a water hookup upon sale where city water is accessible in the street.
Resident Barry Brown (6050 Burlwood Court) asked the Council to require clearer communications and an identifiable project contact for residents when contractors or utilities begin work. He said a recent mill-and-overlay near Shorewood Oaks expanded beyond resident expectations with curb removals and trees removed both in rights-of-way and on private property; he said taxpayers should not be paying to remove trees on private lots without clearer notice. Councilmembers asked staff to respond to these concerns; City Administrator Nevinski later confirmed the Council previously approved a May change order permitting proactive removal of about 70 ash trees in the project area due to concern they would later fail in the right-of-way.
The Council did not change policy tonight but asked staff to follow up and provide clearer explanations of project scope and tree-removal decisions to residents.
